The promotional video was quickly filmed. As one of the top two universities in the country, C University's promotional video was circulated every year on Weibo, WeChat Moments, and major video websites, constantly being compared with A University, the number one.
Making a promotional video was more like making a documentary to win an award.
It was precisely because of the annual popularity of C University's videos that Ye Qianqian tried every means to squeeze herself in.
This year, C University, with its deep pockets, used Sun Yiling's mother's connections to hire a well-known film studio to shoot the video, all to ensure it surpassed A University's offering.
An Ting joined the filming crew early in the morning, working as an assistant alongside the other staff from the school's television station.
Li Qin groaned as she helped move the camera. "Why am I up this early? Why am I a laborer?"
An Ting, installing a stabilizer on the camera without looking up, said calmly, "It's good I didn't make you carry the camera on your shoulders. I don't want to break your little body after a full day of work."
Li Qin pouted but quickly perked up. "Have you heard? The director of this promotional video is incredibly handsome! The classmate who helped me move equipment said his face, his posture, even his aura… he's like a celebrity!"
An Ting stroked her chin, skeptical. The owner of this studio was capable, yes, but handsome? Most successful people she'd seen—nine out of ten—were overweight, pot-bellied, or just… ordinary.
She didn't say anything aloud, not wanting to ruin Li Qin's excitement.
Soon, Li Qin, staring at the entrance, squealed and shook An Ting's arm violently. "Oh my god, oh my god! Could that handsome guy be the director of our promo video? Are you sure he's not a celebrity guest? Ahhh, I'm going to faint—An Ting, catch me!"
An Ting quickly put her arm around Li Qin's waist to prevent her from crashing into the camera. She definitely couldn't afford to pay for any damage unless she sold Li Qin's kidney.
"Is it really that exaggerated? Look at you," An Ting said casually, glancing at Li Qin.
After a single glance herself, An Ting's breath caught. Li Qin was right. The man who had just entered carried an innate air of elegance. Even in simple casual clothes, everything looked perfectly fitting. His face was exceptionally handsome, and the slightest lowering of his eyes could make everyone gasp.
Next to him, the school's admissions director appeared greasy and worldly-wise in comparison.
The students present—mostly there to learn—stared, excited but orderly. An Ting hadn't seen such a stir since shooting for a popular celebrity, where fans screamed deafeningly. Except this wasn't a celebrity, and these students weren't fans—it was purely private admiration.
Xing Tang listened as the director rattled off a long list of key points: the video must create a positive, uplifting atmosphere, showcase the vibrant spirit of students, highlight the university's infrastructure and teaching standards, and establish an emotional connection with viewers.
Xing Tang glanced at his watch, expression indifferent. "Hmm, understood."
The director patted him on the shoulder, satisfied. "I'll leave it to you, Director Xing. I have some office work, so I won't bother you further."
Assistant Xiao Gong exhaled. "So many requirements, but all so vague…"
Xing Tang nodded. "Everything set up? Are the cast members here?"
Xiao Gong replied obediently, "Yes, everything's ready."
Xing Tang grunted and walked to the main unit, exchanging a few words with the lead cameraman.
An Ting and Li Qin stood about half a meter behind the computer. Li Qin whispered, increasingly excited: "Holy crap, he's so handsome! I think my nose is going to bleed! I thought Song Qian was the handsomest, most princely guy at our school—but now… it's like comparing a noble young master to a little wolf."
An Ting remained calm. "Keep your voice down. He can hear you from here."
Li Qin shrugged. "So what if he hears? Totally worth it!"
Sun Yiling stood behind them, expression complicated. Xing Tang was friends with his mother, and everyone had to address him politely, but seeing his subordinates swoon was… frustrating.
When Sun Yiling arrived, Xing Tang had just finished speaking.
"Yiling," Xing Tang greeted. "Where are the actors? Bring them here for a look."
"I just finished my makeup. Will be there soon," Sun Yiling said. "Also, the school wants more photos of academically successful students. Make sure they're dressed appropriately."
"Dressed appropriately? School uniforms?" Xing Tang raised an eyebrow.
Sun Yiling scratched his nose. "The director wants positivity and student spirit reflected. I asked my dad—he said no strict rules. Shoot it however you want. Plenty of time anyway."
Xing Tang's expression improved.
"I've found a very suitable female lead," Sun Yiling said with a smile. "Her image will satisfy you completely. Positive, upbeat, natural on camera, engaging in every shot."
Xing Tang scoffed. "A celestial being descended to earth? You praise her like she's your sweetheart."
Finding suitable actors is no easy task. They must be photogenic, expressive, natural, capable of acting—not stiff or blank. Realistically, someone meeting all requirements would already be famous.
"Your standards are just high, Brother Xing," Sun Yiling said, eyes softening. "But I guarantee you'll be surprised."
Xing Tang neither confirmed nor denied.
Li Qin, overhearing, groaned. "I thought the director had seen through Ye Qianqian… but he's still focused on her? She's photogenic? Charismatic? Huh… I edited her videos, only her front view is okay. Her profile is terrible, her expression stiff. Where does he get this impression of charisma?"
She sighed, glancing at An Ting. "Honestly, you're much prettier. You'd outshine her."
An Ting glanced lazily. "Don't praise me. Praise will make you arrogant, and then you won't be good enough for me."
Li Qin shoved her playfully.
The commotion caught the attention of both Sun Yiling and Xing Tang. Xing Tang's gaze swept across An Ting before returning to her for a few more glances.
An Ting carried a unique temperament—blind confidence—contrasting with the original owner's image, creating a sense of intrigue.
Before he could comment, the door opened again. Ye Qianqian and the others walked in, freshly made up.
"The cast is here," Sun Yiling said.
Xing Tang asked, "Who were you talking about?"
"The girl at the front in the light-colored dress."
Xing Tang frowned slightly. Ye Qianqian was a fairly ordinary pretty girl; she didn't impress him. Usually, he wouldn't even bother opening the lens cap.
Sun Yiling, oblivious, called her over. "Qianqian, this is Xing Tang, the director."
Ye Qianqian's eyes fixed on Xing Tang. Heart pounding, she stood in front of him, brimming with excitement. He had connections with famous directors—winning him over could open countless doors.
Quickly, she thought, Buff him! Make him fall in love with me!
An Ting, observing secretly, noticed Xing Tang's gaze… filtered. At first uncomfortable, the next second, he realized she was flawless. Smooth, delicate skin, perfect texture—something normally achieved with post-production.
Xing Tang was a perfectionist. He disliked dark circles, pimples, or pores. Extremely picky, hard to please.
Now, he had finally seen perfection in a person. Satisfaction flashed in his eyes. Sun Yiling had delivered: the girl was stunning. He wanted to start filming immediately.
Ye Qianqian caught his gaze, shyly lowering her head.