As soon as the new Y-brand face cream was launched, it sold well.
Since the product had only been online for a short time, it was not yet at the stage where actual efficacy was the main factor.
So, it was evident that the credit for the impressive initial sales figures belonged largely to the model in the advertisement, with her bright eyes, white teeth, and rosy complexion.
Every follower on social media who saw her previous posts sighed in admiration, realizing that she was just as beautiful in real life.
They praised Y-brand’s excellent choice of model this time.
As a result, Si Nian’s advertising fee doubled.
However, she hadn’t shot any commercials recently.
Instead, she was working on the bridal photoshoot for the next season of “Mohe.”
Due to the positive reception of the last photoshoot, the studio owner directly booked her for the next season’s shoot and even paid a deposit in advance.
The owner had not expected that, in just two months, an unknown model who previously charged only 2,000 yuan per shoot would now have her advertisement posters spread across the country.
Her rates had soared, and even adding another zero to her previous fees might not be enough.
Although the deposit had been paid, no formal contract had been signed at the time.
The owner was unsure if Si Nian would now raise her price, which would be understandable given her newfound fame.
But she still charged according to the original price.
The owner was surprised by her integrity in an industry where price hikes were common.
Feeling pleased, he even sent her a generous red envelope.
The next season’s Mohe sample shoot included two sets.
One was a casual street-style theme.
Si Nian held a few sunflowers while wearing a white wedding dress over loose jeans and sneakers.
The male model wore matching jeans and sneakers.
The other set featured a more traditional Chinese style.
Si Nian wore a bright red short-sleeved long cheongsam, which exuded an air of sophistication with its exquisite fabric and cut.
The male model wore a black Zhongshan suit with slicked-back hair.
The black and red color combination gave them a dignified and elegant appearance.
B City had many ancient buildings.
The traditional Chinese-style shoot took place in a rented classical garden.
Si Nian, dressed in a red cheongsam, had her hair elegantly pinned up.
The hairstylist adorned her bun with a simple white jade hairpin.
Her male model partner was still the same one as last time.
Si Nian only remembered that his name seemed to start with “Yuan” and had to check her WeChat notes to confirm that he was called Yuan Yu.
Since they had worked together before, this shoot went much more smoothly.
Both quickly got into character, posing effortlessly in front of the photographer’s lens.
Their interactions were all about technique rather than emotion.
During the break, they needed to rest and touch up their makeup.
After reapplying her lipstick, Si Nian drank water through a straw to avoid smudging it.
She glanced at her phone and noticed that Wings’ online store had recently uploaded the new product photos she had shot.
Just as she was about to scroll further, someone lightly patted her shoulder.
Si Nian turned around.
It was her male co-star.
Yuan Yu was holding a bottle of mineral water and pointed to the one in Si Nian’s hand.
“Uh, I think you’re drinking my water.”
Si Nian: “Huh?”
She instinctively looked at the half-empty bottle in her hand.
Both bottles had identical packaging, making it difficult to tell them apart.
Neither had a name written on it.
Yuan Yu said, “I just opened mine and only took a sip, so it probably still looks unopened.
That one is actually yours.”
Si Nian carefully examined the bottle in Yuan Yu’s hand.
The cap was still attached to the ring with a thin layer of plastic, indicating it was unopened.
Then she looked at the bottle in her own hand.
“…”
“Should I buy you a new one?”
It seemed like the only thing she could say.
“No, no,” Yuan Yu quickly waved his hand.
“I was just letting you know.
As long as you don’t mind, it’s fine.”
Si Nian suddenly realized she was now stuck in an awkward situation—whether to keep drinking or stop.
Just then, a staff member came over to inform them that the break was over and the shoot was resuming.
They stood in front of the new background set up by the photographer.
The shoot continued from morning until evening.
Later, Si Nian had to do a solo bridal photoshoot.
After changing into another outfit, she was finally done for the day.
As she walked out of the dressing room, she noticed that Yuan Yu was still sitting there, playing a mobile game with his long legs stretched out, a black backpack beside him.
Last time, he had disappeared immediately after the shoot.
She wondered why he was still here today.
He seemed to be waiting for someone, but she didn’t ask and simply focused on packing her things.
Hearing the sounds from the dressing table, Yuan Yu looked up.
He immediately got up, slung his backpack over one shoulder, and walked towards her.
“Let’s go. We’re heading the same way.”
Si Nian was stunned.
“Huh?”
She had no idea where he lived, so how could they be going the same way?
“Do you even know where I live?”
“No,” Yuan Yu admitted casually, shrugging.
“But if we’re both heading to the subway station, that counts as the same way.”
Si Nian: “…”
Ridiculous.
That said, she was indeed planning to take the subway.
The evening air was getting colder.
The streetlights turned on earlier than usual as dusk settled in.
After confirming their destinations, they found that they had about ten subway stops in the same direction.
Yuan Yu’s destination was a top engineering university in B City.
He had previously asked if Si Nian was a full-time fashion model.
Now, as they walked toward the subway, he introduced himself again.
He was a senior at that university.
Since he had fewer classes this semester, he worked as a part-time model for extra income.
Si Nian nodded.
It reminded her of her own school days.
However, judging from his clothes, he clearly wasn’t working to pay tuition or living expenses—modeling was just a side gig for him.
Also, his demeanor had given her the impression that he came from a privileged background.
Now that she knew he was still in his final year, she realized he was actually two years younger than her.
Yuan Yu adjusted his backpack and said, “I saw your Y-brand ad in a video a few days ago.
How did you land that job? That’s amazing.”
Si Nian chuckled.
“I just went for the audition.
They picked me.”
“Can I ask how much Y-brand pays for an ad?”
Si Nian hesitated.
Although he could probably guess, it was still private information.
Since they weren’t that close, she replied, “Uh, it’s not convenient to disclose.”
“Oh,” Yuan Yu smiled, unfazed.
“Well, if they ever need a male model, could you recommend me?
I’d love to give it a try.”
That was no problem.
She had a few contacts in Y-brand’s advertising department.
Si Nian nodded.
“Sure. If I see an opportunity, I’ll refer you.”
Yuan Yu: “Deal.”
Si Nian: “Okay.”
They walked to the subway station, entered through security, and found the train crowded but still manageable.
However, getting a seat was impossible.
They stood side by side, holding onto the handrails as the train swayed forward.
When Si Nian stumbled slightly, Yuan Yu instinctively reached out to steady her.
“Careful.”
Si Nian smiled.
“Thanks.”
As the train approached her stop, she looked up.
“Alright, I’m getting off here.
See you.”
Yuan Yu: “Bye-bye.”