Chapter 55: The First Day’s Shoot and a Night of Anticipation

“Are we shooting here today?”

Upon reaching their destination, Lin Ziyao stepped out of the commercial van. Before her stood a colossal studio, a location meticulously arranged by Director Chen.

“Director Chen is already assigning staff to set up the scene. Let’s head over!” Li Xinan put away her phone, having begun communicating with Director Chen the moment they disembarked.

According to Director Chen and Lin Ziyao’s vision, the MV shoot was to be divided into two parts: indoor and outdoor. Today’s focus would primarily be on the indoor segments.

“Move this mirror a little closer.”

“The lighting over there needs to come from the side and be softer; right now, it’s so direct and stark, it could frighten anyone.”

Stepping inside, they immediately saw Director Chen, orchestrating the crew as they adjusted the set, lighting, and cameras.

An astonishing aura emanated from him. Returning to the MV shoot was like returning to Director Chen’s comfort zone; here, he was the sole sovereign.

“You two go over there for your makeup trial first. The set arrangement will take some time.”

Director Chen gestured towards the waiting costume designer and stylist by the dressing room, anticipating Lin Ziyao, the protagonist, to arrive so they could begin their work.

“Come over here for your base makeup, then I’ll make detailed adjustments based on the outfit you choose later.”

The stylist, a woman in her thirties with an approachable demeanor, waved Lin Ziyao over.

As a novice who had never worn makeup, Lin Ziyao chose to heed the stylist’s words, obediently sitting in the chair and allowing herself to be freely primped.

“Let me first see your natural complexion.”

The stylist spoke with enthusiastic warmth, aiming to ease any tension, as she had encountered many artists who resisted makeup removal.

She gently wiped a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover across Lin Ziyao’s face, only to let out a soft gasp of surprise.

There were no traces of cosmetics left on the cotton pad; Lin Ziyao’s skin remained fair and translucent.

Unconvinced, the stylist switched to a different brand of makeup remover, wiping it across her face, yet the result was identical—absolutely no cosmetic residue.

At this point, the stylist could only ask, “Ziyao, what brand of makeup did you use when you went out? Why won’t it come off?”

“Huh?”

Hearing the stylist’s words, she opened her eyes and explained, “I haven’t used any makeup. I just washed my face with water before heading out.”

Unbeknownst to her, this seemingly humble statement had thoroughly offended the three women in the makeup room.

To think they spent at least an hour applying light makeup before going out! They stared at Lin Ziyao as if she were a rare animal, immediately surrounding her.

“Let me feel!”

“Me too, me too!”

After a thorough confirmation, they finally affirmed an astonishing truth: Lin Ziyao had not lied.

Her skin felt exquisitely smooth and hydrated, even silkier than chocolate, and there wasn’t a single blemish on her face that needed concealing. Her delicate features and perfect proportions were a masterpiece, seemingly crafted by the heavens themselves.

It was just that her appearance leaned a little too much towards a ‘femme fatale’ type.

After being handled by the three women in turns, Lin Ziyao sat motionless in the chair like a broken doll, her thoughts soaring beyond the confines of the universe.

“With a complexion like this, only light makeup is needed,” the stylist exclaimed with a sigh of admiration. Such natural beauty, requiring no artificial embellishment, was truly rare.

Ultimately, the stylist merely applied a thin layer of foundation to Lin Ziyao’s face, along with a hint of light blush and lipstick. Such adornment was more than sufficient.

The process of choosing an outfit went incredibly smoothly. Although the MV shoot was divided into indoor and outdoor segments, generally, a single outfit would suffice.

Lin Ziyao selected a short-sleeved dress with a pure white base. It revealed little of her body, making her appear like a true angel.

When she finished changing and emerged from the dressing room, Director Chen let out a cry of admiration: “This image perfectly aligns with the theme of this shoot.”

The recording studio set was now complete, ready for the MV shoot. To expedite the work and return to Jiang City, Lin Ziyao immediately immersed herself in the recording process.

Perhaps it was her first time recording a song MV, a format entirely different from variety shows. However, with her own adjustments, Lin Ziyao quickly adapted to the shooting state, completing the first day’s work ahead of schedule.

“Director Chen, can we shoot a portion of tomorrow’s content now?”

Looking at the sun, which had not yet set, Lin Ziyao was eager to capitalize on her excellent state and complete some of tomorrow’s planned shooting.

Since the lead actress was so motivated, and to finish early the next day, none of the on-site staff voiced any complaints. They immediately began shooting a portion of tomorrow’s outdoor scenes ahead of schedule.

This overtime extended until the sun finally dipped below the horizon.

“So tired!”

After a full day of shooting, Lin Ziyao had changed back into her clothes and was slumped in the car, enjoying the air conditioning. They were now heading back to the hotel Director Chen had booked.

Just moments before, Director Chen had approached her, suggesting they have dinner together. During their meal, they planned to watch today’s broadcasts of “Star Week” and “I Am a Singer.”

The two programs were scheduled back-to-back. “Singer” was slated for a seven o’clock live broadcast, while “Star Week” aired at eight.

Director Chen and Director Feng Wang shared some acquaintance, so they were well aware of the public pressure “Singer” was facing online.

By the time Lin Ziyao arrived at the private room, the live broadcast of “Singer” had just begun.

The first contestant to appear was a male star from Huaxia, who had once shot to fame with a love song. However, due to a lack of follow-up hits, he was quickly overshadowed and buried in the tides of history by others.

This time, he performed his famous song. In terms of nostalgia, it certainly resonated with many. Moreover, guided by the Heavenly Queen, his singing prowess had improved somewhat.

However, as the first performer, he did not receive a very high score, averaging only eighty-six points.

Observing this result, Lin Ziyao saw him return to the waiting area with a look of regret, offering encouragement to the next male star scheduled to perform.

The subsequent male star’s score was only slightly better, averaging eighty-six and a half points.

The only performer who truly captivated Lin Ziyao was the third contestant, a female singer from Dongying. Her sweet voice, singing sweet songs, earned her considerable praise from the judges.

Even the bullet comments were flooding with “Wife.”

Her final score reached eighty-nine and a half points, temporarily securing the top spot on stage.

Now, the moment everyone had been anticipating arrived: it was Zhang Ming’s turn.

At this moment, all eyes were fixed on Zhang Ming, wondering what song he would bring to this stage.

Even Lin Ziyao was curious as to what trump card Zhang Ming possessed that allowed him to challenge the entire Huaxia music scene.

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