The cold rain that had fallen all day quietly ceased in the latter half of the night.
The next morning, Qing Xuan pushed open the balcony window, and the crisp air unique to after the rain rushed toward him.
Washed clean of dust, Linjiang City looked especially pristine beneath the thin winter sunlight. The streets gleamed with a faint, damp darkness, while lingering droplets on bare branches refracted scattered flecks of light.
After breakfast, the two changed into thick coats and went out like ordinary mortals.
More and more pedestrians gradually filled the streets. Shops played gentle, festive New Year songs, and the holiday atmosphere grew stronger by the day without anyone noticing.
As they passed a corner in the central shopping district, Qing Yi's attention was caught by a street-side shop selling vintage cameras and digital products.
Through the spotless floor-to-ceiling display window, all manner of camera bodies and lenses were arranged both inside and outside the counter.
Several compact, brightly colored Polaroid cameras stood out especially on the display rack in the center.
Qing Yi stopped before the window, her gaze settling on one of the cameras.
"Want to go in and take a look?" Qing Xuan stood beside her.
Qing Yi nodded. The two pushed open the door, and the brass bell above it gave a crisp chime.
The heating inside was ample, and the air carried a faint scent of leather and paper pulp.
When the woman behind the counter saw customers enter, she looked up and could not help freezing for a moment.
It was her first time seeing such a beautiful woman.
Qing Yi walked over to the display case of Polaroid cameras, beside which several demo units had been placed.
The saleswoman smiled. "There's trial film loaded in the demo units. Feel free