Part 3

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The sun streamed through the thin curtains of Longtai's small apartment, casting warm beams across the room and flickering gently over his face. The brightness slowly pulled him from the depths of sleep, and he blinked groggily, squinting against the light. Outside, the cheerful chirping of birds mingled with the distant sounds of traffic, a symphony of urban life that he had almost forgotten. It was a sound he was still getting used to, having grown up in the serene mountains where nature reigned supreme.

With a soft groan, Longtai rubbed his eyes and pushed himself up from the tangled sheets. His hair was a wild mess, sticking up in all directions, a testament to a restless night. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and planted his feet on the cool wooden floor, the chill sending a shiver up his spine. Stretching his arms above his head, he felt the familiar stiffness of sleep slowly fade away.

Shuffling into the bathroom, he flicked on the light, squinting at the sudden brightness that filled the small space. The mirror reflected his tousled hair and sleepy eyes. He let out a quiet sigh as he looked at himself. "I really need a haircut," he muttered, running a hand through his messy bangs, pushing them out of his eyes. He turned on the tap, and warm water flowed, filling the sink with gentle splashes.

Longtai stripped down, letting the cool air brush against his skin before stepping under the warm spray. The water felt heavenly against him, soothing and rejuvenating as he let it cascade over his shoulders. He tilted his head back, allowing the water to drench his hair, feeling the strands fall back against his neck. He closed his eyes for a moment, lost in the sensation, before pulling himself back to the present.

After a quick shower, he toweled off, his hair now slicked back and still dripping slightly. He quickly dressed in a comfortable outfit: a baggy black shirt that hung loosely over his slender frame and a pair of navy pants. The clothes were simple, yet they made him feel put together enough to face the day.

As he stepped out into the cozy living space, the apartment felt warm and inviting. It was small, with one bedroom and a bathroom, but Longtai loved it. The living room was decorated with a few bookshelves packed with novels, a small coffee table cluttered with various photography magazines, and a worn-out sofa that had seen many late-night reading sessions. This was home, a place where he felt safe and at ease, especially after the turmoil of his childhood.

His parents had rented this apartment for him when he moved to the city for school, a gesture that meant the world to him despite the distance between them. Longtai often reminisced about his childhood in the village, raised lovingly by his grandparents after losing his parents at a young age. His grandfather had been the chief of the village, a strong figure who instilled values of kindness and resilience in him, while his parents had both served in the military, teaching him discipline and the importance of hard work.

The morning sunlight poured in through the window, illuminating the small kitchen area. He made his way over to the counter and began preparing breakfast, the soft sounds of sizzling filling the air as he cooked. It was a simple meal, just eggs and toast, but it was comforting-a ritual that grounded him before he faced the outside world.

As he worked, a mewing sound caught his attention. He turned to see the neighborhood cat, a scruffy little tabby, peeking in through the open window. The cat had a penchant for hanging around his apartment, often visiting him when he was home alone. Longtai couldn't help but smile. He quickly grabbed his camera, a well-loved piece of equipment that had been a gift from Tian, and moved toward the window.

He lifted the camera to his eye, focusing on the curious feline, who had now settled comfortably on the windowsill. Longtai clicked the shutter, capturing the moment as the cat tilted its head in a playful manner. He snapped a few more photos, laughing softly to himself at how easily he could get lost in the world behind the lens. Photography was his passion, a way to express himself that felt both natural and fulfilling.

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