Finally, Guan Xin picked up her camera, gesturing to the crowd before her. "Listen," she instructed, "I'm going to count to three, and then I want you all to join me. Smile, then hold for three seconds, okay? Ready, one, two, three. Perfect!"
With the click of the shutter, a photograph was captured, everyone's wide smiles frozen in time. At the very center of the frame, Gu Zi, dressed impeccably, held Li Hua's hand, her radiant, warm smile the focal point of the image.
Before leaving, Guan Xin pulled Gu Zi aside for a private conversation. "You know," she said, "some of the things you've said have really broadened my thinking. If fate allows, I hope we meet again."
Guan Xin had always considered herself open-minded and progressive, but after meeting Gu Zi, she realized she still had a long way to go. She eagerly anticipated their next encounter.