Chapter 519: Lights, Camera, Action

Makeup room.

The door got a quick knock from outside, and Gu Xinxi poked her head in:

“Boss, let’s head next door to check out the studio and introduce you to the photography teacher.”

They’d finish shooting the ‘You Le Mei’ commercial at 4 p.m., then move on to Director Li’s photo requirements.

Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi had arranged the photography studio in the building next door.

Xu Chen agreed, grabbed the remaining half-piece of baked cod from his plate, and put it on Xie Bingran’s before getting up and leaving.

Xie Bingran said nothing, popped that half-piece of cod into his mouth, and chewed it vigorously.

Li Lizi frowned in thought, seeming to figure something out, and let out a long, drawn-out ‘Oh~~’.

……

Xu Chen first greeted the client Kuang Lili, mentioning he had to handle ‘Director Li’s request’.

Huang Xueli knew about the afternoon and next day’s shoots, so she stood up and said she’d tag along with Young Xu Chen to ‘learn a thing or two’.

With Vice President Zhou keeping Kuang Lili company, she wouldn’t feel neglected.

Vice President Zhou was lively and chatty, making Kuang Lili burst into laughter.

……

Next-door studio.

The space was pretty big, with the shooting area fully enclosed by green screens; the photographer and two assistants were adjusting lights and cameras.

Sun Aimi was still busy with ‘You Le Mei’, so she sent Zhuang Lei over to help; he was working with the photographer on tweaks.

Gu Xinxi called out, and the slim photographer with black-framed glasses hurried over.

“This is our Young Xu Chen.”

“And this is Teacher Liu Jianan…”

Xu Chen was very polite, shaking hands with photographer Liu Jianan.

Liu Jianan looked like a thirty-five or thirty-six-year-old guy, with a goatee on his chin, wearing a brown baseball cap, giving off that artistic vibe.

Though Xu Chen couldn’t help but think that at this age, wearing a baseball cap probably meant he was balding.

Liu Jianan was shocked to see how young ‘Young Xu Chen’ was and didn’t know how to start the conversation.

Xu Chen was used to it, made some casual small talk, then introduced Huang Xueli to him.

Hearing Huang Xueli was a ‘Sports Administration’ leader, Liu Jianan knew she was part of the client’s side and treated her with full respect.

“I’m just here with Young Xu Chen to learn; you all carry on.”

Huang Xueli said with a smile, smartly leaving the main discussion to Xu Chen and Liu Jianan.

Liu Jianan showed Xu Chen the equipment, lights, and wardrobe setup, and introduced the team assistants, lighting techs, and makeup artists.

Then they moved to the computer, where he verbally outlined the upcoming shoot plans for Xu Chen.

Xu Chen already had a good grasp of the basics; Sun Aimi had briefed him earlier.

The reason Xu Chen wanted to hear it from Liu Jianan was to double-check his professional skills and attitude.

After all, this was for Ice Bro’s project, so no slacking off.

Liu Jianan came across as a steady, no-nonsense type, far more reserved than the director from Bay Island in the next studio.

But when it came to business, he was clear and methodical, showing real expertise.

That put Young Xu Chen at ease.

“We’re pretty much set up here, just doing the final equipment checks.”

“Once the model arrives, we can start right away.”

“Model” meant Xie Bingran, the standard term in photography circles.

With some downtime, Xu Chen and Huang Xueli chatted more with Liu Jianan, and Zhuang Lei smiled as he joined them.

It turned out Zhuang Lei and Liu Jianan already knew each other and had worked on projects before.

“Teacher Liu Jianan is well-known in portrait photography circles; he was the chief photographer at ‘Youth Vision’ in Beijing, shooting stars back then.”

“Last year, when he went independent for commercial work, he got invites from Huang Xiaoming and Li Bingbing’s projects.”

Huang Xueli looked surprised:

“I didn’t realize Teacher Liu Jianan was the chief at ‘Youth Vision’…”

“When I was in talent management, everyone said their photos were the best in the industry.”

She glanced at Xu Chen:

“Young Xu Chen really pulled it off, getting such a top-notch photography team for Ice Bro.”

Xu Chen chuckled, feeling impressed inside.

Huang Xueli was so good at compliments, boosting everyone’s mood effortlessly.

Just a casual line and she lifted both Liu Jianan and Xu Chen’s side.

Xu Chen thought that once they got closer, he should have her train the client team, like Gu Xinxi and Pan Mengting.

……

Zhuang Lei stayed to help, while Xu Chen took Huang Xueli back to the next studio.

The ‘You Le Mei’ shoot was still going, with the director wrapping another set of shots.

The same five lines of dialogue, shot with two safe versions, now trying different compositions and expressions.

The Chinese ad scene started in Hong Kong and Bay Island; as a Bay Island director, You Yuhui was meticulous and demanding.

……

They’d been at it almost all day.

Ice Bro was fine, but Li Lizi looked worn out.

Kuang Lili felt bad for her ‘little princess’, but with the director working so hard, she didn’t want to interrupt for a break.

Luckily, checking footage and setting scenes gave a good break.

Xie Bingran and Li Lizi stayed in the shooting scene, a setup like a ‘bubble-tea shop’ booth.

Ice Bro sat by the window, turning to look outside.

Li Lizi leaned her head on Ice Bro’s shoulder, eyes half-closed like she might doze off.

……

……

Right on time at 4 p.m.

Director You Yuhui confirmed the last shot with Xu Chen and Kuang Lili, then announced ‘That’s a wrap!’ into the walkie-talkie.

Cheers and applause erupted, with two director assistants firing off confetti cannons toward Xie Bingran and Li Lizi still in frame, sending colorful streamers flying amid laughter.

Another two assistants handed bouquets to the ‘leads’, snapping photos with flashes going off, ramping up the excitement.

You Yuhui gathered everyone and said:

“Let’s get a group shot with Ice Bro and the little princess!”

“If anyone wants photos or autographs, hurry up—Ice Bro has more schedules ahead…”

The crowd surged forward in a lively rush.

Su Rong hesitated to join but Wu Feifei boldly pulled her over, standing right by Ice Bro.

Wu Feifei spotted Xu Chen stepping back and dragged him in, positioning him behind Ice Bro.

Flashes clicked away, then a group of young director team members crowded around Ice Bro for autographs.

Xie Bingran handled it all graciously, like a signing machine.

Director You Yuhui caught up with Xu Chen and Kuang Lili for some light chat.

With work done, You Yuhui relaxed and chatted more.

But knowing Ice Bro and Young Xu Chen had more to do, he bid them a quick farewell and turned to wrap up with his team.

……

……

Ten minutes later, Xie Bingran and Li Lizi emerged from the makeup room, back in their original clothes.

Li Lizi was reluctant, her eyes teary as she hugged Ice Bro again.

Then Kuang Lili led her away.

As they got in the car, she rolled down the window and waved to Ice Bro from afar, making Xu Chen chuckle awkwardly.

Standing by Ice Bro, he whispered:

“Congrats, Ice Bro, you’ve charmed another young lady.”

Ice Bro glanced over: “Are you asking for trouble?”

……

Finally, they had a moment to introduce Ice Bro to Vice President Zhou.

Xu Chen had mentioned ‘Vice President Zhou’ to Xie Bingran earlier, as she’s a key figure at Ran Bing Sports.

What amused Xu Chen was how the usually outgoing Vice President Zhou turned shy and polite around Ice Bro.

She even bowed slightly, smiling warmly and speaking softly:

“Hello, Ice Bro. I’m Zhou Junjun.”

“I’ve watched all your matches. Congrats on winning the world championship last month…”

Wu Feifei looked puzzled and said:

“Vice President Zhou, since when do you talk like that?”

Zhou Junjun flashed a cheeky grin:

“Hope I didn’t come off too formal…”

“I’m in the sports industry, and Ice Bro is truly my idol.”

“Her achievements in sports make me look up to her with real admiration.”

Xu Chen: “When did you get so formal?”

He turned to Ice Bro:

“She’s not usually like this.”

Zhou Junjun laughed out loud but quickly toned it down, thinking it might be too bold.

Su Rong had slipped behind Ice Bro unnoticed:

“Ice Bro, are you tired? Let me give you a shoulder rub!”

She raised her small fists and gently tapped his shoulders.

Xu Chen and Wu Feifei exchanged glances, both speechless.

……

……

Next-door studio.

Without the clients around and it being their own project, everyone relaxed a bit.

Ice Bro went with the makeup and wardrobe team to the makeup room, and Wu Feifei and Su Rong followed.

That was good; they could keep Ice Bro company and liven things up so the team didn’t feel awkward.

Xu Chen, Zhou Junjun, Huang Xueli, along with Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi, headed to the studio’s rest area.

Coach Cheng Hong, of course, stuck close to Sun Aimi.

Zhuang Lei was leading this photo shoot project and brought the newcomer Ma Lingyao to help with equipment adjustments alongside photographer Liu Jianan.

……

Xu Chen turned to Gu Xinxi and said:

“Xinxi, order some dinner. Since it’s just us, let’s keep it casual.”

He looked at Coach Cheng Hong and Huang Xueli:

“Coach Cheng, Huang Xueli, tell Xinxi what you’d like.”

Huang Xueli didn’t rush, waiting for Coach Cheng Hong to speak first.

Coach Cheng Hong: “I’m not competing, so anything works for me.”

She glanced at Sun Aimi:

“What about you, Aimi?”

“……”

Gu Xinxi went with the crowd-pleasing ‘indulgence meal’: fried chicken, fish, fries, pizza, and plenty of sodas.

Xie Bingran had dietary restrictions, so Coach Cheng Hong nagged Gu Xinxi for a while to order a bland salad and fish for Ice Bro.

……

This whole shoot was for Director Li’s needs, and ‘Young Xu Chen’ wanted to make it feel worth it, so the tasks were packed.

Six outfits, six major sets of material.

They’d wrap by 8:30 p.m. tonight, finishing three outfits and three sets; the rest was for tomorrow morning.

The remaining half would be tomorrow morning.

Soon, Ice Bro came out of the makeup room.

She wore a pure white tracksuit, with makeup and hair styled for everyday sports—short hair looking natural and effortless.

Since this was for stock material, not tied to any specific brand, the outfit and style had no strict themes.

Of course, Xu Chen had slipped in some plans; in these six sets, he prepped specific clothes, poses, and looks for ‘Ran Bing Sports’ and ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’.

The studio lights dimmed, leaving only the green screen area lit for shooting.

Flashes fired nonstop…

Huang Xueli watched the shoot for a bit and quietly said to Xu Chen:

“Teacher Liu Jianan really knows his stuff!”

Xu Chen smiled at Sun Aimi: “Aimi found him.”

Sun Aimi adjusted her round glasses, wondering why the boss singled her out when she and Xinxi had found him together.

Coach Cheng Hong puffed up with pride and said offhandedly: “No surprise!”

“……”

……

……

That evening, in Tonghai New Village.

By the time Xu Chen and Xie Bingran got home, it was past 10 p.m.

Coach Cheng Hong had pulled some strings so Ice Bro didn’t have to check in at the dorm tonight.

As soon as they entered, Xu Chen couldn’t hold back and pulled Xie Bingran into his arms.

“Let me devour you…”

Xie Bingran pursed her lips and blinked, then mischievously dodged away with a smirk.

Xu Chen narrowed his eyes, thinking, ‘You’re playing hard to get now…’

But he wasn’t letting her go; he dropped his keys and chased after her.

……

……

After showers, they helped each other dry their hair.

Both in white robes Xu Chen had bought recently.

Not too thick, soft and comfortable fabric perfect for the season.

Xu Chen stood behind Xie Bingran, holding the blow dryer in his right hand and tousling her hair with his left.

The sight and scent in front of him stirred his desires even more.

“The weather’s really heating up.”

Xu Chen grumbled.

Out of nowhere, Xie Bingran said:

“As it gets hotter, I’ll have to head to Beijing…”

Her tone carried a hint of quiet resentment.

This was their planned arrangement.

Prepping for next summer’s Beijing Olympics meant spending this hot season there.

It was about adapting to the climate and undergoing intensive training before the games.

Xu Chen had already asked Coach Cheng Hong; visiting during Ice Bro’s closed training would be strictly controlled.

“What about your competitions? At least I can come for those.”

Xu Chen said softly, already wrapping his arms around her from behind.

Xie Bingran leaned back slightly but then pulled away like she’d startled herself.

Xu Chen glanced down at himself and sighed helplessly:

“What can I do?”

“Not everything follows Young Xu Chen’s orders!”

Xie Bingran turned around.

She looked down with a playful grin and said:

“‘Little Young Xu Chen’ is quite the mischief-maker.”

“……”