Cheng Ping had just argued with his manager about women’s clothing yesterday, and today he saw Li Baixi in men’s clothing.

How could it be such a coincidence?

He suddenly had a terrifying guess: Did the manager say something to Li Baixi? Was Li Baixi provoked, and that’s why he changed his clothes?

Nervously, he stole glances at Li Baixi, trying to discern any anomalies, but saw nothing unusual. Li Baixi, despite his sudden makeover, seemed entirely at ease, even more so, exuding a carefree elegance.

Cheng Ping had thought Li Baixi attracted attention because of his women’s clothes, but even without them, everyone’s eyes still followed him.

It was as if… this was his true self.

Cheng Ping’s heart beat faster involuntarily, filled with doubt, not knowing where to begin his questions.

Coincidentally, today’s makeup was battle-damaged, taking a long time. Li Baixi, feeling Cheng Ping’s probing gaze, sighed helplessly, “Don’t frown so much, it’ll cake the makeup. Is my transformation that much of a failure?”

Cheng Ping: “… Why the sudden transformation?”

Li Baixi habitually downplayed, “Just a change of mood.” But seeing Cheng Ping’s earnest gaze, he decided to be honest, “For example, an apple suddenly wants to know how much it can sell for without its wax coating.”

What kind of weird analogy was that? The two assistants exchanged puzzled looks.

Cheng Ping: “Ap… apple?”

Li Baixi: “Would you still buy an apple that doesn’t look good?”

Ma KouKou: “!”

He understood!

Cheng Ping, still confused, wondered if Li Baixi had encountered some career setback: “Uh, every kind of apple has a market, right?”

Ma KouKou: “Master was asking you. Would you buy it?”

Cheng Ping: “…”

Li Baixi lightly tapped Ma KouKou’s head, the gesture more affectionate than punitive.

Cheng Ping walked to the set for filming, feeling awkward, almost tripping over his own feet.

Today was the last scene for Lu Yinying before he wrapped up, and Cheng Ping himself was also nearing his departure from the crew. This scene was his report card to Lu Yinying.

In the story, the police and the writer overcame countless obstacles and finally found the villain, played by Lu Yinying, hiding. The police sealed off all escape routes, summoning backup to make the arrest, but the writer, armed to the teeth, went ahead alone.

Unexpectedly, the aging villain was still formidable, and the writer was quickly overpowered.

The writer, severely injured and near death, was saved just in time by the police, who subdued the villain.

Off-stage, Li Baixi said sternly, “Ma KouKou, about your interruption earlier…”

Ma KouKou: “Got it, won’t do it again.”

Li Baixi: “No. This time, the organization needs you.”

Ma KouKou: “???”

Li Baixi gave detailed instructions, and Yang, the assistant, listened with a curious look.

The police, furious, yelled at the bloodied writer, “How could you be so stupid, coming to face the villain alone?!”

Writer: “… I was overconfident. I’m sorry.”

The police, breathing heavily, suddenly thought of something and quickly pulled a pen from the writer’s clothes.

This pen had been with the writer since the script killing game, once noticed by the police.

In a few swift moves, the police triggered the pen’s mechanism, revealing a sharp blade coated with a strange liquid instead of the pen’s tip.

Police: “You weren’t overconfident. You planned to kill him before legal procedures could be carried out. You knew he would overpower you and kill you. You knew his quirk of closely observing dilated pupils. You wanted to die with him in that instant.”

The writer remained silent.

The police’s voice trembled, “How could you be so reckless with your life? Your family sacrificed their lives to protect you, was it just to see you die?”

Writer: “What do you know? Exactly because… exactly because they all died.”

Police: “…”

The writer’s expression turned numb, “I lived to avenge them. But after that, what right do I have to continue living? To live a life they’ll never experience?”

The police, visibly moved, softened his tone, “I believe they would want you to be happy.”

“But that’s not what they say in my dreams… I can’t carry it anymore, living every day is a betrayal to them…”

The writer, losing control, burst into tears.

He cried with a twisted expression, his whole body shaking, as if releasing decades of suppressed grief in one go.

This scene earned Cheng Ping a one-take pass.

The director announced Lu Yinying’s wrap, and everyone clapped and cheered, with staff running over with bouquets.

Lu Yinying bowed to everyone, then pulled Cheng Ping aside, smiling, “I almost cried, but I had to act indifferent. It was really tough.”

Cheng Ping recognized this high praise and felt a bit shy, “… Mr. Lu, can I still ask for your guidance if I have questions about acting in the future?”

Other juniors might ask this to build connections or seek mentorship subtly, but Lu Yinying knew Cheng Ping’s question was purely genuine. He replied, gratified, “Of course, anytime.”

Lu Yinying spoke with Cheng Ping privately for a long time before packing up to leave.

Li Baixi walked over and handed him a large gift box, “Mr. Lu, a wrap gift.”

Lu Yinying: “Oh? What is it?”

Li Baixi: “Just clothes. You mentioned liking the costumes in this show, so I made a new set for you as a keepsake.”

Lu Yinying was flattered, “This is too thoughtful.”

Li Baixi smiled, “It’s nothing. Can we exchange contacts? I might have questions for you too.”

This was openly building connections. Lu Yinying took out his phone, saying, “I dare not claim such honor, it’s a different industry, I might not be able to…”

Li Baixi: “I want to know what Mr. Lu taught Cheng Ping.”

Lu Yinying: “…?”

After seeing off Lu Yinying, Li Baixi went to touch up Cheng Ping’s makeup.

Cheng Ping’s makeup was ruined by the intense crying, mixed with fake blood, looking awful. Li Baixi decided to redo it entirely.

Cheng Ping: “Sorry for giving you extra work.”

Li Baixi replied nonchalantly, “Why so distant? By the way, what projects are you considering after this show?”

Cheng Ping: “Uh, Mr. Lu invited me. His company is preparing two shows.”

Li Baixi: “Any films?”

Cheng Ping: “Not at the moment.”

Li Baixi: “Keep an eye out. There might be an opportunity to star in a film, which would be good for your market positioning.”

Cheng Ping hesitated, “That’s not easy to come by…”

His true thoughts were that Mr. Lu not only recognized him but also acknowledged Li Baixi, increasing their chances of being in the same crew. Even if the crew didn’t invite Li Baixi, he could try to bring him in like last time.

Yesterday, before leaving, the manager hinted that the team would look for other makeup artists to minimize contact with Li Baixi.

What level was Li Baixi? He feared the team’s attitude had offended him, and he would never see him again.

But he himself couldn’t offer anything attractive enough to invite Li Baixi. Maybe a lead makeup artist role would interest him.

But films were another realm, another game. He would be a novice, let alone having the ability to bring someone along.

Life wasn’t easy. Cheng Ping sighed.

Li Baixi signaled with his eyes.

Ma KouKou, acting on instructions, exclaimed, “Oh, Master, didn’t you say you wanted to work on a film to win an award? I’m waiting for you to show up your junior.”

Hearing the word “junior,” Cheng Ping raised an eyebrow.

Li Baixi: “I’m choosing projects.”

Ma KouKou clapped his hands, “How about you two cooperate in a film crew? Mr. Cheng, my master often says that the soul of makeup isn’t given by the makeup artist but the model. And you are my master’s muse!”

Cheng Ping: “?”

Li Baixi: “…”

Ma KouKou signaled: Was that too much?

Li Baixi shrugged: Up to you.

Ma KouKou continued, “See, only my master can create your peak look, and your aura can bring out the best in the makeup. It’s mutual accomplishment.”

Cheng Ping, used to Ma KouKou’s exaggerated style, half-listened, thinking: As if agreeing would make it happen.

An actor can’t place people, why would a makeup artist be able to?

But from Li Baixi’s words, it seemed TV dramas no longer satisfied him. Only award-worthy films would do.

This… I’d love to find it, but where can I find it?

Observing Cheng Ping’s increasingly dissatisfied expression, Li Baixi signaled Ma KouKou to stop.

Li Baixi thought for a moment and started a new topic, “Besides filming, any other work planned?”

Cheng Ping felt guilty, “Some schedules, like commercials and shows…”

He feared Li Baixi would ask about makeup, not knowing Li Baixi had overheard everything yesterday.

Li Baixi: “Oh, send me your schedule?”

Cheng Ping: “… Sure… but it might not require your makeup.”

Ma KouKou raised an eyebrow, “H

uh, what do you mean?”

“Ma KouKou, leave it.” Li Baixi paused, barely perceptibly, with a sad smile, “Maybe I’m outdated.”

Cheng Ping: “…”

Cheng Ping: “No!!”

Li Baixi finally secured Cheng Ping’s schedule.

Back in his room, he studied the schedule, picking an overseas fashion show invitation.

He thought for a moment, then called, “Can you send me an invitation?”

The other end: “Didn’t you decline?”

Li Baixi: “Suddenly missed you guys.”

The other end: “?”

After hanging up, Li Baixi lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his expression darkened.

No one knew, not even Ma KouKou, that today’s exaggerated speech about muses and souls hit the truth.

From the first time Cheng Ping brought his painting to life on camera, to today’s tearful scene that moved the entire crew, a faint light was gradually growing.

He might not fully understand what he wanted to do, but a voice in his heart urged him: Do it, or it’ll be too late. You might never shine that way, but if you hold onto it, you’ll never fade.

This apple must sell, free of charge, with free shipping.

So the manager is a formidable opponent? This iron Weaver is going to face the Queen Mother.