Volume One, Chapter 17: X Is Going to Serve as a Judge

Lin Qiao was momentarily stunned, but Ji Yu gentlemanly released her hand. He spoke deliberately, “I once saw Miss Lin give a speech at the university anniversary celebration of Haishi University.”

Ji Yu always remembered how Lin Qiao shone with brilliance when she spoke as the student representative.

Later, he had casually seen her again at a Qin family gathering.

The quiet, reticent Lin Qiao was like a pearl beneath dust.

Yet today, he saw that same Lin Qiao of old once more.

“Miss Lin, do you know why I am willing to invest in your studio?”

“It’s not because of my friendship with Bai Xin,” he said softly, almost whispering, “but because I heard the photographer is you.”

“I’ve come for you, Miss Lin.”

Lin Qiao was not adept at handling such situations, and instinctively took a step back.

“I won’t disappoint Mr. Ji,” she said.

“Good, I look forward to it.”

...

The collaboration between the studio and Weifu was settled quickly.

On the day of the formal shoot, just as Lin Qiao had arranged the scene in the studio, Green arrived with the model and wardrobe.

The model quickly changed into the outfit, and Lin Qiao began the official shoot.

Green watched Lin Qiao’s skillful handling of the camera and nodded repeatedly in approval.

But when Lin Qiao uploaded the photos onto the screen, Green furrowed his brow.

“Miss Lin, your photography skills are refined, but something is always missing.”

Lin Qiao was taken aback; she had been struggling with this very issue for a long time.

She hadn’t expected Green to see through it.

Green continued sharply, “These photos lack something.”

“It seems that your heart, Miss Lin, is not fully invested.”

Lin Qiao’s fingers curled tightly on the camera; she gripped it firmly.

Beside them, Mu Rongrong watched the two as if observing a riddle.

Sister Qiao’s photos were already beautiful—what more could they lack?

Seeing Lin Qiao silent, Green smiled and said, “Miss Lin, why don’t you take a break and shoot again later?”

Lin Qiao looked at the professional studio setup and lighting.

These were things she had done countless times.

She thought she had given her all, yet Green was still not satisfied.

She stepped out of the studio and saw that dusk was settling, and the city lights began to twinkle softly.

Her gaze shifted, and she noticed the studio’s custom-made plaque, commissioned by Bai Xin.

The three characters “Against the Light” caught her eye.

Against the light...

Light...

Suddenly, she recalled those days at university, working tirelessly to earn money to support the orphanage, registering under an alias and shooting non-stop.

She had long since lost track of dawn and dusk.

For her dreams, she had paid so much.

The paths she once walked seemed to have been forgotten in her marriage to Qin Tianlang.

But now, the light rekindled a spark of the passion and inspiration she once had for photography.

Her eyes brightened as she returned to the studio.

“Mr. Green, how about we change the location for today’s shoot?”

Lin Qiao took Green and the model up to the rooftop of a tall building.

Once the model was positioned, Lin Qiao raised her camera and captured the interplay of the sunset’s glow and the city lights.

Back in the studio, after Lin Qiao exported the photos, Mu Rongrong couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow!”

Sister Qiao’s photos perfectly captured the dance of light and shadow, striking and powerful.

Green saw the images on the screen and applauded enthusiastically.

“Miss Lin, this is exactly the feeling I wanted.”

Lin Qiao sighed in relief while Green nodded with satisfaction.

He went on, “Your technique and style impress me greatly. Miss Lin, you should enter the ‘Rising Star’ photography competition.”

“This contest is organized by Wester Academy, and I serve on the judging panel. X will also be a judge this time.”

Mu Rongrong excitedly asked, “Does that mean we’ll finally see X’s true face?”

Green nodded, “This will be X’s first public appearance. Miss Lin, are you interested in participating?”

X will be judging?

Lin Qiao had never received any invitation through X’s social media accounts.

She wasn’t particularly interested in the competition itself, but was curious about X’s attendance.

She nodded, “I will participate.”

After a full day’s work, Lin Qiao stepped out of the studio to find the Lin family’s driver waiting outside.

As she opened the car door, she heard the whimpering of a small animal.

It seemed to come from beneath the vehicle.

She crouched down and saw a little dog curled up beside the tire.

The dog’s fur was dirty and matted, shaking slightly.

Just then, the driver got out and, upon seeing the dog, hurriedly apologized.

“Miss, I’m sorry. I didn’t notice this little one; it must have just run over here.”

“It’s okay.”

Lin Qiao carefully picked up the dog.

“Miss, are you going to take him home?”

Lin Qiao nodded; she had loved animals since childhood.

Back then, surviving on her own at the orphanage left no room to care for pets.

Later, after marriage and having a child, Qin Yi was weak, and Lin Qiao worried about pet hair triggering respiratory issues, so she never dared to keep one.

Now, she had no such concerns.

She held the dog gently, touching its black nose.

“Little one, come home with me.”

The dog barked twice and affectionately licked her palm.

Back at the Lin residence, Lin Qiao bathed the dog.

Afterward, she stroked its head.

“I didn’t expect you to be a little white dog. I’ll call you Little White.”

Just as Lin Qiao let go, Little White shook off the water and joyfully rolled on the bedroom floor.

Lin Qiao opened the bedroom door, about to take Little White out.

But the dog dashed ahead.

It scampered happily across the lawn.

Looking back at Lin Qiao, as if playing a game, it continued running forward.

Lin Qiao watched as Little White ran toward the small building where the Lin family photos were kept.

The dog climbed to the third floor, saw a half-open door, and when Lin Qiao caught up, it slipped inside.

She pushed open the door to see Little White panting heavily on the floor.

“Such a little rascal,” she said, picking him up.

Just as she turned, her peripheral vision caught the half-open drawer.

She noticed the photos inside and froze momentarily.

Lin Qiao pulled the drawer open; countless photos of various sizes were neatly arranged within.

The largest was a family portrait.

It was the same pose as the Lin family photo she had seen on the wall before.

But this portrait included one more person.

A woman.

Trembling, Lin Qiao held up the photo.

The woman stood on one side of Ye Shulan, with Lin Yunqi on the other.

She smiled gently, linking arms with Ye Shulan.

Her face was an exact mirror of Lin Qiao’s own.