Duanmu Qing sat in the car, enjoying the peaceful scenery of Xianglutan Beach. Next to her was her colleague and sister-in-profession, Wang Xiaona. Both were top-tier stylists and makeup artists, usually hired to design looks for major stars and high-profile events.
Yesterday, their company had assigned them to Binhai City for a wedding photoshoot. No names were given—only that they would be designing for a bride. That led them to guess it was likely a secret celebrity wedding.
As Duanmu Qing was admiring the view, Wang Xiaona nudged her.
"Qing Qing, who do you think it is this time? Which celebrity?"
"No idea. We'll know once we get there." Duanmu Qing shrugged. "Why are you so curious anyway?"
"Just thinking ahead. If we knew who it was, we could start planning the look now."
"That still depends on the dress. No point in guessing."
"Fair."
Soon, the car pulled up in front of a futuristic-looking villa nestled between mountain and sea. The location wasn't too remote, but it had the calm of a secluded paradise.
"Wow…" both women gasped in unison.
This was no ordinary villa. It had a sleek, high-tech aesthetic—nothing like the traditional luxury estates they were used to. It looked like something from the future. Standing at the gate were two humanoid robots—clearly from the Marching Ants Company.
"Handsome driver, if you don't mind me asking—who owns this place?" Duanmu Qing asked Anan, the driver.
"Our boss is Chen Mo," Anan replied casually.
"Chen… Chen Mo?" Wang Xiaona's eyes went wide. "Why didn't you tell us that earlier?"
"You didn't ask."
"…Fair."
They didn't press further and followed Anan through the grand entrance into the villa.
Inside, Chen Mo was casually lounging on the couch, controller in hand, playing a video game. Upon seeing them enter, he put it down and stood to greet them.
"Hello, you must be the stylists from Linglong Studio?"
"Yes! I'm Duanmu Qing," she said quickly.
"And I'm Wang Xiaona," added her colleague.
They were surprised—Chen Mo looked even younger in person, and aside from his fame and wealth, seemed like any other guy their age.
"No need to be nervous," Chen Mo said with a warm smile. "Xiaoyu's upstairs. Please help make her the most beautiful bride."
"We'll do our best!"
"Great. Anan, take them up."
Anan nodded and led them upstairs, where they were greeted at the door by Bai Zhu, who opened it with a polite nod.
"These are the stylist and makeup artist," Anan explained before heading back downstairs.
The suite was spacious and elegantly designed, complete with a private hall. Aside from Bai Zhu, a service robot was also present.
"Miss Xiaoyu is changing into her wedding dress. Please make yourselves comfortable. Would you like anything to drink?" Bai Zhu asked.
"Just water, thank you." Duanmu Qing glanced at the nearby dressing table. "May we take a look at the cosmetics?"
"Of course," Bai Zhu replied. "Feel free."
The two women approached the vanity and were instantly struck by the display. Each item was from a top-tier luxury brand. Lipsticks that cost an average month's salary, exclusive foundation sets—they recognized every product.
"All brand-new," Duanmu Qing whispered. "Can we open them?"
"You're the professionals. Do as you need," Bai Zhu said.
As they familiarized themselves with the products, Xiaoyu stepped out from the dressing room with Xiao Man assisting her. She was wearing the wedding dress.
For a moment, both stylists stood frozen.
The wedding dress was unlike anything they'd seen before. Its flawless white fabric glowed faintly under the lights, the mermaid-cut train flowing like waves of silk. But more than the dress, it was Xiaoyu herself—her figure, her poise, her serene elegance. She looked like a regal ice phoenix.
All their professional vocabulary condensed into two words: absolutely stunning.
"Hello," Xiaoyu greeted them gently.
The two snapped out of their daze and hurried to return the greeting.
This was the woman who had won over Chen Mo—the most eligible man on Earth. She was perfect, yet humble. No wonder.
"I'm Xiaoyu. I'll be in your care today."
"Of course! It's our honor."
Creating a bridal look for Chen Mo's fiancée was not just a dream assignment—it was a golden career opportunity.
Once Xiaoyu sat down, they got to work. But it wasn't going to be easy.
"This dress is a masterpiece," Duanmu Qing muttered. "Any hair or makeup must live up to it…"
"Wait," Xiao Man interrupted. "You should know something. This is the Dream Wedding Dress. It's like a chameleon—so your styling needs to reflect that."
"Chameleon?" The two stylists looked puzzled.
Without a word, Xiao Man pulled out her holographic phone and projected a soft beam of violet light onto the dress. Instantly, the fabric shimmered and shifted to a rich, noble purple.
The two stylists gasped audibly.
They'd heard of high-tech fashion from Marching Ants, but this? This was like magic. A wedding dress that changed color to match the lighting or environment? This was something from a fairy tale.
And now, their challenge was to create a look versatile enough to complement such a dress.
While the two women brainstormed, downstairs in the living area, photographer Liang Zhihang and his assistant Qiao Qi arrived.
Even though they'd been briefed, they were still stunned by the sheer size and design of the villa. Dozens of acres, private beach, smart home systems—it was a world-class estate.
Chen Mo greeted them personally.
"Welcome. Make yourselves comfortable," he said. "Do you have everything you need?"
"All set," Liang Zhihang replied. "Though of course, this won't be like studio shoots for celebrities."
"That's fine. We're doing everything on location anyway—real scenes only."
"Perfect. Is the bride still getting ready? I'll scout the area for good spots in the meantime."
"Go ahead," Chen Mo nodded.
Everything was unfolding as planned.
And the bride?
She was about to become a living legend in wedding photography.