Chapter 3: A Picture-Perfect Victory.

Morning sunlight streamed through the window as Liang Chen groggily rubbed his eyes. Next to him, Zhao Rui was sprawled out on his bed, snoring softly.

"Wake up, you lazy bum," Liang Chen said, shaking his friend's shoulder.

Zhao Rui groaned, burying his face in the pillow. "Five more minutes… I was having a dream where I was a rich CEO with a personal chef."

Liang Chen rolled his eyes. "You are a chef. In this house, at least."

That got Zhao Rui up. "Ah, right. Breakfast!" He bolted toward the kitchen while Liang Chen sighed, wondering how his friend had this much energy in the morning.

After a quick meal, they grabbed their bags and rushed to school, barely making it in time for the morning assembly.

The Big Announcement

As the students lined up in the courtyard, the principal took the microphone.

"I have some exciting news," he announced. "Our school's photography competition results are in! And I am proud to say that the first-place winners are…"

A dramatic pause.

"Liang Chen and Zhao Rui!"

The entire school erupted into applause as the two friends exchanged stunned looks.

"We actually won?" Liang Chen muttered.

"Of course, we did!" Zhao Rui whispered back. "I told you our photo was amazing!"

They walked onto the stage, where the principal handed them a certificate, a small trophy, and an envelope. "Congratulations! Your photography captured something truly special. Here's a small reward for your talent."

As they stepped down, their classmates surrounded them, patting them on the back.

"You guys are incredible!"

"Your photography is next level!"

"I knew you'd win!"

Zhao Rui grinned. "Of course, we're great. But I'll be offering autographs later for a reasonable price."

Liang Chen shook his head. "Ignore him ".

A Gift from the Heart

After school, they walked home, still buzzing with excitement. Zhao Rui suddenly stopped and pulled out the envelope of prize money.

"Here," he said, handing it to Liang Chen.

Liang Chen frowned. "What are you doing?"

"Take it. For your sister's treatment."

Liang Chen hesitated. "Rui, this is your reward too. I can't—"

Zhao Rui waved a hand dismissively. "Come on, don't be stubborn. We're best friends. More like brothers, right?" He smiled. "And besides, if you don't take it, I'll just waste it on food. You know I will."

Liang Chen sighed, knowing there was no arguing with him. He smiled gently and took the money. "Thanks, Rui. I owe you one."

Zhao Rui gasped dramatically. "Did I just hear the serious and responsible Liang Chen say he owes me? This is historic!"

Liang Chen chuckled. "Alright, let's go to the hospital before you embarrass yourself any further ".

Visit to the Hospital

They made their way to the hospital, where Liang Chen's younger sister, Liang Yue, was resting. Her face lit up when she saw them.

"Brother! Zhao Rui!" she said weakly but happily.

Zhao Rui grinned. "Hey, little Yue! We brought you something special!"

Liang Chen held up their trophy. "We won first place in the photography competition."

Liang Yue's eyes sparkled. "Wow! I knew you guys would win!"

Zhao Rui struck a pose. "Of course! With my talent and Chen's skill, we're unstoppable" ! .

Liang Chen rolled his eyes. "You just held the camera while I set everything up."

"Details, details," Zhao Rui waved him off. "Anyway, Yue, when you get better, we'll take you out for a fun photoshoot, okay?"

Liang Yue nodded enthusiastically. "Promise?"

"Promise," both of them said at the same time.

As they sat with her, chatting and making her laugh, Liang Chen felt a warmth in his chest. No matter how hard life got, as long as they had each other, they could get through anything.