Chapter 55
Filming
Saint Laurent College has always advocated for the all-round development of students in morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics and labor, and this is not just empty talk; the supporting facilities are all top-notch.
Following the address sent by Qiao Qi, Yu Fuli found the photography studio that was exclusively used by photography students.
Qiao Qi, without any hesitation, borrowed it directly.
The interior space is spacious with high ceilings, and its area is comparable to that of a standard basketball court.
As soon as Yu Fuli stepped inside, she immediately spotted a striking head of long, bright pink hair in the crowd—Qiao Qi was weaving among several students fiddling with equipment, giving instructions at lightning speed.
"Move the reflector a little to the left, yes, at this angle!"
"The backdrop should be that dark gray one; it has a better texture."
She arranged everything meticulously, displaying the demeanor of a seasoned director.
Looking around, all kinds of professional lights, stands, and backdrops are readily available. At first glance, this huge shooting studio really does have the feel of a professional film set.
Yu Fuli stood at the door, momentarily dazed.
The students bustling around the room were clearly carefully selected and organized by Qiao Qi, each performing their assigned tasks with astonishing efficiency.
Professional cameras with long lenses and short lenses have been set up, several sets of decorative lights are being adjusted, and even the small cart next to them is filled with accessories and props that will be used.
When Qiaoqi turned her head and saw him, her eyes lit up instantly. She quickly walked over, holding a tablet computer in her hand, which seemed to show storyboard sketches.
"Teacher! You've finally arrived! The venue, equipment, and personnel are all ready; we've been waiting for you!" Her tone was excited and confident. "Don't worry, we'll definitely produce a masterpiece today! We guarantee it will be a showstopper for the entire academy!"
Looking at the setup that resembled a professional team, and then at the burning ambition in Qiao Qi's eyes, Yu Fuli hesitated, the words "Isn't this a bit too much?" circling on his lips, but he ultimately swallowed them back. He raised his hand and rubbed his temples with a hint of helplessness.
Alright, we're already here.
For that many times greater possibility.
Yu Fuli was half-invited and half-pushed by Qiao Qi to the center of the field, where several high-powered soft lights were turned on at the same time, enveloping him in a bright but not dazzling halo.
He subconsciously squinted and raised his hand to shield his eyes slightly. This casual action immediately drew a low gasp from a student next to him who was holding a reflector.
"Teacher, just stand here, relax, and be natural!" Qiaoqi stepped behind a monitor, her eyes shining as she watched the live feed on the screen.
She quickly gestured a famous hand signal to the girl next to her who was in charge of the main photography: "Closer focus, yes, mainly capture facial contours and eyes... Teacher, don't look at the camera, look towards the window over there, yes, convey a slightly thoughtful feeling..."
Yu Fuli turned her head slightly as instructed, her gaze fixed on the natural light streaming through the high window in the distance.
He was trying to find a natural state, but being stared at so many people and machines and having to deliberately perform was a novel feeling, and it made his muscles unconsciously tense up slightly.
"Excellent! Teacher, that's the expression—slightly detached yet with a sense of story!" George's voice was filled with excitement. "Keep it up! Let's try a few more different background and lighting combinations!"
For the next while, Yu Fuli felt like a human prop, being directed by Qiao Qi to change angles and adjust postures. She was even asked to unbutton the top two buttons of her shirt to create a casual and unrestrained atmosphere.
Watching Qiaoqi's complete dedication and pursuit of perfection, the initial sense of absurdity in his heart was gradually replaced by a complex feeling of emotion.
This girl's focus and execution in pursuing the beauty and career she believes in far exceed that of ordinary people.
During a break in the shoot, Qiaoqi jogged over, handed him a bottle of water, and her eyes sparkled as she flipped through the initial photos on the camera, muttering to herself, "The lighting in this shot is amazing... This composition could be cropped a bit more... Teacher, you were born to stand in front of the camera!"
She looked up, her face full of anticipation, "Once the edited version is released, our fan club will definitely see a surge in popularity! I've already figured out the channels for the first batch of distribution..."
Yu Fuli took the water, drank a sip, and glanced at the unedited raw images.
The image of myself on the screen felt somewhat unfamiliar.
He suddenly became uncertain about what kind of chain reaction this method of attracting attention would bring.
But there is no turning back when the bow is drawn.
He let out a soft breath and nodded to George: "You can arrange it as you see fit. But don't forget our initial agreement that everyone should be familiar with the Communist Manifesto."
He emphasized.
"Understood!" Qiaoqi nodded vigorously, clenching her fist. "Looks are just the ticket, but inner qualities are what truly retain people! Don't worry, teacher, I know the process well!"
"Alright then," Yu Fuli nodded, making a move towards the door, "Now that we're done filming, I'll go ahead..."
"Huh?!" Qiaoqi turned her head abruptly, her eyes wide, looking at him with a "Are you kidding me?" expression. "How could it be finished?! This is nothing! What we just saw wasn't even an appetizer, it was just a test shot!"
Now it was Yu Fuli's turn to be stunned.
So all that time he was under the scorching lights and being directed to pose for so long, and he didn't even get a taste of the main course?
"The real highlight," George announced confidently, hands on his hips, "is the themed photoshoot! Different looks, scenes, and emotions all require meticulous planning and capture! Teacher, do you think top-notch promotional materials are so easy to produce?"
Just then, someone called out from behind, "Sister Qiaoqi."
Hearing the sound, Qiaoqi turned her head, her eyes lighting up: "Perfect timing! The props—no, the clothes—are here!"
Lin Xun was seen pushing an extra-long mobile clothes rack, almost as tall as himself, and struggling to move it in through the side door. The rack was filled with all kinds of clothing, carefully covered with dust covers, and the quantity was quite considerable.
"What are you doing here?" Yu Fuli looked at Lin Xun, whose forehead was beaded with sweat, with some surprise.
Lin Xun stopped, wiped her forehead with her sleeve, slightly out of breath, and gave a familiar, slightly shy smile: "Teacher, I'm working part-time here. Sister Qiaoqi sometimes needs help, so she asks me for help. No matter what, I have to earn some living expenses through my own efforts."
Looking into the boy's clear eyes and his independent demeanor, Yu Fuli felt a surge of relief.
This little white flower, however, has been diligently trying to send its roots downwards.
"Oh? You two know each other?" Qiaoqi's curious gaze shifted between the two.
She became acquainted with Lin Xun because she happened to see someone bullying him and helped him out. Later, she found that the young man was meticulous and reliable, so she often hired him to do odd jobs and never delayed paying his wages.
"Yes, I know him," Yu Fuli explained. "Lin Xun is also a student in Class F. Speaking of which, you two are classmates."
Qiao Qi suddenly realized, then clapped her hands, her smile becoming even brighter: "That's great! It's easier to get things done when you know someone! Lin Xun, quick, bring over those clothes marked 'Plan A' over there, let the teacher see the effect! Our Teacher Yu's Shocking Academy Plan has officially entered its second phase!"
Qiaoqi rushed over excitedly, and with a flick of her wrist, the dust cover was ripped open with a "whoosh," revealing the clothes inside.
She held it high, her eyes shining brightly, and her voice rose eight octaves, filled with an expectant, treasure-presenting tone:
"Clang clang clang—!"
"This is……?!"
What was presented to Yu Fuli was not any of the conventional, teacher-appropriate attire he had imagined.