IDEI CH51

“Breathtaking! Absolutely breathtaking! Qi! Teacher Miao is the performer of the divine, and you are the creator of gods!” Wei Heng’s theatrical voice echoed through the room.

It was truly stunning. A gown of pure black, its weighty fabric tailored into a cowl-neck mermaid silhouette, generously embroidered with gold and silver threads tracing arcane patterns and sweeping lines. These motifs carried an aura of enigmatic mystery, like ancient chants passed down from time immemorial.

Paired with the harmonious hair and makeup, this styling bordering on the divine struck Wei Heng’s aesthetic sensibilities with precision.

“I can hardly wait to see the remaining looks!” His eyes remained glued to Miao Xi, though his mouth never stopped moving. “I’ll arrange to borrow those other three gowns right away!”

“Teacher Miao, I might have to trouble you to make another trip tomorrow,” he offered apologetically to Miao Xi.

Miao Xi shook her head, indicating it was no trouble at all. Just then, her assistant, who had stepped out to buy food, returned.

“Hello, Editor-in-Chief Wei! Hello, Teacher Qi… Miao-jie! You look way too gorgeous!” The moment the young assistant greeted Wei Heng and Qi Yanning, her eyes locked onto Miao Xi. She stared with rapt fascination, as though Miao Xi might vanish into thin air the next second.

“Jie! This look feels so divine!” the assistant blurted out. “What should I do, I suddenly want to call you mommy!”

“Xiao Chi, stop fooling around,” Miao Xi chided with a helpless smile, casting a fond glance at her assistant. This assistant of hers was meticulous and hardworking, but brimming with cheekiness; Miao Xi had always doted on her like a younger sister.

“Whoa, you look even better when you move!” Xiao Chi grew more excited. “Jie, glare at me again! That look just now was incredible, I felt like I was struck by lightning.”

Watching her clown around, Miao Xi shook her head helplessly and turned to Qi Yanning. “Teacher Qi, do you feel anything needs adjusting?”

Qi Yanning frowned slightly.

“This outfit looks better in motion,” he said. “It is far more suited for walking a red carpet. For a magazine editorial, it lacks a certain visual punch.”

“Xiao Qi!” Wei Heng gasped, raising his voice. “How is this not suited for a magazine? I think it’s fantastic!”

His urgency made it sound as though Qi Yanning were about to bundle Miao Xi off to a red carpet that very moment, canceling the photoshoot altogether.

Qi Yanning laughed softly and held his peace.

Wei Heng hardly needed an answer, pacing across the room as his eyes shone brighter by the second.

“I’m going to make this the cover of our next issue! I’ve already pictured the perfect set design for it!”

Such powerful, imposing beauty demanded an equally commanding backdrop: rugged, jagged cliffs paired with sumptuous ceremonial robes and sharp, delicate makeup. A dynamic contrast, yet achieving deep aesthetic harmony…

Inspiration struck Wei Heng like a bolt of lightning; grabbing a notepad from the desk, he began sketching frantically.

Miao Xi stepped aside to give him room, gathering up the scripts scattered across the table.

Qi Yanning caught a casual glimpse of the cover. Written in bold characters was the title: Jin Ge Chang Feng Xing.

He arched an eyebrow slightly, keeping to himself the fact that they might soon be working on the same production.

Wei Heng was still furiously drafting illegible thumbnail sketches. Turning toward Miao Xi, Qi Yanning asked, “Teacher Miao, shall I remove your makeup?”

Miao Xi nodded. Before Qi Yanning could step forward, Xiao Chi, who had been tapping away on her phone, suddenly interjected, “Wait a second!”

“Teacher Qi, spare the makeup!” Xiao Chi bounded forward in two quick strides, wedging herself between Miao Xi and Qi Yanning. Turning to Miao Xi with a pouting face, she whined, “I just sent two photos to Li-ge, and he scolded me.”

Miao Xi asked with concern, “What did Li Xin scold you for?”

“Li-ge said a look like this is once-in-a-blue-moon, and chewed me out for not filming vlog footage…” Xiao Chi deflated.

Capturing behind-the-scenes material was indeed part of her responsibilities, so it truly was a lapse on her part.

“It’s alright, Xiao Chi,” Miao Xi smiled gently. “I’ll speak to Li Xin. How can he blame you for that? Taking care of me is hard enough already. Besides, you were out picking up food for me earlier.”

Xiao Chi was deeply moved. “Miao-jie…”

She wanted to throw her arms around Miao Xi as usual, but held back for fear of mussing the pristine styling.

More than that, Miao-jie’s current presence, resembling a descended goddess, made the thought of hugging her feel like a desecration.

“We missed filming the styling vlog, but we can still film a makeup removal vlog!” Xiao Chi slapped her forehead in sudden realization.

Miao Xi indulged her, waiting quietly while she set up the camera, before glancing at Qi Yanning with an apologetic smile. “My apologies, Teacher Qi, for taking up your time.”

Qi Yanning signaled that he didn’t mind and stepped up to remove Miao Xi’s makeup.

His touch was featherlight yet swift; within moments, the elaborate cosmetics were cleanly wiped away.

Afterward, he watched Xiao Chi pull two basic bottles of drugstore skincare from her tote. Miao Xi accepted the generic toner and lotion naturally, patting them over her face.

Qi Yanning furrowed his brows, observing the scene with mild disbelief. Even the male idols on Your Star had been more meticulous with their skincare routines than Miao Xi was right now.

His gaze swept across the two bottles; their formulation offered nothing more than bare-bones hydration, hardly suited to Miao Xi’s specific skin type.

Qi Yanning noted the anomaly without blurting it out. Perhaps they simply kept these travel-sized bottles handy for post-makeup cleansing on the go.

A top actress wouldn’t genuinely rely only on bargain-bin basics, surely.

Bidding the two farewell, he was whisked away by Wei Heng, who had finally surfaced from his creative frenzy, to finalize their paperwork in the office.

“Qi! It’s settled: you are the stylist for this anniversary cover! This look alone will shut everyone up!”

He babbled with excitement, “Tomorrow! Once the gowns arrive, we’ll test the other concepts. I can hardly wait!”

While Wei Heng gesticulated wildly about the future, Qi Yanning took the contract and skimmed the pages. To his surprise, it wasn’t the short-term engagement he had anticipated, but a long-term collaboration agreement with the publication.

Although Qi Yanning considered Wei Heng’s impulsive decision slightly hasty, he held absolute faith in his own craftsmanship.

He browsed through the clauses and signed his name without hesitation.

Given the considerable distance between Mingri‘s offices and the TND villa, Qi Yanning opted not to head back, returning instead to his rented apartment for a rare overnight stay.

He hadn’t lived here for months, but he had registered Qi Yu’s fingerprint on the door lock. During his time off, Qi Yu had hired a cleaning service to scrub the place spotless, eliminating any stale atmosphere of prolonged absence.

Taking in the familiar furnishings, a rare twinge of nostalgia surfaced within him. A few months ago, it was inside this very apartment that he had begun finding his footing in this modern world.

After washing up simply, Qi Yanning fell asleep quickly. Before drifting off, the thought crossed his mind that he ought to find time to visit the orphanage again.

The following morning, Qi Yanning was jolted awake by the ringing of his phone.

Checking the clock, it wasn’t even seven o’clock yet.

Wei Heng’s voice came through the line, raspy yet brimming with frantic energy: “Qi! The gowns have arrived, come check them out right away!”

Jarred completely awake by the shrill shouting on the receiver, Qi Yanning sat up.

Swallowing the irritation of having his sleep cut short, he dressed quickly and headed to the Mingri headquarters.

When he arrived, Wei Heng was pacing inside the styling room.

“Qi, you’re here!” Heavy dark circles hung beneath his eyes, suggesting he hadn’t slept a wink. “The clothes are here! I spent half the night coordinating logistics before finally securing them all this morning. I’m exhausted.”

“Hurry, see if they work!”

Qi Yanning stared at him for a quiet moment, a strange smirk playing on his lips. “So, are you wearing them, or am I?”

“?” Wei Heng froze.

“Where is Teacher Miao?”

Wei Heng slapped his forehead. “I scheduled Teacher Miao for eight-thirty!”

With that, he looked toward Qi Yanning.

Qi Yanning checked his watch: seven forty-one.

He drew a deep breath and released it slowly, suppressing the urge to commit violence.

The two stood staring at each other, one wearing an unreadable expression while the other looked utterly sheepish.

Qi Yanning found it genuinely difficult to fathom how an erratic personality like Wei Heng had risen to become Editor-in-Chief at one of the country’s premiere fashion glossies.

Fortunately, Miao Xi didn’t leave them waiting long. Just past eight o’clock, she stepped into the studio, breaking the stifling silence.

Upon her arrival, Qi Yanning rose, instantly shifting into work mode.

After waiting patiently for Xiao Chi to mount the vlog camera, he stepped forward to consult with Miao Xi.

“Teacher Miao, shall we try this piece first?” Qi Yanning asked politely.

“I will follow Teacher Qi’s lead,” Miao Xi smiled softly.

Qi Yanning nodded.

He prepped Miao Xi’s neck and decolletage with an even wash of foundation to unify her skin tone, handed the gown to the editorial assistant helping her dress, and prepped his brushes while awaiting her return.

Miao Xi emerged from the dressing room shortly after. It was an ethereal mermaid gown transitioning from pure white to a gradient of mountain-stream blue, paired with an embroidered shawl reminiscent of a traditional cloud collar.

The gown’s fabric draped with fluid grace, shimmering with an understated, gentle luster. The hem was hand-sewn with scattered pearls that grew sparser toward the top, mimicking the dynamic crest of ocean waves that rippled with every step she took. The bodice was pristine white, cut with minimalist precision that highlighted her neckline and waistline to perfection.

The shawl was constructed from structured fabric, primarily white with subtle hints of blue along the perimeter. Its surface was encrusted with hand-sewn pearls resembling cascading seafoam, both elegant and romantic.

The cascading pearl necklaces gracing her chest served as the ultimate focal point.

Over a dozen strands were layered together, varying in pearl diameter and length, each radiating an understated, warm luminescence.

Originally, the gown featured a daring plunge down to the lower ribs to lend breathability, leaning into a sensual, bold vibe. The layered necklaces filled this open space, and because the pearls were delicately sized, they added fluid texture rather than crowding her frame, steering the aesthetic toward poised, dignified grace.

For this concept, Qi Yanning skipped an updo, styling her hair with a clean center part and securing the locks behind her shoulders with a white pearl headband. From the front and profile, she looked crisp and poised; from behind, the tumbling black waves blended seamlessly with the ocean-like gown.

As for the makeup, he retained an earth-toned base, but exercised greater restraint, incorporating hints of dusty rose for softness. Her lips wore a low-saturation peach-nude, while the focal point rested on her cheekbones: a dewy, colorless glaze that brought gentle dimension without harsh sharpness.

With that, the second look was complete.

This styling highlighted reserved warmth and grace. Miao Xi’s essence mirrored the pearls adorning her attire: glowing from within, undeniable in its quiet value and beauty wherever it rested.

At the same time, she embodied the ocean sweeping beneath her hem: calm on the surface, harboring limitless power beneath.

Another look tailored flawlessly to Miao Xi’s core. Wei Heng couldn’t contain himself midway through the process, summoning the creative director, prop master, and photographer to brainstorm right inside the styling suite.

They debated back and forth over what set design best suited the concept, without anyone stopping to ask whether this look would even make the cover.

The moment Qi Yanning set down his brushes, the photographer stepped up, guiding Miao Xi through several poses before shooting rapidly.

Even inside the cluttered styling room, nothing could blunt his fervor as he clicked the shutter, shouting directions in a frenzy:

“Yes! Hold that pose! Look right at me!”

“Brilliant! Pure perfection!”

“Tilt your chin down, yes! Gorgeous! Teacher Miao, you are genuinely stunning!”

“This one is god-tier! Absolute masterpiece!”

…

Qi Yanning stood aside watching the shoot. When thirty minutes slipped by without a pause, his patience wore thin.

Two more concepts remained on the schedule; dragging things out like this would push the session deep into the night.

He didn’t mind the hours, but if Miao Xi grew fatigued, her deteriorated condition would compromise the final delivery.

Just as he prepared to intervene, Wei Heng caught his mood and stepped in to halt the photographer.

Only then could Qi Yanning send Miao Xi to change into the next wardrobe.

Next came the third ensemble.

A floor-length gown in shimmering silver. The bodice featured a strapless corset structure, layered with cascading silver fringe and feathers beginning right above the bustline. The boned structure cinched her waist with precision, below which the skirt flared out dramatically.

Heavy, satin-sheen fabric held the skirt in a sculptural bell shape, its surface similarly embellished with fringe and feathers.

The feathers and fringe were arranged in overlapping scales, swaying weightlessly with every movement. Thanks to their airy texture, what should have been a heavy, high-volume skirt appeared remarkably light and soft, as though floating on a breeze.

Accents of golden plumage were woven throughout the silver, injecting vibrancy into the pristine palette.

Draped over her upper frame was a contrasting black shawl.

The wrap hung casually between her left wrist and right elbow, fashioned from soft, pitch-black backing cloth. Yet its embellishments consisted of rigid black faux feathers: massive, sharp, and structured, lending the piece a dramatic, aggressive edge.

Scattered among the dark plumes were occasional golden feathers.

These golden accents bridged the stark contrast between the black shawl and the silver skirt, fusing them into a unified, striking masterpiece.

A soft, flowing skirt paired with an assertive, structured shawl; the deliberate friction delivered an arresting impact. Softness and rigidity woven together, exuding an undeniable, commanding aura.

The accompanying makeup was bold and intense. Soft smoky eyes touched with a duochrome golden shift accentuated the raw ambition burning in Miao Xi’s gaze, while a sharp terracotta-nude lip and earthy blush stripped away any lingering sweetness from the silhouette, leaving behind pure, razor-sharp authority.

Her hair was styled into an architectural updo woven with silver and black feathers, echoing the gown’s textures.

This concept was, without question, Qi Yanning’s technical tour de force.

Unlike the previous two looks that built upon Miao Xi’s natural persona, this look excavated and magnified the sharp, untamed facets within her soul: completely distinct from her usual style, yet tailored to her like a second skin.

“Qi! You… this…” Wei Heng stammered in awe.

He stared in dazed fascination for a long time, before lunging forward and wrapping Qi Yanning in a bear hug. “Qi! Just stay at Mingri forever, won’t you? Talent like yours belongs exclusively to the fashion world!”

“Besides, you’ve elevated the quality of this anniversary cover to such heights, what are we supposed to do for future issues?!” Wei Heng wailed with mock tears.

Qi Yanning’s expression darkened instantly.