Isn't there a saying that a tyrant will never have a good ending?Maybe that was exactly what happened in Li Gui's case...
Li Gui was thrilled that she had gotten her way! The Rose Dress was the best piece in the whole collection in her opinion so of course if she was going to model anything it would be on her terms.
The Rose Dress was a sleeveless ball gown that was cotton candy pink that had plum coloured rose trimmings on the edges.The puffy layered dress was voluminous and had plum an alternating pink and plum beaded satin belt around the waist.
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Cao Yuanjun regretted taking the job at 16 Heart's Magazine. Honestly he was here more as a favor to Mr.Shen. Who knew he would come across one of the most obnoxious amateur model of his career! He wasn't a pompous man but he was voted in the top 50 photographers of Huxia for three years in a row so he was a reputable photographer. This was a great achievement for someone in their mid- thirties.
First tier magazines struggled to get him to shoot for them . This magazine shoot was part of a tribute to Mr.Shen daughter so he had agreed to take the job .But this - Li Gui was a troublemaker who had given him a splitting headache .
She didn't know how to pose at all! She only knew two looks seductive or acting spoilt. The mole on her chin and pouting lips would haunt him for days to come. She stopped the shoot several times on her own initiative to fix her hair and makeup- that was perfectly fine!
Fu Yingtai , his long time assistant,whispered to him in a wary voice,"Master Cao we still have one more model to shoot."
Great ! Cao Yuanjun, thought another amateur model to deal with. His poor assistant had been exhausted trying to keep up with the demands of the last one. Why couldn't this day be over so he could just go to sleep and pretend this day had never happened. He just prayed that this model would be better than the last one.
Song Xia entered and for a second he was mesmerized. Sure he had seen gorgeous people in his life even though only a handful could compare to her- but it wasn't just about looks it was her aura. Something about her was so magical and convincing that for a moment she looked like a snow angel that descended the heavens to a mortal realm.
She greeted them politely and waited for instruction. Fu Yingtai acted according to his direction and put up a starry background. Cao Yuanjun explained to Song Xia the theme he was going for. Song Xia listened attentively and had a good attitude so he was satisfied. Even if she was just a pretty face he had a feeling she would be a hundred times better than Li Gui.
Song Xia shattered his expectation. She was unforeseen jem! From the very first shot of her just sitting in the background she became a fairy that was gazing into the distance. She did not try complicated poses but just sat elegantly with her arms around her knees showing of her delicate jaw and side profile.
Yet it was her eyes that told a story. Those mysterious gold eyes sparkled with mischief and joy - as if recalling a fun encounter with friends.
Going forward she continued to improve and impress him. Although she was young she seemed to have a good idea of lighting, which angles suited her as well as the best way to show of the dress.
Young models usually forget to elongated their bodies or they focus more on themselves than the clothing that is being advertised. They constantly be needed to be reminded by photographers to keep clean lines.
"Great!Keep that pose! Cue the snow machine!Hurry!"Master Cao ordered looking at the scene in front of him.
The fake snow rained down while Song Xia held the glittery tulle skirt in her arms and spun slowly. Her pink lips poised in a dazzling smile, gentle look in her eyes fitted the theme of innocence and joy of a childhood dreams.
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Song Xia's performance was not only due to her hardwork and innate talent. When she walked onto the set she could feel something guiding her. It wasn't a voice per say but more like a melody that she somehow understood. This allowed her to have an understanding of the light and lens as well as which angles suited her best.
Most models developed this understanding overtime but Song Xia was lucky it seemed as if her powers could guide her as she developed into a model.
Master Cao put down his camera,"These photos are gorgeous! I don't think they even need any editing."It had been a long time since he saw such a naturally gifted model. He could spend hours even days using her as a subject without getting bored. Right now he was so pleased that he had forgotten the whole headache-inducing fiasco from before.
The other models were surprised that the photographer had praised Song Xia so much.
Most of them were a bit jealous but Li Gui was boiling with anger and her gut churned envy.
That was her dress! How dare an unknown model try to upstage her! Li Gui was sure if she had worn the snowflake dress she would look better than Song Xia. She was sure the people at 16 Heart's Magazine where sabotaging her. In her mind she also cursed the photographer and shot daggers of hatred with her eyes to Song Xia.
Maybe that would have been the end of it but Master Cao continued talking ,"Song Xia, next month I am shooting a campaign for a Company in D City . I think you are very talented and suitable for the shoot and commercial. What do you think? "
Master Cao's offer tipped the scale- Li Gui saw red.
" Slut! Did you promise to sleep with the old man to get a job!"Li Gui's outburst startled everyone in the room. She ran to Song Xia the pink ball gown slowing her down and tried to slap her.
Key word being tried. Song Xia held her hand spun her around and crossed both of Li Gui's hands behind her back.Li Gui was hands were locked in position and she struggled to get free.
"Miss Li , please conduct yourself with respect !" Song Xia stated as Li Gui let loose a string of insults and swear words.
Cao Yuanjun face turned red with anger."Li Gui ,you better take back your malicious slander !"
Shi Qi and Hou Tan came forward with 2 female security guards.
Hou Tan spoke up with confidence ."Miss Li, I am asking you to leave. We will be terminating your contract. Do not expect any compensation as you have violated our terms and conditions of the contract. We will get another model to replace you."
Li Gui 's agent who was in the background put on a charming smile but had an intimidating manner as he came forward trying to crowd Hou Tan ."Look Wei- Wei , this is small incident, Xiao Gui was a bit rash , I will apologize in her place." He spoke in a flippant manner without an ounce of sincerity.
Hou Tan stepped back ,looked at Shi Qi before taking a breathe to steady herself.
She found her backbone and looked directly at the agent."This is 16 Heart's Magazine and not Li Zen. We will not tolerate such behavior here! Please, leave or we will have security escort you off the premises. And my name is not Wei-Wei it is Wan. Hou Wan."
Understanding flashed in the agent's eyes before dragging an unwilling Li Gui to the dressing room.
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Now that one crisis was solved Hou Wan still had the issue of finding a replacement model for the Rose Dress and Group Photoshoot.
Song Xia was also think of this issue. Although what occurred was of no fault of her own she felt a bit upset that her first modeling job was wrought in trouble and it had something to do with her.
Hou Wan, Shi Qi and Master Qi we're conversing when Song Xia walked over to them.
" Hou Wan, you did well . This wasn't your fault."
Shi Qi comforted Hou Wan and put her hand on her shoulder.
"Xiao Wan, there are some people you cannot tolerate or they will continue behaving shamelessly .I don't mind waiting a bit longer for another model. Let's continue the shoot."
Master Cao , reassured Hou Wan. She had just graduated college and this was the first big job her uncle had given her so she didn't want to disappointment him.
"Excuse me , Miss Hou, I was wondering if you already have a model in mind .My friend is a 17- year old model from 99 Scenes and in my opinion she is suitable for the theme of the Rose Dress. Sorry if I overstepped- that wasn't my intention."
Hou Wen was surprised at the difference between the two models.Song Xia was humble but confident and treated those around her with respect. She had even tried to solve the model issue but Hou Wen was not sure about bringing in a model that wasn't approved by Mingzhu or 16 Heart's Team. She looked at Master Cao for advice and he said,"Well, Xiao Wan- this child has a good understanding of the themes so I trust her judgment. Anyway, anyone would be better than that Li Gui."
Master Cao vowed to himself that he would never work with Li Gui or any model with Li Zen again.
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Master Cao had to admit Wu Qingge was talented . She really had the potential to be a top model but she needed to develop her aura- she wasn't at Song Xia's level yet.
A girl's first love, the idealistic romantic way in which a young girl views the world was portrayed in such a touching way were done well by Wu Qingge.
The dress looked like it was designed for her and the light makeup was startling contrast from Li Gui.That conniving girl had even threw the dress on the floor and slightly ripped it - fortunately the design team was able to repair it.
Master Cao admired Song Xia talent and eye for discovering people.
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After the photoshoot Shi Qi took Wu Qingge and Song Xia for ice cream. Wu Qingge strawberry ice cream was melting as she spoke to Song Xia about the shoot. " Xiao Xia, thank you for calling me ,once again! I can't believe my first photoshoot is for 16 Heart's Magazine."
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