The junior brother also noticed Li Baixi’s expression and, without waiting for the host’s friendly transition, smiled and asked, “Senior brother, what do you think of this makeup? Do you think it has a chance of winning?”

Host: “…” Asking this question during a live broadcast is too malicious!

Li Baixi looked at his junior brother and smiled as well.

The host was about to give him an out, but then heard him politely say, “Just this?”

【…………What did he say?】

【Whoa! That’s bold!】

The bullet comments exploded instantly, with everyone repeating “Just this?”

With such high expectations, everyone was now highly curious.

The host, feeling powerless, said, “Well then, please begin, Mr. Li.”

Moments later.

The bullet comments were silent for a while before slowly starting up again: 【…Just this? Just this? Just this???】

Li Baixi’s performance was barely passable at best.

He applied the foundation methodically, then carefully drew the eyebrows and eyes, all in nude tones. Every step was so standard and boring, it was like a live demo of Makeup 101.

Viewers watched patiently as he worked, but there wasn’t a single eye-catching detail.

The junior brother stood by, watching coldly, with a faint smile.

The higher the level of makeup, the more it emphasizes personality and edges. However, the theme “上善若水” (Supreme Goodness is Like Water) required a sense of fluidity and non-contention. So, Li Baixi would inevitably take a subtle approach, creating a meticulous work on the face.

For him, it was about seeing the mountain as it is again.

But Li Baixi seemed to forget one thing: the judges here were not some art connoisseurs, but a bunch of spectators who enjoyed the show.

Who would bother to ponder the underlying meaning?

Sure enough, in the real-time voting bar at the bottom of the live stream, Li Baixi’s votes were tragically low. Those who had been intrigued by his “Just this?” were now switching their votes to the junior brother out of spite.

Watching the barrage of sarcastic comments, Cheng Ping couldn’t help but register an account and started arguing back: 【What are you talking about? Don’t you understand “上善若水” (Supreme Goodness is Like Water)? This fits the theme!】

However, the direction of the comments was already set, and his defense was drowned in a flood of insults.

【At least the other side painted water, you can’t even see a drop here!】

【My fifteen-year-old niece could do this… If the skill isn’t there, you can’t just talk your way out of it.】

Cheng Ping argued back a few more times, but feeling outnumbered, angrily exited the live stream and opened the recharge page.

Half a minute later, a line of golden letters announcing the arrival of a VIP user “What Apple Loves to Eat” flashed at the top of the live stream.

The VIP notification lasted a full ten seconds before disappearing.

Immediately, the VIP-exclusive, extra-large golden bullet comments filled the screen:

【So this is the high-end connoisseur? Truly impressive】

【Four out of three words are incomprehensible, just vote for whichever is blue】

【Stop the makeup, Smurfs vs. Avatar online battle】

…

One pitiful comment squeezed to the bottom of the screen: 【Is this VIP’s hand speed for real?】

While the VIP was wreaking havoc in the live stream, Li Baixi was still meticulously working on the details.

He seemed to suddenly become very interested in contouring and highlighting, applying with meticulous and nearly redundant strokes. After twenty minutes of this meticulous work, the model’s face seemed unchanged.

The junior brother’s smile faded, and a hint of displeasure appeared.

Of course, he wanted to trample Li Baixi. He had been waiting for this moment for many years.

Perhaps it was the accumulated anticipation over the years that had idealized this battle, making the reality feel disappointing.

Was this really Li Baixi’s current highest level? Was all the years of struggle a joke?

The only person truly calm was the model with closed eyes.

The new lover asked in a low voice, “Mr. Li, when I show the makeup to the camera later, do you have any specific instructions for my expression or actions?”

Li Baixi continued his work, smiling: “Just try to remain calm.”

The new lover was puzzled.

Wasn’t he calm enough?

Li Baixi added, “Oh, by the way.” He turned to the host, “Can you turn off all the lights except for the top light later?”

Host: “No problem.”

The junior brother paused, looked up at the previously unnoticed top light, and then glanced around at the other lights.

His heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he looked closely at the model’s cheek, feeling a sense of foreboding.

The bullet comments were also filled with question marks.

Li Baixi calmly finished his work, stepped back, and left the stage for the model: “Please.”

The live stream lights dimmed one by one, leaving only a top light.

The new lover could only roughly guess what he looked like at this moment, but with Li Baixi’s instruction to remain calm, he slightly smiled and slowly turned from left to right.

In the unseen area, a transformation occurred.

The previously plain face now shimmered with rippling water light. The sheen was so subtle it seemed to come from the skin itself, but as he turned, the faint water patterns gracefully danced, making him appear as if he had emerged from the depths of the ocean.

This water effect was transparent, pure, and matched his serene expression perfectly.

The phrase “上善若水” (Supreme Goodness is Like Water) found its embodiment here.

The host, who had earlier thought Li Baixi had messed up, was overjoyed and praised him effusively: “This is truly stunning! Mr. Li, I’ve never seen such an effect before, how did you achieve this?”

Li Baixi explained, “I mixed diamond powder and mica into the foundation in layers, trying to create the texture of water waves. But with limited time, it was a bit rough.”

Host: “…I thought you were just highlighting! Mr. Song, did you notice this earlier?”

Junior Brother: “…”

The junior brother smiled, “I didn’t notice.”

There was too much he hadn’t noticed.

For instance, while he was doing makeup, Li Baixi had been observing the entire live stream environment, noting the top light and perhaps the model’s demeanor and aura.

At this moment, not only the makeup but the entire presence of the model had transformed, closer to his true essence.

“Shang Shan Ruo Shui” – water benefits all things without contention. Li Baixi’s technique perfectly embodied this concept.

The host added some more praises and finally announced, “Although the live stream is ending, the voting will remain open for 72 hours. Everyone, please participate enthusiastically.”

However, this seemed redundant. By now, Li Baixi’s votes had far surpassed the junior brother’s, and the gap was widening.

Even without looking at the votes, comparing the expressions of the two makeup artists, it was clear who had won in their own minds.

Hearing the director’s call, Cheng Ping put down his phone and quickly went to his position.

He knew he should be happy for Li Baixi, but his smile felt weighed down, struggling to stay up.

Li Baixi had won.

Li Baixi could create impromptu with 100% confidence, and the model wasn’t him.

Li Baixi might soon… not need him anymore.

Cheng Ping stumbled slightly, and Albert caught him: “Careful.”

Cheng Ping looked up and forced a smile.

Albert thought: Quickly into character today.

The live broadcast ended. The junior brother quickly packed his tools and, on his way out, greeted the air in the room, not directed at anyone in particular.

Li Baixi was still tidying up in the corner when the new lover approached, speaking softly so only they could hear: “Mr. Li, you’re even more impressive than the rumors say.”

Li Baixi: “You’ve also exceeded my expectations.”

He meant it. This experience had shown him that the new lover, though initially unremarkable, had the top-tier temperament and performance skills to make a name for himself.

He might be a significant competitor for Cheng Ping.

New lover: “I’ve always said I looked forward to working with you, and I mean it. I hope we have more opportunities in the future.”

Li Baixi sensed his regret, realizing that being Actor Zhang’s man probably meant he couldn’t freely choose his collaborations.

Li Baixi gave him a deep look: “With your ability, you can reach great heights on your own.”

The implication was clear: “I don’t understand why someone like you would be content being a kept man.”

The new lover, well aware of Li Baixi’s understanding of the industry’s darker sides, shrugged: “Mr. Li, you’re very attractive, so you probably won’t understand that for some, just getting a chance to be seen is a shortcut. I may not be particularly handsome, but I value my talent too much to waste it waiting for others to discover me.”

With that, the hidden pride finally surfaced.

Li Baixi, not wanting to discuss life choices further, said, “As long as you think it’s worth it. Good luck.”

New lover: “.”

That was the end of their conversation. The new lover hesitated before adding, “Be careful of Actor Zhang.”

Leaving this ambiguous warning, he departed.

Li Baixi was puzzled.

Didn’t I already know that?

Furrowing his brow in thought, he was interrupted by a voice: “Senior brother.”

The junior brother had returned, standing at the door, gesturing for him to follow: “Let’s talk?”

Li Baixi, mind still occupied, picked up his tool case: “Sure, let’s go.”

Meanwhile.

Actor Zhang opened a recording on his phone, listened for a moment, and laughed: “You brought this upon yourselves, so don’t blame me for taking advantage.”