Chapter 51: Pink Sunset, Worldly Romance

“Click!” With Mr. Bao’s shutter, the first photograph was taken of Lin Shenlu and An Muxi, accompanied by two alpacas. As their spirits soared, their poses and expressions grew ever more exuberant. Lin Shenlu had lost count of how many photos she and An Muxi had taken together by the end. But these moments were filled with happiness.

Time passed swiftly. Lin Shenlu and An Muxi finished their photo session. Reluctantly, they returned the alpacas who had accompanied them for so long and prepared to leave. The shoot had indeed been exhausting.

On their way back, they happened upon someone lying in the grass—the girl who had led the horse earlier during the day’s photo shoot. She wore a white dress and a pair of apple-shaped wireless earbuds, her eyes closed as she listened to music. Mr. Bao, the photographer, was nowhere to be seen.

It was odd; weren’t the two supposed to head to the hotel together to select the photos after the shoot? Why was she alone now, especially as dusk approached? The sunlight was slowly turning orange, warm and gentle.

As Lin Shenlu wondered, a yellow bird suddenly landed nearby. It hopped over to the girl’s ear, pecked twice, then snatched the earbud in its beak. Lin Shenlu was astonished by its audacity. The girl was startled as well, opening her eyes to see who had taken her earbud. The frightened bird fluttered to the opposite side.

Only then did the girl realize it was a small bird that had taken her earbud—her pair, no less. “Hey!” she exclaimed, rising to chase after it. The bird soared to a nearby branch, the earbud dangling from its beak as it looked around. It was clear the earbud would not be recovered.

With a sigh, the girl finally noticed Lin Shenlu and An Muxi standing nearby, offering them a gentle greeting.

Lin Shenlu nodded in return. “Are you heading back too?” the girl asked with a smile, though it was tinged with forced cheer.

“Yes, we’re done. Where’s your companion?” Lin Shenlu inquired curiously.

“He… he’s gone…” The girl’s gaze drifted to the bird still perched on the branch with her earbud, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Lin Shenlu seemed to understand instantly. “Don’t dwell on it. Like that earbud… you can’t hold onto something that’s meant to be lost, just as you can’t hold onto someone who doesn’t love you. So, I wish you luck,” Lin Shenlu said softly, taking An Muxi’s hand and leading her away.

The sun was slipping below the horizon.

An Muxi suddenly turned to Lin Shenlu. “Why did the photographer leave?”

“Because he lost interest.”

“Don’t all men fall for every woman they meet, always unwilling to miss any chance?” An Muxi asked.

“Of course not. Not all men are like that. At least, I’m not—and neither was the photographer.”

An Muxi nodded lightly.

“But if two people are destined never to be together, why do they meet?” she pressed.

“Not every encounter leads to a result. Some meetings are simply for sharing the romance of the world… Often, years pass in a blink, winter arrives in haste—some reunite, some never meet again,” Lin Shenlu sighed.

Dusk drew closer. The Rose Manor of Lifelong Companions was not far from the shore of Erhai Lake. Today’s weather was especially beautiful. The colors lingering after sunset were not only pale orange, but also suffused with pink across the sky—a romantic haze spreading everywhere.

Lin Shenlu found herself unable to resist. After An Muxi got into the car, she pulled her along toward the edge of Erhai Lake. It was rare to catch a pink sunset.

To watch the pink sun descend and the rosy clouds bloom—this was the day’s most beautiful conclusion.

In that instant, the two raced toward Erhai, chasing the setting sun.

“It’s gorgeous!” An Muxi gazed at the vast pink sky.

“Yes, clearly the most beautiful moment of the day, yet it’s called ‘dusk’…” Lin Shenlu mused.

An Muxi said nothing, quietly savoring the peace and beauty.

“I think I understand now. Perhaps what I meant is the end of a day, not the middle. When you reach the end, it’s the most beautiful moment…” Lin Shenlu thought aloud.

The pink Audi convertible sat quietly by Erhai’s shore. An Muxi and Lin Shenlu sat together, feeling the sea breeze and admiring the pink clouds.

In that moment, they felt the lingering warmth of the pink sunset.

There was no need to chase anything. They themselves were the stars and the sea.

An Muxi’s gaze was gentle; everything before her seemed a dream. Lin Shenlu was right—whenever he appeared, he brought with him a well of tenderness. Every day spent traveling together was filled with joy. The scenery was always so pleasing.

“You know, Shenlu…” An Muxi smiled at her.

“Hm? What is it?” Lin Shenlu asked.

“I once heard a saying,” An Muxi replied.

“What was it?” Lin Shenlu was curious.

“The one who watches the sunset with you is more romantic than the sunset itself,” An Muxi spoke softly.

“I know that saying. The one who watches the sunset with you is more gentle than the sunset itself… But…” Lin Shenlu paused.

“Hm?”

“It’s not the sunset that’s romantic—it’s you, beside me,” Lin Shenlu said with deep affection. “What I long for is to spend every gentle evening in your eyes.” She reached out and embraced An Muxi.

An Muxi nestled quietly into Lin Shenlu’s arms.

“Shenlu…”

“Will you always treat me this way?” An Muxi asked softly.

“Of course. I’ll always stay with you,” Lin Shenlu whispered, closing her eyes.

“Cough, cough… Though I know this is not the best time to interrupt, I have to say something!” A man’s voice sounded from behind Lin Shenlu, breaking the moment.

Lin Shenlu started and turned around.

A tall, slender man dressed all in black, wearing a black hat and glasses, a camera slung over his shoulder, was smiling in greeting.

“Hey, Mr. Bao? What are you doing here?” Lin Shenlu asked curiously.

It was the photographer who had earlier taken pictures of the girl at the Rose Manor.

“Well… it’s a long story. Like you two, I was drawn here by the pink sunset to take photos—after all, I’m a photographer… The main issue now is that my employer and I have parted ways. I came with her in her car… So, may I ask if I could get a ride back with you?” Mr. Bao asked sheepishly.

“Uh… Is it because you wouldn’t let her come to your room to choose the photos?” Lin Shenlu asked awkwardly.

“Uh… So you’re a fellow photographer!” Mr. Bao exclaimed in surprise.