Chapter 10: Change of Style

The makeup photos are used for the production team's initial promotional efforts. *The Legend of the Nine Heavens* had already garnered significant attention before filming even began, with many people keeping a close eye on the official Weibo account every day, eager to get the latest updates from the set.

The importance of these makeup photos goes without saying; they directly determine the audience's first impression of the production and the cast. If they are done exquisitely, they can solidify the existing fan base while simultaneously attracting a wave of new fans.

But even so, it shouldn't be taking this long!

Both Shu Jie and Li Biying are veterans when it comes to photoshoots; they usually grasp instructions instantly. There is no reason why it should take them this long to finish.

"Zhuzhu, go see what's going on."

Jiang Xiaobai said to Mingzhu.

"Okay."

Mingzhu nodded and left. About five minutes later, she came back at a light jog.

Everyone in the makeup room looked at her, and Qiao Yan also walked over. "What happened?"

"It's... it's nothing much... just a little delay."

Mingzhu’s expression was slightly strange. She glanced at Jiang Xiaobai, gave her a subtle look, and said no more.

"What is it? You know, but you won't tell us! Fine, I'll go see for myself!"

A young actress named Huang Yan, who was still a student at an arts school and had gained some fame from a web drama, was very dissatisfied with Mingzhu's silence. She glanced at her assistant, who understood and left as well.

Everyone was feeling a bit restless; some were chatting, while others were looking down at their phones. It was then that Mingzhu stepped forward and whispered something into Jiang Xiaobai's ear.

Jiang Xiaobai raised an eyebrow and nodded at Mingzhu.

A while later, Huang Yan's assistant returned.

Her expression was almost identical to Mingzhu's when she had returned, though she seemed a bit more impatient.

"Sister Huang..." She leaned into Huang Yan's ear and told her what was happening.

Huang Yan's eyes widened, and by the time the assistant finished, she looked quite indignant.

Living up to everyone's expectations, she spoke up directly, "My assistant said the shooting progress over there is slow because Li Biying thinks her hairstyle doesn't look good and wants the stylist to redo it, so the photography team is still waiting on her."

"What? She wants to redo the styling?"

"How much more time is that going to take! What about Shu Jie? Has he finished?"

Everyone started asking questions one after another.

This was completely unexpected. They had thought the shoot was just taking a long time, but it turned out the female lead hadn't even started yet!

Changing the styling? Is it really that easy to just change it?

"Shu Jie has already finished; he's waiting for Li Biying," Huang Yan said.

"Ah? But we haven't shot yet. Wouldn't it be the same if they let us go first?" a male actor complained, feeling disgruntled.

"Li Biying won't allow it. She said we have to wait until her styling is done and she's finished shooting before anyone else can go..."

Huang Yan's assistant said weakly.

Everyone:...

"How can she do that? Isn't this acting like a diva? Making a dozen of us wait for her alone? Isn't this delaying the production's progress?"

The other actors also had their own opinions. They knew Li Biying was popular and understood that she might have a bit of an ego, but the filming hadn't even started yet. If this kind of thing happened on the very first day they met, would there be endless complications once filming actually began?

"What's the use of us being dissatisfied? Director Niu hasn't said a word while standing right there."

Huang Yan snorted, her eyes filled with displeasure and a hint of jealousy.

Is this the treatment big stars get? Ordinary actors have to do whatever the director says, but when it comes to a big star, even the director has to accommodate her every whim!

Ordinary people have to endure it even if they aren't satisfied with their makeup or styling, but she—she demands a change right before the shoot, and Director Niu actually supports her!

"Forget it, it shouldn't take too long. Besides, once we've joined the production, we should follow the arrangements. Let's say less."

An older actress spoke up. Her tone was kind and gentle, and as soon as the people present heard her, they quieted down, showing her influence.

The actress was Rong Juan, 47 years old this year, playing the role of the male lead's mother. She was a true veteran actor who had been active on the big screen for over 20 years and had once been very popular.

However, the acting path is very much a "youth-dependent" career. After a certain age, it becomes difficult to land suitable roles. She had been in a slump for a long time and only started taking on roles again in the last four or five years, mostly in urban ethics dramas about family trivialities.

While she was well-known, her traffic and influence couldn't compare to the popular young stars, and her pay wasn't particularly high. However, almost all the young actors present had grown up watching her work, so they were willing to listen to her.

After all, she was a senior, and the proper respect was due.

So, everyone stopped talking and went back to scrolling on their phones, though no one looked particularly happy.

The test makeup styles were very elaborate, meaning the makeup was heavy and the costumes and headpieces were quite cumbersome. Staying in them for a long time was definitely uncomfortable, and if it took any longer, they would even need to touch up their makeup.

No one wanted to wait, but they were low-ranking and had little say; now was not the time for them to speak up.

This wait lasted for over half an hour.

Usually, during filming breaks, one could take off their outer layers to rest, drink some water, eat something, or go for a walk if they felt stuffy indoors. But now, with their makeup on and wearing these expensive costumes, no one dared to move; they all sat stiffly, waiting.

"My neck is sore, my head is so heavy."

One actress couldn't take it anymore and reached up to rub the back of her neck.

Her headpiece was the heaviest because her character was the only daughter of the regional lord, possessing a noble status equivalent to a princess in ancient times. Her clothes and headpieces were very intricate, which was exactly why she was so exhausted.

"Me too. My clothes are so thick, I'm sweating from the heat," a male actor nodded.

It was still hot outside, so it would be strange if they weren't hot wearing such thick layers.

Once someone started, others followed with complaints. Huang Yan also added, "I'm bored to death waiting! Who knows how much longer we have to wait!"

"Why don't we go over to the studio and take a look?"

Someone suggested.

This idea made everyone's eyes light up, and they all nodded in unison.

That's right, they couldn't say much, but if they all appeared before the director together, surely it would make him think twice!

Jiang Xiaobai remained silent. She had been browsing news and Weibo to learn more about this world. Seeing that everyone had agreed, she stood up with them and walked toward the exit.

"Director, it's been so long, is it our turn yet?"

A short while later, a group of actors, assistants, and makeup artists appeared in the studio. When the director heard the commotion and looked over, he heard someone ask this.