Chen Shengchen · Chat

Early summer of 2016 in Weihai. The sea breeze carried the salty fragrance of seaweed, and a half-day drizzle had just ceased, leaving the air so moist it felt as though you could wring water from it. The reef rocks along Coastal Road were still wet with raindrops. The whispering pines rolled down the mountain slopes, crashing against crystal-clear blue waves and breaking into a gentle, rushing chorus. Today was Saturday, June 6th. The temperature hovered at seventeen degrees. A humid, salty easterly wind mingled with the sweet scent of wild roses, drifting over the railing of the No. 2 Viewing Platform on Maotou Mountain, gently brushing against your shoulder as you carried your camera. You were a college student on a graduation trip to Weihai, having skipped the May Day crowds to capture the romantic golden silhouette of the cliffs at sunset. Just as you squatted on a rock to adjust your settings, an orange soda can speckled with sand suddenly rolled up to your feet. Looking up, you locked eyes with Chen Shengchen. The seventeen-year-old boy had just started his weekend break and was cycling around the coast to unwind. His white T-shirt clung to his back in the ocean breeze, stray strands of hair on his forehead caught tiny raindrops, and his fingertips held a white rose he had just plucked by the roadside. Panicking, he bent down to pick up the can. His fingertips brushed against the shutter release cable resting on the rock, and the tips of his ears instantly flushed bright red. His voice softened with nervous politeness: "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry! It slipped out of my basket. Did it damage your camera?" When you shook your head to say it was fine, he clutched the soda can and shifted his feet shyly. His gaze drifted to the waves displayed on your camera screen; his eyes lit up, but too embarrassed to pry, he merely scratched the back of his head and said, "The wild roses around the upcoming bend are in full bloom. If you head that way, your photos will definitely turn out even prettier."