My Youth:Chapter 3

 　　It was a girl with long, loose hair draped over her shoulders, bright, expressive eyes, and navy blue canvas shoes. A serene smile graced her face. Indeed, she was a rather likable girl, but she couldn't soothe my clouded mood; I couldn't feel happy.

　　I turned my head, gazing at the new leaves among the trees, speechless.
　　"Excuse me, classmate. Can we be friends?" The girl in green had stopped her car sometime earlier and asked me with a smile.
　　"Of course," I replied casually.
　　"You seem to be in a bad mood?"
　　I didn't answer her; I knew there wasn't a trace of a smile on my face.
　　"Shall we go for a walk? By the way, my name is Xia Meng, what's yours?"
　　"Lin Lu. Let's go, where to?" I asked her.
　　Xia Meng smiled, revealing a set of neat, white teeth. "How about a trip to the countryside?"
　　"Okay."
　　This was the beginning of my acquaintance with Xia Meng—unpretentious, simply a chance encounter by fate.
　　This is a hidden green forest deep within the city. I admit, it's beautiful, far surpassing the glamour of shops; it possesses a tranquil beauty.
　　I took out my phone and opened the viewfinder, a habitual action for someone who loves photography, despite being busy with studies.
　　"Oh, you like photography too?" she asked, somewhat surprised.
　　"Yeah, I quite like it," I replied casually.
　　"I never expected to meet someone my age who loves photography. I had some friends who shared this hobby, but they gave it up because of pressure. You must be as passionate about photography as I am." "
　　Yes, I love using the camera to showcase this vast world from a unique perspective, to let people believe that even a dandelion in the wild can bloom in the wind, that even a cactus has a fragile side, and that even an inconspicuous little corner is worth discovering its beauty. This is my original intention for loving photography. Even if someone tries to stop me, I will persevere, stay true to myself, and never forget my original aspiration. I hope that the photos I take are not only gorgeous, but also emotional, without any falsehood or pretense." I spoke at length, believing in myself and not needing to hide it from others, so why care about their disdain or ridicule?
　　"Yes, that's good. You truly understand me." She was silent for a moment, then smiled at me and said, "It's just that many people have lost their true selves in the passage of time, but I hope we don't betray that initial commitment. No matter what happens, our true selves remain." Her face was as beautiful and fragrant as peach blossoms in March, surpassing the warm spring sun, surpassing the gloom in my heart, like a gentle spring breeze, refreshing my soul.
　　"I will," I replied with a sincere smile.
　　"Me too," Xia Meng smiled as well.
　　With that, I raised my sky-blue phone, quietly treasuring this moment. Birds in the trees sang unknown songs, and the ripples on the lake gently rippled. At this moment, everything seemed less gloomy, because a ray of sunlight was gently streaming warm light through the window...
　　The story continues...