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Zhu He asked Zhang Miya, “How many more brand sponsorships do you have?”
Zhang Miya thought for a moment. “There’s one streetwear brand and another one focusing on traditional Chinese clothing.”
“Fifteen days. Besides modeling, he has to shoot video materials. His schedule is quite packed,” she added.
The person in charge, originally Zhu He’s efficient assistant, was in work mode now and paid no attention to the camera. She had a serious discussion with Chi Yizhen.
The brand initially wanted a model who fit the theme of this series.
However, after several rounds of interviews with internet-famous models, none of them stood out.
Models used to be required to showcase products, but now the industry was evolving, and models were becoming more sophisticated. The photos they produced were like works of art.
This trend made it particularly challenging for them to find suitable candidates. They didn’t even hope for natural beauty anymore; at least, for these photos, the models shouldn’t have a greasy and uninspired look on their faces.
What happened to genuine desire? Weren’t you supposed to convey that to the audience?! Many times, the person in charge wanted to wash her eyes out, but she had to maintain her professional smile.
However, there was Chi Yizhen, standing before her in his natural state, with a bit of dust from hurrying, yet still managing to exude an air of innocence.
It was peculiar.
Was it her problem, unrelated to him?
But he negotiated quite skillfully.
Perhaps the scrutiny had been too obvious because Chi Yizhen tilted his head slightly. “Is there an issue with the contract? You’re not trying to cheat me, are you?”
He seemed to have become more alert, examining the contract again carefully.
After all, he was just one of several models in a series, not a long-term one.
On the live stream, his profile was like a meticulously painted portrait, appearing exceptionally beautiful.
Zhu He asked, “Were those things he did before true?”
Meanwhile, Zhang Miya was still reading the rapidly scrolling barrage of comments, a smile on her face induced by the audience’s reactions.
“They were true,” she replied.
Zhu He inquired again, “And the boyfriend he had on that show, where did you find him?”
Although the show had just started airing, its popularity was soaring, consistently ranking within the top five trending topics.
Zhu He was partially an insider, and coupled with his partner being in the industry, these topics naturally came up in conversation.
Everyone agreed that this person named He Tiao was remarkably attractive, almost on par with professional actors.
When he brought up He Tiao, Zhang Miya felt a bit uneasy. She touched her nose, saying, “I recruited him.”
She sighed. “By the way, I have something to ask you.”
Apart from her work, there was something He Tiao had asked her to do.
The viewers in the live chat were stunned by Chi Yizhen’s audacious performance that morning. They witnessed him conduct a high-quality negotiation session with the skill level of a seasoned market vendor.
[I never knew he could talk like that before… Is this what they mean by growth from setbacks?]
[Oh no, Chi Yizhen seems so pitiful!! This kind of growth must be so painful! I hope someone will come and comfort him properly!]
[That expression he had when signing the contract… has he been tricked before?]
[Haven’t you guys seen that PDF? He was definitely deceived before, that prince…]
Having completed the formalities, Chi Yizhen thought to himself that making a hundred thousand yuan in this line of work was no easy feat. It seemed that He Tiao’s way of setting up a stall might be easier in comparison.
The money I earn ultimately belongs to me, so it’s considered extra income.
His delight was palpable, and the person in charge asked, “Are you this happy?”
Chi Yizhen nodded. “Very happy, because my part-time job didn’t pay this well before.”
He even took out his phone, completely immersed in his role, and sent a message to He Tiao—
“Honey, I got a raise.”
[I can’t believe this.]
[I feel like a kicked dog lying on the roadside.]
A joyful expression graced Chi Yizhen’s face as he finished sending the message, then happily went off to prepare for his styling.
He had no objections to this type of clothing; instead, he enthusiastically picked up each piece and displayed it to the camera.
“The quality is really good; this will be my go-to brand from now on.”
[Dude, your promotion sounds very forced.]
[Damn, this is like a male version of Victoria’s Secret, well, not entirely, some look like butler outfits. How come there’s such a variety?]
[The gold-rimmed glasses, hahaha… indeed, there’s a mix of styles, and it’s not overly provocative.]
[It’s a bit bittersweet; I searched, and it turns out this brand belongs to a big shot.]
[Oh, I know, but it’s not that bad. After all, it’s not for going out; it’s for wearing at home, for self-appreciation, right?]
[Those glasses… look nice… looking forward to it!]
[A reality show about a broke lifestyle gives me a nesting doll vibe, so many subplots.]
His face was almost identical to Chi Yizhen’s, just slightly thinner.
The makeup artist, while working on Chi Yizhen’s makeup, seemed troubled. “I feel like you don’t need much makeup.”
Each look required a different makeup style based on the outfit, but Chi Yizhen was humble about it. “If makeup is needed, then I’ll do it. Otherwise, how can I complement these clothes properly?”
[His words are quite sweet.]
[Oh, so it starts with a butler theme?]
[Not a traditional butler, though; the pants are just strips of cloth, and that leg chain, I might actually scream for help.]
Despite Chi Yizhen’s calm appearance, when the actual shooting started, he realized his fear of the camera’s shutter was ingrained in his soul.
The final photos turned out great. If it weren’t for the live broadcast, no one might have noticed that he was audibly breathing heavily during every break.
[Is he feeling unwell?]
[Is he sick?]
Past memories surged again, culminating in the vivid image of his parents dying before his eyes.
When there were only two outfits left, Chi Yizhen couldn’t hold it in any longer and covered his mouth.
The photographer asked, “What’s wrong?”
Chi Yizhen waved his hand. “Skipped breakfast, feeling a bit nauseous.”
[It’s not just that, is it? He had some tofu and even ate a small bread roll.]
[Looks like he had a nightmare, he’s sweating…]
[I feel so wicked; I find him so attractive right now.]
Chi Yizhen vomited in the restroom.
The cameraman didn’t follow him in, so all that could be seen was his back as he leaned against the counter.
His figure was slender, his shoulder blades almost piercing through the semi-transparent shirt. Even the chest chain underneath was faintly visible.
[Shouldn’t they stop shooting?]
[Damn, I just came back from the neighboring room, and He Tiao is also watching the live stream of the show.]
The next moment, Chi Yizhen’s phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID and grabbed a tissue to wipe his mouth.
Subconsciously, he put on a smile and teased, “Honey,” perfectly getting into his role.
But He Tiao didn’t correct him. He was in character too and had to act like he didn’t know. He asked, “Have you started working?”
Chi Yizhen: “Missed me?”
He Tiao hummed in agreement. “I also saw a live streamer on my phone who looks a lot like you.”
[You guys… It’s hard for me not to…]
[Isn’t e-God clearly just concerned…]
Chi Yizhen: “Looks like me? Do you love me more, or do you love him?”
He perfectly played the role of a sweet and innocent model in distress.
But He Tiao’s response was evasive. “I’m sorry.”
Chi Yizhen: “What?”
He Tiao: “I haven’t taken good care of you. Tomorrow, I’ll wake up and make breakfast for you. Are you feeling nauseous?”
Chi Yizhen couldn’t help but think: You’re even better at acting than I am.
But on the other hand, he knew why He Tiao had called.
His heart inexplicably softened a bit, not realizing that his tone had taken on a natural intimacy. “What’s the matter? We’re the closest people in the world, you know.”
“Honey, you’re so considerate.”