"Uncle."
Stelle crossed her arms, looking like she had already planned everything out.
"Since we're filming a promotional video for the Xianzhou Luofu, we have to find a reliable local guide."
"Otherwise, if the two of us just film some typical tourist spots, it'll be too cliché. I happen to know a very, very suitable candidate!"
Hearing this, Bai Luan's lips curled into a knowing smile. His gaze fell on Stelle's face, which was practically screaming 'ask me, ask me,' and he said slowly:
"Believe it or not, I know who it is even if you don't say it."
Seeing Bai Luan's 'we're on the same page' expression and that feeling of 'I know you too well,' Stelle couldn't help but chuckle:
"Don't say it yet!"
After the two of them exchanged their secret signals, Stelle took out her phone and contacted Guinaifen.
Guinaifen rushed over quickly after receiving the message, arriving like a whirlwind.
Seeing Stelle from a distance, she waved her hand while running toward them:
"Hey, everyone! Little Guizi is here!"
"Little Guizi~ Long time no see!"
Guinaifen ran up to them, panting slightly with a brilliant smile on her face. Hearing Stelle, she laughed:
"Hehe, Stelle, did you miss me?"
Stelle nodded vigorously, hands on her hips, and spoke in an exaggerated, theatrical tone as if reuniting with a long-lost friend:
"I missed you guys to death—!"
Guinaifen was amused by her over-the-top performance and waved her hand, laughing:
"Uh... there's no need to be that dramatic!"
Then Guinaifen looked at Bai Luan and said:
"Hello, Senior! I've been regretting missing you last time, but now I finally have another chance to meet."
Her tone was sincere, carrying the excitement of a fan meeting an idol.
"You have no idea how long Little Guizi has been looking forward to this day! Um... um... can we... take a photo together first? Just one! Please, please!"
She pressed her hands together, her eyes full of anticipation.
"Sure."
Guinaifen contentedly got her photo. She would definitely post it on her social media account later to show off.
"Alright, time to talk business."
Guinaifen put away her phone, looked at Stelle, and asked:
"Stelle, what is this 'very important matter that must be discussed in person' you mentioned in your message? It's been making me itch with curiosity all the way here."
At this point, Bai Luan took over and explained to Guinaifen:
"It's like this: General Jing Yuan and I have agreed to take the opportunity of this Martial Arts Ceremony to film a series of promotional videos for the Luofu. Among them..."
After listening carefully, Guinaifen couldn't help but exclaim:
"My god... I never thought that one day, I, Guinaifen, would be able to participate in an official collaborative project of this level and scale?! Filming a promo for the entire Luofu?"
Guinaifen was in disbelief and looked at Stelle:
"Stelle, quick, pinch me. I want to see if I'm dreaming."
Stelle pinched Guinaifen to confirm she was awake.
"Anything is possible."
Guinaifen looked at Bai Luan and said with a smile:
"Thank you for your trust, Senior! You definitely didn't pick the wrong person for a guide!"
"I can't say much about other ships, but as for the Luofu, ha! I know it like the back of my hand!"
"From which breakfast stall in Exalting Sanctum has the most authentic Lotus Root Cake, to which corner of Central Starskiff Haven has the best sunset view, from the secret techniques of the old masters in the Artisanship Commission to which herb garden behind the Alchemy Commission has the most fireflies... I know it all!"
"These aren't things just anyone would know, I guarantee I can provide tons of excellent material for our promo!"
And so, a temporary but high-potential video filming team was officially formed.
Guinaifen was the guide, Bai Luan provided the filming concepts, and Stelle was in charge of the camera.
Later, Bai Luan explained his filming concept: using a song as a thread to connect the scattered scenery, filming the promo like a music video.
"Uncle! I think this idea is still a bit immature!"
Bai Luan looked at Stelle with a hint of curiosity:
"What's on your mind? Speak up!"
"I think you should change your clothes to match the Luofu! You should get an outfit that fits the Luofu's atmosphere and has more of a Xianzhou vibe!"
Bai Luan was stunned.
"Is that necessary?"
"It's very necessary, Uncle. Let's pick out some new clothes. It's called 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do.'"
Bai Luan looked at the playful Stelle and deadpanned:
"I think you just want to play dress-up..."
"Please."
Stelle pressed her hands together and blinked her eyes.
Bai Luan shook his head.
"I still don't think it's necessary."
"I'm really begging you, Uncle."
Stelle kept her hands together, her gaze even more sincere.
"I'm not going. Picking clothes is tiring and troublesome."
Seeing that Bai Luan was unmoved, Stelle picked up her phone and started messaging someone.
Seeing that Stelle was no longer insisting, Bai Luan assumed she had given up and began discussing the specifics of the filming with Guinaifen.
After some time, Stelle looked at her phone, seemingly having received a powerful reply, and a confident smile appeared on her face.
While Bai Luan was eloquently sharing his views with Guinaifen, a phone screen suddenly and without warning thrust itself into his field of vision, almost touching the tip of his nose.
Bai Luan: "...?"
He turned his head in confusion toward the owner of the phone.
He saw Stelle looking triumphant, as if she held the ultimate trump card. She didn't just hold the phone in front of him; she signaled desperately with her eyes:
Look! Look at this!
Full of confusion, Bai Luan focused his gaze on the phone screen.
It was a chat log between Stelle and a contact. The contact's name was clearly—Herta.
Stelle: Ms. Herta!
Stelle: I want Uncle to change his clothes!
Stelle: It's time for him to unlock a new outfit.
Herta: ?
Herta: Why do you want him to change clothes for no reason?
Herta: Don't you just rotate through those same few identical outfits yourself?
Stelle: Just curious!
Stelle: I want to see what Uncle looks like in new clothes. Maybe there will be a surprise?
Stelle: Ms. Herta, aren't you curious? Don't you want to see him in a different style? Xianzhou traditional wear! It'll definitely be interesting!
Herta: Interesting.
Herta: Make him change.
Herta: I'm paying.
Herta: Take clear photos and send them to me.
After reading the chat history, Bai Luan looked at Stelle, who still wore that smug smile.
"Now you're out of moves, right, Uncle?"
"We can't keep Guinaifen waiting because of this, can we?"
Stelle looked at Guinaifen, who smiled and waved her hand, saying:
"It's okay. I can use this time to make some preparations, like getting the equipment needed for filming and talking to the merchants who need to appear on camera."
She even added considerately:
"I know a few clothing shops in Exalting Sanctum. Their craftsmanship and fabrics are top-notch, and they have a full range of styles. They're not far from here, should I take you there?"
Guinaifen, you really are reliable.
"...Fine then."
Bai Luan sighed.
"Let's go pick out some clothes."
Things became as troublesome as Bai Luan had expected.
The system's modeling was simply too powerful.
To put it simply, as long as the cut, craftsmanship, and color scheme of the clothes weren't a disaster (also known as Phainon-level), any style or design looked far better on him than on an average person.
This led to the following scene:
Bai Luan changed into a moon-white long robe, looking ethereal and elegant, with the air of a banished immortal.
Herta: Buy it!
Stelle: Uncle, try this one too.
He changed into a set of short, tight-fitting martial arts attire, looking sharp, capable, and full of heroic spirit.
Herta: Buy it!
Stelle: Uncle, try this one too.
He changed into a set of ornate, luxurious robes with complex patterns, radiating noble air.
Herta: Buy it!
Stelle: Uncle, try...
And so the cycle continued N times.
Bai Luan looked at himself in the mirror.
He was wearing a Xianzhou-style formal robe with mysterious black as the main tone, embroidered with intricate dark cloud patterns and metallic carved decorations.
The collar and hem were adorned with navy blue and dark purple borders, and a waist pendant with metal chains hung from his belt.
The overall outfit was magnificent, combining Eastern classical elegance with exquisite details. The black color scheme emphasized a sense of steadiness and nobility.
"This is the last one. I'm not changing anymore."
Stelle held another set of white traditional clothes, looking a bit disappointed, and said:
"Huh? Uncle, I still wanted to see this one."
"It's enough. Don't bring any more out (sob). I've already changed through dozens of outfits."
Ever since he entered this shop, the smiles on the shop assistants' faces hadn't faded once.
Presumably, after finishing this single order, they could close up and rest for a few days.
"Oh... okay then."
Stelle put down the clothes, while Bai Luan wore an expression of 'I'm finally free.'
Watching Stelle's back as she paid on behalf of Herta, Bai Luan couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Finally... it's about to end.
Really, we took such a long detour.
I hope there won't be a next time.
His phone vibrated. Someone had sent him a message. Bai Luan picked it up to look.
Herta: Next time, accompany me for a stroll.
Bai Luan scratched his head.
Then, this guy who was just saying he was unwilling replied:
Bai Luan: Okay.
『One of the four essential natures of humanity, Hypocrisy』