Chapter 173: Going to Pray

This gown, named "Fire," is designed with a wild, flowing aesthetic, and it is quite difficult to put on.

It is a conceptual piece; to highlight its structure, it does not use standard zippers, but is instead divided into several parts that are then connected by a special structure.

If Jin Li had to put it on herself, I fear she would never figure it out.

With the help of the staff, Jin Li finally put on the gown and walked out to let Dai Dai Dai Xueling take a look.

Dai Dai Dai Xueling mused, "You are even thinner than I imagined. I thought your physique would lean more toward that of a normal person, but I didn't expect you to be so slender."

Jin Li said, "The camera adds ten pounds, and people are stretched horizontally; my on-screen figure is about the same as an ordinary person's. But I'm actually on the better side; many actresses are even thinner than me."

As Dai Dai Dai Xueling measured Jin Li's dimensions and Match Match Match Match Match Made notes on the drawing about where to make adjustments, she pondered for a long time before suggesting:

"Could you gain some weight? You need to put on about five pounds; then this gown will fit perfectly and won't look so thin."

In the entertainment industry, netizens are often more critical of actresses' weight management than they are of actors'.

Male stars can gain weight, but female stars absolutely cannot.

Some actresses can be cyberbullied by netizens for gaining just a few pounds, with people claiming they lack professional ethics.

Jin Li did not reply immediately, "I need to consult my manager first."

She always keeps in mind that in the entertainment industry, she is not just herself; she belongs to a team. Weight issues are sensitive, and she cannot make decisions on her own but must go through team consultation.

After all, Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang is quite strict about the dietary management of the artists under her.

Jin Li and Xi Xi Sister Meng Ze are considered the lucky ones; she hasn't heard her nag much about this.

But that is because one of them doesn't gain weight easily, the other loves to exercise, and both are veteran artists, so they subconsciously manage their weight.

However, for new artists like Gong Gong Gong Jiajia and He He He Yixuan, the management is strict.

For a while, Gong Gong Gong Jiajia complained to her in private about Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang's strictness; after attending an event and returning to the company for a meeting, Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang would bring out a scale to check their weight.

It Match Match Match Match Match Made her have to weigh herself first every time she went to the company to see if she had gained any weight.

It was fine if she hadn't, but if she had, she would have to find a way to lose it, such as skipping meals or sweating it out for hours with exercise.

In short, going back to the company for a meeting is like going into battle.

After the fitting, Jin Li was taken by the staff for training and had to face a second challenge: wearing high heels.

High heels are no stranger to male or female stars.

Don't think only actresses wear high heels; in fact, actors wear them too.

It's just that actors can wear long trousers to hide them, so many people don't realize they are wearing height-increasing insoles in private, or they wear shoes with thick heels or designs that are inherently high-heeled.

But the high heels worn by models are a full 10-12cm, which is far beyond the range of high heels Jin Li wears in her daily life.

The moment she stepped into them, before even taking a step, she felt like she would fall at any moment.

Her insteps were taut and tight, just like walking on a tightrope—oh, at least when walking on a tightrope, you can hold a bamboo pole to maintain balance!

Learning to walk isn't enough; she also has to walk with a specific gait, which is the runway walk.

After Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang finished discussing Jin Li's work schedule with others, she came over to find her and watched silently as she trained.

Dai Dai Dai Xueling appeared from somewhere and was also watching Jin Li's training; Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang spotted her, her eyes darted, and she walked over to her side quietly.

This person is the current head of Fang Fei, the chief designer, and also holds the largest share of Fang Fei.

If Dai Dai Dai Xueling thinks highly of Jin Li, then the matter of the spokesperson is very promising.

"Ms. Dai, I'm sorry. Jin Li just finished filming yesterday, and I brought her here today, but the timing is still a bit rushed. I apologize!"

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang stated the fault first, putting on a sincere attitude.

Dai Dai Dai Xueling did not want to exchange pleasantries with Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang and said indifferently, "There is still time. Jin Li can make it in time; I will let her go on stage. If she can't make it, then she can't go on."

"This mainly depends on how much Jin Li can absorb. Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang, I also have to be responsible for my runway show."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang's heart skipped a beat, and she nodded, "That is only right."

Dai Dai Dai Xueling then put forward her requirements: Jin Li must live nearby, report every day, learn model-related courses, and clear her schedule—all of which were no problem.

But the "weight gain" point Match Match Match Match Match Made Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang hesitate.

"Jin Li is a star. Rash weight gain will affect her public image, which might be a bit..."

Dai Dai Dai Xueling said, "But she is also an actress. I have heard that after actors take on a role, they make changes according to the character's image, which is why actors lose or gain dozens of pounds for a role."

"The complexity of a runway show is no less than that of a film set; it is also composed of many people. If Jin Li is to walk the runway, she must also present herself in the best image."

"And this gown is too thin on Jin Li, especially after wearing high heels; it fails to highlight the image of the clothing."

"I want health and freedom, not extreme weight loss and freedom. Because she is a star and not a professional model, that is why I Match Match Match Match Match Made the request for weight gain."

If Jin Li were a model, she would clearly not be thin enough, as her frame wouldn't be prominent.

With her technical level, she wouldn't be able to appear on the runway as a model either.

Since she is appearing as a star, Dai Dai Dai Xueling also has to make some different designs.

For example, the model who walks the finale can break the mold.

There have been 60-year-old grandfathers showing off their muscular physiques on the runway, and people with disabilities expressing their physical incompleteness along with the rhythm of the clothes; these highlight the human spirit more than the clothes themselves.

Dai Dai Dai Xueling also hopes that Jin Li can wear the "Fire" gown to convey the spirit she wants to express to the audience.

Seeing that her attitude was firm, Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang gave her bottom line.

"Weight gain is fine, but I need Jin Li to definitely appear on the runway. Can this be guaranteed, Ms. Dai?"

Dai Dai Dai Xueling gave a faint smile, "Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang, I cannot guarantee that, but I can guarantee that after Jin Li gains weight and wears this gown, it will have more flavor."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang's eyes flickered, and she said in a low voice, "Starting from today, I will have the nutritionist adjust Jin Li's diet."

Jin Li discovered that her training at Fang Fei was actually busier than staying on a film set.

She didn't feel much on the film set, but after two days of training at Fang Fei, she felt her body couldn't take it anymore.

Because the training at Fang Fei was high-intensity.

Just the runway walk practice in high heels Match Match Match Match Match Made her concentrate intensely, not daring to slack off for a second; this was more tiring than attending class!

Jin Li was in good condition, but she only lasted two days.

When she woke up on the third day, she felt something was wrong with her body; her head was dizzy and she wasn't very clear-headed.

Jin Li felt that she must have a low-grade fever.

She checked her complexion; from the outside, it couldn't be seen.

She used her "twice the result with half the effort" focused state to recover her spirit while simultaneously practicing, dragging herself until noon.

Taking advantage of the two-hour break at noon, she hurriedly pulled Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang to set off for a nearby Daoist temple.

When Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang was pulled into the car, she was still a bit puzzled.

"What are you doing? Why are you being so sneaky? Where do you want to go? Let's be clear: you have to be back before class in the afternoon. Fang Fei attaches great importance to this show, and we can't ask for leave."

Jin Li said with a serious expression, "Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang, I feel that if I continue this high-intensity practice, my body won't be able to take it. You don't want me to faint suddenly, do you?"

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang became nervous immediately, "How is your body?"

Fang Fei is too aggressive, and Jin Li has indeed been in good condition lately, making people always forget that her body is actually very weak!

A cold sweat broke out on Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang; the show is a small matter, but health is a big matter.

"How about I help you turn it down? Health is important; don't overdraw yourself."

Jin Li smiled, "Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang, don't be so nervous. I just feel that my body might not be able to take it, but it hasn't become a problem yet, so I plan to go to the Daoist temple to pray and let the gods bless me so that no problems arise."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang frowned, "Is praying at a Daoist temple useful? Better to go to the hospital."

Jin Li: "I had a physical exam on the set of 'Dream Builder' last month, and everything was normal. Don't worry."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang: "Fine, fine, fine. I'll go with you to pray."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang thought to herself, Jin Li prays for her own health, and she prays for Jin Li's health; if both of them pray for the same thing, the gods should be able to hear it.

Fang Fei's building is in the central district, belonging to the Upper City.

And the nearest Daoist temple is in the Lower City, which is quite remote; it took 40 minutes to drive there.

As soon as they arrived at the temple, Jin Li ran straight to the main hall.

This temple is dedicated to Peng Zu; it is rumored that Peng Zu, as a mortal, lived to the age of eight hundred and is also the ancestor of all people with the surname Peng.

In some clan temples, there is still a portrait of Peng Zu hanging.

There was originally another temple in a different location that only took half an hour to drive to, but Jin Li still chose Peng Zu.

Also as a god of longevity, the last time she prayed to Magu, she gained abundant energy and also improved her body's flexibility and coordination.

In Daoism, every deity has different divine duties, and their responsibilities are complex, with some duties even overlapping.

But conversely, when praying to deities like "Magu" or "Peng Zu" who only manage longevity and have singular duties, she can instead obtain some prominent, singular bonuses.

After devoutly praying to Peng Zu and walking out of the main hall.

A surge of thick divine power struck; Jin Li felt a jolt in her body, as if her Ren and Du meridians had been opened, and her limbs and hundreds of acupoints felt a sense of relief, like "long-awaited rain after a drought."

——Comfortable!

She felt she had come back to life!

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang followed her out closely, glanced at Jin Li, and discovered the change in her expression, exclaiming with joy:

"I feel your complexion has improved a lot. Is praying really that useful?"

Jin Li said with a smile, "I don't know. Maybe it's the incense here that makes people feel relaxed; with a spiritual anchor, I'm not so anxious anymore."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang sighed, "The power of the spirit is indeed magical!"

She suddenly thought, "Then what will you do when you go abroad to attend film festivals in the future? There might not be Daoist temples abroad."

Jin Li said with a wry smile, "Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang, things abroad are still a long way off. Aren't you thinking too far ahead?"

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang laughed, "Isn't this just being prepared? Are you not even going to let me dream?"

Jin Li said, "Let's consider this problem when we really have to go abroad for a long time."

It's not like it can't be solved.

For example, inviting a small statue of a deity to accompany you on the trip is enough.

You have to know, even Mazu travels across the ocean to visit foreign countries!

Leaving the Peng Zu Temple, Jin Li and Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang arrived at Fang Fei right on time; Jin Li continued to participate in training, while Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang sat in the lobby, taking out her laptop to work.

Before long, Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang received a call from Zou Da.

Zou Da asked curiously, "Did you and Jin Li go to pray again?"

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang was stunned, "Yes, wait, how did you know?"

Zou Da: "There were tourists at Peng Zu Temple, and you two didn't cover up, only wearing masks. The tourists took photos of you and uploaded them to the blog; now everyone knows."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang gave an awkward smile.

People fear fame like pigs fear being fat; who would have thought they would be targeted by tourists for this too.

She remembered that there were very few tourists at Peng Zu Temple, and they hadn't noticed being photographed at all.

Zou Da said: "This blog post actually has quite high traffic. It even surged into the top fifty at the beginning. It could have continued to ferment, but someone suppressed its popularity. Does the company need to give it a push?"

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang thought for a moment and shook her head: "Forget it. Jin Li will be in the spotlight soon anyway. Let's not bother with this kind of small trending topic. If it trends, it trends; if not, so be it. Let the bullets fly for a while."

Zou Da said "Mm," then added, "Li Li Li Li Li Li Xunfang has been buying promotional articles recently; I suspect she's the one suppressing it."

"That's not surprising. After all, she and Jin Li are competitors, and both of them have their eyes on the pie that is Fang Fei."

This afternoon, the training staff at Fang Fei felt that Jin Li was a bit different.

If it could be said that two days ago, she was still like an ignorant novice who understood nothing.

But after these two days of training, she entered the state extremely quickly and had the flair of a professional model, especially when it came to wearing high heels.

No one knew how Jin Li had been practicing in private, but she walked in 12cm high heels with ease, which Match Match Match Match Match Made the trainer unable to help but ask:

"Jin Li, how did you practice?"

Jin Li was actually surprised by today's efficiency herself. After thinking it over, it must have been the blessing of Peng Zu.

Her body's coordination had become much better, and wearing high heels had become second nature.

She said: "I suddenly felt it was very simple; maybe I just had a breakthrough."

Everyone else was very envious.

There are some very talented models in the industry who are often like this.

Obscure at first, then one day they have a breakthrough, their stage presence becomes exceptionally steady, and they can even develop a style of their own for their runway walk.

Because Jin Li's efficiency was high, Fang Fei seized the opportunity to add another body-shaping class for her.

In the past, when Jin Li returned to the hotel where she was staying nearby, she would force herself to finish a set of test papers while fighting off sleepiness, and then fall asleep immediately.

But today was different. After finishing the test papers, she felt quite energetic and planned to relax, so she started a video group chat in the Pink Girls group.

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian was the first to join. She looked like she was about to rest too, having already changed into her nightgown. Seeing Jin Li initiate the video call, she came over to join the fun.

She asked curiously: "Did you run off to a Daoist temple today?"

Jin Li was surprised, "How did you know?"

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian laughed: "It's a bit hard not to know. I was bored and scrolling through the blog when I saw it. It might be because I often search for news about you, so the blog pushed it to me. Both you and Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang were photographed by tourists."

Jin Li sweated, "I didn't notice."

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian asked again: "Can you still handle the training at Fang Fei?"

Jin Li: "I just felt I couldn't adapt, so I thought about running to a Daoist temple to pray and see if I could change my luck."

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian Match Match Match Match Match Made a "tsk" sound.

"Li Li Li Li Li Li Xunfang has been very active lately. The news of your training at Fang Fei should have spread the day before yesterday, but there has been no news; I'm afraid it was suppressed by her. And the news this afternoon could have been a small trending topic, but it was also suppressed by someone."

"Li Li Li Li Li Li Xunfang?"

Jin Li felt she hadn't heard that name in a long time.

During the filming of *Dream Builder*, she was very quiet and didn't hype herself up much; it could be said she wasted the summer season.

"Didn't she take on two costume dramas? She should have joined the crew by now, is she still desperately releasing promotional articles?"

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian said: "Joining the crew doesn't stop her from asking for leave to film variety shows. Everyone knows how those two costume dramas came about.

You looked down on them, and Li Li Li Li Li Li Xunfang felt she lost out, but she had already signed the contract and couldn't count on those two, so she thought about running to more variety shows. She has been trending repeatedly for the past half month."

Jin Li didn't quite approve of this approach.

"Those two dramas just didn't meet my expectations, but they aren't bad. Sister Fang didn't pick them out randomly; the plot structure is complete, and the subject matter is a type that stays popular for a long time. If she films them well, they might become hits."

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian raised an eyebrow, "Are you serious?"

Jin Li nodded: "I've read the script, I'm serious. It's just that I didn't want to play a character that was too one-dimensional, which is why I declined. Playing Liu Ci is enough; I don't want to play a second Liu Ci."

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian laughed: "This is interesting. When her two dramas are released, I must go and take a look."

She paused, and said hesitantly: "My manager has come knocking again."

Jin Li calculated the time, "At the time, you said you wanted to clear five months of your schedule for *Great Prosperity Dynasty*, and now it has been five months. It's normal for them to look for you. What are your thoughts?"

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian: "I originally wanted to drag it out, but Zhang Zhang Ziqiang was right. I haven't appeared in public for a while, especially since I wasn't there for the summer season; the audience will gradually forget me, so I'm struggling with the decision."

Jin Li: "What about your scenes?"

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian: "They were finished last month. It was me who wanted to stay with the crew to learn, so I didn't go out."

Jin Li thought for a moment, "Communicate well with your manager about the announcements. It's not suitable to burn bridges at this stage; you do need to participate in some high-quality announcements."

Seeing that Jin Li said the same, Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian Match Match Match Match Match Made up her mind: "Alright then, I'll go out for a trip."

Jin Li smiled and gave a reminder: "Don't worry too much. Isn't *Great Prosperity Dynasty* still filming? Last time, Director Mo was willing to cover for you."

If Zhang Zhang Ziqiang's arrangements don't work out, then you can find an excuse to say you're going back to the crew for reshoots, and just walk away. Zhang Zhang Ziqiang probably wouldn't dare to go ask Director Mo."

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian's eyes lit up, "That's a good idea!"

The two chatted for a while longer, and since the other girls didn't show up, they ended the call and went to rest early.

Everything was peaceful and smooth on their side.

As for Li Li Li Li Li Li Xunfang, her announcements were clashing, and she was having a rough time.