Truly Dedicated to Art (Lily ABO) - Chapter 9

The makeup room was bustling with people. Young production assistants hurried back and forth carrying various costumes, while the laughter and chatter between makeup artists and artists rose and fell continuously.

Yu Shuinao sat with her eyes closed and face tilted up, letting the setting powder brush over her skin. White powder dust drifted down along her curled lashes, sparkling under the lights.

Suddenly, someone patted her shoulder. She opened her eyes and looked into the mirror.

The woman behind her had her fingertips resting on Yu Shuinao’s shoulder. She had droopy puppy-like eyes, small and full lips, a delicate straight nose, and high brow bones that gave her sweet face a cool, handsome edge.

Yu Shuinao recognized this memorable face among all the sweet-girl looks in the entertainment industry. This was Song Feici, the actress cast as Chu Li. She had become hugely popular in the past two years through modern idol dramas. Her versatile “salty or sweet” appearance made her stand out among similar young actresses.v

Song Feici smiled at Yu Shuinao in the mirror. “Sister Shuinao, it really is you. I thought they were lying to me.”

Yu Shuinao looked at her with slight surprise. “Did we know each other before? I don’t seem to remember.”

“No, no.” Song Feici’s innocent puppy eyes curved. “It’s one-sided — I know you.”

“Hm?”

“Sister Shuinao, I’m your junior! I also graduated from Capital Drama Academy.” Song Feici winked at her in the mirror. “Don’t you know how famous you were on the school forum?”

Yu Shuinao shook her head in confusion. “My grades were average, and I’m not a big star.”

“Senior, are you really that out of touch? The school beauty poll every year was always won by you — by a landslide. I knew about you the moment I entered the school.” Song Feici tilted her head closer, her hair almost brushing Yu Shuinao’s shoulder and neck. “Later we all thought you had quit the industry. We were so sad for a long time. I never expected we’d get to work together. The others are going to be so jealous they’ll die.”

“You’re really so beautiful, Sister Shuinao.” She leaned in even closer, her voice soft and gentle. The distance between them far exceeded normal social etiquette.

Yu Shuinao subtly shifted her body to the side. She curved her lips, about to speak, when Song Feici seemed to realize she had overstepped and quickly pulled back.

“I’m sorry, Sister Shuinao… I just think you’re too pretty. I didn’t mean anything else.” Her voice was apologetic, and those droopy puppy eyes looked so obedient that it was hard to scold her.

“I didn’t expect anyone to still remember me. I’m very happy.” Yu Shuinao looked into her eyes through the mirror, her smile gentle and perfectly measured. “I look forward to working with you, Feici. Please guide me well.”

Song Feici was a little embarrassed by her direct gaze. Her eyes flickered for a moment, but the corners of her mouth lifted involuntarily. “Happy cooperation, Sister Shuinao.”

“Teacher Yu, we’re ready for the fixed makeup photos,” a production assistant called from the doorway.

“Coming.” Yu Shuinao smiled and gently patted the hand still resting on her shoulder, then stood up. A faint fragrance rose with the movement of her clothes.

…

“Yes, that angle is perfect. One more shot.” The photographer squatted down, adjusting the lens.

“Lower your gaze a little more,” Wei Lan instructed.

In the camera, the woman wore snow-white robes that seemed untouched by dust. Subtle flowing cloud embroidery appeared and disappeared with her movements. Her sleeves fluttered lightly, her dark hair loosely pinned up with a few stray strands falling down, making her face look even more ethereally beautiful. When her lashes lowered, the long lashes cast delicate shadows. Her contemplative expression seemed to be praying for all living beings. The moment she opened her eyes, her gaze pierced through the haze — gentle compassion like a goddess looking down on the world, yet also a sharp scrutiny that saw through all worldly illusions. Xue Zhao’s dignity as the master of the number one immortal sect and her deep compassion flowed naturally through her eyes.

Even though she was standing in front of a green screen in a studio, it didn’t feel out of place at all.

“Good. Xiao Ci, your turn.” After Yu Shuinao’s part was done, Wei Lan tapped the table.

The studio lights were adjusted to a dim, yellowish tone.

The woman’s long hair was tied high, the silver crown gleaming like embers of battlefield fire under the lights. Strands of hair at her temples fluttered lightly in the light and shadow. She gripped the hilt of her sword, holding it horizontally in front of her. Those usually innocent and cute puppy eyes now looked as sharp as cold stars, emphasized by her high brow bones and clean, sharp brows. Her lips were pressed tightly, her chin slightly raised. The whole person was like a sword about to be unsheathed, radiating a hidden killing intent.

After the fixed makeup photos were finished, Song Feici leaned over to stare at the images on the computer and laughed. “Wow, Sister Shuinao and I look so good together! Hey, am I the top? I feel like I’m the top. My look is so cool.”

Wei Lan flicked her forehead. “Can’t you tell from reading the script? Your script comprehension is so bad it looks like you’re asking to be scolded.”

Song Feici pouted, unconvinced. “Your script doesn’t understand the charm of sister-dog CP at all. There has to be contrast in a younger-top pairing. You don’t understand market trends.”

Wei Lan gave her a half-smile. “Oh, your courage is getting bigger and bigger. Now you even want to change the script to suit your taste.”

Yu Shuinao had just finished adjusting her clothes and overheard the last sentence. Curious, she asked, “What is sister-dog CP?”

Song Feici saw Yu Shuinao approaching as if she had found a savior. Her eyes lit up. “It means you’re the older sister, and I’m your little dog.” She shook her head slightly, making her slightly curly hair bounce. She really did look a bit like a lively puppy.

Yu Shuinao was amused by how cute she was and couldn’t resist reaching out to rub the fluffy head. “Alright, little dog.”

Song Feici, who had only been joking, froze for a second. Like a puppy whose fur had been stroked the wrong way, she muttered, “Sister Shuinao, you can’t do that… You should… you should… anyway, you can’t do that. What if I fall in love with you because of this!” Her sweet voice sounded righteous and confident.

“Not bad. We haven’t even started filming and you’re already developing feelings because of the drama,” Wei Lan interjected in a lukewarm tone.

Yu Shuinao thought she was unhappy about the lack of professionalism and was about to explain that she didn’t mean it that way. Song Feici quickly said, “Sister Lan is always like this — sarcastic and weird. Just ignore her.” She secretly poked Wei Lan’s arm.

Wei Lan gave a light snort and lazily crossed her arms, leaning to the side.

…

The day after the fixed makeup photos was the opening ceremony. As a big-budget S-tier TV drama, the crew’s opening ceremony naturally attracted media from all sides.

The palace walls of the film city glowed with a bluish-gray light under the blazing sun. The long stone steps led up to the main altar, where green smoke rose from the incense burner. Wei Lan stood at the front, with Yu Shuinao and Song Feici on either side. When Wei Lan and the producer jointly lifted the red curtain, the black characters on a red background reading “Filming Begins Auspiciously” officially announced the start of production.

The opening promotional images and the main cast’s fixed makeup photos sparked widespread discussion on social media. Asking the Heart nearly dominated the trending searches. The hottest topic was Song Feici.

#Song Feici’s First Ancient Costume Drama#

“AAAAAHHH! My girl is so sweet in modern dramas, but she looks THIS handsome in ancient costume!”

“I don’t know who needs to be punished by looking at her RE magazine shoot from last time ten thousand times. Her face is insanely versatile, okay?”

#Song Feici: So nervous about being Director Lan’s female lead for the first time#

“I pray every day for these two to pair up, and it finally happened! How can two sweet-girl faces look so completely different and not clash at all!”

“Hot take: Director Wei is an Alpha. Her outfits and way of speaking are so dominant, okay? Anyone who doesn’t understand Director Wei’s charm is missing out…”

“I’m shipping again. These two are basically dating on the company’s dime, right?! Right?!!”

Next was Yu Shuinao. The moment the opening promo photos and fixed makeup shots were released, they drew wave after wave of gasps.

#Yu Shuinao Xue Zhao#

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!! Is this a human being??? Can a human actually possess this level of beauty???”

“This is literally a goddess descending to the mortal world. Quick question — did the crew just invite the actual master from the script to play herself?”

“I fully accept this face playing an unparalleled beauty.”

“Fuck fuck fuck, why have I never heard of a beauty of this caliber before? You guys are hiding her way too well!!!”

“Weakly raising my hand — I liked her before. She played a supporting role in a small, obscure drama. I used to sigh every day wondering why she didn’t blow up. Then she suddenly disappeared. Wife coming back is definitely a blessing for everyone’s eyes…”

“Who’s your wife? Call her wife again and I’ll get mad and she’ll have to comfort me. Are you happy then?”

#Yu Shuinao Song Feici#

“Am I the only one who thinks they’re so shippable…? Xiao Ci looks at her sister like a lovesick fool, and she smiles every time sister speaks. She even casually leans on sister’s shoulder when she can’t stand straight.”

“It’s completely normal. Xiao Ci is a total appearance supremacist — beauty is justice. It would be abnormal if she didn’t turn into a little dog in front of such a beauty.”

“I’m shipping again. Gentle beauty older sister × straightforward little sun younger one. These two look so perfect together aaaahhh.”

“No one thinks Director Wei standing beside them is also super shippable…? In other words, can’t you three just do it for me (not me posting this)”

“Upstairs has wolfish thoughts, but it’s hot. I like it…”

Finally, there was discussion about the drama’s CP.

#Xue Zhao Chu Li#

“Master-disciple relationships in xianxia dramas are indeed high-risk occupations… It’s cliché but I love it…”

“This drama has an undifferentiated secondary gender setting. Looking at the fixed makeup photos, I’m boldly standing with younger top: ‘My Fragile and Helpless Master’”

“White-cut-black older top is the real treasure. I refuse to believe Director Wei’s drama is that easy to guess…”

“Does Xue Zhao look fragile at all!!! Isn’t this the aura of an invincible sect master who can beat everyone in the world? It’s not like only people who look hard to mess with are powerful, okay!”

…

“President Xie, here is the tentative schedule for next month.” Lin Xu handed the tablet to the woman across from her.

The fog-gray-blue shirt made the already cold face look even more distant. Xie Yixuan took the tablet. Her left hand rested lightly on the side. A moon-shaped white-gold ring adorned her index finger, while a thin silver ring on her middle finger made her fingers look even more slender. On her fair wrist was a ceramic-white watch with a few tiny diamonds dotting the edge of the dial.

Her entire left hand looked as exquisite as a work of art.

“Change the F City schedule to have President Ming go instead.” Xie Yixuan tapped the screen.

“You have always attended this schedule personally before, and the other side specifically requested you to handle the handover.”

“From now on, President Ming will be in charge of this project, so they will need to coordinate with her in the future.” Xie Yixuan handed the tablet back and lightly tapped the desktop with her left index finger.

Lin Xu took the tablet and hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Miss Yu should still be in F City next month.”

The tapping on the desktop stopped abruptly. Xie Yixuan gave her a faint glance and said nothing.

Lin Xu knew she had spoken too much and lowered her head slightly.

Xie Yixuan raised her eyes. Her gaze passed over Lin Xu and landed on the floor-to-ceiling window in the distance.

After a long while, she said calmly, “Keep the schedule as is.”