Chapter 41
Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing had been looking at photography studios.
Several studios had impressive online portfolios, but those were always the best shots, meant to attract customers. They weren’t sure how their own photos would turn out.
And most of the photos featured heterosexual couples.
Although same-sex marriage was becoming more common, wedding photos of same-sex couples were still rare.
Many studios probably weren’t experienced in photographing them.
Lu Xuefeng, having no experience with wedding photos, was overwhelmed by the choices.
He decided to seek advice from Jin Hong, a married man.
Jin Hong raised an eyebrow. “You’re taking wedding photos?”
Wedding photos were usually taken before the wedding, but Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing had eloped, skipping the usual formalities.
But there was no set order; they could take them whenever they wanted.
He smiled. “That’s good. Seems like your relationship is going well.”
Lu Xuefeng chuckled.
They had discussed it during the New Year’s Eve dinner, but then work and other things had gotten in the way.
If they hadn’t seen that couple taking wedding photos, and Song Muqing hadn’t brought it up again, it would probably have been postponed further.
Since Song Muqing wanted to do it, they wouldn’t delay any longer.
“How did you choose your photographer?” Lu Xuefeng asked.
“It wasn’t easy. We looked at many studios. You know Xiao Mei is a perfectionist, very demanding.”
Lu Xuefeng knew this well.
Xu Yimei was very particular, with high standards for everything, from the style of the photos to the photographer’s skill and the editing.
After all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime event.
He had seen their wedding invitations; the photos were beautiful.
“Your photos were lovely,” he commented.
“They were. I looked quite handsome, and Xiao Mei looked like a fairy. Our families were very pleased.”
Jin Hong showed him the photos.
“I’ll recommend two studios. We liked both of them, but Xiao Mei chose the more expensive one in the end.”
He sent Lu Xuefeng the links to their websites.
“Thanks, I’ll take a look.”
“If you ask me, you should choose the most expensive one. It’s worth the money to have beautiful photos, rather than feeling shortchanged later.”
Lu Xuefeng hummed in agreement, browsing the websites.
Money wasn’t an issue for them; it was about the quality of service and the final product.
“I’ll also send you the contact information for the photographer we worked with. Their service was excellent, and they were easy to communicate with.”
“Okay.”
Lu Xuefeng saved the information, thanking him.
He would discuss it with Song Muqing later.
After their conversation, Jin Hong looked at Lu Xuefeng, smiling. “You seem different.”
Lu Xuefeng raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Two words,” Jin Hong held up two fingers. “Happy.”
“Come on,” Lu Xuefeng dismissed his comment.
“I’m serious,” Jin Hong insisted.
He had never imagined Lu Xuefeng, so independent and aloof, would be this happy. Marriage suited him.
He was even more charming now.
It was good.
Lu Xuefeng also liked his current state.
Marrying Song Muqing hadn’t been a burden, but an enhancement to his life.
It was comfortable and easy.
He was content.
That evening, Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing discussed the photography studios, contacting the photographer Jin Hong had recommended.
She suggested they visit the studio for a consultation, as she happened to be free that day.
They agreed, visiting the studio the next afternoon.
The studio had its own two-story building, quite spacious, with distinct areas. Upstairs, a photoshoot was in progress, the set beautifully decorated.
They met the photographer, a young woman who introduced herself as Xiao He.
She was dressed stylishly, her personality friendly and approachable. She had been a photographer for quite some time.
Seeing them, she was slightly surprised; they were a same-sex couple. Knowing they had been referred by a previous client, she was very welcoming.
She gave them a tour of the studio, explaining their wedding photography packages, including makeup, costumes, locations, indoor and outdoor shoots.
Then they sat down, and Xiao He asked about their preferred style, showing them her portfolio, her personal style evident in each photo, capturing the atmosphere between the couples beautifully, with a good balance between portraits and scenery.
The staff were all polite, offering coffee and snacks, the work environment pleasant.
Lu Xuefeng turned to Song Muqing. “I think this is good. What do you think?”
Song Muqing looked at him, nodding. “Yes, let’s choose this one.”
It seemed perfect.
After a detailed discussion, they booked a session and paid a deposit.
Xiao He seemed sincere, despite not having much experience with same-sex couples. They felt their preferences were respected and understood, so Lu Xuefeng made the decision.
“You two are so good-looking, the photos will definitely turn out great. Just trust me.”
Xiao He was confident.
“If we didn’t trust you, we wouldn’t have come here,” Song Muqing replied.
“It’s my honor,” Xiao He said, seeing them off. “We’ll create a group chat to discuss the details. Take care.”
Due to scheduling conflicts, they had to wait until next week for their photoshoot.
But it was soon.
They decided on three sets of photos, different styles, one indoor and two outdoor, all on the same day, so it wouldn’t be too tiring.
For better photos, Lu Xuefeng hadn’t let Song Muqing leave any marks on him lately.
They would be difficult to conceal.
So, Song Muqing had been exercising restraint.
On the day of the photoshoot, Song Muqing wore contact lenses instead of his glasses. They arrived at the studio early in the morning, ready for their hair and makeup, starting with the indoor shoot.
They barely needed any makeup; they were already striking.
The makeup artist complimented their good skin, simply shaping their eyebrows slightly, enhancing their features, and applying a bit of lip balm.
Then it was time for costumes.
They both had good physiques and looked good in anything, the clothes seeming to elevate their appearance.
When they emerged in their first outfits, Song Muqing looked at Lu Xuefeng, his gaze fixed on him.
Lu Xuefeng walked over. “What is it? Does it look bad?”
“No, it looks good,” Song Muqing pulled him closer, whispering in his ear, “You look beautiful.”
They spent almost the entire day taking photos.
It was a tiring process, despite seeming effortless.
Fortunately, Xiao He was experienced and skilled at directing them, capturing their emotions.
And Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing were photogenic, making the shoot go smoothly.
After the indoor shoot, they changed clothes and took the studio’s car to the outdoor locations.
The entire team was professional and dedicated. During breaks, they chatted and had snacks to replenish their energy.
The outdoor scenery was beautiful, making the photos even better.
Xiao He didn’t like stiff, posed photos, so she encouraged them to interact naturally, capturing their candid moments, adjusting the composition and lighting, and offering occasional guidance.
At one point, they were standing close together, the lighting and atmosphere perfect, and Xiao He asked them to kiss.
Song Muqing lightly brushed his lips against Lu Xuefeng’s.
A brief, chaste kiss.
Then, after a moment, he kissed him again, a deeper, more lingering kiss.
Lu Xuefeng, caught off guard, blinked, then leaned against Song Muqing, his ears turning slightly pink.
“She said ‘kiss,’ not ‘make out,'” he whispered, slightly embarrassed. There were people watching.
Song Muqing smiled, his arm around him. “I couldn’t resist. I haven’t kissed you all day.”
His words were soft, but those nearby could still hear them.
The female staff members giggled, their faces alight with amusement.
The final location was a picturesque park with a lake and flowers.
They were both wearing simple shirts, their figures standing out against the vibrant backdrop.
During a break, they sat on a bench by the lake.
There was a bouquet of flowers and greenery beside them, casually arranged, a natural and effortless touch.
The sunset was vibrant, the breeze gentle.
Song Muqing asked if Lu Xuefeng was tired.
“Not really,” Lu Xuefeng looked at him. “I’m fine.”
They had been efficient, the shoot progressing quickly.
The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, and they didn’t have to hold stiff poses, so it wasn’t too tiring.
Xiao He brought them some snacks.
“You’ve worked hard. We’ll take a few more shots when the sky turns blue, then we’re done.”
“Thank you,” Lu Xuefeng took the snacks.
“My assistant took some behind-the-scenes photos. I’ll send them to you,” Xiao He said, scrolling through the photos on her phone. “They all look great, even without editing.”
“Thank you.”
She sent them the photos.
There were many photos, so it took a while.
“You two are truly a perfect match. This shoot was so easy and enjoyable. Every shot is perfect,” Xiao He said with a smile. “It was a great experience for me too.”
She loved photography and never felt tired when inspired, her energy levels high. This photoshoot, with such a photogenic and expressive couple, was a rare opportunity.
As the sun set and the sky turned a deep blue, they finished the final set of photos.
They returned to the studio.
Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing changed back into their own clothes.
Xiao He explained the next steps: they would receive all the unedited photos and choose some for retouching, then they could pick up the framed photos and album later.
“Here, these are for you,” Xiao He handed Lu Xuefeng the bouquet. “They look beautiful with you.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Xiao He replied. “Congratulations, gentlemen.”
Lu Xuefeng smiled. “We’re not newlyweds. We’ve been married for a while.”
Xiao He was slightly taken aback; it was her first time encountering a couple who had been married for a while taking wedding photos.
But she smiled. “To me, everyone who takes photos here is newlywed, regardless of how long they’ve been married. May your happiness be ever new.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
They took the bouquet and returned home.
The flowers and greenery were casually arranged, a natural and effortless style.
They put the bouquet in a vase.
Lu Xuefeng lay down on the sofa, finally feeling the exhaustion in his legs.
He had been standing for a long time.
He massaged his legs gently.
“Are your legs tired?” Song Muqing asked.
“A little.”
Song Muqing sat beside him, massaging his legs.
Lu Xuefeng looked at him, his long eyelashes, his straight nose.
He leaned closer. “Professor Song, you look good without your glasses too.”
Song Muqing looked up. “Really?”
He wasn’t used to wearing contact lenses and had taken them out as soon as they returned.
“Yes,” Lu Xuefeng replied.
Song Muqing’s hair was still styled from the photoshoot. He looked incredibly handsome.
Lu Xuefeng, thinking about his different outfits, couldn’t help but ask, “We took three sets of photos today. Do you know which outfit I liked best on you?”
Song Muqing’s hand paused on his ankle, and he met Lu Xuefeng’s gaze.
“Which one?”
“The suit.”
He had looked incredibly alluring and sophisticated, his figure tall and elegant.
“You liked it that much?” Song Muqing asked.
“Yes,” Lu Xuefeng’s voice was low. “I wanted to rip it off you.”
Song Muqing raised an eyebrow slightly.
That was practically a seduction.
He felt a surge of desire, his fingers tracing the curve of Lu Xuefeng’s leg, his touch leaving a trail of warmth.
Lu Xuefeng instinctively pulled his leg back, but Song Muqing held him down and kissed him.
They hadn’t had a proper kiss today.
And now he was teasing him.
Their lips met, and the kiss deepened.
Song Muqing’s gentle touch turned possessive as he tilted Lu Xuefeng’s chin up, his hand igniting a fire within him.
Lu Xuefeng responded, his arms around his neck, feeling the warmth of his lips on his skin.
As Song Muqing’s hand moved higher, lifting his shirt slightly, revealing his waist, a loud growl echoed from his stomach.
The intimate moment was broken.
Silence.
Song Muqing paused, his breath still warm against Lu Xuefeng’s skin, the sudden shift in atmosphere a stark contrast.
Lu Xuefeng, his breathing slightly ragged, his face flushed, blinked.
“…Professor Song, I’m hungry.”
They hadn’t had a proper meal since breakfast, busy with the photoshoot all day.
Song Muqing, still leaning over him, hesitated for a moment, then said, a mixture of amusement and affection in his voice, “What would you like to eat? I’ll make it for you.”
