IDEI Ch30

When Qi Yanning heard the sound of Meng Ningning’s manager roaring uncontrollably, she was busy doing makeup for other artists.

For this final night, the program team placed great importance on the event, even conducting three makeup rehearsals. The trainees’ makeup had been arranged four or five days in advance. After three rounds of practice, the makeup artists and assistants could complete the makeup and styling quite well, and Qi Yanning didn’t need to resolve issues at any moment.

Qi Yanning’s task was to do makeup for the guests invited by the program team.

For this final night, a total of six guests had been invited. Among them, there was a host and two singers who had been confirmed midway through the program, while the other three were only finalized in the last two days.

With Your Star’s popularity skyrocketing like a rocket, countless artists wanted to participate in the final night. The program team received numerous inquiries and probes every day, and even with the backing of Chenxing Entertainment, it was becoming overwhelming.

After all, Chenxing Entertainment couldn’t single-handedly go head-to-head with all the other companies in the industry.

Thus, through various negotiations, the three guests were finally confirmed.

One was a rising host from a certain satellite TV station, and this time he participated in the program as part of a resource exchange with Chenxing Entertainment. Afterward, the Your Star debut group could participate as flying guests in a popular variety show on that satellite TV station, and if the performance was good, that station would prioritize considering members of the Your Star debut group for future programs.

The second was a rising star from a certain company who had been in the limelight lately. She had just played the second female lead in a drama, delivering a standout performance, and her popularity was soaring. In order to participate in this debut night, her team agreed to free up her schedule to shoot the MV for the Your Star debut group’s first album and assist with promotion.

…And the last one was Meng Ningning.

She had a good mother. Meng Ningning’s mother was a well-known director in the industry who always felt guilty for her daughter, so she doted on Meng Ningning and complied with her every request. This time, for her participation in the program, Meng Ningning’s mother agreed to Chenxing Entertainment’s terms and would later shoot two dramas for them.

Meng Ningning had grown accustomed to being indulged by everyone throughout her journey, developing a spoiled and temperamental attitude, believing that everyone should revolve around her.

Upon hearing her manager’s suppressed anger, she rolled her eyes and became instantly furious.

“Who wants some makeup artist I’ve never heard of to do my makeup!” Meng Ningning shouted. “I’ve been in closed filming for two months! It’s not easy to finally show my face to the public, and I have to look beautiful!”

Her manager rubbed his temples, “Miss, could you lower your voice a little? That’s Qi Yanning, he…” Before he could finish, Meng Ningning interrupted him with a scream.

“Qi Yanning? That trainee with a scandal?” she exclaimed in disbelief. “Then I absolutely don’t want him to do my makeup! How filthy; who knows if he has any diseases!”

Her manager was speechless, unable to calm down for a long time.

What sin had he committed to have to deal with such a little tyrant!

“Excuse me.” A staff member knocked on the door and peeked his face through the crack, wearing a standard fake smile. “Sorry, Teacher Meng, but the trainees next door are filming, and our soundproofing isn’t very good, so…”

“Really sorry.” After speaking, he closed the door.

Her manager felt darkness clouding his vision. He couldn’t imagine how many people had heard Meng Ningning’s completely unrestrained voice just now!

“Ningning, given the current situation, we…” He softened his tone.

“I can’t possibly let him do my makeup! Does he even deserve it?!” Meng Ningning snapped.

I wanted you to apologize to him! He’s backed by Chenxing Entertainment, you know!

Li Ge screamed internally.

But Meng Ningning was scrolling through her phone, her tone casual. “Li Ge, we don’t need anything from him, so why should we care? I’ve made an appointment with Sister Aria; she’ll be here soon to do my makeup. Sister Aria is a well-known makeup artist in the industry!”

“Look!” Meng Ningning’s eyes lit up as she held her phone up for her manager to see. “The cover of the last issue of ‘Waves’! Sister Aria is in charge at ‘Waves,’ and she can do this kind of makeup!”

Her manager hesitated to speak. He knew that Qi Yanning was the one doing the makeup this time, but this little princess would definitely not believe him.

He organized his thoughts, preparing to persuade the little princess with a different approach, but Meng Ningning impatiently said, “If you have nothing to do, go wash some fruit for me; I’m a bit hungry.”

The manager thought it would be good to let her cool off for a while and continued persuading her when he returned, but by the time he got back, Aria was already in the makeup room.

He could only swallow all his words and let out a weary sigh.

No matter how tired he felt, he still had to clean up the mess for the little princess.

Just as Meng Ningning’s manager, Li Ge, was tidying up some small gifts to apologize to Qi Yanning on behalf of Meng Ningning, Qi Yanning had already finished the makeup for the two hosts.

The makeup for hosts is often characterized by stability and elegance, so it went quickly.

The originally scheduled host was a top-tier host in the industry, and he had no objections to what kind of makeup he would have; he was very humble and kept a gentle smile on his face.

With the older host’s performance, the younger host, though having some doubts about whether Qi Yanning could do host makeup since he was used to idol makeup, still smiled and allowed Qi Yanning to work.

What he didn’t expect was that the result turned out to be surprisingly good.

Both of their makeup styles were simple and elegant, primarily aimed at enhancing their features and complexion, but the pairing had some clever details.

The two wore suits, one in dark green and the other in deep blue, with star elements woven into the details, echoing the name of Your Star. Around their necks, the older host wore a dark green tie, while the younger host had a deep blue bow tie. The two complemented each other, standing together in perfect harmony.

Seeing this, even the older host showed a satisfied smile.

The makeup for the two singers was even more stunning.

The female singer-dancer was performing her hit song “Rose,” and she attached great importance to this stage, bringing along the sequined red dress she wore in the MV.

To match this outfit, Qi Yanning created a rose-red smoky eye, styled her long black hair into exaggerated large curls with a curling iron, and then arranged a seemingly lazy but very secure bun. Paired with a small hat with a net and fiery red lips, she looked like a woman stepping out of a vintage magazine, making one feel as if they were in a lush and fragrant rose garden.

The other singer was a powerful performer whose songs were avant-garde and trendy, so Qi Yanning simply enhanced his features for the camera, focusing more on the outfit. Following Qi Yanning’s instructions, he wore a white coat, a shirt, and suit pants underneath. His hair was styled into small messy curls piled on top of his head, and a large decorative silver wire glasses hung amidst his hair.

This look made him appear like a bizarre and eccentric scientist, perfectly matching the vibe of his song.

The singer Wang Zhuoxiong initially felt a bit uncomfortable with his makeup, standing awkwardly in front of the mirror, but soon he grew more surprised the more he looked. With a beaming smile, he said to Qi Yanning, “Xiao Qi has great ideas; this makeup is perfect for my song! I wonder if there will be opportunities to collaborate in the future?”

Meanwhile, the female idol had her assistant and Li Jinshi exchange contacts on Feixin. It was important to maintain a good relationship with such a talented makeup artist.

The last young star’s makeup was saved for last. She had no stage tasks today and was purely there as a vase and temporary MC, so her makeup didn’t need to consider any big movements; it just needed to be as beautiful as possible.

However, before the makeup started, she put her hands together and bowed to Qi Yanning, her voice sincere, her eyes blinking eagerly, “Qi-ge, I want a sickly sweet look; is that okay?”

The young star Yun Yangyang had a bright and striking appearance with a strong facial structure, tall and well-proportioned, looking somewhat proud, but her personality was completely different—soft and friendly.

Qi Yanning raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

A sickly sweet look? That is…

She’s competing for the same role as Meng Ningning.

Yun Yangyang noticed Qi Yanning’s thoughts and smiled, “Fair competition, right? I know my looks don’t hold much advantage, but I still want to give it a try.”

Qi Yanning casually nodded.

Earlier, when Meng Ningning’s manager contacted him, he had revealed the character they were vying for—essentially a seemingly pure and kind young lady, who was, in reality, obsessive, cruel, and cunning. In the early part of the storyline, the young lady’s disguise was superb, making her appear to be a simple and sweet girl.

With this character setup, Meng Ningning’s sweet girl appearance naturally held an advantage.

But Yun Yangyang didn’t want to give up.

She watched eagerly as Qi Yanning worked.

Qi Yanning moved quickly and confidently.

He first applied a thin layer of foundation to Yun Yangyang, making her skin look translucent and fair. Next, a light flush was added to her eyelids, the corners of her eyes, and her cheeks, resembling the shyness of a young girl or the warm blush of a sickly beauty. Her eyebrows were drawn long and slender like willow leaves, and the details around her eyes were exquisite.

Qi Yanning did not draw her eyeliner downwards to create a more innocent look but instead slightly lifted it to enhance her eye shape. This way, when she opened her eyes, she appeared pure and innocent, but once her gaze shifted, a sharp light could be seen.

On her lips, Qi Yanning used a peach-colored lipstick, layering it with a bit of shiny lip gloss to make her lips look tender and full. However, a wound was drawn on the left center of her lower lip, breaking the original innocent vibe of the makeup and adding an inexplicable touch of danger and allure.

For her hairstyle, Qi Yanning made no significant changes, simply straightening her hair and letting a few bangs fall across her forehead, as if styled effortlessly.

Paired with a light green gradient dress, her aura at first glance appeared pure and innocent, yet there was an underlying sense of contradictory danger, captivating one’s gaze repeatedly.

“Looks great!” Yun Yangyang’s eyes widened in surprise, her hands covering her mouth in delight—she was even afraid to touch her lips, fearing it might ruin the lip makeup.

“Qi-ge, you’re amazing!” Yun Yangyang exclaimed. “Let’s add each other on Xingxin; I want to keep in touch with you!”

Qi Yanning smiled gently, “Thank you for your compliments, Miss Yun.”

“Really, it’s absolutely Meng Ningning’s loss that she didn’t let you do her makeup! She has no idea how talented you are!”

Yun Yangyang, in her excitement, showered praises on Qi Yanning when Meng Ningning’s manager, Brother Li, walked in at that moment.

“Sorry, Teacher Qi—” He gently pushed the door open, and upon lifting his gaze, he saw Yun Yangyang.

Brother Li’s heart sank.

This makeup… it seemed as if the noble young lady from the play had crossed over to the modern world!

Seeing Brother Li’s eyes on her, Yun Yangyang tilted her head, her eyes filled with innocence, “Manager Li, why are you looking at me?”

This expression! Brother Li felt another pang in his heart. Yun Yangyang’s acting was far superior to that of his own artist!

Originally, his artist only had an advantage in appearance, and he had repeatedly sought favors to bring them to Qi Yanning in hopes of achieving a good look that would elevate his artist’s charm.

But now, his painstaking efforts had ended up benefiting someone else!

He recalled how he had previously offered makeup suggestions to Meng Ningning, only to be ignored, and felt utterly exhausted.

He couldn’t manage this! Working with such a shallow and oblivious artist would shorten his life by ten years.

Maybe he should just quit and face the wrath of Meng Ningning’s powerful director mother. He didn’t want to serve this little princess anymore, feeling like a eunuch. He could always go back home and farm!

Brother Li thought to himself.

However, on the surface, he maintained an unfazed demeanor and instead wore a perfectly appropriate smile, “Teacher Yun, you look stunning and completely different today; no wonder you’re so popular!”

Seeing his reaction, Yun Yangyang found it somewhat boring and turned her head away.

Brother Li didn’t pay her any mind and stepped forward to say to Qi Yanning, “I apologize, Teacher Qi. Our Ningning is quite straightforward and doesn’t mean any harm. She has a childlike disposition, is somewhat nostalgic, and prefers familiar faces. So… I truly apologize for today, Teacher Qi, and I hope there will be future opportunities to collaborate.”

Qi Yanning looked at this smiling man, who seemed as if he hadn’t just argued with Meng Ningning in the makeup room, and found it quite amusing.

A manager with such strong capabilities, who could bend and stretch, was assigned to serve a little princess…

It seemed there were quite a few issues within Hahai Entertainment.

Qi Yanning’s thoughts turned quickly, but he did not show it. Instead, he casually said, “Children can be temperamental, and it’s normal for them to make decisions solely based on their own ideas. Moreover, the makeup artist she invited has helped me take on some of the workload, making it easier for me.”

Brother Li was taken aback; he hadn’t expected this elegant and composed makeup artist to directly place the blame for the bad temper and fickleness on Meng Ningning. He also implied that Meng Ningning had not adhered to the program’s rules and was throwing her weight around.

“Teacher Qi…” Brother Li forced a smile, wanting to clarify a few things, but unexpectedly, Yun Yangyang spoke up suddenly, “Teacher Qi, my hair is stuck on the button!”

Qi Yanning cast a sidelong glance at the sweating Brother Li, then turned to help Yun Yangyang adjust her makeup. Brother Li, left unacknowledged, could only awkwardly leave.

The makeup session was just a minor episode, and soon it was seven o’clock. Qi Yanning went to check on the trainees’ makeup situation one last time.

He gently pushed the door open, and when the trainees saw him, they all stood up.

“Teacher Qi!”

“Teacher Xiao Qi, you’re here! I’ve been anxious not seeing you tonight.”

“Teacher Xiao Qi, please check if my makeup looks okay today.”

The trainees spoke one after another.

After all the performances by Your Star, they had developed almost blind faith in Qi Yanning’s makeup skills. Previously, while it was unlikely that every single one of their looks was done by him, he would always check each of them, which reassured them greatly.

But today, on the most crucial night of the finals, Qi Yanning had not been around, leaving them feeling somewhat empty.

Even though they had already gone through three dress rehearsals with makeup, and tonight’s looks were no different from the previous ones, they still felt a bit nervous. Qi Yanning’s arrival felt like a stabilizing anchor, gently wiping away all their self-doubt about their looks.

Qi Yanning was surrounded by them, settled at a makeup station in the center while the trainees showcased their appearances in front of him.

He held a brush in his hand, skillfully twirling it as he squinted his eyes, scanning the trainees as if he were a scanner.

Behind him, other makeup artists from the production team stood somewhat anxiously, poised to spring into action at the first sign of criticism from Qi Yanning.

“Hair, redo it, it’s askew.”

“Did you just eat something? Touch up your lip gloss.”

“No problems here.”

“Add a bit more blush; it’s still not enough.”

“Rearrange the chain on your outfit.”

…

Qi Yanning’s tone was flat, but as the trainees presented themselves before him, he decisively pointed out all the issues one by one.

As the details were corrected, the trainees felt like they had taken a confidence pill, surrounding Qi Yanning with beaming smiles.

Soon, hands began to rise. Twenty individuals with various styles of makeup stacked their hands into a tower, eagerly looking at Qi Yanning.

Qi Yanning gazed deeply at them and gently raised his hand—

He placed it on top.

“Go for it, go for it, go for it!!”

The shouts seemed ready to burst through the roof, and as Qi Yanning looked at these trainees with eyes full of determination, he felt the passion of youth infecting him.

He rarely showed such a clearly happy smile.

＊

In Your Star’s live broadcast room, while the screen kept replaying the theme song’s MV, the bullet comments were already buzzing with excitement.

[Incredibly handsome, outstanding! Xiao Yingyi, debut in the C position!]

[Wei Mingzhe, you’re a blazing flame; tonight, let it burn down this stage!]

[Rapper Yan Zihao, you’re the coolest!]

Fans’ cheers filled the screen, creating a lively atmosphere.

In the final minute, the public screen was filled with a flurry of countdowns, and everyone was nervously anticipating the moment.

Until—

The screen suddenly lit up.

Six guests appeared simultaneously on the wide and luxurious stage.

“Hello everyone, welcome to the live finale of ‘Your Star’! We appreciate all the viewers joining us!”

The host read the opening lines, and the bullet comments exploded.

[It’s starting, it’s starting!]

[Six hosts! Your Star, you’ve made it!]

[Wow! Today, Pang Qi and Zheng Min’s styles are so unique! One is a vintage red rose, and the other is a mad scientist—so good-looking!]

[Yun Yangyang looks beautiful too; what a naive and delicate young lady!]

[So beautiful, my Yun Yangyang wife! Even without the glamorous sexy style, she’s stunning max!]

[Uh…]

[Wait a minute, Meng Ningning’s look—did she offend the makeup artist?]

[Your Star! You invited Ningning, but gave her such a look! This trashy show is bullying our Ningning!]