IDEI Ch26

Suits and decadence?

Countless images flashed through Editor-in-Chief Ning’s mind, none of which seemed quite right.

However, since Qi Yanning hadn’t strayed from the brief, Editor-in-Chief Ning could only suppress the doubts in her heart. She sat to the side, her eyes glued to Qi Yanning’s movements.

This time, from the very beginning, Qi Yanning opted for a lighter, more translucent base that allowed Xiao Yingyi’s natural skin texture to show through completely.

The contouring was applied much heavier than in the previous look. Xiao Yingyi’s facial skin and musculature were naturally tight and firm, but right now, it took on a sharp, emaciated edge.

For the eye makeup, he selected a brown with a hint of purple, deepening the eye sockets. The lower lash line was traced in black and blended out with delicate strokes. An earthy-toned blush was swept broadly from beneath the eyes across to the cheekbones, while the lips were kept in a nude tone.

After this series of steps, Xiao Yingyi’s originally flushed, vibrant complexion turned sickly and fragile, looking thoroughly demoralized and gloomy.

However…

Wasn’t this look a bit too plain?

Although Editor-in-Chief Ning found the makeup stunning to the naked eye, she worried about how it would translate on camera.

What she hadn’t anticipated was Qi Yanning producing a brush. Dipping it into dark red body paint, he lightly scraped the bristles with the handle of another brush, instantly casting a fine crimson mist over Xiao Yingyi’s face.

The paint splattered across his cheek like droplets of blood, instantly infusing the entire face with a vivid pop of color. The previous sense of despondency was underscored by an insidious danger, making one yearn to flee, yet crave to succumb.

The hairstyle this time was equally simple. Xiao Yingyi wore a style resembling a slicked-back undercut, yet casually disheveled rather than neat, retaining a trace of dampness. A few stray locks fell across Xiao Yingyi’s eyes, cloaking his expression in ambiguous gloom.

Seeing Xiao Yingyi like this, Editor-in-Chief Ning felt relieved while secretly marveling in awe.

Such styling aligned flawlessly with the theme of this issue. Truly…

She gave Qi Yanning a deep look, sighing inwardly.

When it came to the arts, raw talent reigned supreme after all. This Teacher Qi seemed so young, yet his sensitivity and insight into styling left her utterly humbled.

Qi Yanning sent Xiao Yingyi off to eat, then casually grabbed An Zai, who had already finished a pitifully small container of salad and was staring longingly at everyone else’s food, to do his styling.

An Zai’s look was generally similar to Xiao Yingyi’s, except that with some baby fat on his face, he couldn’t pull off Xiao Yingyi’s ultra-chiseled hollow look. Qi Yanning casually painted a purplish bruise by the corner of his mouth and a streak of blood across the bridge of his nose.

Just like that, the naturally bright and sunny An Zai looked like an abandoned, drenched puppy, with even the spark in his eyes completely extinguished.

The others finished their styling one after another, leaving Editor-in-Chief Ning more and more astonished the more she watched.

Everyone’s makeup shared a unified base tone, yet the trainees, who looked “all identical” to outsiders, now possessed distinct personal individuality, allowing anyone to distinguish them at a single glance.

An extraordinarily gifted stylist.

Editor-in-Chief Ning drew that conclusion in her heart once more.

With hair and makeup settled, next came the wardrobe.

Looking at the trainees lined up, their suits buttoned up to the neck with rigid precision, Qi Yanning’s eyebrow twitched.

Sweeping his gaze over them with a teasing smirk, he asked, “A makeup look like this paired with stiff, buttoned-up suits… what do you think yourselves?”

“Looks like insurance salesmen who just got beaten up,” An Zai blurted out.

The trainees burst out laughing. Possessing basic aesthetic sense, they hurriedly unbuttoned their suit jackets.

Qi Yanning adjusted each of their outfits individually. Ties hung loosely around necks, shirt collars fell open…

Wei Mingzhe and Mo Jinghai were even instructed to take off their suit jackets and drape them over their shoulders. Their ties were casually knotted around their upper arms, accentuating taut, well-defined muscles. Their styles differed slightly: Wei Mingzhe’s muscular lines were tight and sleek, whereas Mo Jinghai was fuller and more athletic, creating an entirely contrasting visual impact.

“That will do.” Qi Yanning stepped back two paces, examined the result, and nodded with satisfaction.

The photographer, who had slipped over at some point, heard this and his eyes lit up: “Finally ready! Quick, quick, follow me, everyone! The sunset glow outside is perfect right now, this is the prime time to shoot!”

A gorgeous natural landscape, paired with trainees whose looks, figures, and styling were all peerless, today was set to be the pinnacle highlight of his career!

Thoroughly electrified, he grabbed a trainee and bolted out the door. The other trainees exchanged glances and hurried after him.

Seeing this, Editor-in-Chief Ning smiled and invited Director Lin and Qi Yanning: “Director Lin, Teacher Qi, shall we go take a look as well?”

***

By now, the coastal road had been completely staged. The production coordinator had even led the crew to pick up every scrap of litter on the road.

On the open road stood a sleek, understated black luxury sedan.

Fill lights and reflector boards were positioned, awaiting the start of the shoot.

A purplish-crimson sunset glow blended downward into the deep blue sea. Overgrown weeds flanked the roadside, dotted with tiny wild blossoms. The entire vista was magnificent yet desolate, as if situated on the escape route of an apocalypse.

Arriving on site, Qi Yanning suddenly remembered something. Calling over the young female coordinator, he gave her a few instructions.

The coordinator was slightly taken aback, feeling curious, but agreed nonetheless.

By now, the trainees had stepped in front of the camera, starting with solo shots.

Directing with fervent passion, the photographer guided them through various poses. Whether staring straight into the lens through messy strands with somber gloom, or gazing up at the sky with hollow eyes, every shot captured in the camera was breathtaking.

Because the sunset glow was fleeting, the photographer shot very rapidly, wrapping up solo portraits in no time. Next were group photos.

Just as the photographer was pondering the composition, the young coordinator returned carrying the props Qi Yanning had requested:

A bottle of red wine, several wine glasses, along with a few baseball bats and golf clubs.

Walking over at an unhurried pace, Qi Yanning stood beside the photographer. “I imagine these props might prove useful?”

Though framed as a question, his tone was entirely certain.

His train of thought interrupted, the photographer looked up with a frown, meeting Qi Yanning’s smiling eyes. Turning swiftly to look at the props, his eyes ignited!

What seemed peculiar to the young coordinator appeared utterly ingenious in his eyes!

He promptly tore up the composition sketch he had just drawn in his notebook, sketching anew with lightning speed. Shortly after, his eyes burning with excitement, he leaped up.

With the addition of the props, the small group shots proceeded exceptionally smoothly.

Whether it was Xiao Yingyi and two other trainees perched atop the car roof with exaggerated grins holding wine glasses, or Wei Mingzhe and his group slinging baseball bats over their shoulders with smirks as they looked toward the lens, the photographer couldn’t stop gasping in admiration!

The trainees resembled young aristocrats who had just been cast out of a lavish ball, or “suited mobsters” stripped of status, harboring dark intentions deep inside, steeped in decadence and voluptuous ruin.

By this point, the sky was completely dark.

Only the final group shot remained.

At the photographer’s direction, all the trainees lay sprawled across the ground in disarray. A shattered wine bottle lay nearby, and baseball bats were stained with ambiguous crimson marks. The car’s headlights shone straight ahead, casting deep shadows across one side of their faces, leaving their playful, mocking expressions only faintly visible.

Just as the photographer was about to shoot, Qi Yanning produced a small spray bottle and walked toward the trainees.

A fine mist of water was evenly spritzed over every trainee’s face.

The stark sharpness was softened by droplets of water, like a hazy lens filter. The aggression was washed away, leaving only endless, bottomless desolation, as if they had reached the end of the world.

A grand curtain call, a mournful carnival, a doomsday elegy.

“Holy shit!” The photographer blurted out an obscenity. He cast a glance at Qi Yanning, his gaze looking at him like a treasured masterpiece, giving Qi Yanning goosebumps.

With no time to say more, the photographer rushed forward, eager to freeze this moment before the water droplets dried.

Editor-in-Chief Ning was equally captivated. She had been stunned repeatedly throughout the day, to the point of near numbness.

She asked the photographer recording the behind-the-scenes footage in a low voice, “Did you capture all of it?”

The videographer nodded. His task was to document the entire shoot to edit into behind-the-scenes teasers later, whether for generating buzz on Xingbo or bundling as bonus content with the digital issue, nothing would go to waste.

Editor-in-Chief Ning nodded, her mind racing as she calculated how to maximize the impact of this behind-the-scenes material.

She had a premonition that with proper marketing, this issue would be an absolute bestseller!

***

When the shoot finally wrapped up, the trainees were completely drained after removing their makeup.

They slumped in various corners of the dressing room, not wanting to utter a single word.

Until—

“You’ve all worked hard today. Dinner is on me!” Director Lin announced with a grand wave of his hand.

The trainees instantly sprang back to life.

“Director Lin is badass!”

“Long live Director Lin! I want Korean BBQ!”

“Hot pot, I vote for hot pot!”

“I’m craving fried chicken and pizza!”

The trainees clamored in chaos, but fell silent under Director Lin’s glare.

“Fried chicken? BBQ? You want to wake up tomorrow with news that Your Star‘s top trainees swelled up like pig heads trending on the hot search?” Director Lin said bluntly.

“We can do hot pot,” Director Lin pivoted, but before the trainees could cheer, he added, “Clear broth.”

They groaned in unison, but agreed anyway.

Free food was free food!

Director Lin, currently laying down ground rules with the trainees, had no idea that just outside the noisy dressing room, someone was actively trying to poach from his corner.

Qi Yanning was chatting with Editor-in-Chief Ning and the photographer.

“Teacher Qi, your aesthetic sense is exceptional, and your styling is breathtaking,” Editor-in-Chief Ning praised with sincere appreciation.

Qi Yanning nodded. “Thank you for the compliment.”

“A stylist of this caliber is a rare find anywhere,” Editor-in-Chief Ning continued, her tone carrying a subtle hint of probing. “Have you ever considered moving to another platform?”

Qi Yanning’s eyes flickered, looking up at Editor-in-Chief Ning.

“I won’t beat around the bush. Have you considered signing with our magazine? We offer fantastic benefits for contracted stylists: you only need to complete designated assignments according to requirements, taking no more than ten days a month. The rest of the time is entirely yours to pursue your own projects.”

The terms were indeed very generous.

Yet Qi Yanning remained completely unmoved.

“Thank you for the appreciation, Editor Ning, but Director Lin took a chance on me and showed me great kindness,” Qi Yanning shook his head, declining politely.

A trace of disappointment crossed Editor-in-Chief Ning’s face, though she hadn’t expected immediate success anyway. She used this moment to bring up her true objective.

“Alright,” she smiled. “Then let’s add each other on Xingxin. I wonder if we’ll have the chance to book you for our magazine’s styling again in the future.”

“Whenever I have time,” Qi Yanning understood. He didn’t refuse, shaking his phone lightly with a faint smile.

“Excuse me.” After concluding his conversation with Editor-in-Chief Ning, he stepped past the photographer, who was looking at him with heartbroken disappointment as if staring at an unfaithful lover, and returned to the dressing room.

Editor-in-Chief Ning let out a soft sigh, instantly recovering her crisp, decisive demeanor.

Her gaze turned stern. “Let’s go back to the office. I want to see which monkey has been playing king in the company while I was away!”

The trainees changed quickly and followed Director Lin onto the bus like little chicks.

They were heading to a hot pot restaurant not far from the Your Star base, which had large private dining rooms with great privacy.

Qi Yanning entered the private room, surprised to find Ling Cangzhou already there.

The trainees, who had been high-spirited a moment ago, fell instantly silent upon seeing Ling Cangzhou. After greeting him, they stood there obediently, not daring to speak.

“I’ve already ordered the food,” Ling Cangzhou smiled. “Eat your fill.”

With that, he turned to Qi Yanning: “A-Ning, will you come with me to the room next door?”

Noticing the anticipation in his eyes, Qi Yanning smiled faintly and nodded.

Ling Cangzhou turned to Director Lin: “Will you join us, or…?”

Director Lin’s eyes rolled as he laughed heartily: “I won’t intrude. I have to keep an eye on these boys.”

“Let’s see who dares to overeat today!”

Hearing Director Lin decline, Ling Cangzhou and Qi Yanning turned and headed next door. The moment they stepped out, they heard the trainees’ groans, as if Director Lin had laid down yet another restriction.

The two looked at each other, both unable to suppress a chuckle.

Once seated, Qi Yanning remarked, “Director Lin’s personality is truly… lively.”

Ling Cangzhou smiled softly. “His family is in business and quite well-off. He was the only rebel who chose art, but his family has been supportive.”

“Though…”

Though what? Through the steam rising from the hot pot, Qi Yanning looked at the slight slyness in Ling Cangzhou’s eyes and brows.

He didn’t ask, merely watching Ling Cangzhou in silence until the man couldn’t bear it any longer.

Ling Cangzhou cleared his throat, lowering his eyes as he continued, “He used to direct films, and every single one flopped. Eventually, he felt too embarrassed to keep asking his family for investments, so he transitioned to directing variety shows.

His first web variety wasn’t a massive hit, but it had great word-of-mouth. More importantly, he is one of the rare directors who deeply respects variety guests: no malicious editing, no manufactured negative drama. That’s why Morning Star Entertainment invited him to direct Your Star.”

So that was why.

Qi Yanning understood; with such background and experience, it was no wonder Director Lin lacked the pompous arrogance of veteran directors.

“You see, Morning Star Entertainment is a company that truly respects people,” Ling Cangzhou praised his company without shame, before revealing his true intention.

“A-Ning, once the variety show wraps, would you be interested in signing a partnership contract with Morning Star Entertainment?”

“Morning Star Entertainment can grant you the maximum degree of freedom, so long as you prioritize Morning Star artists in your work. Furthermore, Morning Star Entertainment, or I, can serve as your backing when choosing projects. Any job you don’t wish to take, Morning Star Entertainment will step in to decline on your behalf.”

Ling Cangzhou looked at Qi Yanning, his eyes sparkling with a touch of boyish eagerness.

Completely at odds with his mature, tailored suit.

Qi Yanning fell silent for a moment, then arched an eyebrow and smiled, countering with a question instead:

“Has Boss Ling resolved the internal issues at your company?”

Ling Cangzhou rubbed his nose, looking a little sheepish.

“Very soon,” he said. “I knew someone was stirring up trouble, but I didn’t expect it to affect Your Star and force you into working overtime today. I apologize.”

He was well aware of the parasites inside the company, holding back only to let them expose themselves completely before rooting them out. Yet he had failed to anticipate that they would target Your Star.

Ling Cangzhou felt rather vexed.

“Then we’ll consider it after Boss Ling finishes cleaning his own house,” Qi Yanning declined directly with a playful smile.

“Alright,” Ling Cangzhou replied, letting the subject drop.

Unfazed by Qi Yanning’s rejection, he introduced the dishes to Qi Yanning one by one with an easy smile.

They had congee-base hot pot, which, paired with fresh ingredients, yielded a rich, savory sweetness. Even Qi Yanning ate a few bites more than usual.

By the time they returned to the Your Star filming base, it was nearly 11:00 PM.

Exhausted, Qi Yanning managed to wash up before falling asleep in no time.

What he didn’t see was his phone screen lighting up several times.

[Red-Eared Puppy]: Once I finish cleaning up “the house,” may I invite A-Ning over?

[Red-Eared Puppy]: I’ll clean it up very quickly!

[Red-eared puppy]: Puppy please please.gif