Chapter 64: Mutual Understanding

Some people say that photography is a solitary art.

Cen Ning chose this solitary path, and she has never worried about walking it alone.

While studying in the United States, she met many seniors and peers. Some were foreigners with blond hair and blue eyes, while others were Asians like her. They were all originally on their paths, but now they were connected through the common interest of photography.

Cen Ning felt fortunate that she chose to go abroad and study this time. She had learned so much from the classes and photography friends here, whether it be creativity, techniques, or concepts. She had gained new insights into all aspects.

As for her photography work, which has improved by leaps and bounds, she has also gained appreciation from mentors and many photographers.

In her second year at the New York School of Visual Arts, Cen Ning was recommended by her mentor and became a contracted photographer for Star Images, the largest image supplier in the United States.

In her third year, her work “Summer” won the gold prize in a globally renowned photography competition. In the same year, Cen Ning completed her credits at school and graduated.

At the beginning of her fourth year, Cen Ning’s works were exhibited at the prestigious international photography art gallery, 4one. As the youngest photographer in the exhibition, she garnered significant attention. In the following period, many photography companies and studios in the United States extended opportunities to her.

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Cen Ning pondered for a moment and then replied, “The curator from IZ?”

“What?! They directly offered you the position of curator at IZ Gallery. No wonder you’re going back! IZ is now considered one of the top galleries in China, and even internationally.”

Cen Ning joked, “Whoa… the way you’re talking, it sounds like I’m snobbish?”

Melissa’s face lit up with excitement. “Snobbish! Unstoppably snobbish! But if I had such a good opportunity too, I’d be willing to be snobbish too!”

Cen Ning: “Alright, be all snobbish then. Hey, don’t step on that. I’m organizing.”

Melissa completely ignored her and chattered as she leaned in next to her. “Cen Ning, does our senior Duan have a crush on you?”

Cen Ning paused for a moment and scolded helplessly, “Melissa, don’t always be so gossipy. I’ve told you before, Mr. Duan is just my senior, and I have a boyfriend.”

“What ghost boyfriend? You said you’ve been striving on your own in the U.S. all these years and wasn’t it all thanks to Senior Duan?” Melissa retorted indignantly. “Besides, Senior Duan is refined, talented, and handsome. Many people like him. He’s better than your boyfriend. He is like a mythical dragon appearing and disappearing.”

Cen Ning stood up with a book in her arms and looked steadily at the girl while brandishing her fangs and claws in front of her. “Melissa, he’s better than anyone.” (TLN: Brandishing fangs and brandishing claws are used figuratively to describe someone who is acting in a fierce and intimidating manner)

Melissa: “But Senior Duan…”

“If you say anything bad about him again, I will get angry with you,” 

Melissa: “…”

“Also, I’ll be returning to China next week, so you’ll have to find a new roommate.” 

Upon hearing this, Melissa immediately looked distressed. “Oh, do you have to leave so soon? I’ll miss you.”

“You’ll also be completing your credits soon and graduating. We’ll meet back in China before you know it, so you don’t have to miss me.” 

“That’s true, but without you so suddenly, my life will be so lonely.”

“Come on, enough with all this mushy talk.” Cen Ning said as she walked into her room with the book in her arms. “If you’ve got all this time, help me pack my luggage.”

“Tsk! You’re so annoying!”

One week later, Beijing Capital International Airport.

Zhang Ziyi was holding a sign and eagerly waiting with Tang Zheng at the exit.

“I mean, do you need such a big sign? It’s not like we’re picking up someone we don’t know. Why be so extravagant?” Tang Zheng teased as he looked at Zhang Ziyi, who seemed to be welcoming a celebrity. He chuckled in a way that was asking for a beating.

However, at this moment, Zhang Ziyi was too lazy to scold him. She glared at him and said with a hint of annoyance, “You don’t understand. Ningning hasn’t been back for a long time. I need to make her feel my enthusiasm.”

“Okay, okay.” Tang Zheng looked at the words “Super Invincible Cosmic Beauty Photographer Miss Cen Ning” written on the sign and smiled sullenly. “Just don’t scare people away with your enthusiasm.”

“Shut up, you, this is the friendship between us women. What do you know, you big trotters?” (TLN: big trotters means a person that messes around with ambiguous meaning)

“Me? Why am I a big trotter again?”

“Hush! Be quiet, I don’t have time to argue with you now… Hey, someone has come out, keep your eyes wide open!”

Tang Zheng rubbed Zhang Ziyi’s head angrily and felt that it was funny. “Got it!”

After grabbing her luggage, Cen Ning followed the people in front and walked out. There were a lot of people waiting for the plane today. She took off her sunglasses and stood to the side to scan the area.

Suddenly, her gaze froze.

Super Invincible… Cosmic Beauty Photographer… Miss Cen Ning???

Cen Ning quickly put back on the sunglasses. This Zhang Ziyi…

Zhang Ziyi kept watch for a long time but still didn’t see Cen Ning come out. When she was wondering if something went wrong, someone suddenly patted her on the shoulder behind her.

Zhang Ziyi looked back, confused, only to see a woman wearing sunglasses standing behind her at some point.

Zhang Ziyi was stunned for a few seconds. Her eyes widened after the woman pulled off her sunglasses. “Damn… Ningning?”

Tang Zheng also stared in surprise.

The little girl has grown up and transformed completely, from a timid girl to a confident and calm woman.

There was not much change in appearance, but for some reason, the person in front of him couldn’t be clearly distinguished from the person in the past with just one glance.

Sometimes temperament was a magical existence. The person currently in front of him was the type of person in a crowd who could catch his attention at a glance.

“Ziyi, Tang Zheng, long time no see.” Cen Ning put away her sunglasses and glanced at the sign Zhang Ziyi was holding. “Um… put away your poster first.”

How could Zhang Ziyi still listen to these words? She threw the sign into Tang Zheng’s arms and hugged Cen Ning. “You are finally back! After so many years, you are too cruel!”

Cen Ning also reached out and hugged her, feeling a little guilty. “I went out with my tutor and friends to view scenery during the breaks. I’m sorry, I couldn’t come back.”

“I know you’re so busy! You fellow, you’re travelling around the world all these years.”

“I was working.”

“Tsk, yes yes yes, working so hard… You are scary!”

Cen Ning laughed. “I’m back now, right?”

As she said that, she looked at Tang Zheng. “Does he know?”

Tang Zheng proudly said, “He doesn’t know, it’s better to keep it a secret. He’s been in the military these days and he’s very busy.”

Cen Ning nodded, “Thank you.”

“It’s all to create a surprise for Brother Yan, of course, of course.”

That day, Cen Ning returned to the Yan house.

No one in the family knew that she was coming back today, and when they saw her, they were all pleasantly surprised.

Cen Ning gave everyone carefully selected gifts, stayed at home for another night, and chatted with the elders whom she hadn’t seen for a long time.

“Ningning, you didn’t come back at a good time this time.” Aunt Chen said regretfully when cleaning up her room, “If you came back two days ago, Xingzhi would still be at home.”

“It’s okay. I heard from Tang Zheng that he’s been a little busy these two days.”

“Yes, they all live at the military base.” Aunt Chen turned to look at her after finishing making the bed, “When Xingzhi sees your graceful appearance, he must be very happy.”

Cen Ning smiled, embarrassed. “I haven’t changed much, and we occasionally video chat. We’ve seen each.”

Aunt Chen: “There is a difference between the video and the face-to-face. Besides, what occasionally? You two are so busy. You two know yourself if you contact each other often.”

There was no regular contact.

With the time difference and the fact that both of them have their affairs, it was impossible to maintain the connection density like ordinary couples.

Moreover, Yan Xingzhi’s identity was special and he could not privately appear on video. In the past two years, Cen Ning returned to China during the break when she was going to take pictures of the scenery, but her stay was short. This the number of days the two met each other in the past few years could be counted on their fingers.

However, neither of them mentioned the matter of “seldom seeing each other”. It seemed to be deliberately avoided, and it also seemed like they had complete trust in each other.

Aunt Chen: “Forget it, Let’s not talk about this. Anyway, Xingzhi will come back after another two days. You’re also not leaving anymore, so it’s not a hurry.”

Cen Ning: “Mhm, what you said is true.”

There was no need to wait two days at all. Because when Cen Ning was still in the United States, she had already taken over a job in China. This job was led by Tang Zheng.

When she was still in college, she followed the photographer Hao Jie to take promotional photos in the military.

Every year when the military recruits recruits, there will be this opportunity. This time, Cen Ning took it.

But it was completely different this time from the last time. She was a small assistant last time, but this time, it was her home field completely.

After signing Cen Ning, IZ, where Duan Xiaoquan worked, assigned her assistants. She was flexible and free here. Except for the more important film festivals every year, she could pick up whatever work she wanted at other times. If she didn’t take up any commissions, she could also go to various areas to take photos.

This time, she took over the work of going to the military of her own will. Early this morning, after getting into the car sent by IZ, Cen Ning set off with the staff.

Today’s matter was more urgent, so Cen Ning met her work partner who she was going to work with long term after she got in the car.

Assistant Yang Fan was a relatively experienced photographer, and she was about the same age as her. The assistant, Xiao You, was a girl who just graduated from college. She was shy and spoke very quietly.

For some reason, when Cen Ning saw her, she inexplicably thought of her former self. Being careful, with respect for your seniors and the yearning for photography on your face…

The car drove for about an hour before arriving in the military. After getting out of the car, Cen Ning saw Tang Zheng greet her personally.

“You guys are finally here. The dormitory has been arranged for you, and I will take you there.”

Cen Ning: “Why did you come here yourself?”

“What do you think?” Tang Zheng lowered his voice. “Of course, I must greet you when you come. By the way, you have to protect me when Brother Yan blames me for hiding it from him.”

Cen Ning laughed. “Then, where is he?”

“There is a meeting in the regiment, and as the leader of the regiment, he is going to preside over the overall situation.

“Oh.”

“In short, go to the dormitory to settle down first, and then come out to take pictures after you have had a rest.”

Cen Ning: “Okay.”