Chapter 8: Eight-dimensional 2/2

The new photographer was a sturdy guy, sitting on a chair and playing King of Glory. There was a pile of photographic equipment beside him. When Shi Zhang entered, he glanced up, didn’t take it seriously, and quickly resumed the game.

Makeup artist Tong Tong waved at Shi Zhang to sit down. “Let me do your makeup first, then go through the shooting process with them.”

The new photographer suddenly woke up, stretched his neck, and shouted, “Ah, Professor Zhang is here. Why couldn’t I find you just now?”

This guy had a distinctive Northeastern accent, which amused everyone. Speaking naturally with a humorous tone, he had an amusing accent.

Tong Tong chuckled and pointed at Shi Zhang, his accent unintentionally influenced by the new guy. “Professor Zhang is sitting right here. What are you looking around for, Xiao Que?”

Xiao Que stared blankly at Shi Zhang for a moment, then suddenly stood up, carrying the chair with a clatter, stuttering, “P-P-Professor Z-Z-Zhang, sorry, I didn’t recognize you. I thought it was a piano teacher from the next room who walked into the wrong room.”

Shi Zhang smiled and told him, “It’s okay.”

The staff burst into laughter, and Xiao Que was bewildered. “Have you only seen Octopus’s cosplays online before? It’s normal not to recognize him in person. Wait until Tong Tong finishes his makeup, and you’ll see.”

Indeed, it wasn’t entirely Xiao Que’s fault. Shi Zhang came directly from the school today, still wearing a white shirt and a gray woolen vest with silver-rimmed glasses, looking dignified and elegant. With his faint smile, he looked more like a piano teacher, exuding a noble aura with every move.

Most of Shi Zhang’s cosplays featured wild and masculine characters, exceptional Alphas. Xiao Que naturally thought that Octopus-sensei would be a tall, vigorous, and testosterone-filled man. He didn’t expect him to be a sophisticated intellectual.

After the makeup and wardrobe change, with all the lighting props ready, Shi Zhang walked out against the cold light, casually putting on pure black leather gloves.

The character he portrayed was the protagonist of the story, with a central part, black pupils, a stern personality, and a white tight-fitting T-shirt under a leather jacket, exuding a deadly coolness.

The short-sleeved shirt Shi Zhang wore was actually the most ordinary and simple style, chosen purely because his well-built physique filled it tightly, revealing well-defined lines.

After the makeup, his entire appearance changed. His hairstyle was wild, his features were sharp, and his facial lines were rugged.

Completely different from the gentle professor just now.

“I’ll get ready.”

Shi Zhang lazily moved his arms and suddenly broke the wind with a forward punch, a loud “bang” echoing as his fist hit the heavy sandbag.

Xiao Que stared wide-eyed, and the force of this punch could probably send someone’s skull flying.

“Are we starting?”

Shi Zhang spoke, and Xiao Que, as if awakening from a dream, hastily adjusted the camera. “Oh, oh, let’s start!”

Laughter filled the surroundings. “Xiao Que, your drool is about to flow down.”

Xiao Que looked at Shi Zhang enviously, his eyes sparkling. “Teacher, how did you practice this? It’s so awesome. Ahh!”

Tong Tong laughed. “Octopus-sensei has gained another little fan.”

Shi Zhang tightened his gloves and simply said, “Let’s shoot.”

Typically, in King of Fighters cosplay, people mimic the characters’ moves from the game or strike static poses. However, Shi Zhang was really boxing without holding back.

He punched fiercely, sweat flying, the punch winding ruthlessly, leaving a dark circle of sweat on the neckline.

Gradually, only the fierce impact sounds and the rapid shutter clicks filled the space.

Bang, bang, bang—each punch erupted, making people feel a bit frightened. The group of usually talkative people didn’t speak and is now focused on the shoot.

Shi Zhang’s strength and gaze were fierce, his movements hiding emotions that were not obvious but perceptible.

He was very focused and deeply immersed in the state.

Xiao Que weakly shouted, “We’ve taken a lot. Octopus-sensei, should you take a break?”

Shi Zhang heard it but didn’t stop immediately. The sandbag swayed for several rounds before slowly coming to a stop.

He grabbed a towel, wiped away the sweat on his shoulders and neck, and walked to Xiao Que to check the photos.

“This one has poor lighting,” he commented without emotion, his breath still heavy.

Xiao Que shrank his shoulders and cautiously asked, “Teacher, is your mood not so good today?”

Shi Zhang didn’t speak, but Tong Tong proudly interjected, “You don’t understand. Octopus-sensei is getting into character! He’s embodying the role, a more professional sense of drama than actors.”

“Wow, amazing!” Xiao Que immediately entered fanboy mode.

Shi Zhang didn’t say anything, checked the time on his phone, and suddenly paused.

There was a new friend request on WeChat with the nickname “Song Fuzhi,” and the message said, “Hello, Mr. Shi, I am Song Fuzhi.”

Shi Zhang lowered his eyes, showing no change in expression.

After a while, he calmly held the phone and went to the restroom for a moment. He washed his face with ice-cold water and then accepted the friend request.

When he came out, Xiao Que asked him, “Octopus-sensei, should we take a few static shots for the cover?”

“Sure,” Shi Zhang replied.

“Wait!” Tong Tong ran over in shock. “What did you just do? Why did your makeup come off?”

Shi Zhang paused. “I washed my face.”

“You’re crazy! I worked hard on your makeup. Why did you wash your face? Are you afraid of sweating? A little sweat is natural. It’s better than the makeup being completely ruined.”

Shi Zhang explained, “I felt a bit hot.”

Tong Tong was thoroughly shocked. It was chilly, and he, an old man, was wearing short sleeves and saying he was hot.

There was no need to get into the role to this extent.

After a bit of makeup touch-up, the shoot resumed.

Shi Zhang sat on the motorcycle with his legs open, trying to pose with a high and cold expression.

Xiao Que looked at the framing and glanced right and left, feeling that something was off.

“Octopus-sensei, could you show a bit more aloofness? Xiao Que suggested.

Shi Zhang moved slightly, his arm resting on the windscreen.

“Uh, no, I mean the expression. Could you not smile so happily?”

Xiao Que looked at the framing, feeling something was not quite right.

“Octopus-sensei, could you show a bit more aloofness?” Xiao Que suggested.

Shi Zhang moved slightly, his arm resting on the windscreen.

“Uh, no, I mean the expression. Could you not smile so happily?”

Xiao Que looked at the photo they had just taken, feeling a bit bewildered.

The high and cold boxing king had a slightly upturned corner of his mouth and a faint smile, and his gaze softened. It seemed like he had some joy that couldn’t be concealed.

It’s quite breaking character.

Wasn’t Octopus-sensei supposed to be best at getting into character? Looking at it this way, his proficiency fluctuates a lot.