Chapter 47 Chapter 47

After the Golden Lily Awards, Qin Wen suddenly had more work announcements.

He even received offers from magazines to shoot covers.

Although Qin Wen currently has a popular drama's second male lead role, he's still a newcomer in the entertainment industry, so this is a really good opportunity.

For the fashion industry, the first appearance is very important.

Once labeled as lacking fashion sense, rustic, or similar, it will most likely affect future fashion resources.

Gu Xing Shi certainly wouldn't let that happen.

Therefore, he, who usually adopts a hands-off approach to his artists, has recently become unusually strict, controlling Qin Wen's diet and fitness.

Qin Wen was already self-disciplined, and by the day of the shoot, he had adjusted his condition to be very good.

Gu Xing Shi accompanied him to the studio early.

Qin Wen had three looks in total.

Makeup artist Amy and stylist Anjie had both collaborated with the limited-time group before. Gu Xing Shi had already remembered them. Upon meeting them, he greeted them familiarly: "Amy jie, Xiao An ge, we meet again!"

"Manager Gu, so you're shooting your artist today!"

"Yes, I'll trouble you both today." Gu Xing Shi pulled Qin Wen forward, and with a few words, he had both of them laughing continuously.

Who wouldn't want to see a handsome, pleasant young man on a frustrating workday! Gu Xing Shi cleared away the weariness of their workday.

Gu Xing Shi took out the prepared coffee: "This is coffee I bought for you. Amy jie's iced Americano, Xiao An ge's double espresso latte. Did I remember correctly?"

"Yes, wow, Manager Gu, you even remembered our coffee preferences!" This feeling of being respected surprised and delighted them both.

Gu Xing Shi knew that many problems arise from details, so besides controlling the overall direction, he wouldn't relax on these details.

Besides, he had also been a worker, so he empathized with their feelings. Being nice and respectful isn't difficult; why not do it?

So, he playfully made a small gesture: "It's my Qin Wen's first time shooting a cover, so I have to bribe you both to make him look good!"

He spoke his thoughts openly, but it wasn't unpleasant; instead, it made people find him adorable.

Amy chuckled: "Manager Gu, rest assured, we'll take good care of him."

The atmosphere in the makeup room was very lively.

The two lived up to expectations and did their best.

Qin Wen's face already had excellent bone structure and good skin. With such a good base, Amy didn't choose a conservative makeup style. This avant-garde style is difficult to pull off, but Qin Wen handled it exceptionally well.

Even Anjie got new inspiration and made adjustments to the styling.

The moment Qin Wen walked out of the makeup room, it was a stunning sight.

The completely different temperament almost made Gu Xing Shi not recognize him.

Amy excitedly took photos with her phone: "This face is absolutely gorgeous!!"

Anjie was also satisfied, adjusting details while quietly teaching Qin Wen some points about shooting stills.

He didn't have this obligation, but Manager Gu was likable, and Qin Wen was so excellent!

When the styling was finished, the studio was also ready.

Everyone went over together.

Gu Xing Shi immediately saw the photographer who was adjusting the equipment; it was a unfamiliar face.

He was stunned: "Isn't Teacher Min shooting today?"

Amy and Anjie both frowned when they saw the photographer.

Amy said: "Teacher Min was injured recently, but we thought someone else would be here today. Why is it him..."

Her last sentence was very quiet, but Gu Xing Shi still heard it. He immediately sensed something was wrong from her tone and asked: "Who is this photographer teacher?"

"His name is Deng Yan; he's also a photographer for our magazine." Amy hesitated before saying softly, "Be careful, he's someone who favors the powerful and despises the weak. He's respectful and meticulous towards big-name artists, but he's very casual with smaller artists."

Amy's words were subtle, but Gu Xing Shi understood her meaning.

Sure enough, after the official shoot began, the photographer named Deng Yan chewed gum while standing in place, unwilling even to move. Compared to the photographer who shot the limited-time group before, he was incredibly unprofessional.

The resulting photos were terrible.

Several photos made Qin Wen look particularly ugly, making his 1.8-meter height look like 1.6 meters.

Let alone highlighting the beauty of the styling, it wasn't even better than the few photos Amy took on her phone.

Deng Yan lazily put down his camera, asking Qin Wen to change into the second outfit.

Gu Xing Shi suppressed his emotions and said to Deng Yan: "Teacher Deng, can we take a few more photos of this look? Perhaps we can make it more expressive."

"Who are you?" Deng Yan raised his chin unhappily, "Do you need to teach me how to shoot? If you want to shoot, shoot; otherwise, scram!"

Qin Wen's expression changed, about to step forward, but Gu Xing Shi stopped him.

He suppressed his anger, remaining calm and negotiating with Deng Yan.

Finally, with Amy and Anjie mediating, Deng Yan reluctantly agreed to shoot a few more photos.

Although he remained perfunctory, he at least shot relatively normally.

However, the next two looks were even more perfunctory.

Amy and the others knew Deng Yan's character and were helpless, only comforting Gu Xing Shi: "That's just how he is. Don't bother with him. He has some status in the photography industry and has good relations with several big-name artists. Even the editor-in-chief can't do anything about him."

"Actually, this shoot is still okay. There have been worse ones before. At least we got several good photos of the first look. If you really offend him, he might cause trouble during selection or post-production."

"Anyway, this is just one collaboration. Once Teacher Min recovers, he'll definitely still be shooting. Manager Gu, just bear with it."

Gu Xing Shi was persuaded by them and knew they were right, so he could only temporarily endure it.

Unexpectedly, the trouble wasn't over.

A day later, photos of Qin Wen's first look were leaked online, and they were the worst ones shot by Deng Yan.

Netizens immediately went to Deng Yan's Instagram to ask about it. Deng Yan actually said—He just looks like that; what can I do?

Although Deng Yan deleted the comment soon after, netizens captured a screenshot and posted it on Weibo, causing another uproar.

Qin Wen's anti-fans immediately appeared.

【Tsk tsk, didn't fans praise his stunning beauty before? Can they still say that looking at this face?】

【Qin Wen's figure is so bad, five-five split?】

【Lol, another ugly man in the entertainment industry +1】

Fans were naturally angry, arguing with anti-fans while flooding the magazine's Weibo, demanding an explanation.

Gu Xing Shi went directly to the magazine to seek justice for Qin Wen.

The editor-in-chief explained that Deng Yan had given the photos to his assistant, who carelessly forgot to delete the bad photos, syncing them to the public network drive, which is how they were spread. After the incident, they had fired the assistant.

The leaking of unedited photos is a big or small deal. The problem is Deng Yan's words.

Gu Xing Shi rarely showed a cold expression: "How will your company resolve this?"

The editor-in-chief was reasonable, knowing they were in the wrong, forcing Deng Yan to apologize.

But the damage was done. More importantly, this look was already exposed, so the cover couldn't be used. Gu Xing Shi didn't even want to talk about the other two looks.

And they didn't have much time left, only 48 hours.

Finding another photographer in such a short time would be difficult to find a famous one.

The editor-in-chief could only suggest finding a less well-known photographer, watching the entire shoot to prevent this from happening again.

But Gu Xing Shi refused.

It wasn't because he distrusted the editor-in-chief. Qin Wen's image was already affected, and the only way to mitigate this was to take a better set of photos.

Thinking of this, he contacted Ji Wang Shu.

Ji Wang Shu was very familiar with the fashion industry and had extensive connections.

She was also loyal. Hearing Gu Xing Shi's problem, she immediately brought her notebook.

The notebook contained Ji Wang Shu's list of photographers and their specialized styles.

"How about this one? He's good, and I'm quite familiar with him. He should help..."

"She's also good. Although she's a new photographer, she's very creative and not expensive..."

Ji Wang Shu introduced the photographers, their styles, and even their previous works.

But none were what Gu Xing Shi wanted.

He wanted photos that were eye-catching, only stunning enough to completely mitigate the impact.

Until he reached the last page, his eyes suddenly stopped.

The information was very simple, only a name—Adam Astred.

But the photos below instantly captivated Gu Xing Shi.

The photography was bold and imaginative.

The photographer was adept at highlighting the model's beauty. Each photo was as beautiful as a painting, captivating the viewer.

He couldn't help pointing and asking: "What about him?"

Ji Wang Shu shook her head: "He won't work."

Gu Xing Shi: "Why?"

"Manager Gu's taste is indeed good. Adam is indeed a top photographer in China, especially in portrait photography. He produced several iconic photos years ago, and no one has surpassed them." Ji Wang Shu sighed, "But unfortunately, he hasn't shot portraits since five years ago."

Gu Xing Shi frowned. He had finally found the right person, but he didn't shoot anymore.

He couldn't help asking: "Why did he stop shooting portraits?"

Ji Wang Shu shook her head: "I don't know about that. There are various rumors in the industry. Some say Adam's girlfriend married someone else, and he was heartbroken and couldn't shoot satisfactory portraits, so he simply stopped. Others say Adam and his lover were supposed to get married, but the other party died unexpectedly, and her last set of photos were shot by Adam. He was heartbroken and stopped shooting portraits..."

Anyway, the rumors varied, with the common element being tragic.

At this time, Gu Xing Shi heard the system say: 【These rumors are incorrect.】

Gu Xing Shi quickly asked: 【You know?】

System: 【Of course. Actually, Adam stopped shooting portraits mainly because he's superstitious.】

Gu Xing Shi: 【?】

System: 【When he shot his first set of portraits, he was only 20 years old. Because he was nervous, he bought a bottle of liquor, and his inspiration surged after drinking it. That set of photos was exceptional. From then on, he developed a habit of drinking that liquor before shooting portraits. Without it, he couldn't shoot...】

Gu Xing Shi: 【??】

System: 【Until five years ago, the distillery went bankrupt. Adam couldn't buy the liquor, so he couldn't shoot portraits. He was very distressed, but he was embarrassed to tell others. Over time, people misunderstood...】

Gu Xing Shi: 【???】

He never expected that behind those tragic love stories was simply the bankruptcy of a distillery!

It's unbelievable!

He couldn't help asking: 【System, do you know what happened to the bankrupt distillery?】

System: 【Of course. The distillery went bankrupt because the original factory manager embezzled funds and the ingredients had problems, leading to a report. But the recipe wasn't lost. Several former factory employees restarted it, changing the brand and packaging.】

Gu Xing Shi: 【What's its name?】

System: 【It used to be called "One-gulp Old White Liquor," now it's called "One-shot Old White Liquor."】

Gu Xing Shi: 【…】

He remembered this name. Supermarkets sell it for 25 yuan a bottle.

No wonder Adam was embarrassed to tell others.

The name is so unrefined!!

Seeing Ji Wang Shu's expression of regret, he felt reluctant to tell her the truth.

He cleared his throat and asked: "Then do you know where Adam is now?"

Ji Wang Shu was stunned: "You're still going to find him?"

Gu Xing Shi shrugged: "There's no other way. He's the most suitable. And giving up without trying isn't my style. Maybe he'll want to shoot after seeing Qin Wen?"

Ji Wang Shu persuaded him for a while, but seeing Gu Xing Shi's determination, she could only say helplessly: "Since you insist on trying, I won't stop you. Adam should be vacationing on a small island in China. I'll help you find someone to contact him."

Gu Xing Shi happily said: "Thank you so much!"

-

After saying goodbye to Ji Wang Shu, Gu Xing Shi went to the supermarket downstairs to buy liquor and then took Qin Wen to the airport.

His search for Adam spread in the photography industry.

Deng Yan was playing in a bar with friends. Hearing this, he almost laughed his head off: "Finding Adam? Is he crazy! Doesn't everyone know Adam stopped shooting portraits?"

"That's not necessarily true." A friend said, "I heard from someone in the film and television industry that this Manager Gu has some background and powerful connections. Maybe he has a way to persuade Adam."

Deng Yan sneered: "Even the former top actress Chu couldn't persuade Adam. How could he do it! I'll say this now, if he really manages to invite Adam, I'll resign immediately!"

…

According to Ji Wang Shu's address, Gu Xing Shi quickly found the hotel where Adam was staying.

Adam was tall and handsome, his long blond hair tied back, his blue eyes radiating melancholy. No wonder people mistook him for a tragic male protagonist.

He saw Gu Xing Shi at first glance, his eyes lighting up. Then he saw Qin Wen beside Gu Xing Shi.

Qin Wen's unique story-like aura immediately sparked his photographer's talent.

Almost instantly, several suitable looks appeared in his mind, even the composition.

But…

He couldn't shoot satisfactory portraits now.

He sighed deeply, looking at Gu Xing Shi regretfully, speaking in fluent Beijing dialect: "You're the one looking for me?"

Gu Xing Shi nodded.

Seeing his face, Adam wasn't angry, only saying: "You should know I stopped shooting portraits a long time ago."

"Oh, I'm not here to ask you to shoot photos today." Gu Xing Shi calmly said.

Adam was curious: "Oh? Then why are you looking for me?"

"I just admire you very much. Seeing you today, I feel even closer." Gu Xing Shi took out a bottle of "One-shot Old White Liquor" from behind. "We have a custom in my hometown. When we meet someone we admire, we have a drink with them."

Qin Wen, as if by magic, produced two cups. Gu Xing Shi poured the liquor and raised it to Adam: "Teacher Adam, please."

Adam: "????"

What?

You traveled thousands of miles from Beijing just to have a drink with me?

But seeing Gu Xing Shi's sincere and admiring face, it didn't seem impossible.

After all, China is vast, and such strange customs aren't surprising.

He vaguely accepted the liquor, and under Gu Xing Shi's encouraging gaze, he drank half a cup.

The long-lost taste filled his mouth.

Wait—

Adam's eyes widened. He grabbed the bottle from Gu Xing Shi. The name and bottle were different from his memory, but the taste...he wouldn't forget.

Thinking of this, he directly picked up the bottle and gulped it down.

Soon, his face turned red, his eyes becoming hazy.

Gu Xing Shi tentatively asked: "Teacher Adam?"

Adam's suppressed urge to shoot, fueled by alcohol, intensified. He desperately wanted to shoot portraits.

At that moment, he saw Qin Wen.

At that moment, all his impulses burst forth.

So, he immediately picked up the nearby camera and directed Qin Wen to pose.

Gu Xing Shi didn't expect the liquor to have such an immediate effect.

Qin Wen had just arrived from the airport, without styling, even some makeup smudged. It was outdoors, with no adjustable lighting.

It was unsuitable for shooting.

But the master was a master. Messy hair was a颓废的美感(decadent beauty) in his lens, smudged makeup had a weighty story under the light and shadow.

A tree, a leaf, a flower, even the sunset's light became props for his play with light and shadow.

Gu Xing Shi was amazed: "Teacher Adam, you're amazing!"

"It can actually be shot like this! It's divine technique!"

"Wow! This photo is so beautiful! It's a work of art!"

Under his enthusiastic praise, Adam became more excited, the exhilarating feeling as if he was back to his first portrait shoot.

But compared to his youthful naiveté, his technique was more mature. He had a feeling he would shoot his most satisfying portrait yet.

The shoot lasted five or six hours until everyone was exhausted, falling asleep on the ground.

The next morning, Adam woke up groggily.

Gu Xing Shi was dressed, bringing a bowl of hangover soup: "Teacher Adam, are you okay?"

Adam nodded dully. After drinking the soup, his memory returned. He subconsciously looked at the camera beside him.

Gu Xing Shi clasped his hands: "Sorry, I deceived you yesterday. We really came to ask you to shoot photos. We just used this tactic because we were afraid you wouldn't agree."

Adam rubbed his temples: "How did you know I needed liquor to shoot portraits... Forget it, it doesn't matter. Where did you find this liquor?"

Gu Xing Shi: "A regular supermarket in Beijing."

Adam: "…"

Gu Xing Shi confessed why they came to him.

Adam was straightforward, immediately giving them the photos.

When Gu Xing Shi returned to Beijing with the photos, the editor-in-chief almost knelt down for him.

Originally, she was unhappy when Gu Xing Shi rejected her. Hearing that he went to find Adam, she thought it was unrealistic.

She thought the cover would fail, but Gu Xing Shi actually did it!

The photos were so good, even better than Adam's previous ones.

What kind of magical being is Gu Xing Shi!!!

Her only concern was that every photo was perfect; she couldn't choose!

As she expected, the magazine sold out as soon as it was released.

Qin Wen's photos became iconic, and fashion resources flooded in.

Slapping the anti-fans in the face.

As for Deng Yan, after the incident, he tried to act as if nothing happened.

But his behavior at Qin Wen's shoot was exposed by a staff member.

Other small-time artists he had shot came forward, testifying to his favoritism.

Netizens boycotted him, and big-name artists distanced themselves.

He resigned in disgrace.

The most shocking news in the fashion industry was Adam's return to portrait photography.

Numerous artists sought Gu Xing Shi's help.

Some used other means to invite Adam.

On the shoot day, Adam drank a bottle of One-shot Old White Liquor, confidently entering the studio.

But when he picked up the camera, he felt something was missing.

The agent asked: "Teacher Adam, what's wrong?"

Adam recalled shooting Qin Wen. Gu Xing Shi's praise echoed in his ears, fueling his enthusiasm.

Liquor wasn't enough. Without Gu Xing Shi's praise, the shoot was boring.

Adam picked up and put down the camera, helplessly spreading his hands: "I can't shoot. Something's missing."

The agent quickly said: "What is it? Tell me, I'll find it for you."

Adam: "Gu Xing Shi."

Agent: "????"