There were three looks in total for this shoot. Zhou Shu’s first outfit continued his usual casual suit style.
His daily wardrobe mostly consisted of suit jackets, to the point that his fans had specifically created a hashtag for him: "The Walking Clothes Hanger."
The nickname implied that Zhou Shu did nothing but walk; he never spoke to or greeted the enthusiastic fans shouting his name, always passing by with an expressionless face. Fortunately, his fans were long accustomed to this, focusing their energy instead on identifying the brands of their "Idol’s" private wardrobe.
Though Zhou Shu’s formal-leaning private style had sharp edges, it matched his consistent aura perfectly; no one found it jarring. However, this particular suit look was exceptionally striking. Its defining feature was its unique tailoring.
The asymmetrical diamond-encrusted design on the shoulders added a touch of liveliness to his temperament, softening his usual coldness. The uneven hemline further accentuated his long legs and slender waist.
Yet, the most eye-catching element was the hairstyling.
Vivian had pulled a few strands of hair down over his forehead to create a "wet-look" effect. The entire style was tousled and casual, yet it bore the unmistakable marks of meticulous grooming. The wet strands clinging to his forehead partially obscured one eye, lending his narrow gaze an air of mystery—like an iceberg in a silent ocean, advancing through the waves by appearing to retreat.
Julia’s eyes lit up when she saw her boss’s new look. She had to admit that while Vivian was a gossip, she truly had talent; otherwise, with a personality like hers, she never would have secured a foothold in this industry.
Julia looked the person before her up and down, glanced around, and then gave Duo Duo a wink.
She hadn't expected this little darling to become so professional. He had mastered Zhou Shu’s gaze perfectly; no wonder he had managed to fool everyone during filming.
Duo Duo was also very professional during the cover shoot. Based on his current appearance alone, even Julia couldn't distinguish which personality was dominant.
This was even truer for the photographer, Joe, who couldn't stop grinning. He kept clicking the shutter as he followed the movements of the person in his lens, showering him with praise.
"Shu-ge, this look is the definition of a 'desirable Alpha'!"
"Incredible! This one is perfect!"
"This one’s great too! Don't move! Hold your hand there for a second, I want a close-up of the hands."
The "assistants" standing off to the side were also clenching their hands in excitement, occasionally sneaking a photo or two with their phones. Julia knew she couldn't stop them, so she let them be; after all, her boss would look good even if he were wearing a burlap sack.
After about twenty minutes and two touch-ups, Joe finally stopped clicking.
He gestured to Vivian as she walked over. "Vivian-jie, for the next look, emphasize Shu-ge’s lips. Especially that mole under his lip—it’ll look amazing on camera!"
Vivian gave an "OK" gesture and ushered the Film Emperor back to the dressing room.
The second look was ancient style, so Vivian went to fetch the wig. During the interval, Duo Duo stole a glance at Julia.
Julia suppressed a laugh and used her camera to capture his "startled fawn" expression. A second later, Vivian returned, and the two of them instantly reverted to their cold facades.
The second outfit was a modified Hanfu paired with an ice-blue cloak, the overall color palette leaning toward cool tones.
Tying his hair back loosely made his sharp features appear even more delicate. Consequently, Vivian decided on a whim to lighten his makeup. From a profile view, the Alpha Film Emperor actually possessed the temperament of a "sickly beauty."
The only bold stroke in the final makeup was his lip color—not garish, but slightly redder than his natural shade. This drew everyone’s eyes to his vibrant mouth, while also highlighting the exquisite beauty mark beneath his lower lip.
When the Film Emperor entered the studio in this attire, everyone present held their breath.
In terms of looks, physique, and temperament, it would be hard to find a second person like him in the entire entertainment industry, even across all four EABO genders.
Thus, while shooting the ancient style look, the "click-click" of shutters inside and outside the studio was incessant.
Everyone was so captivated by this divine beauty that no one noticed when Duan Xingyi joined them.
By the time someone realized he was there, Duan Xingyi had already tucked his phone back into his pocket.
Then came the uncontrollable screams from the surroundings. Seeing the "Rouge CP" reunited here was more exciting than winning the lottery.
Duo Duo followed the sound of the screams and saw Duan Xingyi in the crowd. After a moment's thought, he gave a polite nod, which only triggered an even more disruptive wave of noise.
Fortunately, the shoot for this look was finished, and he could duck out for a breather.
However, Joe stopped Duo Duo just as he was about to leave. "Shu-ge, wait a moment. How about we keep the ancient style for the next look?" He rubbed his chin, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Duan Xingyi’s warlord outfit. "I have a great idea. Let’s do a 'time-travel' concept."
Duo Duo continued his expressionless act, but Duan Xingyi readily agreed, adding, "It’s all up to Zhou Shu."
The result was undoubtedly more high-pitched screams from the crowd in the corner and the photographers nearby.
"I ship it! I totally ship it!!"
Hidden within the body, Zhou Shu rolled his eyes hard.
They could still ship them even after a formal statement had been issued? He truly had to admire their dedication.
After seeing Julia nod out of the corner of his eye, Duo Duo also lowered his gaze and nodded. Joe grinned widely with delight.
They adjusted their styling slightly and began the duo cover shoot. During the process, Duo Duo noticed that the phones and cameras in the corner were never lowered.
This was especially true when white magnolia petals were showered down, and Duan Xingyi instinctively reached out to gently brush a petal from the other man's hair—a scene captured by every lens in the room.
Listening to the voices outside his shell, Zhou Shu felt another headache coming on. The shoot was a work requirement, so he had no objections to that, but once these fan-taken videos hit the internet, they would inevitably be viewed through an ambiguous filter.
Duo Duo understood this as well and looked up at Julia.
Julia cleared her throat and sauntered toward the corner of the studio with a brilliant smile.
But when the people there saw that enchanting smile—one that hid daggers—their breath hitched in fear.
"Little brothers and sisters, can Big Sister discuss something with you?" Julia didn't care if they replied, her eyes still curved in a smile. "It’s fine that you took videos and photos. If you like Shu-ge, just look at them yourselves at home, but don't post them online, okay?"
Perhaps frozen by that radiant, bewitching face, the "kids" in the corner all nodded in cooperation. Only then did Julia leave with a smile.
Under Joe’s "adrenaline-fueled" direction, the duo shoot ended successfully.
Duo Duo thought he could finally breathe a sigh of relief, but he was called out to before he could enter the dressing room.
"Zhou Shu." Duan Xingyi walked over, bathed in a gentle light. In that moment, Duo Duo felt as if he saw the old Zhou Shu, so he also let the corners of his mouth turn up at the man.
Duan Xingyi froze.
That expression...
When they were filming *Rouge Intoxication*, Zhou Shu had smiled at him just like that.
But it lasted only a second before Duo Duo reverted to a polite coldness. "Yes?"
Disappointment flashed in Duan Xingyi’s eyes before he returned to normal. He smiled and said to Zhou Shu, "A few people from the crew are filming at the nearby studio city tonight. They said we should get together for dinner. You didn't reply in the group chat, so they asked me to see if you're free to go?"
Duo Duo dithered for a few seconds before saying deeply, "I won't be going. I have other arrangements tonight."
Duan Xingyi wasn't disappointed; instead, he graciously let it go. "Sure, no problem. I'll ask you in advance next time." He glanced at his phone. "I'll head out first then. Bye." He patted Zhou Shu’s shoulder as he spoke.
Duo Duo nodded slightly. "Mhm, bye."
Only after he left did Julia step forward. She arched an eyebrow at Duo Duo and whispered, "Quite popular, aren't we?"
"Oh, Julia-jie, stop teasing me!" Seeing that Duo Duo was about to blush, Julia shut her mouth and stopped poking fun at him.
She handed the phone to Duo Duo and dialed Xiao Zhang’s number. Duo Duo didn't even remove his makeup before the two of them rushed to the parking lot.
Finally back on their own turf, Duo Duo took two deep breaths. Xiao Zhang saw this in the rearview mirror and found it both terrifying and adorable.
They rested for a moment. Just as Julia was about to remove Duo Duo’s makeup, the phone rang.
"Hm? It’s Zhou Shu-gege’s phone."
"Mhm, answer it," Julia said. "It’s your Jin Yan-gege."
Duo Duo’s eyes brightened as he let out an "Ah!" and happily picked up the call.
"Jin Yan-gege?"
"Mhm. Duo Duo, are you tired today?"
"Not tired!"
Duo Duo smiled on his end of the line. Jin Yan seemed to be able to see his curving eyes, and his own voice softened.
"Then you still need to get some good rest today."
After saying this, Jin Yan became noticeably silent.
Duo Duo sensed the weariness in Jin Yan’s tone and asked directly, "Jin Yan-gege, are you unhappy..." He became a bit flustered, suddenly feeling aggrieved. "Is it because Zhou Shu-gege hasn't forgiven you yet..."
"No, no, it’s not that..." Jin Yan’s breath hitched as he hurried to explain, nearly making the boy cry again.
Seeing that Duo Duo remained silent on the other end, Jin Yan sighed. "Don't overthink it, Duo Duo. It’s not about that."
"Then what is it?" Duo Duo blinked, somewhat confused.
"Well..." Jin Yan hesitated for a moment. "I just saw the hot searches."
"Hot searches?" Duo Duo’s eyes widened as he looked at Julia.
Julia instantly had a bad feeling. A second later, she and Xiao Zhang both pulled out their phones to check the trending topics.
As expected...
#ZhouShuJuliaIntimacy#
#ZhouShuDuanXingyiFlirting#
These two hot searches were ranked side-by-side. To an outsider, it looked as if Zhou Shu was some sort of profligate Alpha.
Then again, that was exactly how he appeared in the eyes of his anti-fans; some even asserted with certainty that he would definitely commit domestic violence in the future.
But when Duo Duo saw them, he became anxious. "Did I mess things up..." His voice grew smaller and smaller, the end of his sentence trembling with a sob.
How could Jin Yan bear to hear him so upset? He coaxed him gently, "No, Duo Duo, you didn't mess up. You did very well. It’s all their fault. Zhou Shu-gege won't blame you either; no one will blame you."
Duo Duo began to sob, and Julia heart-achingly pulled him into her arms to comfort him.
"Jin Yan-gege, don't be angry... I didn't mean to."
Jin Yan asked, confused, "What?"
"The hot searches aren't true!"
Jin Yan was stunned. Duo Duo was so upset, yet he was still thinking about comforting him. He felt as if his heart had been squeezed hard; he suddenly really wanted to hug this sensible child.
"Are you silly?" Jin Yan sighed. "I’m not unhappy because of what the hot searches are saying. I’m unhappy because I feel bad for you and Zhou Shu-gege."
Jin Yan continued, "I can't stand seeing you two being attacked."
Hearing this, Duo Duo cried even harder. Finally, Julia managed to coax him into hanging up the phone.
On the other side, Jin Yan furrowed his brows after putting down his phone.
What he hadn't mentioned was that below those two side-by-side hot searches, there was another topic. Clicking into it revealed a full-blown flame war against Zhou Shu.
It contained not only a compilation of Zhou Shu "acting like a diva" since his debut but also "sordid histories" fabricated by unknown parties that were too unsavory to even mention.
Jin Yan let out a cold laugh, feeling both amused and powerless.
This man had grown up with him; his first kiss had only been taken by Jin Yan a few days ago, yet so many legendary stories had managed to surface.
The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached for Zhou Shu. A surge of anger rose within him, one that likely wouldn't be extinguished by rain anytime soon.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
行走的衣架子 | The Walking Clothes Hanger | A metaphor for someone who looks good in any clothing.
湿发状 | Wet-look | A hairstyle that appears damp or slicked back.
病美人 | Sickly beauty | A specific aesthetic (often in danmei) referring to a character who is beautiful but appears frail or ill.
唇下痣 | Beauty mark under the lip | Specifically a mole located just below the lower lip.
军阀造型 | Warlord look | A popular aesthetic involving Republican-era Chinese military uniforms.
穿越 | Time-travel | A genre or concept involving traveling through time.
热搜 | Hot search / Trending topic | Popular topics on social media platforms like Weibo.
耍大牌 | Acting like a diva / Playing the big shot | Behavior where a celebrity acts entitled or difficult.
劣迹艺人 | Tainted artist / Artist with a bad record | A term for celebrities involved in scandals or moral failings.
