By linking my account to the check-in system, I became a leisurely traveler.

Chapter 59 Photography Competition
Even Li Younan, who particularly enjoys rainy days, couldn't help but complain that the rain seemed like it wouldn't stop.

It started raining non-stop the day after he arrived in Xiamen.

This is the last bit of moisture from the plum rain season.

Most tourist attractions are more enjoyable on a sunny day, but now I'm stuck in my rented room because of the rain. Luckily, I'm not alone; I have a smart and clever junior classmate with me, so it's not too bad.

Li Younan was washing and hanging up his slightly damp T-shirt when Jing Chaoyi said while watching TV, "Being stuck in this rented room because of this rain is not too bad, but luckily I have this handsome senior to keep me company."

Li Younan blinked but didn't say anything.

In his spare time, Li Younan began learning photo editing. Although he had acquired photography skills, his photo editing skills were lacking. Jing Chaoyi was a photo editing expert, so he could ask her for advice.

Jing Chaoyi was naturally very happy to share her knowledge. However, she was still somewhat stunned when she saw the many high-quality photos that Li Younan presented. Especially the photos taken of the extras in Hengdian; even without post-production color correction, the lighting captured by the lens alone already showed a high level of quality.

It could even be said that these portraits have transcended the realm of photography and are moving towards art.

Li Younan said, "After taking these photos, I also got their consent. Although they may not look that good, you don't have to deliberately Photoshop them to look better."

Jing Chaoyi frowned and said with great dissatisfaction, "Senior, do you think I'm such a shallow person? If you've used beauty filters on the people in these photos, that would be a desecration of works of art."

Li Younan was taken aback: "Is it that exaggerated?"

Jing Chaoyi smiled and said, "As a Photoshop expert, I've done post-processing for many people. To be honest, your photos are at least among the best I've ever seen."

While teaching Li Younan some basic operations, she turned to him and asked, "Senior, do you want to participate in a photography competition? These photos of yours are more than qualified."

Li Younan was taken aback for a moment: "Is that okay?"

Jing Chaoyi nodded seriously: "That's great. If you find it troublesome, I'll sign you up for you."

Li Younan had never paid attention to this kind of content, which Jing Chaoyi found unbelievable. She said with a strange expression, "As a photographer with such superb photography skills, how can you not know about these photography competitions? It's as absurd as someone who loves boxing never paying attention to UFC, or someone who loves basketball never watching the NBA."

Li Younan said casually, "I didn't expect you to know about UFC and NBA."

Jing Chaoyi punched Li Younan.

After processing the photos, Jing Chaoyi submitted Li Younan's five best photos to five different competitions that hadn't yet closed their submission deadlines. Seeing Li Younan's slightly puzzled expression, Jing Chaoyi said, "Most competitions don't allow multiple submissions of the same photo. I submitted them based on the quality of your photos and the focus of each competition. Don't worry, I won't let you down, senior."

Li Younan wasn't worried that Jing Chaoyi would cause him trouble; instead, she said, "Thank you for your hard work."

During his afternoon nap, Li Younan lay on his bed and sent the video footage he had shot in the two days since arriving in Xiamen, along with digital watermarks, to JK Long.

The most eye-catching material was undoubtedly the cooking video. After receiving the video, JK Long sent a message: "I didn't expect a beautiful woman to film you."

The video naturally did not show Jing Chaoyi's face or body, but her voice was recorded in the raw footage.

Li Younan retorted without hesitation, "You're quite something; you can tell she's a beauty just by her voice."

JK Long didn't dwell on the topic too much, saying, "The materials you sent this time are pretty good. Just wait, I'll give you the finished product by tomorrow morning at the latest."

Li Younan thought for a moment, then sent another message asking, "How about we work together long-term? We can discuss commissions and such. I feel really bad about taking up your rest time."

Li Younan meant well, but the other party coldly replied, "Talking about money? I'm not interested. If you want to find business partners, look for someone else."

Li Younan felt a little embarrassed. It seemed he had angered the other person; he really was a hot-tempered guy. But the key question was, what exactly was making this guy angry? He said helplessly, "No, bro, what are you after?"

After a long silence, the other party finally replied: "How about this, let's work together to get your account to 500 million followers. Once you have 500 million followers, I'll tell you what's in it for you."

This guy is really weird. After thinking for a moment, Li Younan still sent him a 200 yuan red envelope, saying, "How about I send you a red envelope to buy you a pack of cigarettes?"

The hot-tempered guy didn't refuse the red envelope; just like last time, he accepted it directly.

After two days of heavy rain, the third day, the first day of the carnival, finally saw the sun come out. Stepping out of his house, Li Younan felt a sense of freedom, like a caged bird released into the blue sky.

He didn't bring anything with him when he went out this time except his phone and camera, because his cool short-sleeved shirt and shorts didn't have pockets, so he hung his phone and camera on his body.

In contrast, Jing Chaoyi not only carried a bag containing her roller skates, but also wore a full set of protective gear.

Jing Chaoyi said with dissatisfaction, "Senior, you're so ungentlemanly. You didn't even help me carry this."

But as soon as she turned her head, she saw Li Younan taking a picture of her with his camera.

Jing Chaoyi's eyes lit up, and she quickly came closer to take a look. Li Younan opened the preview function, and the girl's pitiful, helpless and resentful expression matched her outfit very well. It was a sweet and emotional picture that was not cliché.

Jing Chaoyi really liked the photo; she stood there holding the camera for a long time without moving. By the time she came to her senses, Li Younan had already walked a distance with her equipment and bag, turned around and smiled: "If you're not leaving, I'm leaving."

Jing Chaoyi followed up with a grin: "Senior, you have to send me this photo."

"Sure, 200 per piece."

"It's too dark!"

"Ha ha ha ha."

……

Around nine o'clock in the morning, the sun in Xiamen had already warmed the beach at Guanyin Mountain. Zhou Xiaotiao, carrying a bag, stepped into the fine sand, and the real youth carnival was about to erupt before his eyes.

This is not a place for casual fun.

To the left, a huge graffiti wall was cordoned off, and the air was thick with the smell of paint and a sense of tension. The skate park to the right was even more lively, complete with a U-shaped ramp, poles, and steps. The crisp sound of boards hitting the concrete, the screeching of wheels, and the constant "whoa!"s from the crowd never stopped.

The street dance community was packed with people, the DJ scratching records and the deafening beats creating a dazzling display of floor work.

On the other side of the stage, the auditions for the rap competition have probably started as well, with the "hello" sounds of microphone tests and sporadic rhyming words drifting over intermittently.

The air here is electrified.

The energy of youth, restlessness, and defiance crackles in the sunshine and sea breeze.

Zhou Xiaotiao placed his bag in a less obstructive corner and changed into more comfortable training shoes. His movements were slow but steady.

Right next to it was the preparation area for the skateboarding competition, where several young men were checking their boards. One of them had a plaster on his knee, and his eyes were frighteningly bright.

Zhou Xiaotiao tied his belt, stood up, casually twisted his ankle, tried to jump lightly on the sand a couple of times, and then tried to do a somersault. He landed almost silently. The kid with the plaster on his knee glanced over a couple more times, exchanged a look with his companion, and clicked his tongue in a low voice.

Zhou Xiaotiao ignored him and continued to loosen up his shoulders and wrists. His gaze swept over the cement platforms, low walls, and obstacle courses specially built for the parkour competition, and he silently planned his route for the upcoming competition.

The sea breeze, carrying the salty scent and the clamor of the crowd, brushed against my face.

An even louder cheer erupted from the other side of the stage, probably from some up-and-coming rapper who had blown the crowd away. The countdown alarm in the graffiti area blared sharply, and the contestants immediately buried their heads in their spray. Another figure soared into the skateboard U-shaped pool, its hang time so long it took everyone's breath away.

Zhou Xiaotiao took a deep breath. The taste of this carnival was like a strong liquor mixed with sweat, paint, sunshine, and hormones.

He smiled slightly and said that he would warm up in the morning, thoroughly understand the terrain, and let his body remember the hardness of the sand and the angles of the obstacles.

When the parkour competition starts in the afternoon, they will soon know who will be the most eye-catching focus on this beach, and the judges will also have to think twice before wielding their pens.

The only regret is... the lack of a great photographer to capture my awesomeness.

(End of this chapter)