195: Chapter 195 Makeup and Fitting Session
The internal meeting lasted until midnight before concluding. Everyone returned to the hotel to rest. Chen Hao, tired from the day, lay on the bed checking his unread text messages.
Among the countless messages, there was indeed one from Cai Fenghua.
"Thank you, Brother Chen. You are like my reborn parents. From now on, if you tell me to go east, I will never go west."
Chen Hao smiled faintly and typed a reply.
"It was just a small effort, don't take it to heart."
She quickly sent another message.
"Brother Chen, are you coming to the store tomorrow? I want to thank you in person."
"I will be there."
"See you tomorrow."
It was too late, and Chen Hao didn't have time to think about anything else; it was time to sleep, as he had work the next day.
The next morning.
The selection announcement was posted in the group chat. It was roughly divided into two groups: the top 50 would go to the storefront for trial fittings, and everyone else would go to the Fitness Club.
Chen Hao was brushing his teeth while looking at the announcement. Zhuang Hua sent him a message, asking him to go to the Fitness Club to talk to the 24 Models who were just making up the numbers.
Chen Hao was stunned and quickly typed a question.
"Why do you want me to talk to them?"
"Whoever proposed it should solve it; this is common sense, do I still need to explain?"
Chen Hao was speechless and reluctantly agreed.
In the morning.
He took one of the buses and accompanied the Models to the Fitness Club. Zhuang Hua started calling names, taking away the Models ranked 51st to 100th to arrange their makeup application for the morning.
The remaining 24 Models looked at each other, standing there at a loss.
It was then that Chen Hao stepped forward and spoke righteously.
"After yesterday's interview, the teachers found that none of you possess high professional standards and do not meet the level required for professional runway shows."
"Ah! Young Master Chen, please just give us one more chance."
"Young Master Chen, we beg you."
They resorted to all kinds of coquettish pleading. Surrounded by 24 beauties offering constant compliments, Chen Hao almost couldn't withstand the barrage of sugary flattery.
"Alright, stop arguing, listen to me."
They finally quieted down, and Chen Hao continued.
"You all know this is a show with extremely high professional standards, benchmarked against the European and American Victoria's Secret shows. However, you all switched careers midway, and your time in the industry hasn't been long. Your professional level truly does not meet the standard."
"However, even though you weren't selected for the runway show, I promise the commitment to you is still valid."
Their moods were like riding a roller coaster, fluctuating with great ups and downs.
"It's just that we have other arrangements for your role."
Next, Chen Hao revealed his idea: to have them substitute for the mannequins on opening day, serving as Models via body painting.
Although they couldn't participate in the runway show, they would still have opportunities, such as being featured in fashion magazines, they would just need to wait their turn.
They all agreed readily, eager to try.
Afterward, Chen Hao led the 24 Models upstairs to the body painting makeup room.
The makeup artist in charge of body painting said, "There is no flaw that conceals the jade. Although your bodies are not perfect, with body painting, we can completely cover your shortcomings. This means that starting today, the 24 of you will need to experiment with various body painting styles, understand?"
"Understood."
As the painting began and they were preparing, the body painting artist explained the work content to Chen Hao: they were to be treated like static sculptures, with 100% body coverage makeup, creating a color contrast with the goddess token to achieve an unexpected effect.
Chen Hao nodded. Watching the group of women trying on various cosmetics, Chen Hao felt his nose was overwhelmed.
"You all carry on, I won't disturb you!"
When Chen Hao walked out of the painting room, the other dance studios, several of which had mirrors, had been temporarily converted into dressing rooms. Every woman was applying makeup to her face.
The makeup artists were giving instructions.
"Stage makeup is different from photographic makeup. Make the eyeshadow a bit bolder, make the cheekbones more prominent. When applying, the angles must be distinct, creating a feeling of intersecting light and shadow."
Chen Hao strode out of the Fitness Club and took a taxi to the storefront.
Good heavens, it was even more bustling here.
Since today was the start of the trial fittings, the 50 Models were trying on mixed and matched outfits, taking them off and putting them on again; every model was extremely busy.
The busiest were the three store clerks: Zhang Menglu, Wang Lichun, and Cai Fenghua, who were running everywhere without their feet touching the ground, fetching various styles of bras and underwear.
"This set is perfect! Take it off."
The model quickly took off the suit and handed it to the staff, who packed it into a bag labeled with the model's name and a number indicating which set was finalized.
Chen Hao walked up to the second floor, where the activity was even more intense.
Qi Qi was surrounded by people. Qian Zhaodi, with a pencil between her teeth, observed the outfit from top to bottom.
"Try on the gradient stockings."
She started taking off her clothes while sitting on a chair. Seeing Chen Hao pass by, she immediately waved hello.
"Hello, Young Master Chen!"
Chen Hao nodded in acknowledgment. Looking around the entire area, there were people everywhere.
However, Chen Hao was impressed by these Models; using just a bedsheet draped around their bodies, they could change into a completely new outfit in seconds without any exposure.
"Brother Chen, you're here."
Cai Fenghua, sweating profusely, handed over the style requested by one group of Models and pulled Chen Hao aside.
"Thank you for helping me pay off my debt. Are you free tonight? I’d like to treat you to dinner."
"Let's skip dinner; I'm quite busy lately and can't spare the time."
She looked a bit disappointed. Chen Hao quickly tried to smooth things over.
"There's still plenty of time ahead. If you want to thank me, there will be many opportunities."
She smiled, appearing very cheerful and relaxed.
"I need to get back to work. See you later."
Without debt, one feels lighthearted. Now that she had shed all burdens, she wasn't afraid of being a little busier or more tired; she felt quite fulfilled.
Chen Hao observed the scene again. He had to admit that witnessing the makeup application and trial fittings for the Models felt very similar to the pre-production phase for actors—just as busy.
Thinking of this, Chen Hao remembered Zhu Shasha and Movie Queen Zhao Yifei, wondering what those two women were up to.
Just as he was about to take out his phone to call Zhao Yifei, intending to ask if she was free in a few days to help with the opening ceremony ribbon-cutting, he figured if the Movie Queen came to show support, the grand occasion would surely be secured.
He sent a message to Zhao Yifei and waited for a reply. In the meantime, Young Master Xiao suddenly called.
"Hello?"
"Brother Chen, are you free? Let's chat for a bit. I have to return to Guangcheng tomorrow and immediately start preparing for my overseas departure."
"Leaving so soon? Let's meet up. It's a good time for me to give you the short drama filming plan."
"I knew it. You must have prepared a thorough plan."
Chen Hao smiled. Actually, this plan report wasn't created by him; it was a market research report commissioned from his staff by Zhuang Hua's team.
Young Master Xiao flattered him so much, gifted him expensive attire, and even gave him a car; it wouldn't be right not to help him formulate a plan to get rich.
"The villa from the pool party last time, right? I'm on my way."
Before leaving, Chen Hao asked Zhang Menglu for the key to the Ferrari and headed straight for Young Master Hu's villa.