For this Honor of Kings Xiao Qiao Manga Sorceress cosplay shoot, we went through numerous trials from the initial hair and makeup styling down to the final retouched shots. Since Xiao Qiao is naturally cute and playful, I opted for a luminous, translucent base makeup, keeping the eye makeup light while letting bright blue-violet colored contacts bring energy to the gaze. The wig features a teal gradient with soft pink-purple tips; to keep it looking silky rather than frizzy, I took it to a stylist to trim the bangs into a softer, rounded contour that complements the character's persona. The costume is rich in detail—especially the oversized witch hat with its wide brim displaying a gorgeous watercolor-like blue-purple gradient, looking like a patch of starry sky perched on top that moves with great texture. The outfit blends black, white, and purple color blocks, featuring signature geometric patterns across the bodice and waist. My favorite part is the heart-shaped bow at the waist paired with translucent iridescent streamers, which add layers to the predominantly white dress. For the lower half, I wore White stockings patterned with argyle motifs paired with black-and-purple chunky-heeled ankle boots. This pairing not only elongates the leg line but also radiates authentic 2D anime charm. The practical set was amazing: the photographer arranged a white pillar surrounded by blue-and-white hydrangeas against backlit stained-glass windows, cultivating a holy yet fantastical atmosphere. Because the skirt is fairly short, I kept poses deliberate and carefully guarded whether standing or seated on the pillar. For the opening full-body shot, I gently nudged the hat brim, while subsequent takes featured seated or half-body poses where pointing the toes and locking the legs was essential to lengthen proportions. Moving around in such an elaborate gown with multiple props was challenging, requiring dress adjustments between takes. In post-processing, I emphasized image translucency with the retoucher so the cool sky tones and window light would blend seamlessly to preserve that dreamy 2D aesthetic. Aiming to show both Xiao Qiao's lively cuteness and subtle sharpness, we designed several moments with direct eye contact toward the lens. The entire experience was joyful and rewarding, and seeing the finished photos made every effort worthwhile.