Chapter 43: Exclusive to Jinjiang 1/2

After the call, Song Fuzhi’s expression became a bit serious.

Luo Luli looked at his expression and teased, “Could it be that your husband is checking up on you?”

Song Fuzhi coughed, “I didn’t hear the ringtone. He’s a bit worried.”

Luo Luli asked, “How many times did Professor call?”

Song Fuzhi raised one hand and said, “Five times.”

Luo Luli was surprised. “Professor cares a lot about you.”

After that, Song Fuzhi kept the phone volume at its maximum, but Shi Zhang didn’t call again.

The professor should be sitting in a van now, traveling through the mountainous areas in the southwest.

Song Fuzhi looked at the joyful atmosphere of the comic exhibition in front of him and suddenly felt that the professor seemed a bit pitiful.

However, the joyful atmosphere quickly overwhelmed Song Fuzhi again. They had just walked around casually and hadn’t seriously explored every street.

Song Fuzhi truly admired all the comic exhibition stall owners; they were so good at creating a lively atmosphere.

The banners in front of each booth were amusing, with sarcastic comments written on red couplets using a brush. The ways to get freebies were also diverse and creative.

One free keychain was particularly cute, and next to it was the condition for obtaining it: express a line spoken by an anime character with emotion.

The anime was quite old-fashioned, and although Song Fuzhi had watched a lot of new series, the classics from his childhood held a special place in his heart.

The line was very cheesy, and Song Fuzhi hesitated for a long time, clenching his jaw, but still couldn’t utter a word.

But the keychain was just too attractive; he really wanted it.

Song Fuzhi asked, “Can I buy this separately?”

The stall owner grinned. “It’s not for sale separately; you can only shout the line.”

On the side, Luo Luli watched Song Fuzhi’s dilemma and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“He’s a bit shy and can’t shout it out.”

It’s not surprising that Song Fuzhi, a man in his thirties and a teacher by profession, is making his first visit to a comic exhibition. Shouting out a line in front of so many people at the stalls is a bit challenging for him.

A girl in a game character costume next to them poked her head out and asked, “Wow, so excited! Can I get a freebie?”

The stall owner pointed to the condition for obtaining it and made a gesture of approval.

Unexpectedly, this young girl had also watched that old anime because she even mimicked the character’s signature pose.

The girl covered one eye with her palm, her sharp gaze looking down upon the world, and said coldly, “World, submit to me!”

Some onlookers commented, “Cool!” and “Impressive.”

The stall owner handed the keychain to the girl, who received it with both hands, saying, “Thank you!”

It was so amazing; the reenactment was so complete. Although it was a bit cheesy, no one ridiculed or mocked her. Everyone played along happily.

The girl called out Song Fuzhi’s character’s name and blinked, saying, “It’s okay, just saying a line. This is already not too cringy. Last time, I said, ‘Shatter, reality! Crumble, spirit!’ Now, that was truly embarrassing.”

People around laughed, and Song Fuzhi couldn’t help but smile.

The people around me were so nice and very tolerant. It seemed that here, regardless of age or how “childish” your behavior was, it was all acceptable.

In the end, Song Fuzhi reluctantly said the line, though his tone was awkward and lacked the girl’s enthusiasm. After finishing, he looked up at the stall owner and asked, “Is this okay?”

The stall owner covered his mouth and laughed, nodding and saying, “OK,” then handed the keychain to Song Fuzhi.

There were even more impressive people at the comic exhibition—those who acted out scenes in an open space, danced to anime songs, and creatively engaged in cross-franchise activities.

With so many interesting people around, he didn’t feel as restrained anymore.

In the afternoon, the crowd at the comic exhibition increased. Song Fuzhi and Luo Luli, standing together, attracted quite a few glances. Many people came up and asked if they could take pictures together.

Luo Luli was very generous, posing well and taking pictures with them.

However, she wasn’t completely indiscriminate. When a few uncles carrying cameras approached to take pictures, Luo Luli, with a frowning brow, rejected them.

Song Fuzhi stared at them coldly on the side, his casually exposed muscles looking arrogant. They didn’t dare say anything and turned away.

The world of anime was wonderful, but there were still some uncomfortable things in reality.

Compared to Luo Luli’s ease in dealing with people, Song Fuzhi wasn’t very good at handling requests for photos from others.

Fortunately, the fans who came to collect stamps from him were polite, and there were one or two who were socially anxious. They blushed before finishing the sentence, “Can I take a photo with you?”

Song Fuzhi gradually got used to it. Taking photos was fine, but he had one request, and he said the same thing to everyone.

“Please don’t post our photos online. Thank you.”

Song Fuzhi naturally exuded a strong presence, and the characters he cosplayed were domineering. With his serious tone, after hearing his request, almost everyone nodded hurriedly, promising not to share the photos.

A fan, however, regretfully sighed, “Really can’t post? I haven’t seen a coser as authentic as you in years! This senior anime fan is about to cry, so handsome. If it were posted online, many people would love it.”

Song Fuzhi shook his head and said, “I’m sorry.”

“Okay, it’s fine.” The fan nodded, then sighed and said, “Seeing your cosplay today has already satisfied me.”

After the fan left, Luo Luli asked, “Why not let them post it online? Afraid of being recognized?”

Song Fuzhi nodded. “Mainly, I don’t want to be recognized by my students.”

Luo Luli scrutinized him for a few seconds, then smiled and said, “Actually, it’s hard to recognize you.”

“I’m afraid just in case,” Song Fuzhi said.

Although Song Fuzhi didn’t want to take photos, Luo Luli enjoyed it.

She specifically found a photographer to take many close-ups and videos for her.

Luo Luli was afraid that Song Fuzhi would be bored waiting for her to take photos, so she suggested he go to other stalls and browse. However, Song Fuzhi shook his head, saying he wasn’t tired of it and would watch Luo Luli take photos.

After Luo Luli finished, she flipped through the camera for a long time, roughly selecting some pictures for retouching.

“I plan to post today’s shots on my Moments. I want to get tons of likes until my hands are sore.”

Song Fuzhi said, “Sure, I’ll give you some.”

Suddenly, she looked up at Song Fuzhi and said, “Hey, why don’t I take some photos for you too? After all, this is your first time cosplaying; we can’t have any decent documentation!”

 After giving it some thought, it’s true. After all, it’s the first time in my life, and regardless of whether I’ll continue to cosplay in the future, keeping some audio-visual materials will prevent regrets.

After all, just this morning, Teacher Song was busy taking photos of the students.

In fact, Song Fuzhi is someone who enjoys using photos to document life, whether it’s her own or her students’.

“Sure.” Song Fuzhi nodded. “Then, please trouble Luo Dian to give me some advice on the movements.”

Luo Luli laughed heartily. “You’re more familiar with the classic movements of the character than I am. I can, at most, help you adjust the angle.”

Indeed, making character movements in the midst of people coming and going is a bit embarrassing, but there are many cosplayers taking photos nearby, and Song Fuzhi, among them, is like a drop of water in the vast sea—ordinary and inconspicuous.

Luo Luli took quite a few photos for him and showed them to Song Fuzhi.

Song Fuzhi scrutinized his work with a discerning eye, holding his chin. “I feel like it’s still not quite right. My expression isn’t enough, and the makeup doesn’t reproduce it accurately.”

Song Fuzhi has a handsome appearance; even in his thirties, he still exudes a delicate feeling. His eyes are beautiful, and although he is usually cold, he becomes gentle when he smiles.

So, for this character, Song Fuzhi’s appearance is a bit too handsome and not rough enough, and the makeup lacks a bit of the character’s flavor.

“You’re too dedicated, Teacher Song,” Luo Luli exclaimed. “Actually, I think it’s already faithful enough. Your attitude is very serious, on par with a professional cosplayer.”

Song Fuzhi smiled. “After all, it’s a character I’ve liked since childhood, and I want to do it justice.”

“In that case,” Luo Luli said, “don’t show your face; turn around first, raise the sword, then turn around and perform a three-sword technique. The kimono and cape flying will definitely look cool.”

Song Fuzhi jokingly leaned against him. “You’re setting the bar high for me.”

Luo Luli excitedly urged him, “Give it a try, give it a try.”

After trying a few shots, Luo Luli was somewhat surprised and wide-eyed. “The effect is really good.”

Song Fuzhi went over to look and, surprisingly, found it good too.

The movements and physique added a lot of points, and because the face wasn’t clear due to the movements and camera work, it emphasized the character’s inherent temperament even more.

solemn, decisive, and possessing pure strength and will.

Song Fuzhi portrayed this temperament very well.

Luo Luli played the footage several times and had a sudden idea. “This is great. How about I add some special effects and background music and post it on a video platform?”

Song Fuzhi: “Huh?”

“What’s with the ‘huh’?” Luo Luli looked at him, dissatisfied. “Don’t tell me you don’t post in your social circle.”

Posting cosplay photos and videos on his social circle is something Song Fuzhi wouldn’t dare think about.

Song Fuzhi decisively said, “Impossible.”

“Exactly!” Luo Luli said, irritated. “If you don’t post good stuff after shooting, isn’t it as good as not shooting at all?”

“This video is perfect. No face is shown, not much skin is revealed, the movements are cool, and my camerawork is excellent. I’ll create a new account for you on the platform. Who could recognize you?”

With that said, Song Fuzhi was slightly tempted.

Actually, Song Fuzhi also likes praise, but he doesn’t want his friends in the real world to know about this hobby.

Luo Luli’s proposal is not bad; posting it in a place where no one knows him is good.

If there’s a chance to cosplay again in the future, he can post it on this account as a good record.

Song Fuzhi said, “Just don’t add too many exaggerated effects.”

Luo Luli laughed heartily. “Sure, Teacher Song.”

After playing the whole day, Luo Luli was exhausted. Wearing these clothes for most of the day was quite draining.

Song Fuzhi was fine, mainly experiencing profound fatigue from the excessive excitement.

Every time he leaves a comic convention and returns to the cold-toned city, there’s a sense of inexplicable loss.

Last time, flying to another city with Luo Luli for a large-scale comic convention as visitors, the aftertaste was still strong.

On the return flight, Song Fuzhi couldn’t come back to his senses. He and Luo Luli reminisced about the beautiful photos taken at the convention and held the merchandise in their hands, enjoying the extreme happiness.

However, when the flight attendant, with a smile, asked them whether they wanted chicken rice or beef rice, when they disembarked and passed by travelers carrying briefcases, they had to be dragged back to reality.