A Fleeting Flirtation

● 1v1, happy ending ● Pure-hearted, loyal village secretary vs. seemingly awful but truly devoted, beautiful and tragic photographer Blurb: 1. Xie Anqing first met Chen Li at a railroad crossing outside the village. One turned sideways to slip on a high heel, so white she seemed to glow; the other stood barefoot on the field ridge, covered in mud. They couldn't have been more different. And yet, through one intentional or accidental encounter after another, Xie Anqing fell in love with Chen Li. Just when she had cut off every escape route for herself, Chen Li left her with, “It was fresh, it was interesting, or maybe just a passing sexual impulse,” and walked away. Then, half a month later, Chen Li found the injured Xie Anqing in a desolate suburb, took her home, gave her medicine, and held her as she slept. Her studio was filled with Xie Anqing's photographs. 2. Xie Anqing thought that meant they still had a chance. Taking advantage of her feverish, vulnerable state, she threw away all her dignity and stubbornly pleaded, “Chen Li, how about I get down on my knees for you?” Chen Li replied casually, “Are you rich, powerful, or famous? What makes you think you're good enough for me? Tell me. If you can, I'll reconsider.” Xie Anqing had no answer. Chen Li kept pressing her. With nowhere left to retreat, Xie Anqing said, “Chen Li, next time, even if I die on the road, don't come looking for me. Don't come. Please, I'm begging you.” Not long after, Xie Anqing really did die. Chen Li saw it with her own eyes. 3. Two years later, they meet again at a hotel on an island. Chen Li grabs Xie Anqing by the wrist, eyes bloodshot with rage. “You were dead?!” Xie Anqing says, “I was lying.” Chen Li: “Why?!” Xie Anqing borrows a line Chen Li once used: “Revenge, forgetting, or starting over with someone new.” Theme: Don't fear the past.