IDEI CH33

“Which production crew? How did they know about me?” Qi Yanning asked in surprise.

“Do you remember Yun Yangyang? That little girl recommended you.” The gruff voice of Director Lin came from the other side.

He spoke with a hint of nervousness, “Xiao Qi, our collaboration has been pretty pleasant, right? You can’t just abandon me and go to Old Man Wang!”

Qi Yanning chuckled, “Director Lin, don’t you have that much confidence?”

“Of course I have confidence in myself!” Director Lin said righteously, but his tone quickly shifted, “But I have even more confidence in your abilities!”

“Then…” Qi Yanning was interrupted by the noise. He turned around and glared at An Zai, who was howling like a ghost, causing his cries to choke in his throat, making him hiccup continuously. Only then did he turn back, “Thank you for your appreciation, Director Lin.”

After joking around for a bit, Director Lin poured out the whole story.

It turned out that the “Old Man Wang” Director Lin mentioned was the famous film and television director Wang Ning’an. He was currently preparing for a historical drama, and one of the important roles was the seemingly innocent but actually deeply scheming supporting actress that Yun Yangyang and Meng Ningning were competing for.

As a renowned director in the industry, Wang Ning’an had filmed countless classic film and television dramas, and his historical dramas were the classics among classics.

He had excellent aesthetics, his filming techniques were elegant, dynamic, and profoundly meaningful. Actors in his films were often much more beautiful than usual, and under his direction, they could burst forth with unprecedented acting skills.

Therefore, Wang Ning’an’s films were always highly sought after by actors. This time, as soon as news of the casting for his newly prepared historical drama leaked out, it led managers from various companies to use all their skills to compete for roles.

The methods thought up by Yun Yangyang’s and Meng Ningning’s managers were largely the same, but the results…

Anyway, Wang Ning’an made an early decision and almost finalized the actress for the supporting role, and it was Yun Yangyang.

Speaking of which, this process was also full of coincidences.

Recently, Wang Ning’an was extremely annoyed by the probing of various managers, so he simply pushed all matters temporarily to the assistant director and producer. He stayed at home, euphemistically calling it conceptualizing storyboards.

On the night of the Your Star finale, he was watching TV with his youngest daughter.

His daughter had just started college, the exact age to like idols. Therefore, the TV that night was firmly locked onto Your Star.

“If you want to see idols, you might as well go to the set with me. What kind of idol can’t you meet in the film and television city…” Wang Ning’an muttered.

“It’s about to start, shut up Dad, you’re disturbing me watching my babies!” His daughter replied somewhat helplessly.

“What babies, how old are you?” Wang Ning’an muttered softly, also shifting his gaze to the screen.

With one look, his spirit was invigorated. His attention was completely drawn to the program guest, Yun Yangyang.

This little girl fits the character setting of the supporting actress in my new drama so well!

He watched as Yun Yangyang generously bailed Meng Ningning out, but a flash of sharpness revealed itself in her eyes. He also saw Yun Yangyang calmly divert all of Meng Ningning’s words. Outwardly dignified, generous, gentle, and kind, yet from the small details, one could see she was not a completely guileless person.

Very good, fits the character setting.

Even Yun Yangyang’s action of handing tissues to An Zai perfectly matched the supporting actress’s character setting of having a bit of tenderness toward small animals.

Isn’t this the chosen supporting actress?

The more Wang Ning’an watched, the more excited he became. He opened his phone, ignored the numerous unread messages inside, and made a call to the assistant director, “Lao Tang, do you know an actress named Yun Yangyang? Contact her and see if she has time to come for an audition!”

However, what Wang Ning’an didn’t expect was that Yun Yangyang and her manager would take an overnight flight to audition, arriving in front of him the very next day.

He had originally just thought of putting Yun Yangyang on the candidate list for the big audition, but since they came overnight with such sincerity, he had to at least see her.

At this first glance, Wang Ning’an was somewhat disappointed.

It wasn’t that Yun Yangyang didn’t look good; she looked too good.

Yun Yangyang came to the audition bare-faced, wearing only a simple T-shirt and jeans, looking refreshing and simple. But her bright and grand appearance could not be covered by simple styling at all. She was like a blooming peony, but the supporting actress he needed was a poisonous orchid.

“You… forget it, act out a scene first.” Wang Ning’an flipped through the script.

Yun Yangyang clearly saw Wang Ning’an’s disappointment. She was a bit nervous but tried hard to get into character.

Her acting skills were indeed excellent, executing several scenes to perfection.

But Wang Ning’an’s brow furrowed tighter and tighter. Yun Yangyang’s acting skills were indeed very good, making him extremely satisfied, but this appearance…

It was like having a wealthy young lady play someone from the lower classes; there was always some incongruity.

He sighed.

“Yun Yangyang, right?” He flipped through the past acting videos sent to him by Yun Yangyang’s manager.

Yun Yangyang hurriedly nodded.

“Your acting skills are very good. The aura you portray in all aspects also fits the second female lead perfectly.” Yun Yangyang’s eyes lit up, but before she could say anything, Wang Ning’an shook his head and said, “But your appearance really doesn’t fit. It looks a bit out of place. How about this, would you be willing to play the role of Consort Lin?”

Yun Yangyang was a bit disappointed.

Consort Lin in the script was a bright, moving, and love-struck character, not exactly likable. Furthermore, the role she played in her last drama was also a bright, beautiful, but somewhat girlish character. Continuing to play such roles would easily typecast her.

Yun Yangyang pursed her lips, just about to fight for it a bit more, when she heard Wang Ning’an talking to himself.

“Why does her real-life appearance look completely different from what I saw yesterday…”

Yun Yangyang’s eyes lit up.

“Director Wang, did you see my makeup and styling from yesterday? My makeup and styling can be done like that! Even playing ugly is completely fine!”

Wang Ning’an had a bit more patience with actors who had good acting skills. At this moment, he was not impatient, “Yangyang, as an actor, you should know how big the difference is between stage makeup and styling and that in film and television dramas.”

Stage makeup always prioritized maximum visual impact and didn’t need to be overly exquisite. Film and television drama makeup and styling, on the other hand, needed to be as natural as possible to keep people immersed in the scene.

“But…” Yun Yangyang really didn’t want to give up this rare opportunity. She thought for a moment, “I know there’s a big difference, but in my eyes, yesterday’s makeup is completely suitable for the TV screen.”

At this moment, Wang Ning’an finally grew a bit impatient. He looked up at Yun Yangyang.

“Director Wang.” Yun Yangyang’s manager took a step forward, took out his phone, and handed it to Wang Ning’an. “The entire process of our Yun Yangyang’s makeup and styling yesterday was recorded, using a 4k camera, and there are close-up videos of the finished makeup and styling. Would you do us the honor of taking a look?”

Although the manager felt the chances were slim, since Yun Yangyang wasn’t giving up, he thick-skinnedly stepped forward.

Fortunately, he had the habit of asking his assistant to shoot videos, preparing to edit a vlog for Yun Yangyang, otherwise, it would have been truly impossible to make bricks without straw at this moment.

Wang Ning’an frowned at the manager’s phone. Before long, his brow relaxed a bit.

When the makeup was completed, he was even more surprised. Drastically adjusting the aura while keeping it clean and natural; this makeup artist had some real skill.

And Yun Yangyang was also very capable. After the makeup and styling were completed, she adjusted herself in front of the mirror. Her originally somewhat flamboyant aura settled down, matching the makeup perfectly.

No wonder he didn’t realize last night that Yun Yangyang’s original appearance was the bright type!

This makeup artist and Yun Yangyang complemented each other perfectly.

“How about this.” Wang Ning’an pondered for a while, then said, “I’ll contact this makeup artist and see if they’re willing to join the crew. If it’s confirmed, then the role of the second female lead is yours.”

The makeup and styling team he always worked with couldn’t produce this kind of makeup effect. If this makeup artist wasn’t willing to join the crew, then he would regretfully have to give up Yun Yangyang, a young actress whose acting skills were among the best of her generation.

Having her performance opportunity linked to someone else’s choice left Yun Yangyang with mixed feelings. She maintained a smile and gave Qi Yanning’s contact information to Wang Ning’an, then left with her manager.

After they left, Wang Ning’an thought for a moment and didn’t rashly contact Qi Yanning. Instead, he first spoke with his old friend, Director Lin.

Although Director Lin didn’t know why he brought up Qi Yanning, he heaped praise upon him.

The more Wang Ning’an heard, the more tempted he became. He coughed lightly and said, “Then, could you help me ask him if he’d like to try film and television drama makeup and styling?”

Director Lin finally realized that Old Man Wang was here to poach his talent. He roared, “Don’t even think about it!” and hung up the phone.

However, after catching his breath, Director Lin still contacted Qi Yanning.

“…This Wang Ning’an, although a bit unreliable, he really has some skill in shooting TV dramas. If you want to do film and television drama makeup and styling, then Wang Ning’an’s crew is a very good choice.” Director Lin reluctantly praised Wang Ning’an.

“I’ll push his contact information to you, you consider it yourself. But! You must keep the schedule for TND open for me, understand? You can’t choose him and abandon me!”

Towards the end, Director Lin’s tone even became a bit anxious.

“I won’t. I actually quite like the members of TND.” Qi Yanning hooked the corner of his mouth, “Besides, after seeing it for so long, Director Lin’s pink top and green pants also… have a unique aesthetic appeal.”

Hearing Director Lin shouting and screaming over there, overlapping with the sounds of An Zai and Gong Jiayu over here, Qi Yanning uncharacteristically didn’t find it noisy. Instead, a trace of warmth arose within him.

The filming of the group variety show was as noisy as expected. After a few days, Qi Yanning felt his ears were going to be deafened.

But fortunately, the preparation for TND’s album finally began.

Chenxing Entertainment attached great importance to TND. Therefore, whether it was the songs, concept, or MV filming, they went through multiple discussions.

Currently, the boy groups on the market mostly won with heavy-beat, cool music styles and highly difficult dances, leaning towards visual impact, and the songs weren’t particularly good.

However, TND’s songs this time cleverly combined retro jazz and electronic dance music, offering an excellent listening experience. The choreography was also a more casual hip-hop style.

Besides the songs and choreography, the styling designed by Qi Yanning also stunned everyone.

The perfect combination of brown and blue, embellished with rich red, yellow, and other colors, along with mechanical accessories, combined the retro feel and futuristic feel just right, perfectly matching the concept.

The TND team members, who were originally unconvinced by this parachuted makeup artist, were now completely won over.

Everything was ready. The recording of the mini group variety show came to an end, and TND was stuffed into the dance practice room, training for over ten hours a day.

With them not needing to film, Qi Yanning was finally freed and had the opportunity to go for an interview with Director Wang Ning’an’s crew.

—Calling it a crew was not quite accurate, because at this time, the preparation of the entire crew was still in the early stages, with only a small number of staff in place.

“Are you Xiao Qi?” Wang Ning’an shook hands with Qi Yanning, narrowing his eyes, his occupational disease acting up, “What a handsome young man, are you interested in playing a role in the drama?”

“Sorry, Director Wang.” Qi Yanning wore a polite smile, “I won’t use my acting skills to ruin your hard work.”

“Hahaha!” Wang Ning’an laughed loudly and led Qi Yanning toward the conference room, “Let’s go, let’s go. Today I’ll introduce you to my old buddy.”

Qi Yanning also didn’t expect Wang Ning’an to have such a personality, much less that he would personally come out to welcome him.

But Qi Yanning didn’t feel overwhelmed by the favor. Instead, he was extremely calm, as if taking it for granted.

“This is Peng Shaoyang, a costume and makeup teacher I often work with.” Wang Ning’an introduced to the two, “This is Qi Yanning. Lao Peng, the styling you saw before was done by Xiao Qi.”

Peng Shaoyang was a smiling little old man. He glanced at Qi Yanning and smiled, “Indeed, heroes emerge from the youth. Xiao Qi’s craftsmanship makes me concede defeat!”

“You flatter me.” Qi Yanning chuckled lightly.

“Alright, let’s get straight to the point.” Wang Ning’an couldn’t wait, “Xiao Qi, we are a historical drama. You said before that you can do historical styling?”

“Yes.” Qi Yanning’s voice was calm.

“Then, how about you do a styling for our assistant Xiao Ma today?” Wang Ning’an called the little assistant outside the door in.

Assistant Xiao Ma was a quiet and introverted girl. Even facing the gaze of the three people, she didn’t panic at all.

“What kind of makeup and styling do you want?” Qi Yanning sized up Xiao Ma and turned his head to ask.

“A favored noble consort.” Seeing Qi Yanning so calm, Wang Ning’an’s wicked humor flared up, and he stated a character setting completely opposite to Xiao Ma.

As soon as these words came out, astonishment flashed in Xiao Ma’s heart, and Peng Shaoyang patted Wang Ning’an’s hand disapprovingly.

This old urchin Lao Wang, did he invite someone from thousands of miles away just to make things difficult for them?

Wang Ning’an was just joking and was about to change the character setting, for example, a naturally lively showgirl who just entered the palace, but before he could speak, he heard Qi Yanning’s voice.

“https://www.google.com/search?q=Okay.”

Qi Yanning’s voice was peaceful and certain, as if such a request was not difficult for him at all.

Wang Ning’an’s eyes widened, and even Peng Shaoyang raised an eyebrow with great interest.

An introverted and inconspicuous girl into a favored noble consort, how will he do this?

Because filming hadn’t started yet, a portion of the costume team’s clothes were temporarily piled up in the adjacent conference room. At this moment, Qi Yanning was led to the next room.

Wang Ning’an and Peng Shaoyang also followed with great interest.

Qi Yanning’s hands brushed over piece after piece of clothing. Finally, contrary to everyone’s expectations, he chose a light green palace dress fully embroidered with peach blossoms.

Peng Shaoyang glanced at Qi Yanning in surprise. Wang Ning’an might not know, but he knew that this palace dress had the most expensive fabric among all these clothes. It looked inconspicuous, but in reality, it was full of meticulous details.

The moment Xiao Ma changed into the palace dress and walked out of the dressing room, Wang Ning’an’s eyes lit up.

Xiao Ma had fair skin, delicate features, and a perfectly proportioned figure. Wearing this palace dress was very suitable.

Next, Qi Yanning started doing her makeup. Because there were no familiar cosmetics he had used before here, his movements were not as fast as usual, but precisely because of this, Peng Shaoyang saw more details.

Eyebrows like fine willows in the distant mountains, almond eyes containing rippling waves, a straight and petite nose, and rosy, delicate lips. Xiao Ma seemed to still be Xiao Ma, but in the movements of her facial features, there was an inexplicable added charm.

Because there weren’t many accessories here, and no hair extensions, Qi Yanning could only simply coil Xiao Ma’s hair into a single spiral bun, with exquisite buyao hairpins inserted diagonally between the hair strands.

“Done.” Qi Yanning finally adjusted the details and stood up.

Xiao Ma’s full appearance was displayed before the two.

Because of Xiao Ma’s own aura, Qi Yanning didn’t dress her up to be dazzlingly gorgeous but used a different approach.

At this time, the palace beauty in front of them had fair and translucent skin, like a freshly peeled lychee. Her eyes seemed to contain endless tenderness, speaking yet shy. The perfectly placed blush on her cheeks added a touch of feminine charm, and even her originally quiet and introverted aura had transformed into a gentle and noble scholarly air.

This appearance was like an understanding flower that made people feel like bathing in the spring breeze. Even if her looks weren’t top-tier, her aura was enough to make her a treasure held in the palm of one’s hand.

After all, who could not be intoxicated by the gentle smile of a beauty like spring water?

“Good!” Wang Ning’an clapped loudly, almost clapping his hands red.

Having worked with Peng Shaoyang for so many years, he had seen his fair share of top-tier makeup and styling in the industry, but this style of makeup that changed a person’s aura by guiding it according to the circumstances was a first for him.

“Xiao Qi, your skill is truly amazing!” Wang Ning’an praised excitedly, “How is your schedule looking? How about joining the crew next week?”

Qi Yanning smiled slightly, “Director Wang, didn’t we already say on Feixin that my program filming over there still needs two months.”

“Lao Lin’s variety show?” Wang Ning’an’s eyes darted around, muttering, “What’s so good about filming a variety show? It’s everyday makeup and styling every day, how can you showcase your craftsmanship…”

“Why don’t you ditch him and come to my crew, doing historical drama makeup and styling is much more interesting!”

The more Wang Ning’an spoke, the more confident he became, but he deflated when he saw Qi Yanning’s expression, which held a polite smile but a very obvious meaning of refusal.

He said somewhat disappointedly, “Two months it is then, anyway filming hasn’t started yet, I can afford to wait.”

“However.” Wang Ning’an looked up, “Remember to participate in the crew’s online discussions when you have time, communicate more with Lao Peng, the crew’s costumes and makeup will rely on you two to check.”

After saying that, Wang Ning’an was still a bit indignant and muttered softly, “How did that old scoundrel Lao Lin meet you first? Such craftsmanship being wasted on a variety show’s everyday makeup, what a reckless waste of good things…”

Hearing this, Peng Shaoyang gave Qi Yanning a helpless smile. Wang Ning’an had always had this personality, a fiery temper, doing whatever came to mind.

Qi Yanning also hooked the corners of his lips.

Walking out of the crew, Qi Yanning’s ears seemed to still retain Director Wang Ning’an’s nagging instructions.

As if by saying a few more words, Qi Yanning would be able to report to the crew earlier.

He took out his phone and saw a message from Ling Cangzhou.

Red Eared Puppy: A’Ning, is the meeting with Director Wang over?

Red Eared Puppy: Eagerly looking.jpg

Qi Yanning raised an eyebrow and typed a few words.

yanN: Just finished.

Red Eared Puppy: Okay, then stand there and don’t move, I’ll send someone to pick you up and take you to the airport~

yanN: Aren’t you going to ask me the result?

Red Eared Puppy: Not asking, I believe in my own judgment.

Red Eared Puppy: Samoyed puffing out chest.jpg

Red Eared Puppy: On the other hand, what do you think of this drama?

Red Eared Puppy: If A’Ning thinks it’s good, Chenxing Entertainment can also invest.

Qi Yanning chuckled softly.

yanN: Not bad.

Red Eared Puppy: Okay! Once the investment arrives, I’m going to squeeze Director Wang hard.

yanN: ?

Red Eared Puppy: A’Ning clearly made plans with me to watch a movie first, but ditched me to go to an interview…

Red Eared Puppy: It’s all Director Wang’s fault!

Red Eared Puppy: Dog baring teeth.jpg

Qi Yanning tapped his phone. The puppy eyes of CEO Ling opposite him seemed to appear before his eyes.

A big dog acting spoiled, how interesting.

Clearly acting spoiled toward him, expressing dissatisfaction in a roundabout way, yet insisting on dragging Director Wang into it.

He replied with a voice message, “I’ll make up for the movie this time when I get back, okay?”

Through the radio waves, Qi Yanning’s voice actually sounded somewhat gentle.

Qi Yanning looked at his phone, waiting for a long time before receiving a reply.

Red Eared Puppy: A’Ning is brushing me off.

Red Eared Puppy: Dog shedding tears.jpg

Red Eared Puppy: …At least twice!

The smile in Qi Yanning’s eyes gradually deepened.

He replied with one word, put away his phone, and got into the car sent by Ling Cangzhou.

By the time he returned to City A, it was already 6:00 PM. Qi Yanning thought for a moment and decided to go directly to TND’s villa.

There was filming early tomorrow morning, it was better to just stay over there.

But what he didn’t expect was…

As soon as he entered the door, a large humanoid creature pounced on him.

“Brother Qi, save me!!” Gong Jiayu yelled in breakdown.

Qi Yanning looked closely. Just one day of not seeing him, and this person managed to make his hair look like it had been chewed by a dog!

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