Chapter 256
On the beach, the eight guests gathered, ready to shoot the group promotional photos.
Xie Mi stood boldly with her hands on her hips, not at all hindered by the handcuffs.
In contrast, Xiao Jingxi, who was cuffed to her, nearly went into shock on the way over. His legs trembled as he stood with great difficulty, yet his face still wore an expression of deep affection.
“I know you hold resentment toward me. If this is what it takes to ease your anger, then I’m willing to endure it.
As long as you don’t ignore me, no matter how much you hit or scold me, I’ll still be happy.”
Xie Mi rolled up her sleeves. “Really?”
Xiao Jingxi froze, his words instantly twisting mid-sentence, “B-but then again—being too violent on the show isn’t very good.”
“Teachers, please get ready!” Luckily, the photographer spoke up just in time, saving the sweating Xiao Jingxi.
“We’ll start with a running shot! Everyone, run in the direction I point. Run as naturally as possible, don’t slow down deliberately—I’ll capture the moment!”
“Okay, ready—run!”
As soon as the words fell, all eight began running.
At the front was Xu Shuangrong. With her extensive magazine-shooting experience, she was very skilled—her running movements were natural, her chin lifted slightly toward the glow, her smile radiant and full of energy.
The photographer looked at Xu Shuangrong through the lens and nodded in satisfaction.
Who said this show’s guest photoshoot would turn out abstract? This looks pretty—
Then his gaze landed on the others, and his inner thoughts came to an abrupt halt.
My god, a group of abstract art masters!
Abstract Master #1: Qiu Chengye — why is he sticking his chest out and raising his butt? What’s weighing on his mind? Cosplaying Tom Cat??
Abstract Master #2: Lai Bingxuan — running form is textbook-perfect, but why does her gaze look like she’s about to enlist in the army?!
Abstract Master #3: Xiao Jingxi — maybe we should take off the handcuffs? His eyeballs are practically popping out from being dragged!!
Abstract Master #4: Xie Mi — please, I beg you, let Xiao Jingxi go, he looks like he’s about to shatter.
Abstract Master #5: Shen Moqing — why is a model with such flawless proportions stepping on Xiao Jingxi’s heels? (And he’s stomped both of his shoes off!!)
Abstract Masters #6 & #7: Liu Woxing and Yu Jinzhe — are you two even in the photoshoot? Your gossip-hungry stares are glued to the chaos up front!!
“Ahem, maybe simple running is too boring. How about this—I’ll give you all a scenario.”
The photographer peeked out from behind the camera, smiling awkwardly but politely.
“Pretend you’re a group of friends out for a morning jog. When you jog with friends, you can chat, laugh, maybe even play around. Just be natural. Let’s go back to our positions and try again.”
At first, most didn’t quite react, but model student Xu Shuangrong took the lead. She jogged forward and casually said to Qiu Chengye beside her, “Mr. Qiu, you’re up early today. What are you planning to have for breakfast?”
Qiu Chengye paused, then caught on. “Oh, anything’s fine.”
“Is that so? Then maybe we can go to a breakfast shop together later…”
With Xu Shuangrong’s example, the others began to catch on and play along, pretending to jog naturally.
Lai Bingxuan: “Ahh it’s so hot. Has the sun already risen? Oh gosh, what time is it—eight o’clock already.”
Liu Woxing: “The weather’s so nice today, don’t you think?”
Yu Jinzhe: “It’s raining.”
Liu Woxing: “…”
The photographer’s forehead filled with black lines.
Such contrived acting…
Still, at least it looked more harmonious on camera. As long as they kept this up—
“Family! I caught a fugitive while morning jogging! I’ve already cuffed him!”
A righteous voice rang out from the group.
The photographer froze.
Those jogging ahead turned in confusion—only to see Xie Mi dragging Xiao Jingxi like a captured criminal.
Lai Bingxuan was the first to react. “I know him! He’s that mentally deficient fugitive they talked about on TV two days ago!”
The restrained Xiao Jingxi: “?”
Being called a fugitive was bad enough, but why add mentally deficient?!
Liu Woxing quickly joined in. “Catch him!”
“You—” Xiao Jingxi tried to struggle, but his head was instantly pressed down.
The one pressing him was none other than Shen Moqing, playing the role of righteous policeman.
“Thanks to this citizen’s selfless bravery, we’ve managed to capture an important criminal.”
“This is what I should do!” Xie Mi said solemnly.
Xu Shuangrong, sensing a golden chance to score points with Xie Mi, chimed in: “The criminal looks like he’s trying to escape. Shouldn’t we do something?”
Pinned by both arms, head forced down, completely immobilized, Xiao Jingxi: “??”
Does this look like someone who can escape?!
But of course, someone had to pick up the act.
“I suspect he intends to harm civilians. I propose we strip him of his ability to resist!” Xie Mi said with righteous grief.
Someone added, “Beat him!”
And suddenly, everyone joined in.
“Beat him!”
“Beat him!!”
The group swarmed in, surrounding and pummeling Xiao Jingxi. Even Qiu Chengye, who at first thought this whole thing idiotic, ended up rushing in and throwing two punches.
In the blink of an eye, the “friends morning jog” scene turned into “enthusiastic citizens capture a vicious criminal mid-jog and subdue him.”
The photographer’s eyes went completely blank.
How could this group’s thought process be so utterly unhinged?!
[HAHAHAHAHA I’m dying of laughter]
[The photographer was too naive. “Freestyle” should never be said around these people]
[Anyone else remember the last time they did improv skits? LMAO]
[Handing improv to a bunch of drama-hungry chaos demons—asking for trouble]
[It’s now officially “a world where only Xiao Jingxi suffers”]
Director Niu appeared at some point, patting the photographer’s shoulder.
His gaze was fixed ahead, his eyes carrying the dull numbness of someone long since tempered by endless trials.
“Just shoot it like this. This is the style that suits them best.”
Madness.
Earlier, during the couple-shoot segment, under his strict control, he’d already managed to secure four sets of photos that could actually pass as dating-show promos.
That was enough.
From here on out, let them reveal their truest selves.
“…”
The photographer glanced at the chaotic brawl on the beach and finally lowered his head in resignation. “Alright.”
He’d just pretend they were shooting an art piece.
And art—was always abstract.
