CHAPTER 693: THE DEAL (NEED EDIT)

By noon, they arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel for the Elle Global photoshoot.

The Presidential Suite had already been transformed into a bustling studio. Photographers, lighting technicians, stylists, and assistants moved around, setting up equipment. Amidst the commotion, a familiar face was waiting—Lee Hye-rin.

The moment she spotted Xueli, her eyes lit up. "Unnie!" she called cheerfully in the Goryeo affectionate term, walking up to her.

Xueli smirked. "Rin Rin, when did you get here?"

The younger actress grinned. "Just a while ago."

With that simple greeting, Hye-rin subtly made it clear to everyone in the room that she and Xueli weren’t just industry colleagues but actual friends.

Then, her gaze shifted to Tianzhu. "Oh? Tianzhu-ssi?" She tilted her head. "Are you sick or something?"

Tianzhu, wearing his mask as usual, simply nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing.

Before Hye-rin could press further, Xueli redirected her attention with casual conversation. Meanwhile, Tianzhu got to work.

As a road manager, his job wasn’t just about following Xueli around. He needed to ensure everything ran smoothly.

First, he met with the Elle Global staff, confirming the schedule.

Next, he checked if all required personnel had arrived, then met with the principal photographer to review the planned poses and backdrops. He flipped through the reference images on a tablet, making mental notes.

Then, he moved on to the outfits.

Inspected the garments to ensure they were clean and wrinkle-free.

Checked the accessories—jewelry, shoes, gloves—making sure they were all present.

Confirmed the emergency kit had essentials like pins, wipes, and extra shoes.

Once everything seemed in order, Tianzhu headed to the changing rooms—two separate bedrooms assigned to Xueli and Hye-rin.

He stepped inside Xueli’s first, checking for any hidden cameras. After that, he moved to Hye-rin’s changing room.

With everything clean, Tianzhu walked out of the room and headed back to Xueli.

Keeping his voice low, he gave her a brief rundown of everything he had done—the schedule confirmation, wardrobe inspection, and security sweep. Then, he gave her the green signal.

Xueli nodded in approval, while Tianzhu added, "I also called Yuna. She’s on her way."

"Oh? You did it for me, too?" Hye-rin smiled warmly. "Thanks."

He gave a small nod in response.

Xueli grinned. "You’re learning fast. It’s only Day 2, and you’re already acting like a pro."

Tianzhu shrugged. "Jingmin sent me a step-by-step checklist. I just followed instructions."

Xueli chuckled. "That guy really takes his work seriously." Then, her expression turned thoughtful. "I wonder what’s going on with him... Even when his wife got into an accident, he only took two days off."

Tianzhu glanced at the schedule. "Do you want to visit his house after the shoot?"

Xueli tilted her head in thought, but before she could reply, Hye-rin checked her phone.

"It’s already 12:08." She sighed. "We haven’t even started makeup yet. The shoot will probably be delayed by at least an hour."

Xueli shrugged. "Then we’ll just ditch meeting Stunt Master Ha. I’ll ask for a rain check."

Tianzhu raised an eyebrow. "Is that okay?"

"Of course," Xueli replied smoothly. "I haven’t even signed the contract yet. No need to rush when I have other commitments."

Tianzhu simply nodded in understanding.

*

The photoshoot stretched on for three hours, a seamless blend of professionalism and artistry.

The first part consisted of solo shoots—Xueli and Hye-rin, each taking turns in front of the camera. The crew worked in meticulous detail, adjusting the lights, fixing stray hairs, and ensuring that the angles captured the essence of the luxury brand they were representing.

Xueli, with her undeniable presence, owned the set with a fierce yet effortless grace.

Dressed in a sleek black Saint Laurent power suit, she exuded a sense of authority and elegance, each pose reflecting her status as an A+ listed actress. Whether she stood against the backdrop of the hotel’s marble-clad interior or casually draped herself over a plush velvet chaise, every shot screamed sophistication.

Then came Hye-rin’s turn.

She stepped onto the set in a soft ivory Dior silk gown, the delicate fabric cascading around her as she settled by the floor-to-ceiling window while her silhouette framed against the panoramic city skyline.

The photographer directed her to tilt her chin slightly, letting the natural sunlight bathe her face. The contrast between the golden glow of the afternoon and the cool tones of the gown created an almost dreamlike quality. Well, atleast for Tianzhu.

From his position in the corner, he observed silently with his mask still in place. For some reason, he couldn’t take his eyes off Hye-rin.

Each pose she struck, whether a graceful turn of her wrist or the subtle way she let the gown flow around her, felt effortless yet intentional.

For a brief moment, her gaze flickered towards him, and their eyes met.

A small, knowing smile played on her lips before she turned back to the camera, continuing her work.

Tianzhu exhaled sharply, turning his attention back to his phone, pretending to check the schedule. "Okay, I need to stop staring at her. Man, she is beautiful though."

The next phase of the shoot began with twin shots featuring both actresses together.

Xueli and Hye-rin stood side by side, a stunning contrast—Xueli’s sharp, bold confidence against Hye-rin’s soft, understated elegance. They wore matching diamond earrings with their dresses flowing together.

The photographer had them interact naturally as they casually laughed while he continuously clicked on the shutter.

By the time the final flash went off and the director called "Cut! That’s a wrap!", everyone was relieved.

Xueli stretched her arms, rubbing them a little bit. "One hour non-stop shooting... God, my back is stiff."

Hye-rin looked at her in worry. "You alright, Unnie?"

"Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just been a while since I have done photoshoots for magazines. Forgot how rigorous they will be." Xueli chuckled, waved off casually.

After a while, the location shifted to the grand staircase. The concept for this set was "glamour in motion", capturing a modern femme fatale—elegant, confident, and effortlessly commanding attention.

Hye-rin stepped forward, now dressed in a tailored black Alexander McQueen blazer dress, cinched at the waist. The dress was short yet structured, its sharp lines balanced by the bold statement of her thigh-high leather boots.

The stylist adjusted her cuffs, ensuring every detail was impeccable, while the lighting team positioned reflectors to catch just the right amount of sheen on the polished steps.

The photographer called out, his voice filled with energy: "Alright, Miss Hye-rin, this is your moment! Think bold. Think unstoppable. You’re walking away from something or someone—but with complete control. Give us that last glance over the shoulder, like you own the world."

Hye-rin smirked, her expression effortlessly shifting into character.

She started her descent.

One step. Her heels clicked against the marble, her pace measured, exuding dominance. Another step. The long sleeves of the blazer dress moved subtly with her, adding a sense of controlled fluidity. Then—mid-stride, she turned her head ever so slightly, casting a gaze over her shoulder.

The cameraman gasped quietly, immediately pressing the shutter.

Click. Click. Click.

From his position by the monitoring screen, Tianzhu watched the images appear in real time. Each frame was near perfection, but one particular shot stood out—

Hye-rin’s smoky eyes locked directly on the lens, her lips parted slightly as if about to say something, as the golden hotel lights glistened against her sharp jawline.

Tianzhu blinked. "That was... something else." He mumbled involuntarily. Upon realizing, he cleared his throat, looking away. He wasn’t supposed to be this focused on her.

But something about her presence on that staircase, the way she carried herself with such effortless power, made it difficult not to watch. He couldn’t help but remember their first encounter, how dismissive he was, treating her as someone he casually passed in the streets. But now, there was this subtle attraction that made his gaze difficult to pull away from her.

However, the shoot still has a segment left.

As the next setup was being prepared, the production team moved to the rooftop infinity pool of the Four Seasons Hotel. By this time, the sun was already lower in the sky, casting a soft golden glow over the glass-like water, seamlessly merging with the skyline of Hangzhou in the background.

This time, the photoshoot’s concept was "Serenity and Strength".

Hye-rin emerged from the dressing area in a sleek Bottega Veneta slip dress with the fabric hugging her frame in all the right places, flowing like liquid silk with every step she took.

The dress was minimalist yet luxurious, its muted champagne hue complementing her flawless skin. She was barefoot, each step against the warm tiles exuding a natural, unforced grace.

The set design was simple but effective—the infinity pool stretching out behind her, the city lights beginning to flicker in the distance, and a crystal glass in her hand, filled with a refreshingly cool, citrus-infused drink.

The photographer adjusted his camera, looking pleased.

"Alright, Miss Hye-rin, this time, you’re not just looking at the view or came here to rest... You’re a woman at the top of the world, enjoying the moment, owning it. The water, the city, the sky—it’s all yours. Keep a soft but an intense gaze."

.