Time quietly passed amidst the busy work, and Li Chen's photography career gradually got on track. With the rise in his popularity, various exhibitions, collaborations, and projects followed one after another, and he found himself working late into the night almost every day. However, beneath this glamorous surface, his heart ached more and more. He thought of Wang Xue, the girl who always supported him; her smile was as warm as sunshine. Yet, with the increasing workload, the distance between them quietly widened.
Wang Xue was a Psychologist, gentle and sensitive; she could always sense Li Chen's emotional fluctuations. She tried to help him balance work and life, but every time she brought it up, Li Chen would brush it off and change the subject. She shared Li Chen's works on social media, showcasing their happy life together, yet her inner anxiety continued to accumulate. Whenever she saw Li Chen's distracted expression, his gaze drifting out the window as if searching for something, a wave of unease surged within her.
"Li Chen, how have you been lately?" she asked softly, trying to break the silence.
"I'm fine, just busy with work," Li Chen replied flatly, his eyes still wandering as if he were present in body but had long since drifted away in spirit.
"I know work is important, but we also need some time together," Wang Xue said cautiously, feeling a sense of unease in her heart. She studied his face, hoping to find some reaction but only saw a weary silhouette.
Late at night, Wang Xue lay in bed tossing and turning unable to sleep. Memories of recent events flashed through her mind; Li Chen's changes left her feeling confused and helpless. She wanted to understand him and help him, but Li Chen always shut himself behind a thick wall that made it impossible for her to reach him.
One night, while organizing things in Li Chen's studio, Wang Xue's gaze fell upon the camera. Out of curiosity, she opened the camera's archive and began browsing through Li Chen's photos. The beautiful landscapes and radiant smiles seemed to tell her one touching story after another. However, as she continued flipping through them, her expression gradually turned serious.
She discovered several strange photos, one of which featured a mysterious figure. The person's face was blurred while their silhouette stood out clearly as if they were standing in the shadows, staring directly at the lens with an unsettling aura. A chill ran through Wang Xue; could it be that Li Chen had been hiding something?
"Why is he appearing in the camera?" Wang Xue's heart churned; did Li Chen have other thoughts when he took these photos? She began recalling how Li Chen looked while shooting that day—there seemed to be an unusual tension and anticipation.
Anxiety washed over her like a tide, weighing heavily on her heart. She decided to have an honest conversation with Li Chen in hopes of finding answers. However, when she tried to ask him about it, he became evasive, further straining their relationship.
"Li Chen, I want to talk to you," Wang Xue mustered her courage as morning sunlight streamed through the curtains onto her face, reflecting a hint of determination.
"What about?" Li Chen replied wearily, his gaze instinctively avoiding hers.
"About your recent state; I feel like something is off with you," Wang Xue said gently yet firmly. She struggled to remain calm while her emotions churned inside her.
"I'm just busy," Li Chen responded with a hint of impatience in his tone while still unable to meet her eyes.
"But I'm really worried about you," Wang Xue felt bitterness rise within her; there was both unease and deep disappointment in her heart. She tried to keep her voice light-hearted. "I saw a photo in your camera of that mysterious person; I want to know who that is."
Li Chen's body stiffened slightly before he turned away with flickering eyes. He whispered, "That was just an accidental shot; it's not important."
"But I think it's important," Wang Xue insisted as her unease intensified. "You always avoid talking about it; it makes me feel like we're growing further apart. I want to understand you and know what you're thinking."
Li Chen fell silent for a moment as if he were grinding his teeth suppressing his emotions. He understood Wang Xue's worries but didn't know how to explain his internal struggles. Work pressure and the appearance of that mysterious figure weighed heavily on him. He didn't want to pass these burdens onto Wang Xue; however, this barrier made him feel even lonelier.
"Wang Xue, I'm really busy; I don't have time to think about these things," Li Chen finally spoke up with a hint of helplessness and fatigue in his voice. "I just want to do my job well."
"But your work doesn't contradict our relationship," Wang Xue replied softly yet firmly. "I'm here supporting you not because I want you to give up your work but because I hope we can face these challenges together."
A mix of warmth and bitterness surged within Li Chen's heart; he wanted to rely more on Wang Xue but feared she would get hurt because of it. He took a deep breath and finally gathered his courage: "I... I'll try to adjust but I need time."
Wang Xue felt a wave of disappointment wash over her; she knew that Li Chen's promise might not be easy to fulfill but she was willing to wait. "I'll be here waiting for you, Li Chen," she said softly trying to keep her voice calm.
Afterward, Li Chen continued to struggle internally; balancing work and love put immense pressure on him. He began to realize that Wang Xue was not only his lover but also his emotional anchor. Although he couldn't change the situation immediately, he was willing to try understanding her feelings and working hard to mend their relationship.
As time passed, Li Chen began to try to find a balance between work and life. He gradually realized that while his career was important, the warmth and support of love were the motivation he needed the most. Wang Xue's care and understanding felt incredibly precious to him; he understood that only by connecting with her both spiritually and emotionally could he go further on his career path.
At night, Li Chen sat by the window, gazing at the brilliant stars in the night sky, silently making a resolution. He wanted to make Wang Xue feel his concern and revive their relationship.
Meanwhile, Wang Xue continued to wait. Although her heart was filled with unease,
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