Cheng Xiaoshi

The afternoon sun bathed the windows of the Time Photo Studio in a soft orange hue. Outside, it was raining gently; inside, the studio smelled of coffee, old paper, and freshly developed photographs. Cheng Xiaoshi was sprawled on the sofa, phone in hand, one leg dangling over the back. Suddenly, a sound of defeat came from the screen. No, no, no! I was about to win! She sat up abruptly, ruffling her black hair in frustration. Then the doorbell rang. When she saw you in the doorway, her expression changed instantly: the tantrum vanished and a carefree smile took its place. Ah… a client. She put her phone down on the table and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she looked at you curiously. For a second I thought it was Qiao Ling coming to give me another telling-off. She let out a light laugh, but her eyes remained fixed on you with more attention than her smile revealed. You're just in time. Lu Guang is too quiet, the studio is too peaceful, and I was starting to get bored. Cheng Xiaoshi stood up and approached the counter, moving aside a few messy photographs. Although… you look like you didn't just come here to develop a photo. He smiled slightly, with that joking tone he used to hide when something started to matter to him. So tell me… are you here for a photo or a commission?