Chapter 11: Opportunities Are Seized Through Effort-Já que renasci, quem ainda vai fazer histórias em quadrinhos?(Julho não atravessa.)

Around half past eight.

Zheng Fei, who had just been approached by the neighborhood committee yesterday, once again set out carrying his drawing board. This time, the back of the board bore the bold, eye-catching slogan: "Engage with the masses, serve the people."

The folks in the alley naturally knew what he was up to. Old man Sun cleared his throat and deliberately recited a passage about reform and opening up.

"The 15th session of the Fifth National High Officials' Meeting reviewed and approved the establishment of Special Economic Zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, and Xiamen, and passed the 'GD Province Special Economic Zone Regulations'..."

Zheng Fei walked nearly four kilometers before finally arriving at the Bund. Even in the morning, a massive crowd had already gathered here.

There were elder gentlemen practicing martial arts and playing chess, as well as many grandmothers doing Tai Chi, creating a scene no less lively than the square dance crowds of later times.

Due to the harsh employment situation, many middle-aged and elderly people were forced into early retirement. But in this era, with little money in hand, their only option was to come to the park for leisure.

Unlike later generations, when pensions were generous and retirees could be seen everywhere in scenic spots.

After setting up his easel, Zheng Fei began sketching casually, waiting for his first client of the day.

As the city center of Shanghai, the Bund never lacked people. With the influx of tourists, Zheng Fei’s brush never rested.

It was only when the sunset dyed the Huangpu River a deep red that he massaged his waist and prepared to pack up.

He had earned more than yesterday—two yuan and several grain coupons. Not bad luck at all.

Since the drawing board bore such a "righteous and prominent" slogan, fewer people came to cause trouble.

This time, Zheng Fei had also learned his lesson: even after earning money, he dared not spend it frivolously to avoid getting reported to the community.

Just as he was about to close up, two stylishly dressed young women with cameras suddenly appeared before him.

One wore a white blouse and a black pleated skirt that reached past her knees; the other was clad entirely in a shiny polyester fabric, her style quite avant-garde.

Judging by their attire, even if they weren’t overseas Chinese descendants, they might be children of high-ranking officials.

What caught Zheng Fei’s eye was the Seagull-brand cameras they held.

The silver metal front paired with a black body looked very fashionable, along with the hand-stitched leather cases.

Although Seagull cameras were domestically produced, their price was far from affordable. An entry-level Seagull Model 4 twin-lens reflex camera cost over two hundred yuan.

The ones these two carried were likely from the Seagull DF series, costing over four hundred yuan—an amount a regular worker would have to save up for an entire year without eating or drinking.

In his past life, some ambitious women had taught Zheng Fei a valuable lesson: opportunities must be seized, and at critical moments, one must take the initiative without hesitation.

“*Ahem.*”

Seeing the two women taking photos, Zheng Fei took a deep breath and casually approached, offering a suggestion to the one behind the camera:

“When taking photos, try not to place the subject in the center. Are you familiar with the golden spiral composition? Position the person at the tightest end of the golden spiral; this makes for more harmonious photos.”

However, Zheng Fei’s abrupt intervention annoyed the two women, instantly dampening their spirits.

Their expressions turned sour. If not for his clear and youthful looks, Haitang truly would have scolded him, even calling him a “troublemaker.”

They assumed that a stern look would make him leave, but surprisingly, Zheng Fei was thick-skinned and even volunteered to pose as a model, chatting away to himself.

“The light at dusk is the softest, perfect for portraits. Also, the subject doesn’t always have to look directly at the camera.

You can shoot from the side, with the hand gently supporting the cheek, gazing out over the Huangpu River. This way, the photo’s emotion becomes fuller and richer with narrative.”

Zheng Fei spoke with great enthusiasm and seemed very convincing, actually impressing the two women.

The one holding the camera said, “Wenwen, why don’t we give it a try?”

The woman in the white blouse and pleated skirt nodded and posed as Zheng Fei had described.

Peering through the camera’s viewfinder, Haitang saw a truly beautiful scene.

The sunset shimmered on the Huangpu River, a woman resting her cheek on her hand, gazing into the distance. At that moment, the photo transcended mere imagery, as if telling a story from the past.

Haitang excitedly pressed the shutter, looking in surprise at the young man, about her age, standing before her.

“Comrade, are you a photographer?”

Zheng Fei smiled and shook his head, pointing to his drawing board behind him: “I’m a young artist yearning for freedom, yet trapped in confinement.”

Hearing this self-introduction, the two women smiled. They were used to serious people and rarely encountered someone as smooth-talking as him.

Zheng Fei continued:

“Fate has brought us together. Both of you are exceptionally beautiful. May I, this young artist, have the honor of drawing your portraits?”

He had decided to take the plunge. Having resolved to start a conversation, he remembered three principles:

Don’t be shy!

The girl named Haitang curiously asked, “Then, young artist yearning for freedom, how good are you at drawing?”

“With two beautiful ladies as my models, if I can’t make a good portrait, I’ll perform a live pencil-eating act right here on the street. If you don’t believe me, you can first take a look at my previous works.”

Zheng Fei once again showed them a charcoal sketch. Upon seeing it, their first reaction was:

“This lady is so beautiful; her hairstyle is really lovely.”

Haitang asked, “Did you draw this too?”

“Of course.”

“I don’t think so.”

Zheng Fei sighed, “Trust is the most basic thing between people. Do I look like the kind of smooth-talker you think I am?”

Haitang grinned widely.

“Yes, absolutely. You’re not only a smooth-talker but also look like a bad person.”

“Alas, being a smooth-talker without skill is one thing, but someone like me is a man of substance, who wins people over with virtue.”

Seizing the moment, Zheng Fei pressed on:

“Which one of you will be my first subject?”

The woman with the camera pursed her lips thoughtfully: “Forget it, I probably can’t sit still. Wenwen, you go first.”