With The Backing Of A Powerful Figure: He's Gone Wild In The Modeling World - Chapter 1

The reality show segments of this story are inspired by the American talent show “America’s Next Top Model.” It features a fictional setting and a dual-protagonist romance.

Years later, whenever Ying Yuan woke up and saw Zhan Zhiqing curled in his arms, his thoughts would drift back to their very first meeting.

A City in Norway

The weather here was perennially gloomy. A light drizzle often fell from the leaden sky and the air was bite-inducingly cold.

Zhan Zhiqing entered the aircraft cabin wearing a knit beanie and a long overcoat. He had originally purchased an economy ticket, but after seeing a promotion at the airport, he upgraded to business class. Though the price was still far from cheap, he wanted to ensure the first leg of his journey was comfortable. He needed to fly for one hour to Copenhagen followed by a flight of over ten hours to reach Yi City. The journey was long, but for the sake of his goal, it was worth it.

The plane was small and relatively empty. Business class featured four seats per row, offering much more comfort than economy. He was seated next to a man who appeared taller and broader than himself. Clad in a black coat and sunglasses, the man had a wool scarf wrapped so high around his neck that it nearly obscured the lower half of his face, giving him an air of mystery.

Since his seat was by the window, Zhan Zhiqing politely bowed his head slightly. He first asked in the local language if the man could let him through. The man moved, turning his head as if to look at him, and replied in English, “Of course.”

Zhan Zhiqing thanked him politely in English and took his seat. Once settled, he removed his beanie, revealing a cascade of long black hair. He leaned his head to the side to look out the window. With his eyelids slightly lowered, he possessed a naturally captivating allure. He wanted to catch one last glimpse of this country before leaving.

He was so focused that he did not notice the man beside him had been staring at him from the moment he sat down. Perhaps he was simply used to such stares.

Zhan Zhiqing was of mixed heritage from three countries. His mother was Chinese, and the blend of Western and Eastern genes was perfectly balanced in his face. His features were not as sharp as a typical Westerner’s, nor as soft as an Easterner’s. He was precisely and exquisitely refined. He kept his hair long and black to match his dark brows and eyes. His eyes were narrow, framed by long, curled lashes, and his nose was high and perfectly shaped. These traits combined to make him exceptionally attractive. He was simply beautiful.

Worrying that he would be unable to sleep in economy during the next leg of his trip, he rested his eyes after watching the scenery for a while. Because the flight was short and stayed at a low altitude, he rested peacefully. Having declined beverages earlier, the flight attendants did not disturb him.

Ying Yuan, the man sitting next to him, found himself unable to stop looking. He had been in the country for a few days for a mix of business and personal reasons. He was in Norway to scout locations for a brand boutique, though his primary goal was to find some peace of mind in the Arctic Circle.

Ying Yuan possessed a handsome yet stern countenance with a physique that would have made him an elite supermodel. In the three years since taking over as president of the family MA Fashion Group, he had increased sales across all brands by 40%. He was hailed by everyone as a commercial genius.

However, before becoming president, his life had been filled with global travel. He had climbed snow-capped mountains and dived into deep caves. He loved extreme sports. Beneath his dignified exterior lay a heart that was obsessive and extreme. He was habitually low profile. Few people outside of his employees could recognize him. He did not flaunt his wealth with private jets or ostentatious displays.

He was a man who planned for every contingency, yet he had never anticipated falling in love at first sight. He wondered if this truly was love at first sight.

The man next to him was stunning. He was approximately 185 centimeters tall with fair skin and a slender, elegant frame. When he had looked up earlier with lowered brows, he seemed so devoted and focused that Ying Yuan felt a sudden urge to touch his fluttering eyelashes.

It was strange. He wondered if he was truly so superficial as to be swayed by mere lust.

The young man beside him was asleep with his head tilted back against the headrest. In sleep, he looked exceptionally well-behaved with both hands resting neatly on his knees. He looked to be around 20 years old. He was young. By comparison, Ying Yuan felt quite old at 28.

The hour passed in the blink of an eye. When the announcement for landing played, Ying Yuan realized he had watched the stranger the entire way. He now faced a single dilemma: whether to ask for his contact information.

Zhan Zhiqing was awoken by the announcement. He looked a bit dazed upon opening his eyes, frowning and closing them again for a moment before fully waking up. After they landed, the man next to him remained in his seat. Zhan Zhiqing leaned forward slightly and asked in English, “Hello, sir, may I get past?”

His layover was only one hour. Unfamiliar with Copenhagen, he was terrified of missing his boarding time. His voice was clear and bright, like jade beads falling onto a golden plate. It was beautiful.

Ying Yuan’s ears twitched before he stood up. “Of course. I am very sorry,” he replied.

Zhan Zhiqing stepped out and grabbed his backpack. The cabin door was open and he was ready to leave the plane. Before leaving, he gave the man a faint and fleeting smile. Then, without a hint of hesitation, he turned and strode away.

The moment Ying Yuan saw that smile through his sunglasses, his heart nearly stopped. His breath hitched and a roaring sound filled his ears. He only snapped out of it when a flight attendant spoke to him. He felt a profound sense of loss.

Compared to ten years ago, he was now quite restrained. That restraint made him invincible in the business world, but it had caused him to miss his chance on a simple flight.

The weather in Copenhagen was poor. Raindrops tapped against the cabin window, reminding Ying Yuan of the way the young man had leaned against it. The economy passengers were still disembarking. He still had time.

Ying Yuan moved over and sat in the seat Zhan Zhiqing had just vacated. He mimicked the young man, leaning against the window to look at the scenery, then leaned back and closed his eyes to feel the moment. The seat still held a lingering warmth. Ying Yuan could not help but wonder if the young man’s body was just as warm.

Once that thought took root, his imagination ran wild like an unbridled horse. He began to think more deeply, recalling details he had initially overlooked: the long black hair, the slender fingers, and the well-coordinated clothes. His composure slowly crumbled under the weight of these memories.

Finally, a single thought dominated his mind. He cursed his own slowness. He should have asked for a contact number the second the boy sat down instead of sitting there like a pervert, indulging in unspeakable fantasies.

His racing heart finally slowed, but it was filled with an indescribable bitterness. However, the Goddess of Fate favored him. She had given him a handsome face, extraordinary ability, and immense wealth. Now, she gave him the chance to see that beautiful boy once more.