Before the mirror was the paint box that Zhou Kui had just set out. Oil paints, ink, and liniments were laid out in a row, and for a moment it seemed as if Chang Xiaoyue had truly crossed the river of time, sitting in front of the mirror, applying makeup to herself, and secretly pondering which part of the play she would sing on stage later.
Cheng Jixue smiled sweetly and said, "Director Chen, how is it?"
Chen Xingting suddenly realized that the excellence of a good actor lies not only in the vivid and lively interpretation of the character, but also in the atmosphere he creates, which can easily bring the people around him into the scene and even improve the shooting efficiency of the entire set.
Of course, it will also make the audience in front of the screen more immersed.
He praised without reservation, "Very good!"
Then Chen Xingting turned to Zhang and said earnestly, "Sigh, Mr. Zhang, look, this is what it means to get into character. Your expressions are too superficial."
Zhang Chaohe, who was suddenly called out: ...
Weren't you quite satisfied just now? Just because the good students are getting involved, does that mean the bad students have to suffer too?
But Zhang Chaohe, who always had a deep respect for his work, nodded earnestly: "I will study it carefully."
When Chen Xingting left, he took Cheng Jixue with him—he originally planned to give Xiao Zhang a back door to get the filming done first, but now he couldn't wait to see the tension between Chang Xiaoyue and Minrong!
However, he suddenly noticed that the makeup artist next to Xiao Zhang seemed to be subtly rolling her eyes at him.
Zhang Chaohe sat back down to continue his makeup and styling. The makeup artist thought from the bottom of her heart that Mr. Zhang's face was even worse than the real photos of Commander Gu, so she said with great guilt, "I'm sorry, Mr. Zhang, I'm going to start making you look uglier!"
“Uh…” Zhang Chaohe sighed, “Come on.”
The makeup artist's brushes flew across the page. Zhou Kui, who was idly standing nearby, initially tried to strike up a conversation, but every time Zhang Chaohe answered, his facial muscles would twitch. The makeup artist, unable to bear it any longer, politely shooed him away.
Zhou Kui expressed his understanding. He strolled around for a while and when he came back, Zhang Chaohe was already wearing a military jacket. Perhaps his facial structure was cleverly modified with shadows, but he looked more mature and capable than before.
He has become more like a hardened and silent soldier who has been fighting for many years.
Zhou Kui looked at Xiao Zhang in astonishment, then at the makeup artist, and gave a fierce thumbs-up: "You're this one!"
The makeup artist happily gave each of them a piece of fruit candy.
⚹
Soon the director's assistant came to inform Zhang Chaohe to prepare for the costume fitting photo shoot.
The stylist personally draped a double-breasted coat over Mr. Zhang's shoulders and adjusted the glittering gold tassels. Zhang Chaohe's shoulders trembled, and the coat naturally draped down his tall and slender body. With each movement, the hem of the coat billowed, exuding an imposing aura.
As he entered the studio through the dimly lit actors' passage, everyone's eyes were fixed on Zhang Chaohe—he seemed born to be dressed in such solemn and magnificent attire. The rich and gorgeous clothes did not overshadow him; on the contrary, they made him look even more noble and awe-inspiring, like a celestial being descended to earth.
As instructed by the photographer, Zhang Chaohe looked directly into the camera with his hands behind his back. His gaze was calm and powerful, and even through the camera lens, it conveyed a sense of pressure that seemed to penetrate the screen.
Cheng Jixue looked up at him from among the group of assistants below. From his angle, he could only see Zhang Chaohe's straight and strong nose and sexy, full lips... Surprisingly, his eyelashes were long and slightly upturned, giving him a touch of gentleness.
How can someone be so beautiful?
Cheng Jixue squinted contentedly, unconsciously crossed her arms, and tapped her fingertips lightly.
It seemed that every detail and every twist and turn was drawn according to his preferences, and once he saw it, he couldn't take his eyes off it.
At that time, Cheng Jixue was still very naive. He thought that love had to be as earth-shattering and life-or-death as in the plays, so he did not know that falling in love could happen in a single moment.
Perhaps it's because this person smells nice, or because this person has a beautiful smile, or even just because it's a hand that's been unconsciously extended.
Then, in a flash, a divine intervention occurred.
That simplest, most insignificant bit of goodwill, in the end, was enough to brew into a raging fire.
The photographer took over a hundred solo photos of "Gu Yinqiu" in one go, and the graphic designer next to him started retouching them on the spot. Chen Xingting was very excited holding the half-finished photos and reached out to Cheng Jixue: "Cheng, come here quickly, let me take a couple of pictures of you two!"
Zhang Chaohe had just taken a photo while secretly clenching his back teeth to appear cool and composed—and the effect was indeed excellent, showing him to be resolute, aloof, and very cool.
Thanks to "100 Photography Tips for Straight Men," though my cheeks are a little sore.
He glanced at Cheng Jixue walking towards him. In pursuit of a retro feel, the ambient lighting in the photography studio was adjusted to a warm, maple-yellow hue. Cheng Jixue approached him under the dim light, while the familiar and pleasant scent of sandalwood enveloped him completely.
Zhang Chaohe sniffed like a puppy, wondering in great confusion—why does it smell so good?
Should I switch my home air fresheners to woody scents?
The two initially stood side by side, but Chen Xingting remained somewhat dissatisfied with the final result. He walked around them twice, then suddenly called to his assistant, "Bring me a chair!"
Under the meticulous and picky director's insistence, the prop master brought in an old-fashioned wooden chair. Cheng Jixue sat in the chair as instructed, his hands folded on his lap; while Zhang Chaohe stood behind him, one hand on the back of the chair, as if in an embracing gesture.
The photo freezes in time.
The art director next to him whispered, "Director... I don't think this is a good idea."
Chen Xingting didn't even look up; he was quickly browsing the final renderings on his tablet, remotely instructing the two to adjust their micro-expressions and small gestures. Upon hearing this, he casually asked, "What's wrong with it?"
"Hmm..." the graphic designer hesitated, "You know, wedding photos from the Republican era all used this pose, right?"
"Do you want it taken like a wedding photo? Should I retouch it to be... a little more... you know?"
Chen Xingting: "Shut up!!"
A note from the author:
Graphic designer: Ah! Is this something I can say?!
I just saw that two more lovely people airdropped Moonstones to me today! Thank you so much, everyone! That's enough! I now have 2,800 Moonstones and I'm so rich! (Hands on hips)
Let me see who's persecuting innocent authors this time!
Thank you all so much for your support!! But please, please don't send any more, or I'll raise the price!! (Very loudly!)
Chapter 34
Zhang Chaohe had no idea what this scoundrel director was plotting, otherwise he would have made the freak bleed on the spot—he cooperated earnestly with the photographer to complete the first set of shots.
However, the second group needed to film Cheng Jixue dressed as a noble concubine, so Cheng Jixue had to go backstage to change clothes first.
He was secretly stopped by Chen Xingting, who showed him a rough edited photo on his tablet. After being processed with special effects, the photo had a tranquil feel, like an old photograph. The aloof and dignified commander stood behind Chang Xiaoyue like a silent mountain. Chang Xiaoyue also put away her sharp edges and smiled shyly and nervously.
Time is perfect, let's freeze this moment without regrets.
"What do you think!" Chen Xingting went on and on, describing things in a mysterious and esoteric way, from the great cause of the nation to the bond of friendship. It was truly unparalleled, and any strange speculation involving romantic feelings would be a desecration of this pure brotherhood!
Zhang Chaohe was completely bewildered by Chen Gou's words... Plus, the photos were really good-looking, so he even liked them a little?
Mr. Zhang stroked the tablet's casing and praised it highly: "Not bad, not bad, the photos are really good!"
He clearly hadn't realized that, with their faces, they'd look good even if they wore burlap sacks and used canes to beg for food; Chen Gou was just trying to distract his sugar daddy!
Chen Xingting asked slyly, "Then I'll use this for publicity? After all, you know how popular our production team is..."
Aside from the TV King and leading man, surprisingly, the investor dad is the most popular?
What an outrageous film crew!
Zhang Chaohe didn't think much of it—his good looks and the huge investment he made in the production team were meant to be seen by everyone!
So the decision was made decisively: "Send!"
He even sent a copy to his phone, and only returned to the dressing room after happily saving it.
⚹
The dressing room was bustling with activity. Cheng Jixue, having changed into her water-colored clothes, sat properly in front of the mirror as the professional opera stylist demonstrated his skills. Several other makeup artists were gathered around, watching the spectacle.
Cheng Jixue originally thought that all she needed to do was apply her own stage makeup—no one knows their own face better than the Peking Opera actor himself, and everyone usually does their own makeup.
As a result, Director Chen hoped that the costume photos could conform to modern aesthetics as much as possible without losing the charm of traditional opera makeup—a professional stylist stepped in and immediately freed Cheng Jixue's hands.
Zhang Chaohe, with his privileged status as the boss, successfully secured the most advantageous spot to watch. The makeup artist used a light flesh-colored strip of tape to lift Cheng Jixue's eyebrows and eyes, then applied her own mixed oil paint as a base, followed by rouge and eyebrow drawing.
Zhou Kui, having lost his job, angrily scraped the film on the side.
Cheng Jixue obeyed his commands, obediently opening and closing her eyes. Zhang Chaohe watched as she transformed from a handsome young man into a charming and alluring woman.
When the teacher tied his head, his face was so small, barely the size of a palm, that he looked rather pitiful. Not to mention, Cheng Jixue secretly raised her long, narrow, upturned eyes to look at him. Her lips, painted with vermilion, were slightly upturned, and her eyes were so vivid and beautiful that she seemed like a pretty fairy who had stepped out of a mural.
Help… Zhang Chaohe instinctively touched his face—did the makeup artist apply too much foundation? Could it cover his burning red face?!
Help me, help me, help me! Namo Amitabha Buddha, someone is trying to assassinate me because of their good looks!
Everyone was amazed by the beauty of traditional art. Soon, Zhou Kui assisted the stylist in applying patches, inserting bubbles, and adorning Cheng Jixue with flowers. Cheng Jixue lowered her eyes and let them help her change her clothes.
As he put on the costumes one by one, he wore a phoenix crown, a palace robe, and then a colorful satin sash and cloud-shaped shoulder ornament. The crown was adorned with swaying pearls and jade ornaments, and the embroidered tassels fluttered. He was so beautiful that he was extravagant and luxurious beyond compare.
Zhang Chaohe couldn't resist reaching out and pinching the swaying pearl butterfly on the phoenix crown.
The imperial concubine fanned herself, then suddenly smiled, as if a celestial being had descended to earth. Cheng Jixue folded her water sleeves into her hands, revealing her delicate, white fingers, as slender as scallion roots: "I forgot to paint my nails, Mr. Zhang, could you do me a favor?"
Zhou Kui, who was just about to paint his nails: ...
Zhang Chaohe blankly accepted the nail polish Zhou Kui handed him. The imperial concubine sat regally in front of the dressing table, lazily stretching out one hand—the fill light from the makeup mirror was pure white, which made his nails look even more beautiful, his hands like ice and jade, and the pigeon blood ruby ring at the base of his finger sparkle.
This was Zhang Chaohe's first time doing something like this, so he was inevitably a bit clumsy. He held Cheng Jixue's fingertips with one hand and slowly painted his nails with bright red nail polish. Occasionally, he would clumsily paint over them and then scrape off the polish with the tip of his own nail.
The man in military uniform carefully painted the imperial concubine's nails, while she looked at him with a smile, her eyes sparkling like the gentle spring sunshine.
The makeup artist excitedly covered her mouth and frantically slapped the thigh of the person next to her—
I'm totally blown away! I'm really blown away!!
She secretly took out her phone to take a picture. Due to the fill light from the makeup lamp, the background was slightly blurred, but the halo of light perfectly enhanced the atmosphere, making it even more enchanting and beautiful.
The imperial concubine looked at her fingertips with satisfaction. Zhang Chaohe looked at her nervously. After a long while, he chuckled and said, "Very beautiful. Your hands are so skillful."
Zhang Chaohe's mood, which had just calmed down, suddenly started to bubble up again like the sweet and sour taste of cola. He was lost in thought, ah, so spring has already passed, and summer is almost here.
Strange, what am I thinking?!
After everything was ready, the Imperial Concubine led a large group of assistants, who looked like cornbread and potatoes in comparison, to the filming location.
Chen Xingting was stunned by the imperial concubine's procession—he saw that although General Manager Zhang had a cold expression on his face, he honestly raised his arm halfway, acting as a human cane for the imperial concubine.
The Empress was only responsible for being elegant and beautiful, outshining all the other beauties. The Imperial Concubine was dressed in a flowing tassel-like skirt, and even when she went up the steps, it was Xiao Zhang who personally lifted the hem of her skirt for her!
Chen Xingting's vision went black. How could it be that the Empress had not yet entered the palace, yet she had already become a wicked concubine who brought ruin to the country?
Even Zhang Xijing, who was watching from the sidelines, thought his appearance was beautiful—many Peking Opera actors have great voices and talent, but they are ruined by their appearance and movements. He felt heartbroken when he thought of a promising talent like Cheng Jixue leaving the stage too early, so he jokingly shouted from the bottom of his lungs, "Your Majesty, please return to the palace!"
However, as soon as he finished speaking, he saw that Mr. Zhang was giving him a death stare.
Zhang Xijing: Sorry to bother you!
Chen Xingting sighed. Zhang Xijing, the male lead, deliberately dressed as plainly as possible and as dark as possible in order to fit the image of a traditional revolutionary. You say that the commander and the imperial concubine are a perfect match, how dare you, a monster, call them back to the palace?
This set of photos went very smoothly. To match the concubine's grand and gorgeous attire, Zhang Chaohe also changed into a formal fur-collared cloak. The two looked good in every photo, and the photographer was so happy that he took hundreds of pictures.