Photographic Memory

Sun Xiaoya took out her phone, casually opened her news feed, and clicked on an article titled, "Is it true that moderate drinking can help you live longer than exercise?" The article was about a thousand words long.

"Here, this is a random article I picked. Take a look, and in one minute, try to see if you can recite it back to me."

Zhang Shuai took the phone and began to scan through it rapidly.

In just thirty seconds, Zhang Shuai handed the phone back to Sun Xiaoya.

"I've finished reading it. Listen closely, the moment of truth is about to begin..."

Zhang Shuai began to recite: "Old Chen, a 50-year-old man, thought his life was in its golden stage... After the doctor inquired in detail about Old Chen's lifestyle habits, he said slowly, the main reason leading to his illness..."

Sun Xiaoya held the phone, and Lin Xiuwen leaned in to stare at the text on the screen. As Zhang Shuai continued to recite, both women's mouths fell open, their eyes filled with disbelief.

"Thus, it is far too hasty to assert that moderate drinking is better for longevity than exercise based solely on this one study... Alright, I'm done. How was that? I shouldn't have missed anything, right?"

Sun Xiaoya put the phone down and looked Zhang Shuai up and down as if he were a monster. After a long moment, she managed to squeeze out two words: "Holy shit!"

Zhang Shuai pulled a wry face and said, "You're a girl, don't go around dropping F-bombs all the time. Who exactly are you trying to 'f' anyway?"

Sun Xiaoya blurted out, "Can I 'f' you?"

Zhang Shuai was rendered speechless, then couldn't help but give Sun Xiaoya a thumbs-up. "Sun Xiaoya, you're the best among women. You're awesome!"

Lin Xiuwen, standing to the side, suddenly burst into laughter, shaking with mirth until tears almost came to her eyes.

"Oh my god, I'm dying here. Sun Xiaoya, you really are fierce. How did I never notice you were this bold before? You'll say anything."

Sun Xiaoya blushed, a rare sight. Realizing she had spoken her mind in a moment of impulsiveness, she quickly and awkwardly changed the subject. "Brother Zhang, you really are a god-tier human. To actually have a photographic memory—I used to think that kind of ability only existed in TV shows and novels. I never expected to see it in real life today. It's truly an eye-opener."

"So, you understand now? I wasn't lying. Just because I can remember the names of so many AV actresses doesn't mean I'm some seasoned veteran. You misunderstood me."

"Just because you have a photographic memory doesn't mean you haven't watched those films. There's no necessary connection between the two. Just like how Mikami Yua is a transgender woman—who would have guessed she was born a man?"

"You're talking nonsense. How could Mikami Yua be transgender? Her chest is so big, it definitely isn't fake..."

As he said this, Zhang Shuai seemed to realize something and suddenly clamped his mouth shut.

"Heh, exposed, aren't you? Still saying you don't watch them? Look at that, my little trap flushed you right out. Your true colors are showing now, aren't they?"

Sun Xiaoya laughed triumphantly.

Zhang Shuai scratched his head in embarrassment. Sigh! This woman is too cunning and has too many tricks up her sleeve. I let my guard down for a second and fell right into her trap. The innocent persona I worked so hard to build has completely collapsed.

"Trying to act pure in front of me? Impossible. I can expose your true face in a minute. And not just you—Lin Xiuwen, don't let her look of innocence fool you. Deep down, she's a closet pervert too. If you ask me, if you've watched them, you've watched them. We're all adults; isn't it normal to watch a few films? Why is there a need to pretend to be pure? Just admit it openly..."

"Ahem!" Lin Xiuwen coughed intentionally. "Sun Xiaoya, talk about Zhang Shuai if you want, but don't drag me into this!"

Sun Xiaoya was incredibly smug, like a victorious general returning from battle, her mouth running non-stop with excitement.

Zhang Shuai looked at Lin Xiuwen with a pained expression. Both of them were finding Sun Xiaoya's chatterbox nature hard to handle, but there was nothing they could do. They were all friends and knew her personality, so they couldn't really hold it against her; they could only listen patiently as she rambled on.

"Brother Zhang, I don't get it. With this kind of talent, you could have gotten into Longhua University with your eyes closed. Why did you end up becoming an electrician?"

Zhang Shuai knew deep down that while his memory had always been decent, it had never been this exaggerated. The reason he now possessed a photographic memory was likely related to his practice of the Big Dipper Long Fist.

Nowadays, not only were his six senses sharp, but his mind had become much more efficient as well.

"What? Are you looking down on electricians?"

"No, no, absolutely no intention of looking down on electricians. I just feel like it's a bit of a waste of talent."

"Working as an electrician is just a transition. I'm actually planning to head to university soon to further my studies and learn something."

"I understand wanting to learn, but why Paleography? What are you planning to do? Go into archaeology or grave robbing?"

"Can't I study it to cultivate my character?"

"You're so young, what character are you trying to cultivate? If you want to 'cultivate' something, I..."

"Stop! You need to stop right there. Let's talk about something else. I'm begging you!"

Zhang Shuai was truly defeated by Sun Xiaoya. It seemed she had drunk too much tonight and was starting to let herself go completely.

After they had their fill of food and drink, both Sun Xiaoya and Lin Xiuwen were feeling a bit tipsy. The two girls suggested going to the Civic Square for a walk.

After Sun Xiaoya paid the bill, the three of them walked for about ten minutes, chatting along the way, and soon arrived at the Civic Square in Qingshui City.

The Civic Square was located in the heart of Qingshui City, surrounded by towering skyscrapers. The city lights were dazzling at night. Although Qingshui City was only a third-tier city, thanks to the economic development of the Dragon Kingdom over the years, the urban construction was quite impressive.

The Civic Square, in particular, was very lively at night. The musical fountain in the center of the square sprayed water continuously, shimmering with colorful lights, which was extremely beautiful. Many adults were there playing with their children.

On the west side of the square, there was a small urban park. There were many benches along the park paths, with citizens sitting in twos and threes to enjoy the cool air.

The three of them walked and talked, and before they knew it, they had reached the depths of the park. It was said that this park was a sanctuary for many young couples on dates.

Not long after, they saw many young couples in the throes of passion sitting on the benches. Some were snuggled together, and some were even kissing without a care for the world, their movements quite bold, their hands wandering restlessly as if searching for something mysterious.

Seeing this blush-inducing scene, Zhang Shuai felt a bit awkward and couldn't help but quicken his pace. At that moment, he noticed Sun Xiaoya and Lin Xiuwen were both secretly watching him, their eyes seemingly holding a different kind of meaning.

Sun Xiaoya suddenly asked, "Brother Zhang, have you ever kissed anyone?"

"No. My family is poor, and no girl has ever taken a liking to me."

"You're so hypocritical. Is it that no one likes you? Or is it that you don't like anyone else?"

Hearing Sun Xiaoya's pointed remark, Zhang Shuai felt awkward and didn't know how to respond.

As they reached a secluded spot in the park, Sun Xiaoya suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Brother Zhang Shuai, haven't you never kissed anyone before? How about we give it a try? We don't have to date; consider it my friendly, free guidance on your kissing technique..."

Zhang Shuai was certain that Sun Xiaoya had drunk too much. How could she even bring herself to make such a request?

Was she an idiot?

If she had to say it, she should have waited until they were alone. By making such a provocative request right in front of Lin Xiuwen, wasn't she just putting him in an impossible position?

Zhang Shuai's gaze shifted back to Lin Xiuwen on his left. Lin Xiuwen turned her head and pivoted away, saying, "Don't look at me. If you two want to kiss, then kiss. I won't peek anyway; just pretend I don't exist."