Chapter 470: Desert Elegance

The ‘Desert’ scene isn’t as over-the-top as the ‘Ruins’ scene, but it still features complete sand dunes and oasis elements.

This set’s theme is ‘Passion’, and Bing Ge has changed into a vibrant red outfit.

It’s basically a suit, but with a stylish silhouette that includes mismatched seams and flowing ribbons.

They originally paired Bing Ge with matte black shoes, but after a few shots, the artist Camile stepped in and had her take them off so she could stand barefoot on the golden sand.

You have to admit, that change instantly boosted the atmosphere.

Xu Chen was seeing Bing Ge in such a bright red suit for the first time and surprisingly thought it looked great.

Of course, it’s a more androgynous silhouette that still highlights Bing’s cool and sharp demeanor.

Bing’s hairstyle has been adjusted to a slightly natural, tousled state.

Paired with Bing’s features, the messy short hair adds no sense of weariness—instead, it radiates a fierce and heroic energy.

No doubt about it—the design and styling team that flew in from Paris knows their stuff; these seemingly casual pairings are perfectly matched to Bing’s vibe.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but think that once ‘Ran Bing Sports’ starts making clothes, they should create a couple of these bright red sets—they’d sell like hotcakes.

……

According to the schedule, there’s an hour for rest and lunch at noon.

Right at 12 o’clock, the morning shoot wrapped up.

These foreigners are spot-on with time; they finished the two morning scenes exactly as planned, without a second wasted.

One moment they were all caught up in the rush of work, and the next, they switched to a laid-back mode, dropping everything.

Grabbing coffee, lighting up smokes, chatting casually……

The production team set up a simple buffet lunch.

In one corner of the studio, they laid out two long tables, with a couple of foreign chefs manning them.

Apple came over to invite Xu Chen and the others:

“The work meal is pretty casual, so you three can just grab something simple.”

At the buffet line.

The production team’s foreigners had already grabbed their food and were standing nearby, chatting and eating.

They all wore strong perfumes, so waves of mixed scents hit you as you passed by.

Xu Chen and the others glanced at the buffet and thought, this isn’t ‘casual’ at all?

Roasted lamb chops, fried chicken, pizza, pasta, salad.

Coffee, juice, milk……

They each picked up a tray and took some food, then headed back to the rest area.

As Director Li Yue ate, he couldn’t help but say:

“This is how capitalism knows how to enjoy life!”

After saying it, he felt it didn’t quite fit his official demeanor, so he awkwardly chuckled to himself.

A light cough came from behind, and the three turned to see Bing Ge approaching with her tray.

“Great job, Bing Ge!” Director Li Yue said with a smile.

Xu Chen smiled and pulled out the chair next to him.

Bing Ge said nothing, walked straight over, and sat down beside him.

“So you’re flying to Beijing tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

“What a coincidence—I just got back from a shoot in Beijing yesterday.”

“Oh.”

“What time’s your flight in the morning? I’ll drop you at the airport.”

“Sure……”

……

As Xu Chen and Bing Ge sat eating, Director Li Yue signaled to Liu Shengnan, and the two moved to another spot with their trays.

Giving the pair some private space.

Bing Ge just sat next to Xu Chen, eating heartily without saying a word.

“Is the shooting area cold? You’re wearing so little.”

“Not cold, they’ve got warm air blowing.”

Xu Chen leaned in a bit closer:

“I booked dinner and a room at the Grand Hyatt……”

Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes and whispered:

“Can you cancel it?”

“Huh?”

Before Xu Chen could process it, a staff member called Bing Ge for makeup.

Xie Bingran picked up half a grilled cod from her plate and put it on Xu Chen’s.

Then she got up casually and hurried out.

Xu Chen popped that half piece of cod into his mouth, chewing with a puzzled look.

……

The afternoon’s two shooting scenes are ‘Rainforest’ and ‘Cyber’.

Xu Chen, Director Li Yue, and Liu Shengnan followed to the new set, too stunned to speak.

These setups are even more elaborate than the morning ones.

It’s like they’ve transplanted a corner of the Amazon rainforest.

Or replicated scenes from ‘Ghost in the Shell’ and ‘Blade Runner’ down to the last detail.

The afternoon shoot progressed smoothly.

Xu Chen watched the monitors and felt genuinely amazed.

Luxury brands really go all out for their ads these days.

Unlike in the future, where even top luxury shoots might just use green screens and post-production.

Xie Bingran’s material here, all shot indoors, must cost as much as that Jeep ad.

Just building these four sets rivals the budget of a small film production……

In the ‘Cyber’ scene.

When Bing Ge appeared in full makeup, everyone couldn’t help but be surprised.

Liu Shengnan: “This looks so cool!”

Director Li Yue: “You know, this scene and style really suit Bing Ge……”

Xu Chen watched Xie Bingran on the screen and thought of that Japanese manga called ‘Battle Angel Alita’.

About a decade later, Hollywood adapted it into the movie ‘Alita: Battle Angel’.

Right now, Bing in the shot resembles Alita in so many ways.

Powerful and wild, cool yet fiery, beautiful but broken.

The artists on set got excited the moment Bing Ge appeared, nodding and exchanging comments.

……

……

At five in the evening, the shoot wrapped up exactly on schedule.

Xu Chen had learned that the team includes two people dedicated to ‘project management’, strictly controlling every timeline.

Besides the spokes person’s shooting time, the artists’ hours are also locked in by contract.

These Europeans are precise and stubborn about time management.

Xu Chen stood up, stretching with relief.

Director Li Yue turned to Xu Chen and said proudly:

“Young Xu, the big deal I negotiated for Bing Ge—it’s pretty great, right?”

Xu Chen: “Absolutely! This material will boost Bing Ge’s image big time.

It’s a win-win for the brand and the spokesperson!”

In the ‘Cyber’ shooting area.

Bing Ge was taking photos with the foreign artists.

The production team prepared a bouquet for Bing Ge—a large bunch of ice-blue roses.

The French woman named Camile handed the ice-blue roses to Xie Bingran and happily posed for pictures with her.

Finally, they took a group shot, and Xu Chen, Director Li Yue, and Liu Shengnan were called over too.

Once shooting ended, Bing Ge got pulled aside by Camile.

She was saying something to Bing Ge—who knows if Bing Ge understood.

Xu Chen waited nearby.

Xie Bingran suddenly glanced over and caught Xu Chen’s eye.

She gave him a sly look, making Xu Chen wonder if Bing Ge was signaling for help.

Curious, he walked over.

The French woman was still chatting with Bing Ge in French.

Seeing Xu Chen approach, Xie Bingran stepped back to his side and slipped her hand into his.

Xu Chen looked at her, confused.

Xie Bingran stayed silent, holding the ice-blue roses and smiling at the French woman.

Camile seemed to get the picture, nodding with a smile before shaking hands with both of them and walking away.

Xu Chen still held Xie Bingran’s hand as he asked:

“What’s going on?”

Xie Bingran: “She said she likes me and wants to go out tonight.”

Xu Chen: “……”

……

Bing Ge went to change clothes, leaving Xu Chen and the others in the rest area.

Apple walked over, followed by a tall foreign middle-aged man.

Director Li Yue clearly knew him and quickly stood to greet him.

Since Director Li’s English wasn’t great, Apple translated.

Xu Chen caught on that this tall foreign man, Chris, is Louis Vuitton’s brand director in China and played a key role in Xie Bingran’s endorsement deal.

Director Li Yue was enthusiastic, pulling Xu Chen over for a proper introduction.

Hearing about ‘East Morning Star Advertising’, Chris realized Xu Chen was crucial to the deal and became warmly serious.

Xu Chen exchanged business cards with Chris politely.

As they left, the flashy Apple pulled Xu Chen aside and said politely:

“Sorry about that, Young Xu. I didn’t realize you were the president of East Morning Star Advertising—hope I didn’t slight you today.”

“No worries, I’m just here to observe and learn, and to keep Xie Bingran company.”

……

Stepping out of the studio, night had fallen.

Xie Bingran stayed close to Xu Chen, looking quite well-behaved.

After saying goodbye to Director Li Yue and Liu Shengnan, she got into Xu Chen’s car.

Xu Chen started the car slowly, buckling his seatbelt.

Once Director Li Yue’s van pulled away, he unbuckled and leaned toward Xie Bingran with urgency.

Xie Bingran sat trapped in the passenger seat, blinking innocently.

“Let me just kiss you properly!”

……

……

“I booked dinner—let’s go get you fed.”

Xu Chen settled back, refastened his seatbelt, but lingered on the moment.

Xie Bingran then said:

“Can you cancel it?”

Xu Chen paused:

“Today’s Valentine’s Day, and I got a Valentine’s suite!”

Xie Bingran blinked, as if unaware, but whispered:

“I only know that today is your birthday……”

Xu Chen went quiet for a second, then reached for her hand.

He smiled and said:

“I have a gift for you—let’s celebrate Valentine’s and my birthday together!”

Xie Bingran: “I have a gift for you too.”

“Oh?” He looked eager.

Xie Bingran: “Let’s head back to your school first—my gift’s there……”

Xu Chen: “So mysterious?”

Bing Ge smiled and asked:

“What are you giving me?”

Xu Chen glanced at the back seat and pulled out a bag.

“I figured flowers and chocolate aren’t your style.”

He took out two boxes—brand-new iPhone phones.

“This is the latest smartphone, just released last month—it’s not even out in China yet!

I had Fang Jun’s sister get them from overseas.”

This was the first-generation iPhone from 2007.

At the time, most phone makers hadn’t realized how this device would reshape the industry, leading to the end of feature phones and even giants like Nokia’s downfall.

“When we get back, I’ll set it up and show you how to use it.” Xu Chen said with a smile.

“Okay.”

“Can’t wait to see what Bing Ge got me!”

Xie Bingran smiled mysteriously but didn’t say more.

……

The car hit the highway, heading straight for Tonghai University.

On the way, Xu Chen asked about the Spring Festival Gala, but Bing Ge didn’t know much.

She only knew it was a lip-sync singing show and might not even need a microphone.

Xu Chen teased with a grin:

“I’ve never heard you sing—do you even hit the notes?”

Xie Bingran thought seriously and whispered:

“Not really.”

“……”

……

An hour later, the car reached the south gate of Tonghai University.

“Where to next?” Xu Chen asked.

Xie Bingran checked her phone: “Sipin Road, Tonghai New Village.”

Xu Chen: “That’s right by the main gate.”

He still couldn’t figure out what Xie Bingran was up to.

……

Tonghai New Village.

It’s just across from Tonghai University’s main gate, where many faculty live.

Xu Chen was visiting for the first time and saw rows of six- or seven-story buildings.

“Why here?” Xu Chen asked.

Xie Bingran took his hand and pointed ahead:

“Those two rows were built in the 90s—they’re the newest in the complex.”

“Oh……”

Xie Bingran paused:

“I noticed you sleeping at the company without a proper shower, and it’s noisy near the main road……”

“Huh?”

“So…… I bought you a small house here.”

“!!”

“It’s a resale, but barely lived in.

The original owner bought it as a wedding home but emigrated abroad.”

“?!”

……

When Xu Chen saw the ‘small house’ that Xie Bingran led him to, he was still in disbelief and confusion.

An eighty-square-meter two-bedroom, two-living-room apartment on the fifth floor.

Spotless and well-organized, the decor looked brand new, like it hadn’t been used much.

Xie Bingran had actually bought a house in Shanghai?!

Xu Chen took a deep breath:

“How did you manage that, Bing Ge? School’s group household registration doesn’t allow it, right?

When was this? I had no idea……

This is in the heart of Yangpu district, right across from Tonghai University—the prices are steep.

Oh right…… You’ve got money now, loads of it……”

Xu Chen fired off questions, still reeling.

Xie Bingran wandered around the room briefly:

“The Shanghai Sports Bureau helped with my household registration, and there are incentives for buying here.

So it wasn’t as expensive as you think……”

“I just got it recently. I asked Bai Miao for recommendations and got help from Coach Sun and Coach Cheng……”

She stepped in front of Xu Chen:

“You can sleep here, take showers at night, and it won’t be so noisy.”

……