The image on the film wasn't very clear. The figure looked like he was mid-jump, maybe taking a shot at basketball. But the focus was off—the face was blurry. After all, this was only a basic film camera; exposure problems like that were common.
"How is it? Looks good, right?"
Gu Yu pinched the corner of the film between her fingers, cheeks pink as she held it up to the light and looked at Tang Li.
Tang Li's expression softened. He took the film, examined it carefully from every angle, and finally smiled with a nod.
"It does look good. But where did you even get a film camera?"
He didn't fully understand photographers' obsession with film. Still, he could hear the affection behind Gu Yu's words—her photos weren't just art, but love letters.
Gu Yu laughed. Watching Tang Li carefully tuck the photos back one by one, she dragged her chair closer, showing him the shots she had just taken today. Together, they discussed where each picture might look best on display.
"I want to be a photojournalist after graduation," she said brightly. "And once I've got enough skill and experience, I'll hold an exhibition. Then, maybe, I'll become a photography teacher."
Tang Li gave a helpless smile. "Setting the bar that high from the start? Be careful you don't trip. You're not even studying photography."
"College isn't about locking yourself into one career path. People discover new passions and follow them—it's normal."
Sitting nearby, Yu Yuan let out a sigh and interrupted at last.
"Tang Li, it's your birthday today, isn't it? Didn't even tell us. Bet Zhang Jun and the others don't know either. Hold on, I'll go buy you a gift."
Tang Li barely glanced at him, continuing to listen to Gu Yu talk about her dreams. Seeing Tang Li's indifference, Yu Yuan only sighed again.
He left briefly, paid the café bill, then ran to a nearby shop. Soon he returned with a pair of wristbands, placing them on the table.
"Here. You gave me a cube once; I'll return the favor with these. Not expensive, but at least something. Honestly though, you should've told us—it's your birthday. Would've saved you from such a pitiful celebration."
Without waiting for a reply, Yu Yuan clapped his hands against the snow-dusted ground, turned, and walked off into the evening.
Tang Li slipped the wristbands on. They fit well—not too tight, no loose threads scratching at his skin.
"You know… he's right," Gu Yu said after a while, watching him flex his wrists. "Why didn't you tell anyone? Isn't your birthday important?"
"It's just a day. Nothing special. Eat, drink, same as always."
Later, Gu Yu dragged Tang Li to the cinema for a Christmas romance screening. Tang Li wasn't much of a movie person, but he sat through it quietly. Gu Yu, on the other hand, whispered excited commentary about the cinematography and symbolism, her voice brimming with excitement even as she tried to keep quiet.
To Tang Li, it was… noisy. But he endured it.
When they left, the sky was already dark, though it was only three in the afternoon. In coastal cities, night fell quickly in winter. But for Christmas, night was when the city truly came alive.
Snow kept falling.
Gu Yu wasn't done yet. She winked and pulled Tang Li onto the metro, heading for the Bund—the heart of the city's festivities.
It was packed. Every corner glowed with holiday lights, even the trees dressed in red cloth and ornaments. Along the riverside, strings of lights formed a sparkling "second river," flowing alongside the real one.
Gu Yu knew the best view wasn't from the crowded streets but from the water. So they boarded a cruise.
Compared to the bustling shore, the ship felt calmer, though children still dashed about in excitement. A few Christmas trees dotted the deck, nothing more.
On the open deck, Gu Yu leaned against the railing, snapping photos of the lit-up skyline. Tang Li brought her a hot drink, chuckling at the snowflakes caught in her bangs.
"Is it always this busy here?" he asked.
"Not really. On holidays, though, it feels… romantic. The scenery matches the mood."
Tang Li looked up at the skyline. The architecture was a clash of styles—ornate domes beside sleek towers, Gothic spires beside Art Deco facades. On paper, it should've looked chaotic. Yet here, side by side, they formed the city's most beautiful silhouette.
At five sharp, every light along the Bund flicked on. The riverbank erupted in brilliance, snowflakes drifting through golden beams like falling stars. The whole crowd cheered.
Gu Yu lowered her camera, turned to Tang Li, and opened her arms.
"Happy Christmas, Tang Li. And… happy birthday."
Snowflakes swirled through the air, lit by a million lights.
Tang Li tilted his head back, watching the dazzling night sky. Then, slowly, he lowered it again…
The city sparkled, but none of it reached his eyes.
Later that night, he carried a parcel back to his dormitory. Someone had called the courier directly, insisting the package be delivered into his hands. It wasn't his job—but it was Christmas. And maybe, he thought, even a courier could do a small kindness.
"Delivery for Tang Li. Is he in?"