I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

The staff pushed up a display board with a row of photos covered by cards.

"These templates include classic movie stills, magazine spreads, and popular couple poses for photos."

Director Liu said:

"Each group draws three different templates, and then, at sea—note, at sea—they ride a double kayak or a water bike to the checkpoint."

"Recreate the poses and feel of these three photos within the allotted time."

"It's about recreating, not copying. We encourage you to add your own creativity while understanding the essence of the template, and capture your own heartwarming moments."

"The photos were taken by professional photographers, and then the audience voted on them. The vote will run from 8 PM tonight until noon the following day to select the Best Recreation Award and the Best Creativity Award. The winners will receive prizes!"

After Director Liu finished speaking, he looked around and asked, "Did everyone understand?"

Everyone: "Understood—"

Shu Zi glanced at Gu Yan beside her, then raised her hand again:

"Director Liu, the photo isn't of some kind of high-difficulty move, is it? Like a triple axel followed by a split or something?"

Jiang Yunyou and Su Yanhuan immediately nodded in agreement and looked at Director Liu.

"Teacher Shu," Director Liu said with a "what are you thinking about?" look on his face.

"This is a dating show, not a circus performance. Don't worry, it's all suitable to be done at sea. Safety first."

"As for the specifics... we'll only know when we draw the lottery."

Jiang Yunyou and Su Yanhuan exchanged a glance, becoming even more worried.

Shu Zi stared at Director Liu: "There's definitely something fishy going on!"

Gu Yan looked at her little expression and the corners of his mouth curved slightly.

Director Liu gestured to the staff to bring the lottery box over.

"Now, please send one representative from each group to come up and draw three photos of your tasks."

The four groups looked at each other.

Shu Zi looked at Gu Yan: "You go."

Gu Yan hummed in agreement and stood up.

Other groups also sent people one after another—Shen Yihuai, Fang Yutong, and Jiang Yunyou.

The four people who drew lots stood in front of the box, and Director Liu explained:

"There are twelve balls in the box, each corresponding to a template. Draw three balls per group, no duplicates allowed. Good luck!"

Gu reached in, took out the first ball, opened it, and the card had "9" written on it.

The staff took out photo number 9 and gave it to him.

He glanced at it, paused for a moment, then calmly put it away and continued smoking.

The second one is "3".

The third one is "7".

Shen Yihuai drew the numbers "2", "8", and "12".

Fang Yutong drew "4", "6", and "10".

Jiang Yunyou drew the last number, leaving "1", "5", and "11".

After the draw, each group received their three template photos.

Director Liu announced:

"Give me ten minutes to familiarize myself with the photos and we can discuss how to take them. After ten minutes, we'll head to the pier, where there are kayaks, water bikes, and photographers."

"Two hours for the mission, good luck!"

Everyone dispersed and looked at the photos on their own.

Shu Zi moved closer to Gu Yan: "Which three did we draw?"

Gu Yan handed her the three photos he had drawn.

Shu Zi took them and looked at them one by one.

First one (number 7):

In the classic movie "Titanic", Jack is seen embracing Rose from behind as they stand at the bow of the ship, with the background changed to a sunset over the sea.

Requirements: "A hug from behind, with the girl's arms outstretched, conveying a sense of freedom and trust."

Shu Zi: "..."

Okay, the classic style.

Second card (No. 3):

A stunning couple photoshoot that went viral in a fashion magazine.

The boy sat on the edge of the yacht, and the girl sat sideways on his lap, her arms around his neck. Their foreheads touched, their eyes closed, and the atmosphere was intimate.

Requirements: "Present an atmosphere of dependence and intimacy."

Shu Zi: "..."

Isn't this position a bit too close? And where is she going to find a yacht?!

The third one (number 9):

A highly expressive movie still.

The male and female protagonists are soaked in the rain. The man presses the woman against the wall, their faces are very close, their noses almost touching, their lips just a hair's breadth apart, their eyes are locked, and raindrops drip from their hair.

The title reads "Desire and Restraint".

Requirements: "Capture the extreme tension of 'almost kissing but not quite,' and make sure your eyes are expressive."

Shu Zi: "…………"

She stared at the third photo, her eyes slowly widening.

What... what is this?!

Clutching the photo, she turned and went to find Director Liu, her steps carrying an air of "I must get an explanation today."

"Director Liu! This is number 9..." She shoved the photo in front of Director Liu's eyes.

Director Liu turned his head, saw the photo in her hand, and the smile on his face changed instantly.

He said meaningfully, "Oh, this one? What's wrong? This is a photo our production team specially selected!"

"This, this posture..."

Shu Zi pointed to the lips in the photo that were almost touching, "Can this be broadcast?"

Director Liu stroked his chin, looked closely at the photo, then at Shu Zi, and said slowly, "Well, they didn't kiss."

"But this is too much..."

"Too much?"

Director Liu took a sip of tea, his face bearing an expression that said, "You don't understand art."

"Art, do you understand? This is called tension, this is called atmosphere."

"Don't you young people love this kind of ambiguous, hesitant, coy, and irresistible style these days?"

Shu Zi: "..."

I suspect you're driving, but I have no proof.

And you'll know a few idioms to make you arrogant!

"Shoot with confidence!" Director Liu finally put away his art theories and patted Shu Zi on the shoulder.

He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and winked:

"Trust our photographers, they're all seasoned veterans, they know exactly how to hit that 'just before or after' point, besides..."

He straightened up, his voice returning to normal, even tinged with pride: "Our program, the level of 'exposure,' that's it—"

He gave a thumbs-up, then quickly withdrew it, coughed twice, and said in a serious tone:

"Of course, it is an artistic exploration that is beneficial, healthy, and promotes emotional exchange, under the premise of conforming to the core socialist values ​​and the regulations on radio and television broadcasting."

Shu Zi: "???"

When we were allocating rooms, you told me to "be mindful of the impact," and now you're talking to me about "artistic exploration" and "scale"?

You probably have a twin brother, don't you?!

[Hahahaha, I give Director Liu's performance a perfect score! He went from an art connoisseur to a legal education advocate in an instant!]

[Director Liu, one second ago: Men and women are not allowed to live together, they must sleep in separate rooms! The next second: It's okay if they actually kiss, our show is very daring.]

[Director Liu, you've changed! You didn't say this when we were allocating rooms!]

[“Old driver”...Director Liu, have you finally stopped pretending?!]

[Shu Zi: I often feel out of place on this show because I'm not eccentric enough]

[Director Liu: Art, it's all art (holding a rose in his mouth)]

[“An Artistic Exploration of Beneficial and Healthy Emotional Communication” – Director Liu, which leader did you learn this rhetoric from? (doge)]

[Aaaaaaah, I want to see it! Take a picture now! Don't make me beg!]

After Director Liu finished speaking, he probably realized he had gone a bit too far, chuckled twice, stuffed the photo back into Shu Zi's hand, and waved his hand dismissively.

"Get ready quickly! Time is money, and art waits for no one!"

Then he turned around, strolled back behind the monitor with an air of nonchalance, his back view exuding a smug "successful mischief."

Shu Zi clutched the photo, which felt like a hot potato, took a deep breath, and walked back to Gu Yan's side with a look of grim determination.

She handed it forward: "This is number 9..."

Gu Yan was also looking at the photo. Hearing this, he looked up at her and asked, "Hmm?"

"Is it okay to film this?"

Shu Zi pointed at the photo, her ears starting to burn, "They were almost kissing!"

Gu Yan's gaze lingered on her reddened ears for a moment before returning to the photo, raising an eyebrow:

"So, they didn't kiss?"