During homeroom, the class advisor called Yan Cheng and Wang Muman to the dean's office, and they left. On the way, they were silent at first, until Yan Cheng broke the ice.
"Maman, you won't be nervous during the photo shoot, will you?"
"Of course not. I already have so many photos with you anyway, so one more won't matter." Wang Muman thought of the previous semester, the sports meet and the performance, and how many group photos she had with him.
It was he who was nervous about saying that. All the previous photos were accidental and group shots. This time, it was just the two of them, and he didn't know how to pose.
Soon, they arrived at the dean's office. There weren't many teachers, but they were all busy with their work.
A female teacher saw them. "You're here. Come, come, sit down for a moment. The teacher who's supposed to take your photos has gone to the restroom."
The two hurriedly greeted the teacher and obediently sat on the chairs, placing their hands on their laps, a surprising synchronicity.
"Classmate Wang Muman, you're not nervous here too, are you?" the female teacher teased, as if she had also seen the performance.
The other teachers' gazes then focused on Yan Cheng. Wang Muman felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles, her bottom feeling prickly.
The dean arrived. "Yan Cheng, it's you again. You've brought a little sister this time." The dean said with a half-smile.
Yan Cheng responded with a "Huh?" "Dean, what little sister? She's a classmate. Aren't you going to put us on the announcement board?"
It was clear they were quite familiar with each other. Wang Muman then called out, "Hello, Dean!" The dean smiled and nodded at her.
"Yan Cheng, you did very well on this exam. You've made it to the top." The dean said while tidying up his tools.
Yan Cheng smiled at him without saying anything.
"Let's go. We need to go downstairs to find a location," the dean said, shouldering a bag.
Seeing the setup, Wang Muman thought they were going to shoot some kind of film. She quietly asked Yan Cheng, "Are we just taking one photo?"
Yan Cheng looked helplessly at the dean's large bag. "He's being grand, you know."
Wang Muman seemed to understand and nodded. When they got downstairs, the sun was a bit harsh, making it difficult to open their eyes. Wang Muman shielded her eyes with her hand, thinking it would only be for a moment and she wouldn't get tanned.
"This spot will do. It has flowers, grass, and trees. What do you think?" The dean chose a spot under a tree and asked for their opinions.
Both of them nodded. In reality, it didn't matter where they stood; it was the dean who was being overly dramatic.
The dean unhurriedly set up the tripod. "Stand properly. Try to smile, okay? Don't look so serious, especially you."
Yan Cheng nodded and moved a little closer to Wang Muman. As if out of habit, Wang Muman almost reached for his sleeve again. She cursed inwardly and placed her hands behind her back, revealing a smile.
Yan Cheng felt Wang Muman's hand brush against his sleeve, but she didn't hold on. He looked at the camera and flashed what the dean considered a silly smile.
"Say cheese!" The shutter clicked.
Wang Muman thought they were done and started to move, but Yan Cheng stopped her.
"Classmate, we still need to take individual photos. Don't rush!" the dean beckoned.
Wang Muman felt a bit awkward and took a few steps back. "Oh, okay. Got it."
They each had an individual photo taken. Just as Yan Cheng thought it was over, the dean called them back.
"Don't you want to see the finished product? Do you want any retouching?"
"No need!" Yan Cheng glanced back and then called Wang Muman to head back to the classroom.