Nian Nian [Rebirth] - Chapter 4

Chen Nian truly got to know Fang Zhizhu when they were both 24 years old.

Before that, she was just watching a favorite celebrity from afar. She wasn’t obsessed, but she would watch all of Fang Zhizhu’s movies and TV shows and buy her songs as soon as they were released.

Fang Zhizhu had a sweet smile, and when she was in character or on stage, her eyes were so expressive they seemed to speak. Sometimes, when Chen Nian was tired or in a bad mood from work, she would scroll through Weibo, see a photo of Fang Zhizhu, and feel a slight tremor in her heart, as if the world had brightened.

Especially after Chen Nian realized her sexual orientation, she could find the most appropriate adjective for this feeling:

Orientation Sniper (or ‘Perfect match for my type’).

So, when she received the shooting invitation from Fang Zhizhu’s agency, Chen Nian’s fingers trembled with excitement.

She shakily typed a reply: [Okay, I happen to have availability.]

The text seemed calm, even a little pretentious, but after throwing her phone down, Chen Nian turned and howled to her assistant: “I get to photograph Fang Zhizhu ahhhhhhh!!!! Fang Zhizhu ahhhhhhh!!!!”

Assistant: “When?”

Chen Nian: “The first day of next month ahhhhhhh, that’s exactly twenty-eight days away ahhhhhhh!!!!”

Assistant: “Aren’t you supposed to attend the Como Gala on the first?”

Chen Nian: “I’m not going ahhhhhhh! That’s Fang Zhizhu ahhhhhhh! FANG! ZHI!! ZHU!!!”

The assistant chuckled, but also expressed her confusion: “Teacher, it’s not like you haven’t photographed celebrities before. When Best Actor Bai came over, you weren’t this excited.”

“How can that be the same?” Chen Nian took a deep breath. “That was work. This is… using public resources for private gain, hahahaha…”

She was genuinely happy.

She majored in hydraulic engineering in university, and photography was just a hobby. But after graduation, she couldn’t find suitable work in her field, and instead, the shooting gigs kept increasing.

From personal portraits to commercial shoots, then opening her own studio and collaborating with many celebrities, her success was completely unexpected, a natural progression that went from strength to strength.

She was only just starting to gain a reputation in the industry, not yet at the level where she could pick which celebrities to work with. Yet, here she was, hitting her life peak.

She had fantasized countless times about what Fang Zhizhu would look like through her lens.

Just the fantasy itself was enough to make her heart soak in a honey pot, bubbling with happiness.

For the next month, Chen Nian dedicated all her private time to Fang Zhizhu, apart from work.

She studied her recent styling trends and public persona direction, crafting a unique and suitable shooting plan for her.

When she sent the three shooting proposals, Fang Zhizhu’s agent sent back an astonished voice message: “Ah, your work is amazing! I want all three proposals.”

Chen Nian cleared her throat and cautiously replied: [If you like them all, why not send them to Zhizhu to look over and let her choose one?]

The agent saw no problem. The agent sent them to Fang Zhizhu. Fang Zhizhu was filming at the time, so Chen Nian only received the agent’s reply in the evening.

The reply didn’t say much; it directly sent over Fang Zhizhu’s WeChat contact.

Chen Nian’s hands started trembling again. In the air-conditioned room, she felt like she was hot and sweating all over.

Chen Nian added Fang Zhizhu, who quickly accepted.

The chat page popped up. Before Chen Nian could decide how to best say hello, Fang Zhizhu sent a cute meow emoji: hi~~~~

Chen Nian, dumbfounded: [hi~]

Fang Zhizhu: [I saw the proposals, they are so wonderful!]

Chen Nian: [As long as you like them~]

Fang Zhizhu: [But having to choose one is so hard…]

Chen Nian typed: Do you need me to recommend one? Personally, I think the Deep Sea Mermaid set…

Before she could finish typing, Fang Zhizhu’s message popped up again: [Only kids make choices, adults want everything!]

Chen Nian: …

Chen Nian thought Fang Zhizhu was really a child.

Not only did she have zero celebrity airs, but she didn’t consider her precious time at all when deciding on work matters like this.

Chen Nian: [Each proposal has two looks. We only have one afternoon for the shoot.]

Fang Zhizhu: [One afternoon x 3. Then I’ll book you for the whole day.]

Chen Nian couldn’t hold back: [!!!!]

Fang Zhizhu sent a voice message: “I’m free that day. I’ll talk to Sister Yang. How about we shoot for a whole day, from morning till night~”

The voice was so sweet, with a small trailing sound, a hint of coquetry and pleading. Chen Nian’s heart completely melted.

She covered her rapidly beating chest, her mind swirling in chaos. Fang Zhizhu immediately sent another voice message: “Are you busy? If you’re busy, then we’ll just pick one set~~~”

Chen Nian instantly sent back a voice message: “Not busy.”

Not busy. Yes, I can do it. Being busy with anyone else is less important than being busy with you. Let alone a whole day of my time, you can have my life.

The shoot was set. To prevent Fang Zhizhu from getting too tired, Chen Nian made some adjustments to the proposals. The subsequent coordination went smoothly. Soon after she finished talking with the agent, Fang Zhizhu would message her, praising her for being so capable and meticulous.

Chen Nian had never met such a proactive celebrity, such a sweet darling in the world.

With the preliminary communication, Chen Nian was much calmer by the day of the shoot.

But that only lasted while she was packing and driving to Fang Zhizhu’s mansion. The moment her car pulled into Fang Zhizhu’s garage, Fang Zhizhu, wearing pajamas and slippers, came out to greet her. With sleepy eyes, she said, “You’re here. You must be tired, coming so early.”

Chen Nian: ………………

She died.

She was truly afraid her infatuated look was like a pervert’s, scaring Fang Zhizhu into calling the police.

“Yes, early,” Chen Nian forced her gaze down and entered work mode. “I’ve seen the photos of the villa. Let’s set up the scene first.”

“Mm~” Fang Zhizhu said. “Then I’ll go get my makeup done. I had Douzi buy breakfast; make sure you all eat it~~~”

Familiar, approachable, sweet, and cute.

The assistant following Chen Nian secretly gave Chen Nian a thumbs-up: “Teacher, your fan pursuit really paid off.”

Paid off was an understatement. Every single moment afterward, she hit the jackpot.

They began shooting the first look when the morning light first appeared. Fang Zhizhu was an angel in the woods, barefoot on sheer fabric. Every time Chen Nian pressed the shutter, her heart screamed.

This screaming didn’t fade as the shoot progressed; instead, it intensified. In the afternoon, after lunch, they moved into the main area of the villa to photograph 24-year-old Fang Zhizhu’s daily life. After everything was ready, Fang Zhizhu suddenly said, “I don’t think this feels right.”

This was the first time Fang Zhizhu had voiced an objection during the long shoot.

Chen Nian quickly called everyone to a halt and asked her, “What doesn’t feel right?”

Fang Zhizhu was curled up on the sofa and beckoned Chen Nian over.

Chen Nian took a few steps forward, a distance at which she could definitely hear Fang Zhizhu whispering, but Fang Zhizhu still felt it wasn’t close enough. She straightened her upper body, knelt on the sofa, and leaned over directly.

Chen Nian tentatively raised her hands, worried she might fall.

Fang Zhizhu cupped her hands and leaned in close to her ear to whisper: “I don’t wear a bra at home.”

Chen Nian: “…”

Fang Zhizhu’s voice softly glided past: “And I don’t wear pants either.”

Chen Nian: “…………”

Fang Zhizhu leaned back: “So it doesn’t feel right, you know? I don’t have that comfortable, relaxed feeling.”

Chen Nian: “………………”

She didn’t know what to say. Her whole body felt wrong; she couldn’t speak.

She had tried hard to maintain a professional demeanor while working, but one casual sentence or action from Fang Zhizhu could disrupt her work and her body.

She felt hot, a frantic, alarming heat.

Her throat was practically smoking. She was truly afraid that if she opened her mouth, all her dirty thoughts would be laid bare.

After a long time, Chen Nian lowered her head and asked Fang Zhizhu, “Then… how do you think it would be better to shoot?”

The people around them were confused. They watched the photographer’s posture suddenly transform from happy and actively professional to this defeated and ravaged look, assuming the popular celebrity had finally shown her temper.

The surroundings were so quiet that you could almost hear the air blowing out of the air conditioner.

Fang Zhizhu finally spoke: “I think it would be better if there weren’t so many people.”

Chen Nian’s staff instantly took a step back.

Fang Zhizhu: “The lighting is good. I think the two of us are enough.”

Fang Zhizhu’s staff also took a step back.

Chen Nian clenched her fists. What else could Chen Nian say?

“Alright.”

Everyone retreated, leaving only Chen Nian and Fang Zhizhu.

Fang Zhizhu was originally wearing a loose tank top and small shorts. Now, with a lift of her arm, she removed the clothing she felt was in the way.

The tank top was still loose, and the long armholes hinted at the beautiful shape of her body. With every movement, it was subtly revealed, arousing the heart.

Chen Nian only glanced before averting her eyes.

Fang Zhizhu draped her long legs over the back of the sofa. The wind blew the white curtains, brushing against her toes.

She narrowed her eyes and called out to Chen Nian: “Teacher, let’s shoot.”

Chen Nian’s struggle lasted only a few seconds.

In the end, her sense of morality defeated her selfish desires.

She did not turn her gaze back. Instead, she completely turned her back: “Teacher Fang, I need to inform you of something.”

Fang Zhizhu nodded: “Mhm, go ahead.”

Chen Nian: “I am a lesbian. I like girls.”

“Ah…” Fang Zhizhu let out a light gasp of surprise, then said with a smile in her voice, “That’s nothing strange.”

“It’s a bit strange given the current situation. I…” Chen Nian paused, gripping the camera in her hand tightly. “I really like you. I’m your fan, ever since you debuted at 14.”

“So, I think it’s inappropriate for me to take such highly private photos of you,” Chen Nian said in one breath, feeling the sword hanging over her head slowly lower.

Fang Zhizhu didn’t reply for a long time. Chen Nian felt that the air conditioner in the room was useless; she was covered in sweat.

She couldn’t wait for Fang Zhizhu’s answer anymore. She felt there was no need to wait for Fang Zhizhu’s answer anymore. Chen Nian turned and walked toward the door.

“It’s okay,” Fang Zhizhu suddenly spoke. “I think it’s fine.”

“Having someone photograph me after liking me for many years should result in beautiful pictures.”

“I can probably feel it, too. You care more than any other photographer I’ve worked with.”

Chen Nian stopped. Fang Zhizhu said, “What do I look like in your heart? I’m very curious. You can capture it.”

Chen Nian turned back and saw Fang Zhizhu sitting languidly on the sofa. A blower ruffled her hair. Large lights shone on her, making her skin look like jade—a scene only found in a young girl’s burning dreams.

Chen Nian stepped forward, wanting to confirm Fang Zhizhu’s meaning again, but she was so flustered that she completely forgot about the step in front of her.

She stumbled. She didn’t fall, but the camera in her hand flew out and struck the hard stone floor.

Chen Nian: “…”

She stared at the camera with the shattered lens and fell into a long, deep silence.

Was she an idiot?

Ever since she stepped into this villa, she had acted like an idiot in front of Fang Zhizhu in every way.

Chen Nian felt deeply frustrated. She picked up the camera and checked it. Not only was the lens broken, but the reflective component in the body was cracked too.

This was a limited commemorative edition she had specifically purchased for photographing Fang Zhizhu.

200,000 yuan was gone.

Most importantly, she felt she had lost her status as a professional photographer in front of Fang Zhizhu.

All the chaotic, beautiful thoughts vanished completely. Chen Nian raised the camera in her hand: “I’m sorry, I can’t shoot anymore.”

Fang Zhizhu looked at her and asked, “Don’t you have a backup?”

Chen Nian: “Yes, but it’s not as good as this one.”

Fang Zhizhu stood up abruptly and walked a few steps to her, grasping her wrist: “Then come upstairs with me. I have many cameras.”

Chen Nian: “It’s not just the camera. I feel like I…”

“Don’t talk,” Fang Zhizhu said.

Chen Nian shut up.

Fang Zhizhu suddenly became forceful. She was still the same person, with a naturally sweet look, but when she became assertive, every move, even the sound of her feet on the floor, changed.

Chen Nian could only follow her. Fang Zhizhu held her wrist firmly but not tightly, leading her past the spiral staircase and up to the second-floor bedroom.

There were no cameras in the bedroom. As soon as the door closed, Fang Zhizhu moved close to Chen Nian, looked at her, and then her lips met Chen Nian’s.

Chen Nian felt like she was dreaming, and for a long time afterward, she continued to feel like she was dreaming.

Fang Zhizhu sought her out repeatedly: in the twilight after a heavy rain, and in the morning after a long night of work.

Fang Zhizhu would text her saying she liked her, tell her she missed her when they met, and say she hated to leave her when they parted.

Chen Nian asked more than once: Why?

Why did you choose me—someone who isn’t beautiful, rich, or outstanding?

Fang Zhizhu smiled and countered, “If those were the things I was pursuing, why wouldn’t I just be with myself?”

That was sophistry.

Yes, sophistry.

The more Chen Nian interacted with Fang Zhizhu, the more she realized that her sweetness was only a facade. When Fang Zhizhu set her mind to something, she was decisive and efficient. Whatever Fang Zhizhu wanted, she fought with all her might to obtain.

Fang Zhizhu said she liked her and wanted to be with her.

Fang Zhizhu said she couldn’t live without her and wanted to live together.

Fang Zhizhu said, You still don’t believe how much I love you, so she announced her identity to the entire world.

Aside from her eventual departure, Chen Nian genuinely could not think of a single thing Fang Zhizhu did wrong as a lover during their six years together.

She protected her, cared for her, supported her work and dreams, gave to her, possessed her, yet never restricted the freedom she deserved.

Fang Zhizhu single-handedly created the most perfect relationship for Chen Nian.

So Chen Nian felt that if she got another chance, she also had to give Fang Zhizhu that much.

No, she had to give more.

She had to let this little Fang Zhizhu grow up happy and worry-free. She had to protect her from all suffering and sadness, accompany her through all her loneliness and excitement, and ensure she lived a life of happiness and security.

Chen Nian stared at the head poking out from under the blanket and patiently waited for Fang Zhizhu’s answer.

Fang Zhizhu remained bundled up inside, motionless.

Chen Nian had all the patience in the world to wait for Fang Zhizhu, but Director Su couldn’t wait any longer. She muttered, “This girl just doesn’t like to talk. Everyone loves to play with the other kids outside. You two can exchange names…”

As she spoke, she stepped forward, preparing to pat Fang Zhizhu’s blanket. Chen Nian quickly stood up and said, “No need.”

Director Su and the police officer both looked at her.

“My name is Chen Nian. I remember my home address and phone number,” Chen Nian said. “I’ll go out with you now.”

Director Su clapped her hands happily: “That’s good, that’s good! Your parents must be worried sick that you were lost!”

Chen Nian said to the police officer: “I wasn’t lost; I came here myself.”

The police officer asked, “Then shall Uncle drive you home?”

Chen Nian shook her head: “No need. Just call them and have them pick me up.”

She paused: “I will come back again tomorrow.”

Although this sentence made Director Su and the police officer look completely astonished and confused, the words weren’t meant for them.

This was Chen Nian’s promise to Fang Zhizhu: I will definitely come tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that. Until you accept me as your friend.