At the set of a magazine photoshoot, Yuan Chuan You sat before a vanity, being worked on by a makeup artist.
Besides the makeup artist, a female assistant had come over, holding the outfits needed for the shoot. The two women surrounded him, rushing to get the preparations done.
"Yuan Chuan-san, your skin is so nice. Do you often go to a beauty salon for skincare?"
Staring at Yuan Chuan You's refined and elegant profile, the makeup artist's eyes curved into a smile, her voice exceptionally sweet.
"You're too kind. It's just average, really. I hardly ever go to beauty salons."
Perhaps everyone in the beauty and hairdressing industry has a naturally talkative personality. Yuan Chuan You casually went along with the small talk, waiting for the makeup to be finished.
Forty minutes later, having changed his clothes, Yuan Chuan You stared into the mirror, which reflected the image of a handsome, fashionable young man.
He wore a deep blue jacket over a pure white turtleneck sweater, paired with navy blue dress pants and black combat boots. His whole look was both composed and warm, like the male lead straight out of a winter romance film.
"So handsome! Yuan Chuan-san, this outfit will definitely attract a lot of women to buy the magazine. It's sure to be a bestseller!"
"Yes, yes, I'll buy a copy too when it comes out."
"Thank you."
Yuan Chuan You was quite satisfied with his current image. Letting professionals do their professional work was never a mistake; he didn't need to offer any opinions to receive the most perfect look.
"Oh, right, and the most crucial part..."
The female assistant who brought the clothes pulled two red jewelry boxes from her shoulder bag, each printed with a unique, cursive logo.
"These are the accessories the client sent over. Yuan Chuan-san, you must put them on before the shoot."
"I understand."
Since it was a magazine cover requested by a sponsor, it was only natural for it to feature some product placement.
Yuan Chuan You opened the boxes. Inside were an earring and a necklace. The two sterling silver pieces rested on a black satin lining, quietly radiating a cool brilliance. A single glance told him they were expensive.
"Let us help you put them on, Yuan Chuan-san~"
The two women beside him were already eager. After all, if they were to buy these two items themselves, it would probably cost them more than half a year's salary.
"Alright."
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Leaving the dressing room, Yuan Chuan You entered the spacious photo studio.
Under the glare of the flashbulbs, the studio had been set up to resemble a winter park scene—artificial snow covered the ground, several Christmas trees decorated with colorful lights and small gift boxes stood to the side, and the background was a giant snowscape print.
Staff members bustled about, adjusting the lighting and prop positions.
Kurokawa Akane was standing there, her slender, tall figure blending almost perfectly with the set.
The girl had also been meticulously styled by the makeup artist and costumer. The fluffy collar of her snow-white coat made her face look small and delicate. Below her black miniskirt were a pair of long, slender legs wrapped in fleece-lined stockings, and on her feet were a pair of brown leather boots. The entire outfit was both warm and stylish, perfectly interpreting the "[Winter Lovers]" theme.
"Yuan Chuan-san, you're here."
Kurokawa Akane also saw the meticulously dressed Yuan Chuan You, and a bright light flickered in her beautiful eyes.
"Yeah."
Yuan Chuan You praised her in a gentle tone, "That outfit really suits you, Kurokawa-san."
"...Thank you."
Kurokawa Akane's face flushed slightly, and her beautiful pale blue eyes grew even more moist.
"Is everyone ready?"
As the photography director, Odagiri Ryu glanced at the fully set up camera jib and picked up a megaphone, ready to give instructions.
"I'm ready."
Yuan Chuan You nodded lightly, while the blue-haired girl beside him took a deep breath and said with utmost seriousness, "Odagiri-san, I'm ready too."
"Alright, since you're both ready, let's begin."
Odagiri Ryu's gaze swept over the handsome man and beautiful woman before him, and he clapped his hands with a smile.
"Today we're shooting the [Winter Lovers] theme. We need to express a warm, sweet atmosphere. First, let's start with the easiest pose—Yuan Chuan-kun, you stand by the Christmas tree, and Kurokawa-san, lean on his shoulder."
"Okay."
Kurokawa Akane and Yuan Chuan You exchanged a glance, and then she carefully leaned against him. Even through the thick clothing, she could still feel the young man's body heat.
Sensing his masculine presence so close, her slender fingers nervously gripped the hem of her clothes, her body slightly stiff.
This was Kurokawa Akane's first time shooting a magazine cover.
When she had done stage plays before, the girl had also been interviewed for magazines, but back then she was usually in character costume and didn't feel any discomfort at all. It was completely different from the current situation.
"Kurokawa-san, you can relax a bit."
Odagiri Ryu looked up from behind the viewfinder. "You're lovers, not strangers. Try to really put your weight into the lean."
Yuan Chuan You naturally noticed the girl's unease, so he said softly.
"Kurokawa-san, don't be nervous. Just think of it as acting."
"You can try to get into character for our scenes in the '49' crew. We're the childhood friends [Inoue Satoshi] and [Yamada Marina], so it's okay to be a little more intimate."
"Mm..."
Kurokawa Akane took a deep breath and began to simulate the scene in her mind.
This was her unique acting technique, like hypnosis, allowing her five senses to perfectly immerse themselves in the character's setting.
The next moment, she seemed to genuinely feel her tense muscles relax a bit. She then tried to rest her head naturally on Yuan Chuan You's shoulder, her fingers slowly unclenching from her clothes.
"Good! Just like that!"
Director Odagiri's shutter clicked continuously as he shot and directed, "Now, please look down at Kurokawa-san, Yuan Chuan-kun. Kurokawa-san, look up and meet his gaze."
The girl subconsciously raised her head and was caught off guard as she met a pair of deep, dark eyes.
Under the studio lights, Yuan Chuan You's eyes took on a warm brown hue. Since it was work, he directly slipped into the role of a couple, displaying the unique emotions of an actor—gentle and focused, as if his eyes held nothing but the Kurokawa Akane before him.
Even though she knew it was just an expression required for the job, facing his gentle gaze still made Kurokawa Akane's heart beat uncontrollably faster.
"Perfect! That has so much feeling!"
Director Odagiri shouted with immense excitement, then gave the instructions he had already planned. "Now, change poses—Kurokawa-san, hug Yuan Chuan-kun from behind and press your cheek against his back."
This pose was even more intimate than the last.
Kurokawa Akane froze for a moment but still wrapped her arms around Yuan Chuan You's waist, pressing her soft cheek against his broad back.
She could hear his steady heartbeat and feel the rise and fall of his back as he breathed.
This was her first time having such intimate physical contact with Yuan Chuan You. Kurokawa Akane felt a strange sense of security wash over her, making her almost forget that there were many pairs of eyes watching them.
"Kurokawa-san, your expression can be a little happier. Imagine you've just exchanged Christmas presents, and you've received the most flawless love from your boyfriend."
Director Odagiri continued to instruct, painting a specific scene for the girl of a loving couple.
Kurokawa Akane closed her eyes, trying to adjust her expression according to the instructions. In her mind, the scene from the last filming session where Yuan Chuan You had proactively taken her wrist slowly surfaced.
And so, a fond smile gradually curved the corners of the girl's lips.
"Fantastic! That expression is spot-on!"
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