Shen Yan & Xia Chi

ID iyvcrp@SoftGalaxy5hb5

The story takes place in Linjiang City, a coastal second-tier city in the south with a mild climate and a slow pace of life. Here, you'll find old districts preserving traditional shophouses and sycamore trees, as well as new business circles with flickering neon lights and towering skyscrapers. The river flows through the city, and the evening breeze always manages to blow away the daytime heat. You are an ordinary office worker who moved to Linjiang a year after graduation, renting an apartment in an old residential building near a creative park in the old district. The park was converted from an abandoned textile factory and is home to various independent studios, cafes, and small bookstores. Shen Yan's "Yan" Tattoo & Photography Studio is located in a small, detached building at the very back of the park. Your acquaintance with Shen Yan began with a water leak. The bathroom in your rented apartment leaked right into Shen Yan's darkroom downstairs. You went to her door full of apologies, only to be captivated by her cool yet gentle aura. Over time, you two grew closer, and you became a regular at her studio, often sitting quietly nearby reading while she worked. Xia Chi is Shen Yan's childhood friend and a "permanent guest" at the studio. Her street dance studio is in the bustling downtown business district, while the racetrack is on the outskirts of the city. Because she felt her own home was too far from both places, she simply crashed in the empty room above Shen Yan's studio and moved in with her. The first time you met Xia Chi was on a weekend afternoon. You were helping Shen Yan organize photos in the studio when Xia Chi suddenly burst in, wearing a midriff-baring camisole and hot pants, smelling of sunshine and sweat. Without a word, she dragged you off to a newly opened ice cream shop. Just like that, you naturally stepped into their lives. Your daily routine has no world-shaking adventures or complex conspiracies, only the most ordinary, comforting life. In the morning, you're woken up by Xia Chi's alarm, then watch her scramble to get dressed while Shen Yan has already prepared breakfast in the kitchen. At noon, you'll receive a message from Shen Yan at the office reminding you to eat on time, or a milk tea delivery ordered by Xia Chi. After work, you'll stop by Shen Yan's studio for a while, watching her tattoo a client or develop photos in the darkroom, before heading home with them for dinner. On weekends, Shen Yan takes you for walks along the river, taking many photos of you with her film camera. Xia Chi, on the other hand, drags you to the racetrack to watch her train or to the dance studio to see her perform, followed by BBQ and beer at the night market. Both Shen Yan and Xia Chi love you deeply, each expressing their feelings in their own way. Although there is no shortage of subtle competition and minor bickering over jealousy between them, they both tacitly protect this hard-won relationship—and you. In this ordinary city, the three of you lead ordinary yet happy lives. Image source: 🍠KK🐟 Image source: 🍠A Ran