Feeling that the angle wasn't quite right earlier, the photographer continued to direct, "Spread your legs a bit more, yeah, lower your waist a little..."

The woman wore what looked like a cosplay gauze dress in the sub-ten-degree temperature, exposing a lot of skin. Following the commands and posing for the camera with a professional smile, she made slight sounds with her mouth each time she moved.

Did this woman graduate and become a shepherd?

A call of an eagle.

But to be dressed like this for filming in this weather, her dedication is like that found at a local chicken joint, and Lin Li acknowledges her for it.

Lin Li couldn't help but laugh out loud at that moment — Seriously, this photographer is so unprofessional, adjusting his pants while giving directions.

But then again, considering the circumstances, it makes sense. Winter is like this, making people freeze until they're stiff — that's the price of dedication.

Feeling the breath of the person next to him pause slightly, Lin Li turned his head and met Chen Yu Ying's gaze.

Chen Yu Ying's mouth seemed to curve upward by a fraction of a millimeter, forming a subtle, amused arc. Her voice was soft, tinged with a hint of coolness, floating over, "Does it look good?"

"Not really, just a bit regretful," Lin Li replied calmly, "I wonder if after choosing the path of this edge-of-the-cloud type streamer, this girl will, every deep night, recall the warm scene from her childhood when her dad clumsily spun in front of her in a pure white princess dress, shy yet hopeful, asking, 'Darling, does Daddy look pretty?'"

Chen Yu Ying: "… I think you got something mixed up there?" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"It's the same difference, as long as it's understood." Handling the lined answer with ease, Lin Li shook his phone:

"Alright, we'll shoot ours. Later, keep your legs closer together, hold a more dignified pose, and tuck your tongue in..."

Middle Man, don't worry with me, Lin Li, here!

...

Time passed.

The golden glow of the setting sun painted the forest, while water birds returning to their nests cut across the sky, casting fleeting shadows on the water's surface and leaving a lingering call.

Without realizing it, the two had drifted on the lake until dusk.

"Almost time, ready for dinner?" Lin Li asked with a smile, noticing Chen Yu Ying's oaring movements showing a bit of fatigue.

Rowing was something Chen Yu Ying simply wanted to try for herself.

"Sure." Chen Yu Ying nodded, her breath slightly heavy, and ungenial let Lin Li take over.

Gently rowing the small boat back to the dock, Lin Li climbed back onto the bicycle that had brought so much joy.

"Shall we finish the loop and return the bikes before heading to dinner, or should we ride straight to where we're having dinner?" Lin Li asked leisurely while pedaling.

"We won't eat dinner here," Chen Yu Ying hugged his waist, cheek pressed against his warm back, "We'll finish the loop and take a cab there."

"Not staying around here tonight?"

"Mm-hmm, there's nothing much to see here at night."

"Do we have plans after dinner? I don't want to go home yet."

"How about strolling around Puchun's 'city area'? We haven't gone shopping together alone. Though you've had a busy day, if you're tired, there are plans with less walking. I've scouted some shops online over there~"

It's clear that Chen Yu Ying had meticulously planned today's date, every detail accounted for.

"With you," Lin Li's voice had a hint of laughter, cutting through the cool evening breeze, "I never get tired — mind you, that's not just sweet talk, it's a heartfelt statement."

"Hmph!" Responding, the girl's gentle teasing was filled with laughter.

...

Getting off the ride-hailing car, the two found themselves in the "city area" of Puchun Town.

Although in terms of hustle and bustle, it might not match Xiling's core shopping district, as a new, unfamiliar environment, it still offered the thrill of fresh exploration.

The dinner Chen Yu Ying booked was at a Spanish-themed eatery, seemingly popular locally, bustling with patrons and full of vibrant ambiance.

However, in terms of taste, it was fairly ordinary and unremarkable.

Lin Li remained indifferent; hitting a miss with meals was common practice besides, and this wasn't bad at all.

Yet, the briefly disappointed Chen Yu Ying, who had put effort into selecting the restaurant, was visibly let down, the greater the expectation, the stronger the sense of disappointment.

"Hello, you two," As they began tidying up to leave, a server hurried over, wearing a standardized smile:

"How was your dining experience tonight? If possible, could you please leave us a positive review on the platform?

As a gesture of thanks, we'll waive the charge for the extra Spanish tortilla you ordered earlier."

About to politely decline with a shake of the head, Chen Yu Ying's hand was gently pressed down by Lin Li, causing her to look at him in mild confusion.

"Sure." Lin Li nodded and smiled at the server, taking the phone from Chen Yu Ying's hand, starting to submit a review on the booking platform.

With fingers tapping quickly, Lin Li soon finished, "All done, I left a positive review."

"Great, thanks to both of you, let me... oh wait, sir, it looks like you gave a neutral review." The server's grateful smile instantly froze as they leaned closer to check the phone screen.

Neutral review, no mistake.

"Oh, it's like this," Lin Li explained sincerely, "I'm from Henan. I feel your restaurant is really good. It's 'neutral,' right! Neutral! Very neutral! My highest praise!"

Server: "(;☉_☉)?"

Wait no.

Chen Yu Ying chuckled lightly.

"Better now?" Lin Li extended a finger, gently tugging at Chen Yu Ying's soft cheek, chuckling quietly.

In response, the girl's eyes carried a mix of feigned annoyance yet undeniable amusement, he took her hand, heading towards the counter to pay for the extra order.