Chapter 116: Threats and Temptations!

The Prince Mu Mansion, also known as the Princess Mansion, was a private retreat built by Prince Mu for his most cherished youngest daughter. After the fall of the Imperial Dynasty, the mansion was confiscated and became state property.

Later on, this place, once the residence of a noble princess, was turned into a tourist attraction. For a mere twenty yuan, anyone could enter for a tour, with half-price tickets available for students. Beyond tourism, the mansion also became a favored location for film crews shooting period dramas.

Qin Luo and his team chose the Princess Mansion as their photoshoot location. They signed a rental contract with the relevant authorities to use the very boudoir once occupied by Princess Xiuling for Chen Sixuan.

The sun was bright, and the mood was serene. Stepping into this complex of antique buildings, one could not help but be captivated. Red walls and red tiles, carved beams and painted pillars—breathing in the crisp, clean air and gazing at the crumbling walls in the corners, eroded by time and wind, surrounded by lush green grass, one felt the melancholy of how things remain but people change. One’s thoughts seemed to travel through time and space, returning to that suffocatingly extravagant prosperity of centuries past.

Chen Sixuan was dressed in a magenta Hanfu embroidered with large peonies, featuring a round collar and wide, graceful sleeves. Her long hair was coiled atop her head into a spiral bun, adorned with a pearl-encrusted phoenix hairpin. Tall and elegant, she stood with such distinction that she truly resembled a queen reigning over the world.

Jin Derui was constantly berating his photography assistants, keeping them running in circles. It was obvious he was venting the frustrations he had felt toward Qin Luo onto his subordinates. Once the room was arranged according to his vision, Jin Derui said to Chen Sixuan, "Miss Chen, we can begin now."

"Alright. Thank you for your hard work." Chen Sixuan waved at Qin Luo and Li Qingcheng before stepping in front of the lens. As an actress, one must be able to become whoever one portrays—whether human or spirit. Once in work mode, Chen Sixuan was incredibly diligent and professional, adjusting her poses and expressions according to the photographer’s demands.

"Yes. That’s it. Keep your body straighter. Straighter still. Your gaze needs to be sharp. Your face must appear in the bronze mirror—sharper, capture that sense of nobility." Jin Derui coached her incessantly from behind the camera. Chen Sixuan adjusted her posture to his shouts until Jin Derui was satisfied, at which point he pressed the shutter.

"It seems being an actor isn't easy," Qin Luo said with a smile.

"Indeed. Acting is hard work. It would be better to be a civil servant," Li Qingcheng agreed, nodding. She gestured toward Jin Derui, who was clicking away, and asked, "Is this the feeling you were looking for?"

"It’s not bad," Qin Luo replied. "It just feels like something is missing."

Li Qingcheng looked at him in surprise. "I had no idea you were such a picky man. If I’d known, I would have dragged you over to provide creative input earlier. What exactly feels wrong? Let’s have him change it."

"Something is missing. But I don't know what it is yet," Qin Luo said thoughtfully. A flash of inspiration had flickered in his mind, but by the time he tried to grasp it, those faint, lingering threads had already hidden away.

"What is missing?" Li Qingcheng asked.

"I haven't figured it out yet," Qin Luo shook his head.

Li Qingcheng pinched him, laughing, "Even if you’re dissatisfied with the photographer, you shouldn't torment the poor man like this! You don't even know what's missing, yet you claim he's lacking something. Fortunately, I didn't call for a halt this time."

Qin Luo shook his head. He wasn't trying to torment the photographer; he was simply searching for a sense of aesthetic harmony. He felt he had almost reached it, only to let it slip away.

Inspiration often flashes for only an instant. For some, missing it once means missing it for a lifetime.

Outside, lively footsteps and the boisterous chatter of men and women echoed. A woman holding a tour guide flag led a group of visitors in, who were excitedly snapping photos of the mansion with their cameras and phones. To avoid disruption, the door to the main room was kept closed, with a photography assistant guarding the entrance to prevent intruders. However, through the open windows, they could still observe what was happening inside. Many people gathered around, pointing and snapping pictures. Fortunately, Chen Sixuan was experienced and focused on her role, remaining completely undisturbed by the outside world.

In the crowd, a plain-looking young man wearing glasses pulled out a tissue, gently and tenderly wiping the sweat from his girlfriend's forehead. The girl was chubby—not beautiful, but very cute. Her face was flushed as she pointed at the photoshoot inside, chattering happily, looking the picture of bliss. In the crowd, they were ordinary, but in each other’s eyes, they were undoubtedly the best.

Suddenly, Qin Luo was moved by this young couple. Love does not need to be earth-shattering; it’s a hot cup of tea in winter, a look of concern when one is ill, a massage when tired, or gently wiping away sweat when it’s hot—small, but mesmerizing.

"I know what's missing," Qin Luo said, his face lighting up.

"What is it?" Li Qingcheng asked.

"A man."

"A man? These cosmetics are sold to women; why bring a man in? Are you sure it won’t ruin the aesthetic?" Li Qingcheng asked skeptically.

"It won’t. Trust me. If this advertisement is a success, our products won't just be sold to women. We can make many men take the initiative to pay for them for their own women," Qin Luo said confidently. People who are good at thinking can accomplish anything. He had faith in his idea.

"What kind of man? Why add him? What role will he play in the scene?" Li Qingcheng was quite knowledgeable about advertising strategy and asked professional questions.

"Eyebrow drawing. Let him draw the female lead's eyebrows," Qin Luo said.

"Drawing eyebrows?" Li Qingcheng was stunned. In this day and age, is that still a trend among couples?

"Yes," Qin Luo nodded. "Modern life moves faster and faster, and couples have less and less time together. Especially successful professionals, who often live apart for long periods. As a woman, have you never longed for your beloved man to be sleeping beside you when you wake up in the morning? Have you never longed for your beloved man to take the eyebrow pencil and carefully draw your eyebrows while you do your makeup?"

Li Qingcheng’s heart skipped a beat, but she scolded him, "How would I know? I don't have a beloved man."

"You will look forward to it. All women will. No matter her status—high or low—or her profession—noble or humble—she will look forward to it. Yes, we will find a man to draw her eyebrows."

Li Qingcheng was an expert in her field; she understood the effect and influence Qin Luo’s idea would have. This time, she walked over and told Jin Derui to pause, explaining Qin Luo’s concept in detail. To her surprise, Jin Derui didn't object; instead, he was ecstatic. Casting aside his previous gloom, he said with high spirits, "Brilliant! This idea is brilliant. I have a feeling we are going to be a massive hit."

"Director Jin, what kind of man do you think would be best? Is there any male star in the entertainment industry whose image fits?" Li Qingcheng asked with a smile.

Jin Derui thought carefully and said, "Not every male star is suited for period costumes. Gu Tianming would be perfect, but he just signed on for a new film shooting in Singapore. It’s hard to get him back. Lin Dong would also work, but his schedule is full—apparently, his work is booked for the next two years."

Li Qingcheng said, "Find someone closer. Someone we can hire immediately. We don’t have much time to wait."

"That’s not easy," Jin Derui said. Suddenly, he slapped his thigh and laughed, "Why look far away when we have one right in front of us?"

"Right in front of us?" Li Qingcheng turned to look at Qin Luo. "You mean him?"

"Exactly. Have you seen anyone with more charisma wearing a long robe than him?" Jin Derui asked.

"This..." Li Qingcheng had to admit it. Qin Luo possessed a profound, classic air. Perhaps it was related to his background in a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and his constant dealings with herbs. Some men are handsome, but they look absurd in a long robe. Qin Luo was different; his image and temperament were perfectly in sync with such attire, as if he were one with the robe. He gave the impression that he was born to wear such clothes. This was why, even though people found his style strange, no one ever thought it looked bad.

"But, his looks..." Li Qingcheng hesitated. Qin Luo’s features were delicate, and he could be considered a handsome young man, but compared to those dazzling, glamorous idols, he fell quite short.

"How many women have husbands who look like movie stars? Most are ordinary people. His looks are more relatable," Jin Derui countered. This man, who had harbored deep resentment toward Qin Luo moments ago, was now singing his praises as if he were a flower.

Of course, this didn't sound very pleasant to Qin Luo. *What’s wrong with my looks? Is my face not handsome? You’re the one who’s "relatable." Your whole family is "relatable."*

Li Qingcheng was clearly convinced by Jin Derui. She beckoned to Qin Luo with her finger and said, "Little brother, come here."

"I don't think I'm suitable. You should find a professional to assist with the shoot," Qin Luo refused.

"I think you’re very suitable," Li Qingcheng said firmly.

"I’m really not."

"You are."

"I'm not."

"If you don't agree, do you want me to tell that little rich girl about you peeking at me while I was bathing?"

"Threatening me won't work. I have no relationship with her. Telling her won't affect me at all."

"Don't you want to see me in a queen's costume?"

"This..." Qin Luo hesitated for a long while before gritting his teeth and saying, "I'll do my best."