HuaYu: Starting with Photography to Navigate the Entertainment Industry

Liu Tao sat on the sofa, sized up Xu Lang, and then said:

"Xu Lang, you've said too much today. That's easy to offend people."

Upon hearing this, Xu Lang surprisingly nodded, understanding Liu Tao's meaning.

In a film crew like this, just like in the workplace, if you do someone else's work or take over someone else's tasks, you'll offend people.

Liu Tao was reminding himself of this.

Xu Lang nodded, but still said:

"Sister Tao, I know what you mean, but I don't care."

"Ugh!"

Liu Tao was exasperated by Xu Lang's persistence. After a moment's thought, he said:

"Furthermore, CCTV's major dramas, whether in terms of positioning or promotion, are all about style. Bringing up 'transgender people' and 'married women' is just asking for attacks, isn't it?"

"Ha ha!"

Upon hearing Liu Tao bring up "transvestites" and "married women," Xu Lang smiled again.

"Sister Tao, the ladyboy I'm talking about isn't from Thailand, and the wife I'm talking about isn't from those adult movies. It just means a demon who cultivates to become a human and becomes a virtuous wife. Don't overthink it."

"cut!"

Liu Tao's face flushed slightly. He pointed at Xu Lang and chuckled as he scolded him:

"What's the point of your explanation now? Anyone who sees those two words will inevitably think in that direction. You're just trying to skirt the line!"

At this point, Liu Tao's face turned even redder, and her expression became somewhat shy.

"And you also said it was designed based on my temperament and characteristics, but I have such..."

Well..."

Liu Tao hesitated for a long time, unable to come up with a suitable word.

The only word that can be used to describe this is "word," but this word can't just describe itself, can it?

Seeing Liu Tao's flushed face, Xu Lang found it quite amusing and thought to himself,

"Oh no, she looks even more like Bai Jie now!"

Seeing Xu Lang staring blankly at her, Liu Tao couldn't help but say something coquettishly.

"Hey kid, what are you looking at?"

"Haha, Sister Tao, I must say, you really exude a strong 'wife' vibe!"

Seeing that Liu Tao seemed about to get angry, Xu Lang'e realized that the joke had gone a bit too far, and quickly tried to smooth things over:

"Sister Tao, you're right. Regarding the 'thousand-year-old demon cultivator, only to become a wife,' I did say it that way on purpose. I know that if I changed the wording, you would definitely be more accepting, such as 'giving up a thousand years of freedom in exchange for a lifetime of worldly affairs.'"

Upon hearing Xu Lang's casual remark, Liu Tao nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, that's the idea. Bai Suzhen voluntarily gave up her goal of becoming an immortal after a thousand years, all for love and for the joys of life."

"You're on the right track."

"Yes, yes, but it doesn't look interesting."

Xu Lang bluntly stated, "Think about it, if you change it to a more conventional style, the appeal will be gone."

"nonsense!"

Liu Tao then thought of "transvestites" and "married women," but the proper ones were definitely no match for these borderline ones.

After all, audiences also have a sense of curiosity.

Seeing Liu Tao's state, Xu Lang knew he couldn't convince her with words alone, so he simply said:

"Just like Producer Li said, let's not discuss the text version of the positioning anymore, let's just take the photos and see the effect."

"Okay, that's fine!"

Liu Tao really put a lot of effort into this publicity campaign.

In the first half of the year, she had just finished filming "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," and her character A'Zhu became a huge hit. She wanted to take this opportunity to reach a higher level.

I checked the time; it was already noon.

"Okay, let's have lunch and then start preparing."

"it is good."

After seeing Liu Tao off, Xu Lang closed the door and began to ponder deeply.

"How should we film this demon? And how should we film this human?"

After thinking for a long time, Xu Lang finally turned his attention to Li Gongda.

"Since he approves of the 'one person, two immortals' concept, why should I bother thinking of anything else? I might as well just copy Liu Yifei's idea and give Liu Tao a 'both human and demon' character."

What was that saying again?

If you don't follow the rules, you'll work yourself to death for nothing!

"Yes, let's do it!"

Ultimately, the specific outcome of this matter was not based on the effectiveness of the publicity, but rather on Li Gongda's personal preferences.

Li Gongda was satisfied, and the matter was settled.

Having made up his mind, Xu Lang relaxed. Relying on the incredible effects of his [Flowing Light and Shadow Transformation], he could easily shock Li Gongda and the others with just a few casual shots.

After lunch, Xu Lang went to find Liu Tao again and explained his ideas to Liu Tao in detail.

"Both human and demon? Similar to Liu Yifei's picture?"

Upon hearing those two words, Liu Tao's eyes lit up, and she excitedly grabbed Xu Lang's hand.

"Good little brother, please put in more effort. It would be wonderful if you could reach Xixi's level!"

Feeling the soft warmth in his hand, Xu Lang's heart fluttered. The feeling in Liu Tao's hand was truly different from others; it had a boneless, supple feel, and was very soft and comfortable to touch.

Xu Lang subconsciously tightened his grip, squeezing the hand a couple of times to get a better feel for it.

This action, though subtle, is just like tickling someone's palm when shaking hands—it's full of provocative feeling.

Liu Tao clearly sensed the unusual movement in Xu Lang's hand, and was slightly surprised, thinking to himself:

"This kid, no wonder he brought up concepts like 'ladyboy' and 'married woman,' turns out he's a little pervert too."

However, although the gesture was suggestive, it was not excessive; in the end, it was just a handshake.

Besides, Liu Tao was also hoping that Xu Lang could take good promotional photos for her, so she didn't take it seriously.

"Let's shake hands twice, it's not like it'll cost us anything!"

Xu Lang also sensed Liu Tao's unusual behavior, and when his little action was noticed by the other party, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

However, seeing that Liu Tao did not have any adverse reactions, he didn't care.

Liu Tao casually withdrew his hand and then asked Xu Lang,

"This being is both human and demon, how do you plan to portray each aspect, or rather, which aspect do you intend to emphasize?"

Xu Lang thought for a moment, then analyzed the script.

What is a demon?

Possessing superhuman abilities, they roam freely across the world, unrestrained and unfettered.

"Yes, that's the feeling you need for Bai Suzhen in the early stages," Liu Tao nodded in agreement.

"besides."

Xu Lang added,

"But this demon is not a terrifying monster with a blue face and fangs, but an extremely beautiful, wild, and beautiful demon unlike any human woman."

"That...is also true."

No one who plays the White Snake wants to become an ugly monster.

At this point, Xu Lang suddenly asked Liu Tao,

"Sister Tao, this photo is a little revealing, you don't mind, do you?"

When Xu Lang asked him this, Liu Tao's face immediately turned red, and the first thought that popped into his mind was...

"Is this kid planning something bad?"

But even if you think about it that way, you can't say it that way.

After a moment's hesitation, Liu Tao said:

"Xu Lang, I have to remind you, major dramas broadcast on CCTV cannot be overly explicit."

"No. At most, she'll just show off her shoulders to highlight the beauty of the snake demon in human form."

Xu Lang's request was perfectly normal; simply showing his shoulders, or even going a little lower, wouldn't be a problem.

"No problem," Liu Tao nodded in agreement.

Then, Xu Lang asked again,

"By the way, Sister Tao, I've thought of a scenario that might have high requirements for you. I wonder if you can handle it?"

"Oh?"

Hearing Xu Lang say this, Liu Tao became very curious.

"What state are you referring to?"