Part 21
Beautiful pictures and small seeds are planted.
The next morning, Phuc came to pick Chi up for a photo shoot and was invited by her and her mother to have breakfast. The house they rented was in an apartment complex of an old factory. The house had probably been repainted a couple of times, with many chiseled and patched marks, but fortunately, thanks to the care of the two women, it was tidy and exuded the warmth of a family.
Mrs. Le had been very healthy these days, her face had regained its rosy color, even if anyone had met her before, they would notice that she had gained a little weight recently. She welcomed Phuc with a friendly smile and he also politely asked about her health.
During the meal, she secretly noticed a few times that this young man, despite his wealthy background, was simple, easy to approach, and treated her very politely. Especially with Chi, he was very gentle and thoughtful, she felt reassured and secretly happy.
Although the appointment had to be postponed for a while, through that intimate meal, Phuc had an even better impression of Chi. He really liked the way she took care of her mother and the way they both loved each other to make the house feel like a warm family. It seemed like a small seed had been planted in his heart.
Today’s sky was blue, the wind was cold, it would be cold for someone wearing light clothes and going out alone, but it was very suitable for taking pictures and for couples to be close together. Chi was not used to the cold, so this morning she went out wearing more warm and thick clothes.
Still wearing a light-colored shirt inside, long hair, left loose with a thick black coat and a plaid scarf. Her face was not too stylishly made up, she stood out thanks to her natural pure beauty with glowing skin, sparkling eyes, rosy cheeks and a pretty mouth. She walked down the street, so pure, fresh and full of life, making everyone turn around to look. Phuc was fascinated by her appearance, while still sitting in the car, he had secretly glanced at her countless times. Chi had just gotten out of the car and had not had time to prepare when Phuc quickly took out his camera to take a few photos to preserve the pristine beauty he liked the most.
-Hey, I haven’t had time to prepare, the photo is so scary.
-Come here and see if it’s scary or if it looks like a fairy descended to earth.
Chi ran to look at herself in the photo, she was indeed unexpectedly fresh and radiant, without any pretense, she was naturally radiant and no less attractive. But she was still modest and did not dare to accept the compliment.
-Luckily, Phuc knew how to choose angles and a camera that flattered her skin, so it wasn’t too bad.
-If you don’t like it, I’ll delete it all.
-Hey, don’t delete it, I told you it wasn’t too bad.
-I know you, haha.
-He teased her.
The two of them were joking around, making a big ruckus in a corner, then he bought her a small bouquet of tiny wildflowers for her to pose with. All that morning, the beautiful fairy kept flying back and forth before his eyes, gradually creeping into his heart and leaving a deep impression on his mind. Chi was once again comfortable and innocent, she posed in each photo and opened her heart to someone.
Because the climbing flower trellis probably only bloomed for the last time this year before the leaf-changing cycle, Chi and Phuc had to take advantage of the opportunity to capture its last beautiful moment. After two hours, she wasn’t bored, he wasn’t tired either, they sat down to check the results of this morning.
-This picture is really beautiful, right when the shadow fell, you walked by, the trees were dark but there was still a rare beautiful light in you. Are you satisfied?
-Oh, you describe it like a poet describes Kieu, I don’t dare admit it, but I really like it… I’ve never seen myself so beautiful.
They gathered their heads together, looked at all the pictures one by one and praised, but there were also pictures that Phuc deliberately took of Chi’s funniest appearance. When he saw those pictures, looking at Chi’s sulky face, Phuc burst out laughing.
-I think these pictures are the most naturally beautiful, I will print them out and post them on the notice board, and post them on the company’s Fanpage.
-Oh no, if you do that, I won’t dare look at anyone, please help me delete them, please, I beg you. -It
took a lot of effort to take the picture, and it takes a lot of effort to delete it, I won’t do it for free.
-So what do you want, I’ll buy you some milk tea.
-I don’t like sweets.
-Let me invite you to lunch. I know a cheap and delicious place.
-Don’t you remember I’m a rich kid, I don’t know where to eat delicious food.
-So what do you want, hic, too difficult.
-Hehe, it’s simple, continue to hang out with me on the weekend, each photo is a date.
Chi was a bit surprised, but looking into his eyes she knew he was sincere, that’s why she was confused, because she was still uncertain with her emotions, dating at this time was too early. Half wanting, half not, she had not yet given an answer when a voice interrupted.
-Hey, can I ask you something?
The person who spoke was a young man who also had a camera hanging in front of his chest, he looked at Phuc rather cautiously, Phuc nodded friendly, then this person continued.
-I want to ask, how much is the zoom lens on your camera, it’s so cool, is it expensive?
-Oh, I use a camera(…) and zoom lens(…) the price at that time ranged from xxxxUsd to yyyyUsd, my friend. Your camera is also great, compact but gives photos with simulated film color, very suitable for taking pictures of streets and nostalgic landmarks.
-Yes, but I have a small request, can I take a picture of you two? You two are such a beautiful couple that everyone in the neighborhood has to look.
The statement made Chi embarrassed but happy, she wanted to correct the guy that they were not a couple, but Phuc quickly spoke first.
-Okay, but take a picture with my camera, you know how to adjust it…here I will show you, it’s very easy.
A few minutes later…
-Stand close to me, lean on my shoulder or hug my waist gently to show affection…haha, what did I do to make you angry and not want to be near me like that…please apologize or else…someone will come and take them away.
The guy was quite enthusiastic and professional when posing for Chi and Phuc. But unfortunately, he asked them to do intimate actions of couples in love, so how could Chi do that? In the end, they had to borrow a bicycle, the two of them walked on either side and the bouquet of flowers was placed in front of the handlebars. Another simpler photo was taken when he handed the bouquet to her. She took it and smiled
, “Oh, what a beautiful photo. Look at this, it’s no different from a wedding photo. Hehe, there was a premonition. Congratulations.”
The photo was indeed very beautiful, but he kept talking about the misunderstanding and wouldn’t stop. Chi couldn’t stop him, while Phuc just laughed in complicity. Only when the boy left did Chi blame him. “What about you
…” “
Forget it, they’re strangers. The only thing that matters is that they take a beautiful photo of you. Let’s go home at noon,
or else my mother will be waiting.” Chi could only accept what had happened, what else could she do? The two of them arrived but Phuc couldn’t stay for dinner, he had to go back to the factory immediately. Looking at his hurried appearance, Chi felt sorry for him. She wanted to pack him some rice and food to take away, but she didn’t have time.
Chi went upstairs and sat down at the dining table. She thought back to this morning, relieved, happy, and a little nostalgic. She couldn’t help but smile.
-Do you like him?
Mrs. Le sat down a long time ago, seeing Chi smiling alone, she immediately asked. The sudden question almost made Chi spit out the grains of rice she had just put in her mouth. Her cheeks were red, her hands and feet were shaking, and her mouth was denying.
-No way, why are you guessing, we are just friends, he is so good, it’s not your daughter’s turn.
-Yes, it depends on you, but I see the way he takes care of you and protects you, it makes me feel at ease.
After the meal, because of what her mother said, Chi thought about it all afternoon. He started to show his feelings, her mother also knew, Chi of course knew too, but she always had the intention to deny or define those feelings in a different way. Why is that? Phuc is very good, her mother likes him, Uncle Danh is also very supportive, only she is always hesitant and avoiding, what is the reason?
The questions almost filled her head, but she couldn’t find an answer, her thoughts drifted away, leading her to think of Mr. Danh. Not because she was looking for an answer, but because she briefly thought of the image of him pulling her skirt to cover her naked body. She wondered if he was as hesitant as she was now, if he had chosen another option, would she be happy or regretful now.
“I’m afraid that even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to, yours is so big but… mine is so tiny.”
While everything was peaceful, she suddenly thought of those seductive images, Chi was so embarrassed that she buried her face in the pillow, then she had to take a shower right away.
Monday came, in the room that was originally only two people, it was very quiet, now the person who talked and asked the most questions was also silent, making the atmosphere even more gloomy. When the time was up, Mr. Danh asked Chi, “
How was your weekend? Was it fun? Was it memorable?”
Chi nodded slightly, because that was the truth. Seeing that, Mr. Danh asked again.
-So what are your plans for next week? Did Phuc invite you out again?
At that time, he also asked her about the next date, but she hesitated. Luckily, the other boy helped her delay it. Now that he asked, she didn’t know how to answer, so she told him.
-He asked me out every weekend, but I haven’t answered yet, uncle.
-What’s wrong? Why didn’t you agree?
-I…I don’t know how to answer.
-Hesitant, right? The feelings are still uncertain and unclear. For someone who has never experienced love like you, it’s understandable. Like this, first you have to open your heart to find a sincere friend who can bring you joy. Have you two done that yet?
-Yes, he makes me very happy and reassured.
Mr. Danh sat down on the chair, pointed Chi to sit across from him, he again abandoned his role as director and became a teacher. This time is probably an emotional lesson for you.