ASFSODS 31

When the man with the gold chain walked in, Jin Ge instantly recognized who he was. Then, after hearing what the man said, the smile at the corner of Jin Ge’s mouth couldn’t be hidden even if he tried.

Wen Chi felt like he had just been flirted with. The sensation of that gold chain man’s fingers still seemed to linger on his chin, making him uncomfortable.

“Xiao Chi, do you know who that guy was just now?” Jin Ge bent down and whispered after they left.

Wen Chi dabbed at his chin with a tissue. “No idea.”

Sang Sang noticed Wen Chi’s movements and paused in surprise. Then she lowered her head, rummaged through her crossbody bag, and handed him a sealed wet wipe.

Wen Chi smiled at her. “Thanks.”

Jin Ge lowered his voice. “He’s one of the co-founders of Oneife. His name is Qian Zheheng. I’ve heard he’s very well-connected, even celebrities in the industry have to show him respect. He’s definitely not just your average brand founder.”

Sang Sang was shocked. “He’s that powerful?”

Jin Ge nodded. “Even someone like Qin Xiyu—President Qin—would probably show him some courtesy just for his seniority.”

Stuck between the two, Wen Chi felt like the three of them were gossiping like nosy neighbors.

Before long, the cameraman and director returned. The makeup artist stood up when she saw them.

The director said to her, “You can start the makeup now.”

The styling and makeup had already been discussed ahead of time, but the cameraman and director still needed to check the final look, just in case something didn’t work on camera and had to be redone.

Jin Ge and Sang Sang stepped aside to let the professionals work. After the makeup artist finished, the stylist stepped in.

Wen Chi kept his eyes closed the entire time, but when he heard Sang Sang gasp in surprise, curiosity got the better of him and he tried to peek.

“We’re not done yet,” The makeup artist tapped his eyelid gently. “Keep your eyes closed.”

“Oh.” Wen Chi mumbled.

Even though Sang Sang had no romantic feelings for Wen Chi, when she looked into the mirror at the boy in front of her, her cheeks flushed. She nudged Jin Ge’s arm and whispered, “Jin Ge, Xiao Chi Ge looks so good.”

Brother Jin nodded in agreement. “Even though Xiao Chi’s kind of a homebody, I have to admit, he’s got a really strong visual appeal, especially in this industry.”

Time passed slowly, and Wen Chi’s butt was starting to go numb from sitting. Finally, the makeup artist gave the go-ahead. “You can open your eyes now.”

With makeup on his face, Wen Chi felt a bit unfamiliar with himself. He slowly opened his eyes. He hadn’t even seen his reflection yet, but all around him, people were gasping in awe.

The face in the mirror looked almost like a stranger. His once black, soft hair had been styled slightly messy, with strands dyed blue and white. A delicate icy-blue snowflake had been drawn just below his left eye, and his lashes had been dusted with a fine, snowy shimmer. His pale skin had been further whitened by the makeup.

He looked like a snow spirit who had wandered into the human world.

“Put these in, and it’ll be perfect.”

Wen Chi was still reeling from his transformation when he noticed something coming near his eye. He instinctively closed his eyes.

The stylist chuckled. “Don’t shut your eyes, I need to put in the contacts.”

Wen Chi really didn’t mean to do it, it was just a reflex. “Do I have to wear them?”

“Yep, you do.”

“…”

He fought the urge to shut his eyes. It was his first time wearing colored contacts, and after they were in, he blinked a few times and immediately, his eyes began to tear up.

The stylist quickly handed him a tissue. “It’s okay. You’ll get used to it.”

“…”

Sang Sang looked at the boy in the oversized white sweater with heart-eyes. He looked soft and gentle. It’s not intimidating at all but he also had a kind of fragile air that made people instinctively tread carefully around him.

She snapped a few photos of Wen Chi, noticing how he kept blinking, looking like he wanted to rub his eyes but didn’t dare.

“Xiao Chi Ge, are you okay?”

Wen Chi shook his head. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

Jin Ge walked over and seeing Wen Chi’s reddened eyes, he frowned. “Xiao Chi, are your eyes uncomfortable?”

“Probably just not used to the lenses. I’ll be fine in a bit,” Wen Chi said.

Sang Sang looked worried. “Should we ask if you can go without them?”

“No need. It’s only for a little while.”

The length of the shoot depended not just on the performer’s condition, but also on the demands of the director, cameraman, and client. Of course, everyone hoped it would wrap up quickly. The longer it went, the more likely Wen Chi’s condition would worsen, affecting the footage.

Before contacting Wen Chi’s agency, Oneife had done its homework and knew Wen Chi had never done a commercial. He didn’t even have notable acting credits, so the Oneife team had mentally prepared for a long day.

Wen Chi slowly opened his eyes. A few seconds later.

“Beautiful.”

The cameraman looked at the just-shot footage and grinned. Then he straightened up and called toward the subject. “Teacher Wen, keep up that expression. One more shot and we’re done.”

Even the gold chain man was satisfied. “We can wrap this up.”

Wen Chi smiled, forcing through the stinging in his eyes. “Got it.”

The director was pleased too. He turned to Jin Ge and, like a proud teacher speaking to a parent, said, “Wen Chi really doesn’t seem like it’s his first ad. Are you sure he’s never done one before? He’s got great emotional control.”

Jin Ge had been focused on Wen Chi’s face and was caught off guard by the comment. After a moment, he smiled awkwardly. “Yeah… this is his first.”

“For a newbie, he’s got great instincts,” the director laughed, then noticed Jin Ge didn’t look too thrilled. “What’s wrong?”

Brother Jin replied, “Nothing, I just didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Teacher Wen, get ready for the final take,” the cameraman called.

Everyone’s eyes were on the boy in the center, so no one noticed the man who had just walked in from outside.

It was another hour before the shoot officially wrapped. The staff were in high spirits, cleaning up the set. The director, cameraman, and the man in a gold chain were crowded around a screen, watching the playback.

Jin Ge and Sang Sang hurried over to Wen Chi.

Jin Ge sounded panicked. “Xiao Chi, let me see your eyes.”

Wen Chi froze mid-eye rub and obediently lowered his hands, revealing a pair of inflamed, bloodshot eyes. The contacts had done a number on him.

Sang Sang gasped. “Oh my god! Xiao Chi Ge, don’t move. I’ll take out your contacts.”

Wen Chi blinked. “Okay.”

The gold chain man glanced away from the screen, then paused. “Why is that Jiang family heir here?”

Sang Sang carefully removed the lenses, hands trembling slightly. When she saw Wen Chi’s eyes, her own nose began to sting. “Xiao Chi Ge…”

“What’s wrong?” Wen Chi squinted. Hearing her sniffle, he gave a helpless little smile.

Sang Sang was about to scold him when—

“What happened to his eyes?”

A familiar voice cut in.

The three of them turned, stunned.

Jiang Siheng, who shouldn’t be here at all, was suddenly in front of them. He placed both hands on Wen Chi’s shoulders, gently turned him around, leaned in slightly, and frowned. “Why are your eyes red?”

Sang Sang blurted out, “Xiao Chi Ge’s eyes got irritated from the contacts.”

Now that they were out, Wen Chi’s eyes finally started to feel better. He blinked reflexively and immediately, tears streamed down both cheeks.

“….”

Suddenly overwhelmed with emotion.

“We should take him to the hospital,” Jin Ge said.

Wen Chi, still crying, objected, “Isn’t that a bit much? Some eyedrops should be fine.”

“Go change out of this outfit. I’ll take you to the hospital. Where’s the changing room?” Jiang Siheng asked.

“In the makeup room. I’ll show you,” Sang Sang said.

Jiang Siheng took Wen Chi by the wrist and followed Sang Sang, completely ignoring the glances being thrown their way.

The crew all stopped what they were doing, stunned to see Jiang Siheng appear out of nowhere.

The director and the gold chain man were both surprised too, and quickly followed. Some of the nearby staff saw them smiling and greeting Jiang Siheng politely.

He merely nodded, then lightly flicked Wen Chi’s forehead. “Close your eyes.”

Wen Chi had been trying to sneak a peek, but now had no choice but to walk with his eyes closed the whole way.

Jiang Siheng saw him pout and gave a faint smile, then turned to the others. “Sorry, Xiao Chi’s eyes are inflamed. I’m taking him to see a doctor.”

The director and gold chain man exchanged glances. They already had their suspicions about what caused it.

The gold chain man gave an awkward laugh. “Of course, of course.”

Behind them, Jin Ge was stunned by how deferential the man had been toward Jiang Siheng.

Jiang Siheng really was that powerful?

Wen Chi didn’t even get to remove his makeup before he was whisked away. Sang Sang barely managed to hand him his phone and hotel keycard. She and Jin Ge were left standing there, dumbfounded.

A few seconds later, Sang Sang snapped out of it and looked around.

Jin Ge with a blank expression said, “Don’t bother. The livestream’s not on, and the next shoot hasn’t started yet.”

Sang Sang was shocked. “Then why—why did Movie Emperor Jiang show up?!”

Jin Ge sighed. “Who knows.”

As Wen Chi followed the man out of the building, he asked the exact same question. Only this time, he got an answer.

Jiang Siheng, eyes still on his phone, replied without looking up. “Because I missed you.”