Chapter 252
A sudden rain came quickly and went just as fast. After it stopped, each group continued filming.
Two hours later, the groups gradually finished their shoots, changed out of costumes, and returned to the villa.
Director Niu and the assistant director were already waiting in the living room.
“Everyone, thank you for your hard work! After three hours of shooting, the first round of CP-themed promotional photos is finally complete!”
“Now it’s time to review the results. Each group’s photographer has selected five of the most satisfying shots—let’s take a look together!”
As soon as Director Niu finished speaking, the assistant director switched on the display. Beautiful photos filled the screen.
The first group was Xu Shuangrong and Yu Jinzhe’s shoot.
With lush coconut groves as the backdrop, a youthful boy and girl ran hand-in-hand, lively and free.
In the second shot, Yu Jinzhe leaned against a tree reading a book, while Xu Shuangrong peeked timidly from behind the trunk, like a shy schoolgirl with a secret crush.
The third shot showed them standing shoulder to shoulder under the tree. Xu Shuangrong gazed bashfully at the camera, while Yu Jinzhe smiled softly at her.
The fourth: Yu Jinzhe held a bubble machine, filling the air with dreamlike bubbles as Xu Shuangrong danced among them.
The fifth was a close-up. The two looked into each other’s eyes, as if light flickered within them.
[I’ve got to admit, these turned out pretty good. Forget about personality—just judging by looks, this CP is kinda shippable.]
[As expected of pro romance-variety photographers—they even made my little brother Jinzhe’s eyes look full of love.]
[The fourth one’s gorgeous! Bubble machines and school uniforms are the perfect combo.]
When the photos finished, Xu Shuangrong spoke with slight embarrassment.
“Jinzhe is still young, so taking couple photos with him felt a bit like I was taking advantage. But he has a great sense for the camera—working with him was very pleasant.”
She smiled gently at Yu Jinzhe.
In the original story, by this point Yu Jinzhe was already deeply intrigued by her, trying all sorts of ways to get close.
But because the plot had shifted, they were now little more than acquaintances. Even when she deliberately struck up conversation, he only responded distantly.
That was why she chose to pair with him today.
During the shoot, she always appeared warm and approachable in front of staff and cameras—but once she turned away, she dropped the mask and showed her irritation.
And Yu Jinzhe happened to catch that exact moment.
She was deliberately recreating the iconic “stark contrast” scene from the original storyline, hoping to trigger his interest just as before.
Sure enough, Yu Jinzhe’s gaze toward her grew layered, his seemingly obedient smile hiding the playfulness of a hunter spotting prey.
“It’s fine. I don’t mind that Teacher Xu is older.”
Xu Shuangrong’s brows twitched. She forced her nearly cracking smile.
So he could talk like that.
“Looks like both of you are satisfied with your photos. What do the other guests think?” Director Niu moved things along.
Everyone sitting together reviewing the freshly shot pictures—it naturally led to a round of commentary.
Liu Woxing: “The pictures are beautiful, very youthful.”
Xiao Jingxi, whose relationship with Xu Shuangrong had long since soured, responded perfunctorily, “So-so.”
Lai Bingxuan stayed true to herself—hating Xu Shuangrong equally every day: “Not good.”
Qiu Chengye, brimming with confidence: “Eh, nothing special. Ours are better.”
Shen Moqing paused with his teacup. “My turn? Pass.”
Caught off guard by the pass, Xie Mi blurted out without thinking, “Not okay.”
Director Niu: “?”
Xie Mi: “Slip of the tongue—I meant not bad.”
Xu Shuangrong and Yu Jinzhe: “…”
[What a brutally honest set of reviews.]
[‘So-so.’ ‘Not good.’ ‘Nothing special.’ ‘Pass.’ ‘Not okay.’]
[Clearly some personal grudges in play here, hahahaha.]
[Haven’t seen such alive variety in ages—I’m dying of laughter.]
[Director Niu: I really shouldn’t have asked.]
Next came Xiao Jingxi and Lai Bingxuan’s photos.
As the only “ancient-style” pair today, their shoot was highly anticipated.
The backdrop was a seaside cliff. A white-clad figure and a golden one stood opposite each other, the wind whipping their robes and hair—like immortal lovers caught between love and strife.
The second shot: Lai Bingxuan leveled a sword at Xiao Jingxi, who only gazed quietly at her, expression full of sorrow.
The third: standing side by side in battle, Xiao Jingxi’s eyes lowered toward her, while Lai Bingxuan’s gaze was fixed ahead—determined, like she was about to join the Party.
The fourth: they faced each other. Xiao Jingxi gently brushed her hair, while Lai Bingxuan’s eyes stayed unwavering—again, like joining the Party.
The fifth: Xiao Jingxi reached out toward her back-turned figure. She stood rigid, eyes still unwavering—still like joining the Party.
[The devoted god and his Party-member immortal lover.]
[LMAO, I half expected Sister Lai to break into “Solidarity is Power” the next second.]
[Say what you will—Xiao Jingxi’s dedication is real. To play heartbreak that convincingly isn’t easy.]
[See? When you actually like someone, it does show.]
Despite his complaints earlier, Xiao Jingxi still had to say something polite for the cameras.
“Miss Lai is probably new to shooting, so she was a bit stiff at first. But she improved a lot later, and we worked well together.”
Lai Bingxuan shot him a glare. “Did I ask you?”
Xiao Jingxi: “?”
…She really thought he was complimenting her?
Director Niu gave an awkward laugh. “Well, either way, the shots turned out great. What do the other guests think?”
Liu Woxing, as serious as ever: “The visuals are very pretty, but the emotions feel a bit unclear. Was the concept ‘love and rivalry’? It came off more like one wanted love, the other wanted to kill.”
Xu Shuangrong deliberately avoided commenting on Xiao Jingxi, praising only Lai Bingxuan: “Miss Lai really suits ancient costumes. Her camera presence is excellent—surprisingly delightful.”
Yu Jinzhe, who always returned grudges, mirrored Lai Bingxuan’s earlier remark word for word: “Doesn’t look that good.”
Qiu Chengye scoffed, “What is this, playing house? Ridiculous. Like two lunatics in cosplay.”
Xiao Jingxi: “?”
Lai Bingxuan, on the other hand, immediately lashed out—lunging at him with a solid slap. “Qiu Chengye, you’re asking for it!!”
The two erupted into a brawl on the spot, hurling sofa cushions through the air.
Shen Moqing, smiling as he dodged a flying pillow: “A very aggressive set of photos—because I was literally attacked.”
Xie Mi raised her thumb high.
“The more I look at those white shots, the redder they feel. This—this is positive energy!”
