"This piece was specially prepared by President Ji for you. It's this quarter's Louise limited edition summer dress. President Ji got it in advance. I didn't expect it to suit you so well." She appraised Jiang Mian with satisfaction.
Jiang Mian knew this dress. She had once seen the official model photos on Weibo. She thought this one was the most beautiful, possessing both purity and design flair, and had casually mentioned it to him. She hadn't expected him to give it to her in this manner. The stylist, however, didn't think much of it, attributing it to her president's excellent taste. The specially arranged dress was indeed perfect for the spokesperson.
She pondered for a moment and said, "I'll do your makeup first, then your hair."
Jiang Mian sat down. "Okay."
Sitting still during makeup could be tedious, so Jiang Mian took out her phone. She sat up straight, her peripheral vision occasionally glancing at the phone screen. She decided to open WeChat and message Ji Zhixiu.
Jiang Mian: [What are you doing?]
He quickly sent a photo of his desk, its meaning obvious, and then asked, [What do you want for lunch?]
The topic jumped too quickly. Jiang Mian thought for a moment and replied: [Anything good near the company?]
Xiu: [It mainly depends on what you want.]
Jiang Mian paused for a second before understanding his implication: she didn't need to limit her choices to places near the company. If she wanted it, he would accompany her. She couldn't help but curve her lips upwards. [I haven't had Japanese food in a while, how about that for lunch?]
Xiu: [Okay, come find me when you're done.]
Jiang Mian typed furiously, her freshly done nails not hindering her speed.
Jiang Mian: [Then I won't disturb your work.]
She also sent a cute emoji.
The stylist couldn't help but ask, "Is it your boyfriend?"
Jiang Mian blinked her lashes twice, suppressing her reaction. "Why do you ask?"
The stylist immediately felt she had overstepped, as the question involved an artist's private life. Fortunately, Jiang Mian didn't mind. Relieved, the stylist continued with more care. "Because you're smiling so happily." She was experienced enough to recognize the charming demeanor of a young woman in love.
Jiang Mian pursed her lips, her voice tinged with a smile. "That's a secret."
The stylist smiled and said no more.
Jiang Mian seized a moment to check her phone and saw that he had replied: [No disturbance]. She quickly sent back a message: [I'm getting my makeup and hair done!]
The stylist murmured, "Can I put some pure white glitter on your eyelids? There's a high chance of close-up shots." She asked this to ensure Jiang Mian's skin wasn't sensitive and wouldn't react to the product, which would be the partner's responsibility.
Jiang Mian nodded. "I'm fine."
"Alright, then please close your eyes."
Jiang Mian felt a small brush gently sweep over her eyelids. She gripped her phone tightly, cooperating fully.
"Done," the stylist announced after an unknown amount of time. Jiang Mian opened her eyes and looked first in the mirror. The woman in the mirror had delicate features, her makeup light and not overly glamorous, but it best highlighted Jiang Mian's temperament. Especially a small mole at the corner of her eye, which made her look even more enchanting and captivating.
"Just a slight curl for the hair," the stylist decided after a thorough look. Her features were already striking enough that she didn't need much adornment.
The spokesperson for the perfume had already been officially announced as Jiang Mian by the brand's official Weibo. With the brand's support, Jiang Mian easily dominated the Weibo trending topics. After her makeup and hair were done, Li Zhuyi handed her a perfume sample, and Jiang Mian shot a set of still photos. She posted them on Weibo afterwards. Her fans, who had been waiting, quickly flooded the comments section with pre-prepared remarks to control the narrative.
Jiang Mian didn't have time to pay attention to these comments; Li Zhuyi managed her social media platforms. After the photos, she was to shoot a video. The commercial wasn't long, but it was filmed in separate scenes. After several takes, the director was still not satisfied. He waved his hand, signaling for a short break.
Jiang Mian sat down. Li Zhuyi opened a bottle of water and handed it to her, muttering, "We're following the planned script." Jiang Mian took a sip and scrolled through her phone. "Perhaps he's just very demanding of himself." She had encountered directors who couldn't capture the desired feeling for a single shot and had shot hundreds of takes to achieve it. So, she didn't find it particularly unusual.
Soon, a staff member jogged over to Jiang Mian, smiling shyly. "Sister Mianmian, the director is looking for you." Jiang Mian handed the water back to Li Zhuyi and stood up. "Okay."
The director beckoned her to sit as she approached. Jiang Mian sat beside him. The director said, "Take a look at this scene." This scene depicted Jiang Mian picking up the perfume, spritzing it twice, and appearing visibly entranced by it. Jiang Mian glanced at it and felt there was no issue.
The director continued, "After thinking it over, I want to add a shot after this one, something more eye-catching, and most importantly, beautiful. Since you're so beautiful, we should leverage that advantage to the fullest. Do you understand what I mean?"
Jiang Mian didn't quite understand. She smiled subtly. "Director, please be direct."
"Alright, I'll be direct. I want a close-up of your shoulder. We'll use a prop later, layers of chiffon, your shoulder will be subtly revealed, and then, as the veil is blown away, you'll have an immersed expression, tilt your head slightly, and sniff your shoulder, looking quite intoxicated."
Jiang Mian remained silent, feeling a headache brewing. She wasn't sure how Ji Zhixiu would react. Seeing her hesitation, the director tried to persuade her, "Your current styling is perfect for this, especially with the halter dress. You're very expressive on camera, but I still feel it lacks a certain atmosphere. You understand, right?"
Jiang Mian pursed her lips. "Wait for me for a moment."
The director thought she needed time to consider and gave an "okay" gesture. Since it was an impromptu addition, he didn't think much of it; it was natural for her to consider. Jiang Mian walked a short distance away, took out her phone, and messaged Ji Zhixiu. Her fingertip hovered over the screen for a moment; she still didn't know how to phrase it. She knew this advertisement would be broadcast in malls across the country. Surely he wouldn't… mind? It was just her shoulder, after all. Having made up her mind, she put her phone away and walked back. "I can do it, Director."
The director was overjoyed and called out to the stylist, "Jiang Jiang, can you touch up her makeup? Have the prop department find some transparent chiffon for me, something with texture. Also, prepare a fan."
This particular shot took Jiang Mian about ten takes, yet the director still felt something was missing. He stroked his chin. "Jiang Mian, have you been in love?"
Jiang Mian remained silent. The director paused, realizing the ambiguity of his question, and clarified, "I don't mean it that way. I'm talking about your eyes. They can be a bit more alluring, more sexually charged. A feeling that captivates everyone." He instructed, "Hold the perfume sample a bit higher, near your cheeks." He added, "Let's do one last take. Whether this one works or not, we'll move on to the next scene, so we don't waste time."
Jiang Mian nodded. "Okay." Her cooperation greatly relieved the director. "Alright, get ready."
Jiang Mian looked at the camera. Layers of chiffon were blown by the fan. Her hair danced, eventually revealing Jiang Mian's smooth, fair shoulder and profile. She lowered her head, immersed in the fragrance. A small bottle of diamond-shaped perfume sample was presented in her palm.
"Cut!" the director yelled. "Take a break." What was initially estimated to take two hours stretched until one o'clock in the afternoon.
Jiang Mian finished and started packing her things. The stylist approached and handed her a bag. "The company instructed me to give you this dress." Her tone was filled with envy, as many celebrities never even had the chance to wear haute couture. Yet, Jiang Mian not only wore it but also got to keep it. President Ji was truly generous! Jiang Mian had anticipated this and smiled, "Thank you." Li Zhuyi took the bag for her. "Sister, that dress looks great on you." Jiang Mian smiled at her. "You and Fan Cheng can head back now. Send the dress home for me." Li Zhuyi understood instantly. "Alright, then I won't bother you any further. Call me if you need anything." "Be safe on your way back."
The on-site staff were already cleaning up, and the director was rewatching the footage. The photographer leaned in and asked, "What are you unsatisfied with?"
"No, no, no, I'm very satisfied. I think the added shot turned out exceptionally well." He had watched it several times and, unable to find more precise words, laughed. "President Ji will definitely be very pleased when he sees it! Have the post-production team work on it quickly. I can't wait to see the finished product!"
Jiang Mian took the elevator upstairs to find Ji Zhixiu. Fan Cheng happened to be exiting his office with some documents and saw her. "Miss Jiang." He deliberately called out loudly. "President Ji is waiting for you in his office. I'll take you there." The secretaries in the department sat up straight, engrossed in their work. Once they had walked away, the gossip group instantly became lively.
[Jiang Mian!! Ahhhhh! I love her so much! I'm going to ask her for a photo when she comes out later!]
[She's so beautiful in person, celebrities are different. I'm currently watching "Suo Xin Chuan."]
[Me too! Her face is so exquisite.]
[You saw her?? She's here to see the CEO?]
[Maybe it's for a collaboration.]
[The CEO and she make a great couple!]
[No! The CEO belongs to everyone! I was born for work! I love CEO Ji! CEO Ji is my motivation for coming to work!]
This group was created on the company's internal network and was primarily for casual chat. Each member entered with their employee ID, and changing their real name was not mandatory. Only the company's veterans could find their way into this group. Newcomers rarely even knew about it. And to this day, no one knew who the group administrator was. Alice glanced at the blinking ant window in the bottom right corner of her computer desktop, opened it, and scanned the chat log. She then typed: [Don't you guys remember Mask Sister? That's a real couple, and the CEO actually held her hand!] Because they had never seen her face clearly twice, yet she could get close to the CEO. This mysterious woman had been affectionately nicknamed Mask Sister by them.
[Speaking of which, it's been a while since Mask Sister visited the company to see the CEO!]
[Did they break up?]
[Doesn't seem like it. The CEO has been quite stable lately.]
[LOL, when has the CEO ever not been stable?]
Fan Cheng escorted her to the door. "I'll take my leave now, Mrs. Shao. Call me if you need anything." Jiang Mian responded, "Okay, you go ahead and be busy." She didn't knock, wanting to surprise him.