Chapter 3 — Fake Heavenly Metal Meets True Love

4 The first date was held at the coastal market. The program gave each group two hundred yuan to buy ingredients to prepare dinner. Tham Tri Vi and Co Van walked ahead. On the way, she kept chatting with the sellers, and even bought all the last bouquets of flowers from an old lady. As the camera focused on her, she distributed flowers to each female guest.

“A girl receiving flowers doesn't have to wait for a man to give them to her.”

The director followed and nodded with satisfaction. I carried the flowers and walked forward. Chu Tu Bach helped me carry the food basket.

“You don't like it?”

“I like it, the flowers are very beautiful.”

“So why were you frowning just now?”

I didn't expect you to see it. When Tham Tri Vi paid, the old lady's movements were so slow that she dropped a few coins to the ground. She was busy talking to the camera and didn't notice the old lady bending over to pick up coins. I went to help so it was a few minutes late. Chu Tu Bach followed my gaze and turned his head.

“You're watching her.”

“It's just a professional habit.”

As a photographer, I am used to observing the differences in each person in front and behind the lens. Some people will immediately straighten their backs when they see the camera, while others will unconsciously hide in the corner. The bride's father is usually the one who laughs the loudest on stage, but when he turns around, he's the first to blush. Tham Tri Vi also has its own rules. When the camera turns on, she will actively pay attention to the least prominent person on the scene. When the camera moves away, her attention immediately turns to those who can help her get on camera. Chu Tu Bach turned his face to the side.

“So what do you see in me?”

"When entering the door, he said he had helped someone else push the cart. There was dust on his pants and his palms were also red, proving that it was true."

“What else?”

“The owners of the stalls in the market will unconsciously stand up when they see you.”

His steps stopped slightly. I continue:

"You say you run a homestay business, but when it comes to choosing fruits, you're even more proficient than the shop owner. You probably come here often."

Chu Tu Bach did not fabricate his career, just omitted a lot of content. He smiled softly.

“Is there much difference between Ms. Hua in front of the camera and behind the camera?”

I seriously thought about it.

“Be more nervous in front of the camera, talk a little less.”

“What about behind the camera?”

“Still quiet.”

He smiled, shifting the food basket to his other hand.

“Pretty honest.”

During dinner, other groups prepared sophisticated Western dishes. Co Van pan-fried steak, Trinh Du made spaghetti, and Luc Thua An and Lam Vi's group bought the freshest seafood. Chu Tu Bach and I brought out a pot of tomato and egg noodles. Tham Tri Vi looked over and smiled gently.

“Quite a breath of life.”

Trinh Du leaned back in his chair and teased:

"Hua Chi, don't be so easy to please. Men will feel that pursuing you doesn't require much effort."

Before I could speak, Chu Tu Bach placed the fried egg in my bowl.

“No, chasing her takes a lot of effort.”

Trinh Du asked curiously:

“Why?”

“She is a picky eater.”

I looked at him in confusion. Chu Tu Bach reminded in a low voice:

“When buying vegetables, she avoids coriander, green onions and onions. Tomatoes also choose the ripest ones.”

I took a sip of the broth, and sure enough, there wasn't any of it. Trinh Du clicked his tongue.

“It's only been half a day and you're already in trouble So close.”

Chu Tu Bach changed the cup of ice water next to me into warm water.

“For someone I want to get to know, of course I will look more than a few times.”

The dining table was silent for a moment. Tham Tri Vi quickly continued:

"Tu Bach looked gentle, but he didn't expect his expression to be so straightforward."

She brought the topic back to her, asking Co Van why the steak was only nine or seven parts. I bowed my head to eat noodles, my ears felt a little hot, and I felt a little frustrated. This is not part of my plan. I just want to film for twenty-eight days in peace, take three hundred thousand yuan and then leave. Chu Tu Bach is a good "partner", but should not become an "incident" that distracts me. I secretly glanced at him from the corner of my eye. He still calmly talked to Trinh Du as if nothing happened. Damn it. This job is not as easy as I thought. After dinner, the program announced the heartwarming message of the first night. Tham Tri Vi received three messages. A teasing sound immediately rang out in the living room. She placed the phone face down on the table, smiling freely.

“It doesn't matter how many messages you receive. Vibration is not synonymous with possession.”

When it was my turn, a line appeared on the screen:

“Some people look into the lens, there are also people who see places where the lens doesn't reach.”

Trinh Du immediately looked at Chu Tu Bach.

“Do you still need to guess?”

Chu Tu Bach leaned on the sofa, his expression calm.

“The program requires anonymity.”

“I just need to write my name on the back.”

“Next time I will pay attention.”

Everyone burst into laughter. When I raised my head, I accidentally met Chu Tu Bach's eyes. He did not avoid it, nor did he hide the smile in his eyes. The next morning, when I went downstairs, Chu Tu Bach was sitting next to the window adjusting the camera. I took the coffee and walked over.

“Teacher Hua will help me evaluate?”

On the memory card, besides photos of seascapes and architecture, all the remaining photos were taken of me. I helped the old lady pick up coins, sat on the steps to tie my shoelaces, secretly ate freshly baked cookies, squinted my eyes as my hair was blown by the sea breeze.