Chapter 402 Career Line
Inside the photography building.
"Buzz" As the mobile phone placed on the table made a sound, Zhou Xiao, who had just come out of the bathroom, took a piece of paper from the paper box hanging on the wall to wipe his hands, and looked at the lit screen.
On the screen, an email notification appeared. When Zhou Xiao saw the sender's nickname, his eyes lit up, and he walked straight towards the elevator, phone in hand.
Zhou Xiao's office is on the top floor of the photography building. Partly because she doesn't want to be disturbed, and partly because it makes the studio staff feel more comfortable. Even the closest relationships between superiors and subordinates require maintaining certain boundaries. In the workplace, the most obvious example of this is the distance between workstations.
Pushing open the glass door, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the photography studio. The office's layout is simple yet elegant, with greenery a key feature of the interior. It feels as if the space complements the beautiful scenery outside, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
Besides the carefully selected green plants, the most eye-catching feature of the office is undoubtedly the workbench, dominated by large and small monitors. With the workbench replacing the long desk typically found in offices, this guest-friendly office has become Zhou Xiao's personal studio.
Every prop on her workbench was assembled piece by piece based on her habits and purchases. For Zhou Xiao, the workbench is her personal space. Whenever she needs to calm her mind and capture inspiration, it's the place, aside from her system space, where she can focus her energy.
For example, the inspiration and composition for the recent orders, PZ and XS, were both born on this workbench. High investment, high return, became a reality in an instant.
Although somewhat curious about Qiao Haidong's finished product, Zhou Xiao calmly pulled out the office chair in front of her and sat down. Only after the compressed package had been successfully decompressed did she rest her chin on her hand and stare intently at the screen on the monitor.
This moment was the first test of Qiao Haidong's achievements after entering the studio, and it was also the key for Zhou Xiao to judge whether they could continue to cooperate in the future.
…
Inside the PZ building.
As if by coincidence, Pan Zijin, who was about to go to the bathroom, suddenly stopped when he received an email from Zhou Xiao.
Then, as if uncontrollably, his feet moved uncontrollably towards his office. The expression on his face at that moment seemed even more agitated than Zhou Xiao's when he received Qiao Haidong's email.
"Brother Pan, you..." Seeing Pan Zijin's hurried look, Yang Cheng, who had finally found the person, just opened his mouth, and saw the other party waved at him excitedly, and quickly disappeared from his sight.
Yang Cheng held the garment in his arms, his outstretched hand still raised in mid-air. When he realized Pan Zijin hadn't even given him that much time, he glanced around, and when he saw no one had noticed this little incident, he pretended to scratch his back.
Yang Cheng increased his pressure, somewhat perplexed, wondering why Brother Pan had suddenly become so agitated. Suddenly, his free hand slapped his thigh. Could it be that Brother Pan knew the manager had suddenly arrived at PZ's China headquarters? Was there no need to notify them then?
"Never mind, it was Brother Pan who didn't listen," Yang Cheng muttered quietly, "I'll just send him a message to remind him one last time."
Pan Zijin, already slumped in his office chair, heard the loud chime of a text message, but he didn't bother to read the message, which was most likely from the operator's month-end performance report. Instead, he focused entirely on his computer screen, not moving his eyes.
Zhou Xiao gave him such a big surprise!
Initially, Pan Zijin felt somewhat frustrated upon learning that he had accepted a shoot with XS the next day. But what else could he do? He couldn't force him to finish his film before taking on a new commercial shoot, could he? Well, he could add this clause to future contracts. After all, PZ was incredibly wealthy, so there was no need to skimp on this aspect of his expenses.
PZ chose Zhou Xiao for the shoot, drawn to her speed. Although the official announcement wasn't until late June, the schedule was still a bit tight. Pan Zijin now understands that Zhou Xiao's initial confidence in saying a draft would be submitted by the end of the month suggests she's capable of handling both her work and her career!
In fact, Zhou Xiao was able to take on two orders on time, not only because of Qin Shi's constant persuasion, but also because she had her own team. She was very satisfied with Qiao Haidong's post-processing technology!
…
For Qiao Haidong, this work was the most enjoyable one she'd ever had in her years as a post-production editor! While working all night retouching photos, Qiao Haidong repeatedly had the urge to call Zhou Xiao and ask him how he could capture these amazing shots from these angles! Fortunately, Zhou Xiao's status as her boss saved her sleep.
After sending the processed photos to Zhou Xiao, Qiao Haidong was already looking forward to editing the next set of pictures. However, after waiting for XS's original photos, he finally learned from Xue Xi that Zhou Xiao had already edited XS's photos and videos.
Amidst a mixture of emotions—pity, surprise, realization, and relief—Qiao Haidong lost focus for the first time while on the phone with a colleague. It wasn't until Xue Xi on the other end called her name two or three times that Qiao Haidong finally came to her senses.
This was the first time in her long career as a post-production staff member that she hadn't been treated like a slave and exploited like a horse. Because of her previous work environment, she subconsciously assumed that all post-production work would be done by herself.
It turns out that photographers can also do their own post-production...
But Qiao Haidong actually wanted to continue working on the post-production of XS this time. Although there were as many as twelve sets of PZ's styling, Zhou Xiao's skills and Zhou Quanli's performance did not allow her to have much room to display her talents. But she was very grateful to her boss for this!
Qiao Haidong, whose creative passion was ignited from the start, even satisfied Zhou Xiao with the finished film, let alone the others. This included Pan Zijin, who was watching the commercial frame by frame with his mouse.
Although Pan Zijin looked very carefully, he was very fast. Just as he was about to close the advertisement and open the next folder for test results, a voice suddenly rang out from behind him. With a strong foreign flavor, the plastic Chinese language -
"Pan, please play this commercial again."
Hearing the familiar yet unusual voice behind him, Pan Zijin felt the hairs on his back stand up. He instinctively turned around and was startled by the number of people gathered behind him.
The others were fine, but why was their Chinese boss standing next to a foreign woman? And the more he looked at her, the more familiar she looked! She had also spoken those words.
By the time Pan Zijin recognized who this person was, his butt had already left the chair before he realized it, and then he respectfully invited the woman in front of him to sit down and watch.
Sophia Ellen, the woman who holds the power over PZ, is a top designer. Her ability to embody female power and radiate feminine charm through classics is one of the main reasons for her international design renown.
Not to mention Pan Zijin, who had just sat down and immediately offered his seat, even the PZ China manager had to give up his seat. Pan Zijin was still a little shocked when he jumped up. The manager was coming to inspect such a big thing, and no one had warned him! They were trying to trick him!
The people in the encirclement had their eyes on the big boss from the beginning, and then instinctively moved their attention to the screen. Naturally, few people paid attention to Pan Zijin.
Outside the encirclement, Jiang Gan looked at Pan Zijin, who was surrounded by the crowd. He looked obviously frightened, but he felt a little guilty. Could it be that Brother Pan didn't see the text message he sent?! If he had known, he would have gone to the trouble to talk to him in person or call him!
The emotions of the two were not noticed by others, because at this moment, the big boss of their PZ was bending over (not sitting) and pointing at the photo of Zhou Quanli on the screen, and asked someone to send her a copy of the photo.
"Pan Zi!"
Upon hearing his boss's instructions, Lan Qun immediately turned around to greet Pan Zijin, who had been forgotten by him. Although he was a little dissatisfied with the other party's poor reception, since his boss didn't care, he didn't pursue the matter.
Pan Zijin, who had heard everything clearly from behind the boss, had already swiftly sent the compressed file to the PZ core work group. He had originally planned to wait until he'd carefully selected the films before posting them, but now it felt easy for him. The films were so good that even choosing was a hassle, but it was naturally sweet.
Sophia had come to China to see Zhou Quanli, the first spokesperson for China. After landing in Beijing, she followed Lan Qun, the head of PZ China, to PZ's headquarters in Beijing.
Under Lan Qun's leadership, inspecting the company environment was a common occurrence. As the staff excitedly gathered around them, Sophia turned around and saw Pan Zijin, who was in the office, looking entranced with something.
Unexpectedly, the unobstructed footsteps and movements didn't alert the other party to the changes in the outside world. So, Sophia began to become curious about what was on the screen.
As this curiosity unfolded, PZ's previously cautious and conservative approach to the Chinese market gradually began to change. In the future, they aim to push PZ to the top of the luxury brand list.
"Where is the conference room?" Sophia's beautiful green eyes were full of caution.
Perhaps it was her age that made her sound a little serious at first, but her experience gave her a somewhat amiable tone. "Guys, I think we could work together to select the next big film, and together we can spread the charm of PZ to the world!"
…
Compared to PZ's lavish selection, Qin Shi accepted all the photos Zhou Xiao sent her. This way, the Dragon Boat Festival materials were complete.
The most reassuring thing about working with Zhou Xiao on Fake Idol is the quality of the finished product. It might sound a bit perfunctory to just follow the instructions, but that's entirely because there's absolutely nothing wrong with any of the photos.
XS's previous collaborations with Zhou Xiao, especially during the NINE STAR shoot, meant not a single photo went to waste. Aside from the photos designated for the posters, the rest were either made into postcards or used as fan promotions. In short, having Zhou Xiao shoot was incredibly worthwhile!
"Sister Qin~" The little girl leaning against the door frame called Qin Shi a little shyly. Although she had just joined the company this year, her business skills could barely keep up with the pace of others.
Qin Shi heard this voice, yes, this is a sugar-coated bullet fired at her! But there is nothing she can do, she is born to love this kind of thing, so she nodded in agreement, waiting to see what tricks the other party will play today.
"Sister Qin, do you think we should ask Teacher Zhou Xiao to take another photo with our work badge?"
The photo on the young girl's badge is unique at XS headquarters. While others eagerly decorate their badges like flowers, new hires can only bear the burden with tears in their eyes. Who understands the feeling during break time when everyone else is wearing their badges, while new hires can only cover their headshots and dare not move?
Qin Shi didn't react at first, but when she saw the other person's work badge, which was unusually plain, she understood instantly. She raised the corners of her mouth, but said with some regret, "It's not difficult to take another photo, but it's not easy to find Zhou Xiao."
After saying that, she leaned over and patted the other person's shoulder, and whispered, "If you come with me to the filming site next time, I will ask her to take a picture of you."
Looking at the newcomer leaving the office happily, Qin Shi thought for a moment and felt that the blank check he promised should still be able to be cashed this year... right?
XS Perfumes has diverse styles, which is why, despite collaborating so smoothly with Zhou Xiao, they haven't reached a long-term partnership. Showcasing creative concepts and fashion trends in diverse environments through film production is key to the brand's pursuit of breakthroughs.
…
With the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaching, Zhou Xiao had already distributed the gifts she had prepared to her studio members yesterday. Because PZ and XS had paid the final payment so readily, she was particularly generous with her red envelopes this time.
Zhou Xiao wasn't surprised by XS's promptness; they were longtime partners, after all. But PZ's speed was a bit surprising. It wasn't until the day PZ officially announced its endorsement that she understood the reason for the quick payment. With the big boss satisfied, the finance department naturally felt more relaxed.
Today was a good day. Besides checking out the XS big screen at Huashang Times Square, Zhou Xiao was also looking forward to the commercial that Particle Mobile had invited her to shoot. She didn't know how the final product would turn out.
XS's Dragon Boat Festival limited edition fragrance was packed with people as soon as it went on sale. The unique "pinching" airbag of the zongzi immediately attracted the curiosity of many young men and women.
The beautiful model looked every bit as stunning as a celebrity in front of the camera. The new Chinese style, the Dragon Boat Festival limited edition, and the unique perfume bottle—all three trump cards. Even if Zhou Xiao couldn't see Qin Shi's facial expression, he could sense her joy through the phone.
To tell if a new product is a hit, just look at the short video platforms and see if anyone is imitating the model's look. Just searching for keywords now will reveal tons of copycats! The comments section is also incredibly engaging, with even limited-edition scents available!
Today's headlines were dominated by major brands, with netizens focusing on their new products. Nine Star-endorsed mobile phone brand Lizi also topped the livestreaming schedule.
On the one hand, Particle Mobile is a powerful brand that stands out among all brands; on the other hand, NINE STAR fans are beating drums on major platforms and calling on netizens to watch the live broadcast.
Because the Particles launch event was a group event for NINE STAR, even though Ji Shao didn't participate, numerous blog posts related to him appeared on the trending search forum. These included both marketing accounts and a large number of "new fans" who were difficult to control.
"I don't know whether to be happy or depressed," said Zhu Jian, who was on the phone with Zhou Xiao. "We had already informed the fans not to participate in today's trending searches, and everyone was very cooperative. Knowing that Xiao Shao was still in the group and hadn't appeared, many people cooperated and deleted their blog posts."
Zhou Xiao glanced at the square and saw a large number of accounts with Xie Zhengyun's profile picture posting pictures of Ji Shao. Zhu Jian's words were still a bit conservative. This wasn't just a group of people who didn't obey, this was a whole group of people!
Thinking of the helplessness in Zhu Jian's tone, she asked, "Then why are there so many fans in the square?"
"Those are all fans of the drama." Even though he was a little helpless and angry at first, Zhu Jian's tone was now full of excitement. "They heard that NINE STAR would participate in the press conference of Particle, and they were so excited that Xiao Shao would also be there."
Zhou Xiao understood. Fans of "The Unparalleled General" were completely satisfied. The only problem was that the main cast hadn't appeared on any variety show or event. These days, hit dramas tend to favor variety shows and roadshows, but this one was the exact opposite.
Although both the good and bad characters in the drama are very popular, the two leading actors who are the core of the drama and joined the crew one after another have never appeared in any variety shows, which naturally makes people want to join.
I suspect they misheard the news, leading to this awkward situation. Someone who wasn't at the press conference has now become the most talked-about person under the hashtag on a certain blog. While this is just the result of some fans' actions, it also demonstrates the immense influence "The Unparalleled General" has had so far.
Ding-ling-ling! The intercom in the living room interrupted their conversation. Without giving it a second thought, Zhu Jian immediately asked Zhou Xiao to answer the phone and hung up. She had no other choice but to contact her friend, and within a few words, she had already recovered.
Who else could call at this time? It would naturally be the young lady at the front desk of the Huashang Times Hotel. Zhou Xiao glanced at the darkening sky outside the floor-to-ceiling window and answered the phone with a puzzled look.
As soon as the call was connected, a familiar voice came from the other end. "Sister Xiaoxiao, there's an expedited package for you at the front desk. It's been scanned by security and is fine. Do you want it delivered to you right away?" The girl at the front desk spoke in a sweet, strumming voice that amused everyone nearby.
After getting to know Zhou Xiao, everyone became less reserved. Although the service in a five-star hotel was already excellent, especially since Zhou Xiao was staying in the presidential suite, it was clearly more humane than when they first met.
After the two of them finished chatting, the person who had just covered his mouth and chuckled said with a smile, "Okay, very good. From now on, you will be Sister Xiaoxiao's exclusive customer service representative."
The receptionist, after hanging up the phone, held her head high with a hint of pride. A faint hum escaped her nose, but the upward curve of her lips made it hard not to notice her current good mood. Wasn't it natural for her to like Zhou Xiao? After all, in all her years as a receptionist, no other guest had ever been so kind to them, a junior employee.
If Zhou Xiao's studio were hiring a receptionist, it's hard to say how many colleagues from the hotel they'd meet on interview day. Even the cleaning lady they hired for the photography studio is Ms. Li, who consistently wins first place in the hotel's internal hygiene ratings.
I heard the treatment is much better than at the hotel, and the environment is even better! Everyone else is so envious and anxious that they're practically running in circles!
Zhou Xiao didn't know what the hotel staff were thinking. If he knew, he might really consider whether to hire two front desk staff, but it was probably not necessary now.
She was eyeing the package that had just arrived, wondering which studio or brand it might be. It hadn't been delivered until Dragon Boat Festival, even though it had been expedited. Could it be that a previous shipment had been lost? She hadn't expected the sender to deliberately delay the delivery.
Seeing that the sender's address was in the film and television city, Zhou Xiao began to feel a little confused. By the way, were there any artists she had worked with currently filming in the film and television city?
Since I'm confused, I might as well open it first. After the package was opened, Zhou Xiao saw what was inside. A postcard of a film and television studio, a rice dumpling ornament with a bell hanging on it, and... a snack box wrapped in traditional brocade?
The zongzi ornaments were full of childish fun, especially the small bell at the bottom, which made a crisp sound when shaken, giving them a sense of class and weight. When Zhou Xiao turned the postcard over, he immediately knew who had sent this holiday gift. The back of the postcard was stamped with the studio's cultural and creative stamp, along with a beautiful line of calligraphy and Ji Shao's signature.
As for the box, meticulously wrapped in woven satin, disguised as a snack box, it actually contained a chocolate bar with local characteristics and the appearance of a zongzi. Zhou Xiao flipped through the accompanying colored card, comparing it to the various chocolates in the box. Among all the genuine zongzi, this one was truly refreshing and unconventional, undoubtedly surpassing the others.
…
Meanwhile, the fan club and fan club members who had been given merchandise by Digital a while ago were stunned when they opened the package. Although Ji Shao had only written postcards to the fan club and Heartbeat, every member who participated received this exclusive custom chocolate.
Zhu Jian received the package in the evening. Since she hadn't bought anything recently, she initially thought it was the peripherals that Digital had mentioned a while ago. But after opening the box, she noticed something was amiss.
The brocade used for packaging was truly stunning, with patterns so beautiful it seemed like something you'd only see in expensive pastry shops along Hangzhou's lakefront. The problem was, given her penchant for numbers, she definitely wouldn't have found such a good courier for shipping things, especially with free shipping!
When Zhu Jian opened a certain blog, she saw that the functional station group, which was usually completely inactive, was chatting very enthusiastically. The 999+ unread messages made her eyelids twitch.
How did a large group that was rarely used become so active? When Zhu Jian saw a photo posted by a member, his brain froze again.
Damn! This is too generous!
…
——【Entertainment Forum】——[May 31st evening]
[Topic] Question: What are the selection criteria for Ji Shaojia Functional Station?
[Main Post] There are actually celebrities giving gold to fans. To be honest, I was numb when I saw it [covering my face] I'm worried you don't have 6G network? Please prepare Children's Day gifts for us immediately when you see this post.
[@Flying Penguin: Ahhhhh…]
1L
When I saw it on the hot list, I thought it was just a fan hype. It was so annoying. I heard that hundreds of copies were given away, right? Although it seems that each copy is only a little over one gram... (How did I even type that last sentence?)
29L
Zongzi-shaped chocolates, and the gold bells under the pendants, plus tomorrow is Children's Day, I can only say, Ji Shao, you really deserve to be famous! Ahem, when will you give me gold again? [Sincere face] I can apply anytime...
87L
Fans of this drama are really envious and crying, but I really want to come out and praise the sisters who are fans of "Only One" for their hard work recently! We fans of this drama have seen your dedication to "The Unparalleled General", and I will definitely continue to support Xiao Shao's "Interweaving" when the time comes!
164L
Reply to 29L: My dear, you missed one point. I heard that the postcards received by the functional station were all taken by Ji Shao, and each one was different...
253L
[Smoking] Watching others get gold has made me lose interest in NINE STAR's live broadcast today.
300L
Reply to 253L: smoke a cigarette
…
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