I met my whole family through Baidu Tieba.

Long Yuewen doesn't care what his online name is.

She was just thinking about what Shen Kang had said.

Shen Kang explained the benefits and methods, and it all sounded very feasible, which made her very interested. Of course, to do this, she would need to post online frequently.

Although Long Yuewen didn't have a computer, she had already come up with a solution—using the school's electronic reading room.

The so-called electronic reading room is actually the official internet cafe of Qianmin University Library. Like the internet cafe at Yangon University of Science and Technology, it's very cheap.

She doesn't usually go online. If she only goes online to read posts when she's doing this, then she can easily afford the cost of going online.

In the end, only one question remained.

"My phone doesn't have a camera."

The dragon and moon pattern is somewhat helpless.

Then, as she spoke, she thought, "My friend does have a phone that can take pictures, but it's not good to always borrow other people's. I could borrow it for a while at first though..."

"Don't use your phone."

Shen Kang interrupted her, picked up his camera bag, and showed it to her, saying, "The phone camera's resolution is too low; use a camera directly."

"Although my friend ran away, his girlfriend is still at school. This camera was borrowed from her. We can take more pictures today. Put them on a USB drive first, and we'll send them out slowly later. When we've finished sending them out, I can help you contact this friend and ask him to borrow the camera again."

"That way it won't be like you're always borrowing; it's fine to borrow occasionally. If you feel you're bothering or troubling them, you can bring them some fruit and snacks when you return the camera..."

Long Yuewen looked at Shen Kang.

She finally understood that Shen Kang had thought of everything, and all she needed to do was follow his instructions.

She actually quite liked that feeling.

She usually appears to be a very opinionated and independent person. But her most comfortable state is actually having someone by her side, where she doesn't have to think about anything, the other person has thought of everything, and she just needs to follow what the other person says.

Shen Kang is giving her that feeling now.

Don't let his usual... "funny" demeanor fool you; he's actually quite reliable when it matters. Long Yuewen thought to herself.

After Shen Kang finished speaking, she smiled and said, "You've thought it all out, so it seems I have no choice but to do it."

Then he glanced at the camera bag in Shen Kang's hand, "Shall we go take pictures now?"

Shen Kang said, "Speed ​​is of the essence in war."

Long Yuewen thought for a moment and then nodded, "Alright then."

Long Yuewen was still a little shy about posting her photos online. But the thought of making money that way made her less resistant.

As he spoke, he took a step, intending to follow Shen Kang to find a place to take pictures.

Shen Kang stopped her, saying, "Wait a minute. If you go to take the photos dressed like this, no one will be able to tell that you're Miao."

Long Yuewen was dressed like a normal college student, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and didn't even wear a silver necklace. Unless someone said so, no one could tell she was Miao.

"Do you have any friends or classmates who can lend you Miao ethnic clothing? If they have headdresses or necklaces, that would be even better," Shen Kang said.

Long Yuewen began to ponder.

Shen Kang then remained silent, letting her think about it.

It would be best if Long Yuewen could borrow it herself, so that even after she leaves Qianmin University, Long Yuewen can still take photos like that.

But if he can't borrow one from Long Yuewen, that's okay too. He can get one himself. That way, he can establish a fixed rental channel for Long Yuewen and the other side, even if it's a bit roundabout.

After waiting for a short while, Long Yuewen hesitated before speaking: "We should be able to borrow it."

As he spoke, he took out his phone, hesitated for a moment, and then sent a text message instead of making a call.

The other party replied to the text message very quickly.

Long Yuewen also looked up: "Wait here for a moment, I'll go find a servant." After saying that, she went back into the dormitory building.

Shen Kang stood at the dormitory entrance and waited.

After waiting for about ten minutes, Long Yuewen came out of the dormitory building again.

This time, however, Long Yuewen had another person with her, none other than Ma Xiaofeng, whom they had encountered while eating in the cafeteria.

Ma Xiaofeng and Long Yuewen were each carrying a large bag.

"We've borrowed the items," Long Yuewen said as she walked up.

Ma Xiaofeng followed.

Shen Kang said, "Let me take a look first." He then reached out and opened both bags to look inside. He found that the contents were quite complete. One bag contained Miao ethnic costumes, and the other bag contained various accessories, among which a large silver headdress was the most eye-catching.

"Is this crown made of pure silver?" Shen Kang asked casually.

Ma Xiaofeng shook her head, "No, it's Tibetan silver. I brought it here because of a minority culture exhibition at the school. It would have been too expensive to bring it, and the school would have had to report it, which would have been a bit of a hassle, so I brought this set instead."

Shen Kang then understood why she brought these things to school.

Judging from this, Ma Xiaofeng's family still has a large headdress made of pure silver, and presumably also the more elaborate Miao ethnic costumes with embroidery, so their family is indeed quite well-off.

With the necessary items in hand, everything is ready.

Only one question remains.

"Where should we take pictures?" Long Yuewen asked.

Shen Kang thought to himself, "Big sister, are you a girl and I'm a girl? Are you a student at Qianmin University and I'm a student at Qianmin University? Shouldn't you know better than me what good spots there are for taking photos at Qianmin University?"

However, upon seeing Long Yuewen's appearance again, and considering her work-study lifestyle and the fact that her phone lacked a camera, I decided not to ask that question.

I reckon Long Yuewen doesn't get as many photo opportunities as he does as any other guy.

At least he took some photos such as "President Shen is starting a business" and "President Shen attends an academic conference." As for Long Yuewen, he probably doesn't take photos normally.

Then Shen Kang glanced at Ma Xiaofeng again.

Ma Xiaofeng was quite clever and said directly, "Don't look at me, I don't know where is a good place to take pictures either."

.

Shen Kang stopped asking them and took out his phone to call Su Yali. "Hey, Yali, do you have any good filming locations at Qianmin University?... Um, I'm at Qianmin University right now... Yes, filming now..."

After making the call, Shen Kang said, "Jianhu Lake, the library, the stadium, and Minzu Avenue—four places. Please arrange the routes."

After saying that, he added, "By the way, the first stop is somewhere with a toilet, so it's convenient to change clothes."

With their destination in mind, the three set off.

Our first stop was the library.

As soon as Shen Kang arrived at the library, he saw the spot that Su Yali had mentioned as "suitable for taking photos at night"—the square in front of the library.

The exterior wall lights and the warm light emanating from inside create natural fill light, along with the ground lights. You can use the steps in front of the library for composition, using the building's outline as a backdrop, and then utilize these lights; it's indeed quite suitable for taking photos.

After arriving here, Long Yuewen went to the restroom in the library to change her clothes, and Ma Xiaofeng went over to help her.

Shen Kang, on the other hand, wandered around my steps area first, looking for suitable spots and angles for taking photos.

After wandering around for a while, Ma Xiaofeng came out first.

She went straight to Shen Kang's side, her eyesight was good.

"Never seen a handsome guy before?" Shen Kang said casually, continuing to frown as he looked at the steps in front of him. He even gestured with his hand to estimate Long Yuewen's figure, pondering which step would be best for her to stand on.

Ma Xiaofeng smiled and said, "I've seen handsome guys before, but I've never seen one like you."

After speaking, she paused, then added, "This is the first time in all these years that Yuewen has asked me to borrow something."

Ma Xiaofeng's tone was somewhat wistful.

Then she said, "It's still because of a boy, a Han Chinese boy. So I'm fine."

Upon hearing this, Shen Kang temporarily lowered his hand that was gesturing towards the steps and looked at Ma Xiaofeng with great interest—it seemed there was another juicy story to tell.

"You two don't get along?" Shen Kang threw out a topic to start digging for gossip.

Ma Xiaofeng shook her head, "It's not that it's bad. Actually, we grew up together. I still remember when we played 'tug-of-war', she could never beat me."

"Later, my dad went to the city, and I went with him. I only go back once a year during holidays..."

Listening to Ma Xiaofeng's explanation, Shen Kang finally understood the relationship between Long Yuewen, Long Xingchen, and Ma Xiaofeng.

Long Yuewen and Long Xingchen share the same surname, but they are not from the same family.

From Ma Xiaofeng's few words, Shen Kang also gleaned that the two Long families' ancestors had once been wealthy, serving as chieftains and headmen.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, although the country adopted a relatively lenient land policy towards the Miao people based on practical considerations and provided many preferential treatments, the fundamental principle of land redistribution remained unwavering.

Shen Kang guessed that the two Long families had also lost a lot of land and become ordinary families, but they were still relatively well-off in the village.

Ma Xiaofeng's family is the exact opposite.

From Ma Xiaofeng's few words, Shen Kang could tell that her family was just an ordinary Miao family from the lower class, without the glorious ancestors and heritage of the two Long families.

It is probably true that poverty breeds change. Since they couldn't make a living in the village, the Ma family simply left the village to venture out on their own, and ended up making a name for themselves.

As a result, the situations of the families have now reversed.

The relationship between Ma Xiaofeng and the two Long families has also changed.

According to Ma Xiaofeng, she, Long Yuewen, and Long Xingchen were quite close when they were young; the three of them were the best friends in the village. But perhaps because they spent less time together later on, her relationship with Long Xingchen and Long Yuewen became just so-so.

Even after entering university and having many more opportunities to interact, this ordinary relationship did not become closer.

"...Normally, even if I approach her, we don't talk much. She would never ask to borrow anything. But today, because of you, she came to ask to borrow something, which is why I'm being so nice to you."

After Ma Xiaofeng finished speaking, she added, "Actually, I still consider them good friends, just like before."

Shen Kang listened and understood.

Ma Xiaofeng probably meant that she wanted her to be a mouthpiece, which is why she deliberately came over to talk to her and said so much.

Shen Kang thought for a moment, then, without beating around the bush with Ma Xiaofeng, said directly, "I understand what you mean, but I reckon that even if I pass on the message, it won't change anything."

Ma Xiaofeng was taken aback when Shen Kang brought it up so directly.

But now that she'd brought it up, she didn't beat around the bush. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Actually, we didn't fight or argue. How did things turn out like this? I even did a lot of things for them, but it seems like they just don't want to be friends with me anymore."

He sounded very disappointed.

Shen Kang offered a suggestion: "Perhaps you can put yourself in Long Yuewen's shoes. From what you've said, back in the village, their two families lived relatively well and had relatively high social status, while your family's life was relatively poor and your status relatively low. But later it was the other way around. I reckon your family was always very prestigious when you returned to the village for the New Year, right?"

Ma Xiaofeng nodded. "Yes. When I went home for the Chinese New Year this month, my dad gave money to several families in need."

Is it Chinese New Year this month?

Shen Kang was taken aback for a moment, but then he realized that they were Miao people and celebrated the Miao New Year. In some places, the Miao New Year is celebrated in the tenth month of the lunar calendar, which is this month.

"This is it."

Shen Kang continued, "When you were little, your family hadn't yet become wealthy. The family's situation and status would, to some extent, be reflected in the children. Back then, when the three of you played together and had a good time, those two were probably the ones who dominated, right?"

Ma Xiaofeng thought about it carefully and nodded.

Seeing this, Shen Kang said, "Remember, you are now Long Yuewen. Back then, you were the one in control between you and that little girl. But things turned out differently. That little girl's family became rich, and every year when she came back to the village, she was all ostentatious and would help the villagers. Your parents and elders might have even subtly hinted to you that you should get closer to that little follower. You even felt that they were subtly suggesting that you should try to please her."

"You're already resentful, after all, the other person was just your follower back then, but now it's the other way around, and you have to fawn over them. This has stirred up your rebellious and proud nature, leading you to keep your distance. Even if the other person takes the initiative to be friendly to you, you see it as a form of showing off. That's the crux of the problem."

Ma Xiaofeng listened silently, somewhat skeptical: "Really? Would Yuewen and Xingchen think that much?"

Shen Kang said, "They may not have thought about it intentionally, but that's the beauty of human psychology—even if they don't actively think about it, this kind of thinking will quietly arise, and they may not even be aware of it themselves, which will then affect their behavior."

"Just like you."

"I believe that, subjectively, you genuinely want to be good friends with them again. But objectively speaking, you may also have developed a bit of a boastful mindset—look, I used to follow you two around like a puppy. Now the tables have turned, and it's your turn to follow me around—you just don't realize it yourself."

"The world is ultimately material, and consciousness is a reaction to matter."

"However, I still believe that you mostly want to remain good friends with them. Even if you have some other little thoughts, they are due to objective laws and are harmless and understandable."

After hearing Shen Kang's words, Ma Xiaofeng remained silent, seemingly searching for her true thoughts, wondering if they were really as Shen Kang described.

Shen Kang was unaware of the results of this search.

All he knew was that after a moment of silent contemplation, Ma Xiaofeng looked up at him, stared at him for a while, and then spoke: "I think I understand why Yuewen treats you a little differently now. You are indeed quite different from many other boys."

Then he asked, "So, according to what you've said, what should I do if I want to remain friends with them?"

"Let nature take its course."

Shen Kang first uttered four words, then explained: "It's fine as it is now. She's decided to try becoming a KL, and she'll be taking photos frequently. To take photos, she'll need to borrow clothes from you, which will create many more opportunities for interaction. In this process, you can try your best to help her succeed, the kind of genuine help."

"In this world, apart from those with brain damage, no one is a fool. Your sincerity will be sensed by the other person, and as you spend more time together, things will gradually change naturally. Especially when she truly succeeds, her mindset will also change."

"I believe that in that state of mind, she was more likely to accept you as a friend."

Ma Xiaofeng seemed to understand, and after a moment, said, "I understand, Teacher Shen."

"...How did I become a teacher?" Shen Kang asked, puzzled. "You're not Han Chinese, so why are you calling me that?"

The Han Chinese in Chien Lin Province and the two neighboring provinces like to address people as "teacher".

Ma Xiaofeng chuckled, "I couldn't help it. I just felt it was appropriate to call you teacher." As she spoke, she took out her phone, "Teacher Shen, let's exchange contact information."

"OK."

Shen Kang then took out his phone and exchanged phone numbers with Ma Xiaofeng.

Just then, someone came over, wearing a large silver crown and a blue-black Miao ethnic costume with many embroidered patterns. There were also some silver accessories on her body and wrists, exuding a strong ethnic style. It was Long Yuewen, who had changed into her full costume.

The dragon and moon pattern was already beautiful, and with such a grand appearance, it was truly eye-catching.

Several students who were coming and going near the library entrance couldn't help but turn their gazes toward this spot, their eyes filled with amazement.

Perhaps because it was the first time she had worn Miao clothing at school, or perhaps because someone was watching, Long Yuewen crossed her right hand across her chest and hugged her left arm, looking somewhat reserved and embarrassed as she walked up to the two people.

"So beautiful!" Ma Xiaofeng exclaimed, staring at the dragon moon pattern. "I've worn it myself, but it never looks as good on me as it does on you."

She had actually seen Long Yuewen in Miao ethnic costumes before, for example, during the Spring Festival every year, she could be seen in the village dressed in her finest attire.

However, the family heirloom of Long Yuewen's formal attire had long been sold off. Now, Long Yuewen wears the cheapest clothes every year, with inferior embroidery, patterns, and materials. Her headdress and accessories are even cheaper, not even as good as Ma Xiaofeng's outfit used for school events. Wearing such an outfit actually detracts from Long Yuewen's appearance; she doesn't look as good as in her everyday clothes.

Now that I've changed into this formal attire, I've finally achieved a synergy greater than the sum of its parts.

After changing, Shen Kang took out his camera from his camera bag and directed Long Yuewen to take pictures.

"Yes, stand on that step and look at me, yes... lean your body slightly to the right... smile..."

Long Yuewen, with her tattoo on the steps, followed Shen Kang's instructions and constantly adjusted her body.

At first, she was only there to make money. But what girl doesn't like taking pictures? As she took more and more photos, she gradually started to enjoy it, and would occasionally come over to look at the pictures, happy to see herself looking beautiful in them.

As he continued filming, Shen Kang gradually stopped.

He held a digital camera, looked down at it, and remained silent in thought, as if he had encountered some problem.

"What happened?" Ma Xiaofeng, who had been standing by and watching for a while, immediately asked.

Long Yuewen on the other end asked, "Where did I do something wrong?"

Shen Kang shook his head, "No, it just feels like something's missing..."

Is it missing something?

Neither Ma Xiaofeng nor Long Yuewen understood what this meant.

Ma Xiaofeng even offered a suggestion: "Is it because the location is wrong? We've already filmed some scenes here, so why don't we change locations and film somewhere else?"

Shen Kang shook his head again, "It's not a problem with the location."

Next, Long Yuewen and Ma Xiaofeng tried to offer some suggestions in the hope of helping Shen Kang to clear his mind, but to no avail.

In the end, Shen Kang figured it out on his own.

"Yes!"

Shen Kang suddenly looked up from the viewfinder of his digital camera, stared intently at the suit on the Longyue tattoo for a while, and asked, "Ma Xiaofeng, can you alter this outfit right away? I want it altered to be the kind that shows off my shoulders."

"No!"

Before Ma Xiaofeng could speak, Long Yuewen spoke first, her voice resolute.

Shen Kang looked at her, "Why not?"

Long Yuewen's mouth moved, but no sound came out. After a few words, she simply said, "Anyway, it just won't work."

Shen Kang then asked, "You must have taken swimming lessons, right?"

Long Yuewen nodded.

Shen Kang said, "You show even more skin during swimming lessons."

But Long Yuewen still disagreed, "Anyway, when wearing this outfit, you can't show your shoulders."

It was Ma Xiaofeng, a Miao woman, who knew the inside story, who quietly explained to Shen Kang: "We usually only wear this full set on grand occasions, where the emphasis is on 'covering up' rather than 'revealing'. One of my teachers even analyzed that it is based on this concept that Miao costumes are designed this way."

After a pause, she whispered, "If you want me to wear it and show my shoulders, I can accept it, but let's forget about the moon pattern. From what I know of her, she's quite traditional in her Miao culture. She definitely won't accept it if you ask her to wear this outfit with her shoulders exposed."

Shen Kang seemed to be deep in thought.

At this moment, Long Yuewen spoke again: "Shen Kang, why do you have to show your shoulders? I think you look great as you are. Showing your shoulders looks strange, not as good as you look now."

Shen Kang thought to himself, "Are you trying to convince me in return?" Then he said, "The reason you insist on showing your shoulders is because of the purpose of taking these photos. Don't forget, the purpose of these photos is to post them on the Beiming Community to attract attention to you. Showing your shoulders makes you look prettier, and people will like it more."

Long Yuewen was still trying to persuade Shen Kang to give up the idea, saying, "It's not necessarily true. Maybe you just think it looks better that way, but everyone else probably prefers this authentic Miao ethnic clothing."

Upon hearing this, Shen Kang casually replied, "Nonsense, I'm an old pervert myself, how could I not know what those young perverts like to watch?"

"..."

Long Yuewen was speechless for a moment.

But in reality, Shen Kang didn't tell the whole truth either.

His judgment that exposing the shoulders was better was largely based on later, real-world data:

In later generations, this Miao ethnic costume with its large headdress became a fashion item for female internet celebrities. If you haven't taken photos in this Miao holy maiden style, you're not qualified to call yourself a female internet celebrity.

In the photos of female internet celebrities in the Miao ethnic minority style, the off-shoulder Miao ethnic minority clothing is a hot-selling item in the Miao ethnic minority clothing set, and it gets a lot of attention.

In addition, some slightly modified Miao costumes also sell very well.

On the contrary, traditional Miao ethnic costumes generally didn't attract much attention.

Simply put, Miao costumes modified to suit modern aesthetics have a much higher commercial value.

Many viewers in later generations enjoy watching short videos featuring beautiful Miao women, and what they mostly like to see are commercially modified versions of Miao clothing.

Many truly traditional Miao costumes fail to appeal to a wide audience.

Just now, as Shen Kang was patting, he sensed something was wrong, and subconsciously, he thought of this matter.