Forgotten Photo Studio

Chapter 154 The Kiss (Fifteenth Update)

Chen Zhiwei's reminder was like a bucket of cold water, completely sobering him up from the excitement of acquiring the potential weapon of the "data bomb".

Data bombs are a potential weapon for the distant future, but right now, he needs to quickly improve his tangible and controllable combat capabilities to deal with the imminent threats posed by the Ghost Festival and the Judge.

He remembered another trump card in his plan—the Soul-Suppressing Iron.

He obtained this item by chance during a previous mission at the nursing home, and its unique ability to calm the mind and soothe the soul left a deep impression on him.

It is especially effective in suppressing the restlessness of the "Abyss" within the body and in dealing with enemies who are skilled in mental attacks.

Previously, due to insufficient strength and authority, he was unable to access or obtain it, but now, he is at the Silver level.

"Zhiwei, let's go back. I need to look something up," Xu Yan said to Chen Zhiwei, who was still somewhat lost in thought, his voice slightly gentler than usual.

Chen Zhiwei, slightly recovered from the shock of "the world is data", looked at Xu Yan and caught a glimpse of a soft light in his eyes that was not completely concealed, unlike his usual calm and self-possessed demeanor.

Her face flushed slightly as the image of him earnestly asking her "whether you agree" at the charcoal-grilled bullfrog shop and the unexpected feeding scene flashed through her mind, causing her heart to skip a beat.

"okay."

She responded softly, her voice carrying a hint of dependence that she herself was unaware of.

The two walked side by side on the dark road back to the photo studio, and the distance between them seemed to shrink a little without them even realizing it.

The streets were empty, and the streetlights cast long, overlapping shadows of them.

Xu Yan subconsciously slowed his pace, accommodating Chen Zhiwei's rhythm. Without exchanging a single word, a subtle and peaceful atmosphere flowed between them.

Back in front of that familiar wooden door with the old sign that reads "Forgotten Photo Studio," Xu Yan took out his key and opened the door.

Chen Zhiwei followed behind him, looking at his tall and reliable back, and felt an indescribable sense of security welling up in her heart.

"Squeak-"

The door was pushed open, and a familiar smell, a mixture of old wood, photographic paper, and faint medicine, wafted out. This was their stronghold, their haven in this bizarre and fantastical world.

Close the door to temporarily shut out the noise and danger from the outside world.

The room was lit only by a warm yellow old-fashioned table lamp, which made the atmosphere more private and cozy under its dim light.

Chen Zhiwei put down her cloth bag, her face still carrying the chill from outside and a trace of lingering shyness.

She looked up at Xu Yan, the light casting a soft shadow on his sharply defined profile, making him seem less distant than usual.

"Senior brother," she mustered her courage, a playful smile on her face, the old address slipping out yet carrying a new meaning, "You... were you serious about what you said today?"

She needed to confirm once again that the heart that was beating so fiercely because of him was not an illusion.

Xu Yan stopped in his tracks as he was about to walk into the inner room, turned around, and looked directly at her.

In this private and peaceful space, under her expectant yet slightly apprehensive gaze, he could no longer respond with silence or changing the subject as he usually did.

He walked up to her, so close that he could clearly see her eyelashes trembling slightly in the warm light.

“I never joke about things like this.” He looked into her eyes, his voice deep and clear, every word carrying weight. “Chen Zhiwei, I’m serious.”

There were no flowery words, no cloying promises, but this repeated "seriously" was more powerful than any sweet talk. It stemmed from his cherishing of this second chance, from the feelings he had already made up his mind beneath his calm exterior.

Chen Zhiwei's cheeks flushed instantly, as if they had been stained with the most beautiful rouge.

She lowered her head, but couldn't help but smile, her heart filled with a sweet, almost overwhelming feeling.

She gave a soft "hmm," her voice barely audible, yet full of certainty.

Looking at her like this, Xu Yan felt his heart soften, and his hardened defenses melted away completely. He reached out, his movements slightly awkward but incredibly firm, and gently took her hand at her side.

Her fingers were slightly cool, and they trembled slightly in his palm, but she did not pull away. Instead, she carefully squeezed back.

This handshake seemed to confirm each other's feelings, and silence spoke louder than words.

The warm yellow light, like a soft veil, enveloped the two of them.

Xu Yan's clear and solemn "I'm serious" seemed to carry warmth, dispelling the chill of the night and completely melting away the last trace of uncertainty in Chen Zhiwei's heart.

She no longer avoided his gaze, raised her head, her eyes glistening with tears, reflecting the lamplight and his focused expression, brimming with joy and shyness that almost overflowed.

Looking at her flushed cheeks and strikingly bright eyes, Xu Yan felt as if his heart was being gently scratched by soft feathers, and an unprecedented sense of satisfaction called "possession" filled his chest.

He was no longer the reborn one walking alone on the path of revenge and redemption; he now had people by his side whom he could completely trust and who cherished him.

He held her hand tightly, not letting go, but tightening it slightly. He could clearly feel the lines on her palm and the gradually increasing temperature through his fingertips.

This small gesture conveys a silent reassurance and promise.

Chen Zhiwei felt the dry, steady warmth from his palm, and a great sense of security enveloped her.

She mustered her courage and, with his hand in hers, took a small half-step forward, closing the final distance between them.

Now, they can almost hear each other breathing.

"Xu Yan..." she whispered his name, no longer "Senior Brother." The two words that came out of her lips were filled with sweet intimacy and dependence.

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze tracing his eyebrows, eyes, and nose, finally settling on his tightly pursed yet seemingly slightly upturned lips.

Xu Yan's Adam's apple bobbed slightly. Her closeness made his body tense up slightly. Her familiar, sweet breath brushed against his chin, bringing a subtle shiver.

His other hand, as if guided by its own will, slowly rose, hesitated for a moment, and finally landed very gently on the side of her hair.

His fingertips ran through her soft hair, the movements awkward yet full of tenderness.

The moment his hand touched her hair, Chen Zhiwei's body trembled slightly. Then, like a cat being stroked, she squinted her eyes contentedly and even subconsciously rubbed against his warm palm.

This seemingly insignificant act of dependence completely shattered Xu Yan's restraint.

He lowered his head, his forehead gently touching hers, their noses almost touching.

This is an extremely intimate gesture, creating a small world that belongs only to the two of them.

He could clearly see his reflection in her eyes, her slightly trembling eyelashes, and feel her equally rapid breathing.

(End of this chapter)