Chapter 458: Behind the Scenes of a High-Stakes Shoot

Xie Bingran was escorted to the makeup room by the assistant director, with Wu Feifei and Su Rong following close behind.

Sun Aimi had already joined the director’s team to get things rolling; as ‘Aimi Jie,’ she commanded the room with confidence, leading discussions like a true boss.

Xu Chen, along with Sun Yashi and John from the Procter & Gamble client side, was directed to the rest area equipped with monitors.

The production company had thoughtfully provided snacks and drinks, showing their attention to detail.

Sun Yashi clearly wanted to build a rapport with Xu Chen, deliberately starting conversations to break the ice.

Xu Chen played along politely; despite some past friction, they were partners, and the other side represented the client brand.

Even if he didn’t care much about this Head & Shoulders deal, East Morning Star Advertising needed to protect its reputation in the industry.

Sun Yashi was quite the conversationalist; as a group director at a foreign company like Procter & Gamble, she knew how to connect, always steering the chat to boost Xu Chen’s mood.

As Xu Chen chatted and laughed with her, a subtle unease crept in.

As the service provider, he found it odd that a client executive was being so proactively friendly for once.

John hovered nearby, fetching tea and water with impeccable timing.

……

Bing Ge’s makeup session dragged on for an hour, but when she emerged from the room, the changes were barely noticeable.

The first scene was set on the track, so Bing Ge wore a competitive outfit of tank top and shorts.

Her muscle lines looked impressive.

A few women on the director’s team couldn’t help but stare, their eyes lingering.

Bing Ge’s attire was custom-made, styled in Head & Shoulders’ blue and white theme for strong brand recognition.

As the photographer adjusted the camera, Xu Chen leaned in to check the monitor and noticed Bing Ge’s hair had been meticulously styled—now smoother and fresher than ever.

The director’s team had worked with Procter & Gamble for years, so they handled this kind of styling with real expertise.

Bing Ge’s makeup was subtle, sticking mostly to her natural features.

Sun Yashi glanced at the monitor and couldn’t hold back her admiration:

“Our spokesperson looks amazing!”

John, the Head & Shoulders brand manager, was buzzing with excitement:

“Absolutely! Xie Bingran’s whole vibe fits Head & Shoulders perfectly!”

Sun Yashi sighed a little:

“We’re lucky to have a spokesperson whose image and style align so well.”

As shooting was about to start, Wu Feifei and Su Rong headed to the rest area and sat next to Xu Chen.

Xu Chen grabbed a fruit platter from the table and offered it to the two young women.

Wu Feifei took it readily: “Thanks, Young Xu Chen!”

Su Rong tilted her head and eyed the table:

“I want those nuts…”

“……”

……

The shoot proceeded smoothly and systematically.

The director’s team was professional, handling all aspects with high efficiency.

Bing Ge had already tackled ads for projects like Kunlun Mountain and Jeep, so she was familiar with the whole process.

The script had been vetted by Xu Chen, focusing on simple displays of Bing Ge’s dynamic and static poses without demanding much acting.

For Bing Ge, it was straightforward—just being herself got the job done.

An assistant director stayed by the rest area, ready to relay any feedback from Xu Chen or Sun Yashi via walkie-talkie to the main director.

Xu Chen watched closely, pointing out any awkward shots and pushing for adjustments or reshoots.

After all, with a budget of two to three million, he aimed to stay professional.

Sun Yashi didn’t offer many suggestions herself; she just nodded along with Xu Chen’s input.

Internally, she marveled at Young Xu Chen’s expertise—it was top-notch.

Wu Feifei and Su Rong grew bored watching from behind the monitor and quietly asked Xu Chen for permission before slipping off to the shooting area.

They hung back with Sun Aimi, curious to see the action up close.

……

Right as they switched to the second scene, Director Li Yue from the Sports Administration arrived.

Spotting Xu Chen, he flashed his usual polite smile and shared warm reminiscences about how long it had been.

Xu Chen quickly stood up, knowing to treat Director Li with respect.

Sun Yashi stood nearby with a courteous smile, waiting for Xu Chen and Director Li to exchange greetings before introducing herself.

For Sun Yashi, Director Li was a key leader at the Sports Administration, someone she had to impress without fail.

From watching Li Yue’s interaction with Xu Chen, she confirmed once more that Young Xu Chen had an unusually strong connection with the administration.

With a break in the scene change, Sun Yashi took the opportunity to introduce Director Li to the director and head photographer.

Knowing he was from the Sports Administration, the director’s team greeted him warmly, not daring to slack off.

Director Li smiled kindly, his words smooth and measured, carrying an air of authority while putting everyone at ease.

Xu Chen, standing aside, couldn’t help but admire how Director Li handled conversations—like a seasoned insider whose every gesture was worth noting.

When Xie Bingran changed and came out, Director Li made a point to greet her personally.

In front of Bing Ge, he seemed a bit uneasy, even nervous.

Others might not notice, but Xu Chen picked up on it right away.

To Director Li, Xie Bingran was a star athlete he needed to keep happy, especially since much of his business success hinged on her.

Xu Chen also guessed that Director Li had probably been on the receiving end of Bing Ge’s bluntness before, like in past business talks.

When Jeep negotiations started, Bing Ge had firmly insisted on East Morning Star Advertising, which gave Director Li quite the headache.

Xu Chen didn’t know the details of their exchanges, but he imagined Bing Ge had been tough and unyielding.

After all, Bing Ge didn’t give face to anyone outside of Xu Chen—not even leaders.

No matter who they were.

……

The shoot continued on schedule, with the morning’s progress well under control.

Director Li joined Xu Chen and Sun Yashi at the monitor in the rest area.

Sun Yashi tried to chat with Director Li to build rapport.

But he seemed disinterested, always steering the conversation back to Young Xu Chen.

And the topics he brought up with Xu Chen were a bit sensitive, spoken in low tones to keep others out.

Sun Yashi felt awkward but handled it gracefully, turning her focus to the monitor and the shoot’s progress.

In their casual talk, Xu Chen subtly guided the conversation toward Chen Lan.

Director Li gave an embarrassed smile and dove into discussing Sanlu, which was exactly what Xu Chen wanted to hear.

As someone reborn with foresight, Xu Chen knew Sanlu’s scandal was inevitable.

He wasn’t worried about Chen Lan or Director Li getting caught up, but he did fret about any fallout affecting Xie Bingran.

Bing Ge’s image was crucial, and he wanted to dodge any risks early.

Director Li gave a rough update, confirming what Xie Bingran had mentioned before: after Bing Ge turned them down, Sanlu went straight to Chen Lan.

Originally, Sanlu had their eyes on Chen Lan, who was a top contender for the Asian Games gold before Xie Bingran rose.

Losing Xie Bingran was a disappointment, but Chen Lan’s silver medal still met Sanlu’s promo needs.

Chen Lan was a track star with solid fame and fan appeal.

Sanlu signed her for a two-year endorsement, planning to push her ads all year.

Xu Chen asked casually:

“I heard another sports brand signed Chen Lan too?”

Director Li paused, surprised Xu Chen knew.

He leaned in and whispered:

“Right, it’s not public yet…”

“Anta has a new running shoe line and brought her on board.”

He added with a sheepish grin:

“They wanted Bing Ge first, but since that didn’t work, I suggested Chen Lan.”

Xu Chen replied with just the right compliment:

“You’re always on top, Director Li. No deal slips through your hands!”

Director Li laughed:

“The deals stick, but Chen Lan’s fees are still lower than Bing Ge’s. One’s gold, the other’s silver…”

He paused briefly before leaning closer:

“Young Xu Chen, I have a serious matter to discuss with you.”

Xu Chen: “Don’t be so formal, Director Li. Just tell me what you need.”

Director Li: “It’s about Bing Ge, actually.”

Xu Chen waited, letting him continue.

“We’ve got this incredibly rare, top-tier opportunity—an event you can’t even beg for. They want to invite Bing Ge…”

Xu Chen: “Oh? Sounds promising!”

Director Li: “More than promising!”

“If Bing Ge joins, it’ll skyrocket her image and fame like nothing else!”

He cleared his throat:

“The only hitch might be coordinating with Bing Ge…”

Xu Chen: “How so?”

He asked, already suspecting he’d need to convince her.

Director Li: “Mainly, the event’s on New Year’s Eve.”

“Bing Ge has already requested leave to go home, so I figure she’s planning to spend it with you, Young Xu Chen?”

He chuckled teasingly:

“Bing Ge always puts you first. Any event would come second to celebrating with you.”

Xu Chen: “What exactly is the event?”

Director Li leaned in closer and murmured:

“On New Year’s Eve, it’s the biggest one, of course…”

He emphasized ‘biggest.’

“……”

Xu Chen drew in a sharp breath:

“Wait, is it CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala?”

Director Li quickly raised a finger to his lips:

“Keep it under wraps!”

“……”

Xu Chen was genuinely stunned.

Bing Ge had an invitation to the CCTV Spring Festival Gala?!

That was huge.

Xu Chen didn’t hide his curiosity and excitement: “Tell me more!”

Appearing on the Spring Gala would be a massive boost for Bing Ge’s profile.

And it would open doors for Ran Bing Sports and Chenfeng Technology in business…

Seeing Xu Chen’s interest, Director Li smiled:

“It’s just an initial invite, but we need Bing Ge to confirm she can make it…”

“The list includes top athletes in the country, and Xie Bingran is on it.”

“Details are fuzzy—it could be a group performance where they lip-sync, or maybe an interview segment like the Asian Games athletes’ New Year wishes…”

Xu Chen: “No need to overthink it. If she’s invited, Bing Ge should go for it!”

Director Li slapped Xu Chen’s leg: “That’s what I hoped! With you on board, I’m set.”

Xu Chen: “You’re incredible, Director Li, landing something like the Spring Gala.”

Director Li waved it off: “I’m just the messenger. Bing Ge’s the star!”

He added: “The challenge is convincing her. She wants to celebrate New Year’s with you, so you’ll have to talk to her.”

Xu Chen: “She doesn’t know yet?”

Director Li: “I haven’t brought it up—afraid she’d shoot it down right away. Figured I’d check with you first.”

Xu Chen nodded: “Got it. I’ll discuss it with her today.”

Director Li patted his hand: “Appreciate it, Young Xu Chen…”

“You know how valuable this is. Bing Ge on the Gala means nationwide recognition.”

“Next year, more deals and endorsements will flood in, and we can push her rates even higher!”

Xu Chen: “I’ll talk to her, but I can’t guarantee. You know her personality.”

Director Li: “With you asking, it’ll work! She only listens to you…”

Xu Chen thought for a moment: “I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Today’s all about the shoot, and I need to chat with her after dropping her off.”

Director Li grinned: “I asked Cheng Hong, and she said Bing Ge’s heart is set on New Year’s with you.”

“I told Cheng Hong, wherever you are, that’s where the holiday is!”

“If Bing Ge does the Gala, you can stay in Beijing—I’ll handle any travel needs!”

Xu Chen: “It’s mainly about her rare time off. She barely gets weekends as it is.”

Director Li understood and replied: “I’ll check on that. It involves her training and events, so Sun Coach has the final say.”

“Let me work on squeezing in a couple extra days around the holiday if there are no major competitions.”

Xu Chen: “That’d be ideal if possible. It’s New Year’s—she should get home time.”