Chapter 22: The All-Purpose Assistant

In the end, the two of them still couldn’t figure out anything conclusive about the matter.

“Forget it, don’t overthink it. If the company had any ulterior motives toward you, they wouldn’t have waited this long without making a move. So just relax and focus on your career and work. That’s what’s important.”

Tang Qu nodded. Indeed, overthinking wouldn’t help.

“Tomorrow, you’ll be shooting some promotional photos. I’ll have Du Yan pick you up while I head over there first. Also, for now, you don’t need to visit Old Zhang anymore. Focus on filming this drama. Your acting skills have improved by leaps and bounds recently.”

“It’s all thanks to the teachers. I’m really grateful to Brother Yong for recommending them to me.”

Zhang Yong waved his hand. “It’s your own talent.”

Ever since Tang Qu expressed his desire to act, the company had assigned him several coaches—ranging from physical training to vocal lessons and acting instructors. At first, Tang Qu didn’t find it strange, but later he realized that such a setup was far beyond what a small-time celebrity like him should have. Zhang Yong had mentioned that the company wasn’t training any new talents at the moment, so these coaches weren’t needed. But now, it seemed there was more to it.

“Alright, stop thinking about it. Let’s get you back to your apartment.” Based on his years of experience in the industry, Zhang Yong was certain that the big boss had no ill intentions toward Tang Qu. Otherwise, they wouldn’t go to such lengths to promote him. Especially when it came to selecting an assistant—if Zhang Yong hadn’t intervened, all three candidates would have been assigned to Tang Qu.

Zhang Yong had often wondered if Tang Qu was somehow related to the big boss, but his appearance and demeanor didn’t seem to suggest that.

Before getting out of the car, Tang Qu hesitated.

Zhang Yong parked the car and looked at him. “What’s wrong?”

“Brother Yong, could you recommend a reliable food delivery service? I need to sort out my meals.”

“Oh, right. My bad. I can’t let you keep eating takeout—it’s not healthy. Du Yan mentioned she can cook. For now, she’ll act as your chef and get to know you better.”

“But she’s just a young girl. Isn’t that a bit too much…?”

“Don’t underestimate her. I’ve got her all figured out. Her capabilities and ambition will exceed your expectations.”

Since Zhang Yong put it that way, Tang Qu didn’t object.

As Zhang Yong had said, Du Yan’s ambition was anything but ordinary.

The next day, Tang Qu hadn’t even gotten out of bed when he heard noises in the apartment. At first, he thought a burglar had broken in, but what kind of burglar would be so diligent as to show up early in the morning?

He quietly pushed the door open and saw a figure in the kitchen. Tang Qu was momentarily stunned before realizing it was Du Yan.

Once he confirmed it wasn’t a stranger, Tang Qu stopped worrying. He closed the door and went to freshen up.

After picking out an outfit and getting dressed, he stepped out.

“Brother Qu, you’re awake. Breakfast is ready. You can eat now, but we might need to hurry. I’ve done some research, and there could be traffic on the way to the photo shoot. To avoid making a bad impression, we should leave early.”

Tang Qu looked at the young girl with her high ponytail, apron, and serious expression, and suddenly felt a headache coming on. It seemed he had indeed hired a workaholic assistant.

“Alright,” he said, not one to dawdle, and quickly finished his breakfast.

Du Yan went to wash the dishes, and then the two of them headed out together.

As Du Yan had predicted, the road was congested. Fortunately, they had left early, so they didn’t get stuck for too long. By the time they arrived, there was still half an hour to spare.

They would shoot the scenes for the male and female leads first, with his scene scheduled a bit later. Now was the perfect time for makeup.

“Brother Qu, let’s go get our makeup done,” Du Yan reminded Tang Qu as she followed behind him.

“Mm, didn’t Zhang Yong come?”

“Brother Yong said he’s stuck in traffic and will be here soon.”

Tang Qu glanced at Du Yan. This girl was overqualified to be just an assistant.

Tang Qu’s makeup for the character stills was relatively simple—it was the look of a Master, predominantly white. However, such photos were often the hardest to shoot. One misstep, and he could end up looking like a sickly figure rather than a cold and aloof Master.

The makeup artist worked quickly. The makeup itself was simple, as the look largely depended on the actor’s own expressiveness.

By the time Tang Qu finished his makeup, it was his turn to shoot.

At first, there didn’t seem to be anything special, but as soon as the camera focused on Tang Qu, his demeanor immediately transformed.

The photographer was surprised and took several shots in a row. He had never seen an actor with such captivating expressiveness. Against the pure white background and in the pure white clothes, all eyes were drawn to this Master, who seemed to be looking down on the viewer with just a glance. And these were just a few photos!

The photographer reviewed the shots, his admiration unconcealed. He had been shooting all morning, but this was by far his most satisfying work. The male lead earlier had done well, but he was still a bit stiff, not as mature as this actor.

After the shoot, the photographer watched as Tang Qu transformed from a stern, cold Master back into a vibrant young man. Comparing the two, he couldn’t help but wonder—was this the same person?!

“Brother Qu, have you studied photography or something like that before?”

“No.”

Tang Qu didn’t mention it, but while the original owner of this body hadn’t studied it, he had. He had a model friend who had given him some simple tips, and combined with his own expressiveness, his photos stood out distinctly from those of ordinary actors.

Du Yan smiled. “Brother Qu, you’re amazing. I just saw the photographer’s eyes practically glued to you.”

“It’s not as exaggerated as you’re making it out to be.”

Du Yan chuckled. She wasn’t exaggerating.

The two of them packed up and were about to leave when someone called out.

“Mr. Tang Qu!”

Hearing his name, Tang Qu turned around. It was the photographer from earlier.

“Hello.”

“This is my business card. I’m a friend of your director.”

Tang Qu took the card, and Du Yan glanced at it as well. Seeing the name “Liang Cheng,” a thought flashed through her mind, but she dismissed it as unlikely.

“I’ve recently taken on an advertisement shoot and haven’t found the right male actor yet. Would you be interested in giving it a try?”

Tang Qu hadn’t expected the man to invite him to shoot an advertisement. Before he could respond, a familiar voice chimed in.

“Yes! Of course, he’s interested. It’s an honor to receive your invitation,” Zhang Yong said with a beaming smile as he approached them.

Liang Cheng looked puzzled. “And you are?”

“I’m Tang Qu’s agent. Don’t worry, if you’re personally inviting him, Tang Qu will definitely go.”

Upon hearing it was the agent, Liang Cheng smiled and said, “Alright, let’s exchange contact information for convenient communication later.”

They exchanged contact details, and then Liang Cheng was called away by the staff.

Zhang Yong stood there, grinning foolishly.

“Brother Yong, who is that person? Why are you so happy?”