Reborn as a comedic artist

2015, summer.

In June, the air in Chengdu was already filled with a restless, humid heat.

Taikoo Li.

As a well-known "street photography hotspot" in China, every inch of the pavement here has witnessed the encounter between long legs and the shutter.

Cheng Ming sat beneath a huge luxury brand GG logo.

He glanced down at the camera hanging around his neck, then touched his face, which reflected the glass with three parts of Tony Leung's deep affection and seven parts of Louis Koo's unruly spirit, and couldn't help but sigh.

"The system's output is indeed excellent, but 2015... the prankster system is a disaster..."

Having survived the devastating blow of physical fortune and the magical baptism of ancient lightning magic, he ultimately could not escape the demise of his cultivation journey...!

Cheng Ming, an art student and part-time music parody content creator, with a cheat code called the "Prank Artist System," arrives in a parallel world in the summer of 2015, transmigrating into the body of a photography senior with the same name who is about to graduate.

In his previous life, he possessed great talent and good looks, but he was misled by his shrewdness and overly honesty, ultimately falling prey to the allure of the internet age.

In this life, Cheng Ming, who had been forced to understand, looked at his "Prankster Artist System" with a somewhat speechless expression, seemingly making a final struggle in his heart...

"Art is an explosion, and the fun happens right now...!"

Your newbie mission has 59 minutes and 59 seconds remaining. To avoid losses, please complete it as soon as possible!

[Newbie Task: Take photos for free, delete photos for 50...! Time countdown: 59 minutes and 58 seconds]

(Complete a soul-stirring art photograph that evokes strong emotions in the subject, and embark on your unique artistic journey.)

Reward: A newbie gift pack and inheritance of all relevant art skills from the previous life...

Once you enter the realm of abstract thought, it's like falling into a deep sea; from then on, integrity becomes a thing of the past. Clearly, this is a path of no return.

But he was faced with the arduous cultivation he had undergone in his previous life for twenty years.

Cheng Ming, who was determined to become a great artist, picked up a black baseball cap from the side and resolutely put it on his head.

When you're looking for a soft persimmon to squeeze, Cheng Ming quickly found the perfect stepping stone.

She was a girl around twenty years old, wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt and gray trousers, with a curvaceous figure and the kind of girl next door who had just come of age!

She is about 1.65 meters tall, with pleasing features, a slightly chubby face, willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a gentle and charming demeanor.

now!

She was using her phone as a mirror, pouting as if she was sulking. Her "cute but fierce" demeanor was easy to capture.

"It's you. Better to die than see me perish. The first beneficiary of the path to godhood..."

.............................

Lin Yiyi is in a bad mood today.

She failed her driving test again and was looking forward to relaxing in Taikoo Li, but found that even as evening approached, the weather was still quite irritating.

Just as she was secretly annoyed, a tall, slender figure blocked her way.

Lin Yiyi subconsciously looked up and was immediately stunned.

Although the other person was wearing a baseball cap and dressed casually, most of their face was covered.

However, it still couldn't hide his outstanding qualities. Even in Taikoo Li, where handsome men are everywhere, this level of good looks is a rare resource.

"Miss, I could feel your gloom from 800 meters away. I wonder if I might have the honor of helping you out...?"

Cheng Ming's voice was deep and sexy, making Lin Yiyi's ears tingle.

Lin Yiyi blinked her large, bright eyes, her gaze falling on the camera hanging around Cheng Ming's neck. The simple-minded girl suddenly realized:

"You are...the photographer...?"

"You have a good eye, miss! Not bad, I'm a street photographer..."

"oh……,

So, how's your photography skill...?

Lin Yiyi nodded, then asked with some curiosity.

The start went surprisingly smoothly, clearly thanks to his good looks and persuasive communication skills, which gave Cheng Ming even more confidence.

"You see, asking that question is the greatest insult to my profession."

However, I forgive you because you are beautiful and kind-hearted.

Although I've only been in the industry for two and a half years, I'm a proper photography major, and people call me the "Magician of Light and Shadow." My lens strikes straight to the soul...

"Really...?" Lin Yiyi was skeptical.

But seeing that Cheng Ming was handsome and spoke pleasantly, half of her defenses had already crumbled.

"That's a lie... Miss, let me tell you, my biggest flaw is that I love to tell the truth."

Putting everything else aside, just your appearance and demeanor would terrify Diao Chan, bring tears to Xi Shi's eyes, and with my artistic embellishment, even Yang Guifei would be utterly devastated!

...............

It's inexplicably a bit greasy!

Such clichés would be nothing short of commonplace in 2026.

But appearing in 2015 was refreshing and unconventional for a naive girl who seemed like the girl next door.

Lin Yiyi had never heard such flattery before, and she burst into laughter.

The curve of her chest swayed, attracting the attention of males passing by.

"Oh my, you have such a sweet tongue..." Lin Yiyi was flattered and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Cheng Ming ignored it, then suddenly became serious:

"Just telling the truth, miss, you absolutely mustn't laugh..."

"Huh? Why?" Lin Yiyi was taken aback.

Cheng Ming clutched his chest, looking pained.

"Because your smile melts my heart, how can I possibly hold the camera steady...?"

boom--!

The sudden bluntness left Lin Yiyi somewhat bewildered, completely confused and disoriented...!

Seeing that the time was right, Cheng Ming directly stated his purpose:

"Alright, miss, enough chit-chat."

As a photographer who strives for perfection, I wonder if I could take a few photos for you to capture this beautiful moment.

"What about the fees...?"

Lin Yiyi, who had already been thoroughly swayed, nodded repeatedly, but still subconsciously asked about the photography fee.

After all, someone like Cheng Ming, who is eloquent, has an excellent image and temperament, and is full of emotional value, would probably charge a high price for a photoshoot.

But what Cheng Ming said next was even more unexpected for Lin Yiyi.

"Talking about money is too hurtful, especially since you've already paid for your looks. I wonder what style of photography you usually prefer, young lady...?"

"Ah... I'm fine with anything... Aesthetic, Japanese style, cute style, anything goes...!"

It's inexplicably getting more and more addictive.

Gradually submerged in the emotional tide, Lin Yiyi, who had lost herself, was eager to try.

"learn!"

Cheng Ming's lips curled into a meaningful smile:

However, in order to help you clearly understand your truest self...

To bring out your original beauty, today's style might be a bit unusual. I wonder if the young lady can accept it? Please cooperate fully...?

"Oh, oh, no problem, I'll try my best..."

"Alright, without further ado, let's begin today's three sets of blockbuster photos..."

........................

Cheng Ming led Lin Yiyi to a secluded corner and casually directed her:

"For the first one, we want to express a state of returning to nature, a return to simplicity..."

Come on, squat down.

Yes, it's about squatting down.

He hugged his knees, lowered his head, his eyes were unfocused, and his mouth was slightly open, expressing a sense of bewilderment at the world.

Lin Yiyi thought the posture was a bit strange, like an old lady squatting by the roadside waiting for the bus.

But trusting the "magician of light and shadow," she did as instructed.

Cheng Ming's filming led to the creation of the iconic "panda squat" pose.

"Snap!"

Cheng Ming quickly pressed the shutter.

"For the second one, we need to aim for visual impact."

Cheng Ming shoved the camera directly into Lin Yiyi's face, at a distance of no more than two centimeters:

"They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but today we're going to break the mold and do the opposite, using the legendary 'mosquito perspective'."

Come on, open your nose wide... open your eyes wide, lift your chin... yes... lift it up, show your stubbornness...!

Lin Yiyi was caught off guard by the cameras and could only awkwardly cooperate.

Little did she know that due to the distortion caused by the wide-angle lens, her face had become a large pancake.

The facial features, which were originally quite harmonious, now looked as if they had been placed in a funhouse mirror, creating an inexplicably eerie effect.

Seemingly realizing what was happening, Lin Yiyi, whose intelligence seemed to be on a certain high level, was somewhat confused: "Is it really okay to film like this...?"

"You don't understand."

As the saying goes, the weirder the moves, the cooler the photos. I've risked my entire career for you...!

After finishing his sentence, Cheng Ming changed the subject: "Miss, I haven't had a chance to ask where you're from yet?"

"I'm from Chongqing," Lin Yiyi replied without hesitation.

"No, you are the one I love..."

The most deadly thing is the invisible, earthy smell!

The slight concern Lin Yiyi had just raised was completely wiped out by Cheng Ming's cheesy pickup line, causing her brain to completely shut down and lose the ability to think.

"The last one, the true essence of art lies in capturing the moment. Do you know what a candid shot is...?"

Lin Yiyi shook her head subconsciously.

"Candid photography is about capturing a beautiful moment in a flash."

Moreover, such moments are rare and extremely difficult to capture, truly showcasing the photographer's skill...!

As Cheng Ming spoke, he moved quickly around Lin Yiyi:

"Get moving! Flick your hair, jump, yes, that's it...!"

Like a madwoman... a woman dancing wildly like the wind, reaching the legendary state of complete absorption in the world...!

Under Cheng Ming's persuasion, Lin Yiyi began to let loose, her hair flying like Sadako, and her facial expressions completely out of control.

"Snap! Snap! Snap!"

Cheng Ming's fingers flew across the shutter, accurately capturing every moment of rolling eyes, baring teeth, and hair smearing across the face.

.................