Chapter 130: Teacher Chen's Camera

"Of course there is a connection." Chen Yongren righteously refused, saying: "Director Tengyuan has shown me kindness and recognition."

"If it weren't for him, I'd still be a junior constable; how could I have risen to deputy sheriff?"

"If he found out I was in contact with you behind his back, how would he view me?"

"Let's pretend we never met today; please don't come looking for me again."

Since they've already taken the bait, we can't readily agree to join; we must engage in a tug‑of‑war with them.

"Mr. Chen, why don't you think? Since Tengyuan Jintai values you, why would he place you in a constable's post?" said Shuiyuan Zheye.

"Given the ability you just showed…"

"To be frank, merely being a constable is a great injustice to you."

"I can assure you that if you agree to work with us, we will grant you wealth and status beyond your imagination."

"It's far better than him only thinking of using you when his backside is on fire—hundreds of times better."

Chen Yong deliberately paused his steps, as if hesitating.

They thought he was a tough nut, but Shuiyuan Zheye wore a sneer—little did they know Chen Yongren suddenly quickened his pace and left the alley.

"Mr. Chen, I believe we'll meet again soon!" Shuiyuan Zheye shouted, unwilling to give up.

Chen Yongren waved his hand without looking back, nonchalantly.

"Damn, a mere Chinese upstart dares to put on airs before me?" Seeing Chen Yongren really leave, Shuiyuan Zheye cursed.

He promptly returned to the Operations Division office and reported the matter to Yugong Heren.

"What? He discovered you were tailing him?" Yugong Heren sprang to his feet in disbelief.

The sudden mishap disrupted Yugong Heren's rhythm; he had thought he'd need to tail for days, never expecting to be exposed so quickly.

"Hai!" Shuiyuan Zheye stood upright and said: "This Chinese person is no ordinary fellow; if it weren't for my humble servant's quick reflexes, I'd likely be a corpse under his blade."

Although some time has passed, Shuiyuan Zheye's memory remains fresh; thinking of the blade at his throat, he couldn't help but shudder.

"Interesting." Yugong Heren stroked his chin: "Tengyuan Jintai actually placed such talent in the constabulary—utter waste of talent."

"Chen Yongren is, after all, a Chinese person." Shuiyuan Zheye pointed out the answer.

After a moment, Shuiyuan Zheye added: "Although Chen Yongren refused the overture, when I, your humble servant, mentioned that Tengyuan Jintai does not value him…"

"I can still sense his disappointment; perhaps in his view, having achieved so much, he deserves a brighter future rather than lingering in the constabulary."

"Colonel Your Excellency, can we really win over this guy?"

Yugong Heren nodded, stroking his chin in thought.

It seems Tengyuan Jintai feels his position as Agency Director is unstable, so he considers promoting this Chinese person.

"Mr. Shuiyuan, everyone has their price; if he's unwilling, there's only one possibility." Yugong Heren smiled at Shuiyuan Zheye.

"I, your humble servant, am dull; please enlighten me, Colonel Your Excellency." Shuiyuan Zheye said, puzzled.

"Then the price simply isn't high enough." Yugong Heren said coldly.

"Colonel Your Excellency, your insight is profound." Shuiyuan Zheye wore an expression of sudden realization.

Yugong Heren pondered a moment, then said: "Chen Yongren is a fine talent; find an opportunity to let him meet me."

"Tengyuan may not like him, but I certainly appreciate this kind of talent."

"Hai!" Shuiyuan Zheye stood at attention and bowed.

…

Chen Yongren picked up the camera, film, and other supplies on the way.

On the way, Chen Yongren fiddled with the camera for a while.

It is the latest Leica model of the season, with all accessories, and this gadget is not cheap.

Tengyuan Youzi had long been waiting at home, chatting with Hua Lei.

Since both speak Chinese and are similar in age, they face no communication barrier.

The two girls didn't know what they were saying, laughing happily; Chen Yongren could hear them from outside the house.

Upon seeing Chen Yongren enter, they immediately stopped talking and rose to their feet together.

"Ren Ge." Hua Lei rose.

"Chen Sang, you've finally come." Tengyuan Youzi's eyes lit up as she looked at Chen Yongren.

After waiting so long, the weekend finally arrived.

For today's lesson, Tengyuan Youzi brimmed with anticipation.

"I picked up something along the way." Chen Yongren shook the camera in his hand.

"A camera?" Tengyuan Youzi's eyes brightened: "Chen Sang, you actually like photography too?"

"Of course, we can freeze time at its most beautiful moment—don't you think that's meaningful?" Chen Yongren looked at Tengyuan Youzi.

"My dream is to take a camera and, with the person I love, photograph the world's most beautiful scenery."

"Even when we grow old, we can lean on each other and reminisce over these old photos."

"I believe this is surely the moment in life most worth savoring."

"Yes, if we could do these things with the person we love, life would surely be more meaningful." Tengyuan Youzi's eyes shone as she heard Chen Yongren speak eloquently.

'Why would Chen Sang say such things?'

'Could he be hinting at something?'

'Mm…'

'Could it be that I'm overthinking?'

"Exactly, you're overthinking it," Chen Yongren laughed, saying: "Teacher Youzi, we can discuss photography later."

"Can today's lesson begin?"

"Anytime." Tengyuan Youzi snorted lightly and said: "If the later test isn't up to standard, I'll have to give you extra lessons."

"No problem." Chen Yongren smiled slightly.

The two came to the study, and Chen Yongren's fervent gaze continually fixed on Fujiwara Yuko.

Fujiwara Yuko felt hot all over from Chen Yongren's stare, and she exclaimed coquettishly, "What are you looking at?"

"Of course I'm looking at you." Chen Yongren said shamelessly: "It's been so long since we last met, let me take a good look at you,"

Chen Yongren's directness caught Fujiwara Yuko off guard, and her pretty face instantly flushed with two rosy patches.

"Yuko, you seem to have gained a bit of weight compared to before." Chen Yongren said seriously.

"Gained weight?" Fujiwara Yuko exclaimed, instinctively touching her face: "I've been dieting lately, how could I still gain weight?"

Suddenly.

Fujiwara Yuko noticed Chen Yongren's slightly playful gaze, and immediately retorted: "How annoying, Chen Sang, you're teasing me again."

"Wait a moment." Chen Yongren suddenly said.

"Huh?" Fujiwara Yuko tilted her head.

Chen Yongren quickly picked up the camera hanging from his chest and pressed the shutter at Fujiwara Yuko.

Click

"Ah!" Fujiwara Yuko realized, her face shy and helpless: "Chen Sang, how could you secretly take pictures of me?"

"Secretly?" Chen Yongren shook his head: "I'm taking this openly and aboveboard, and besides, the most beautiful scenery in the world is right before my eyes—if I missed it, that would be a grave sin."

The most beautiful scenery?

Recalling Chen Yongren's earlier words, Fujiwara Yuko's heart fluttered like a startled deer.