With The Backing Of A Powerful Figure: He's Gone Wild In The Modeling World - Chapter 3

Ying Cheng was indeed preparing for his debut show and had been struggling to find the right opening model. When he received a message from his cousin stating that there was a model on the same flight who perfectly matched his brand’s aesthetic, he genuinely thought his cousin’s account had been hacked.

His cousin was a man of cold, dignified, and serious character. As the next successor to the massive MA luxury fashion group, Ying Yuan’s mind was usually occupied only by the company and various extreme sports. He barely even spared his own cousin a second glance. To imagine him noticing a model on a plane and specifically reaching out to suggest hiring them was practically a fairy tale.

Although Ying Cheng’s brand was newly created, it operated under the MA Group’s umbrella with a position in the light luxury market. Having been immersed in the fashion industry since childhood, Ying Cheng had exchanged ideas with countless master designers. Models wanting to walk his show were as numerous as fish in a river. He felt somewhat reluctant to submissively invite a random stranger to walk his runway.

That being said, his cousin, Ying Yuan, was the primary investor in his brand. He had no choice but to comply.

However, Ying Cheng was not the type to be swayed by wealth alone. If a model did not fit his creative vision, he would not agree to it even if it killed him. At most, Ying Yuan would withdraw his investment, and Ying Cheng would just have to go beg his mother for help.

He asked Ying Yuan to send a photo so he could find the person at the airport, but his arrogant cousin simply said, “His temperament is extraordinary and he has long hair. Just wait there and you will be drawn to him at first sight.”

Since they were messaging, Ying Cheng rolled his eyes without restraint. “Brother, you did not actually fall for the guy, did you?”

He saw the typing indicator flash, and then his cousin went radio silent. Nevertheless, remembering the invisible pressure Ying Yuan radiated when he looked at someone, Ying Cheng deigned to wait at the airport.

Just as he arrived, his cousin sent a photo. It was a back view showing a tall figure with long hair pulling a suitcase. Even from behind, Ying Cheng could see a distinct temperament in the man’s posture and outfit. It was promising, but he still needed to see the face and physique.

When he looked up from the photo, he happened to see the man. Just as his cousin had said, his eyes were drawn to him instantly. He rushed forward to stop him. When Zhan Zhiqing turned around, even a seasoned fashion veteran like Ying Cheng could not help but be amazed.

It was a face and body perfectly sculpted for the runway. This time he really had to thank Ying Yuan because he had finally found his opening model.

Since it was late, Ying Cheng acted the part of the gracious host. He took Zhan Zhiqing to dinner and booked him into a high end hotel for several days, arranging for a runway coach to train him the next morning before hurrying off.

His cousin seemed to message him right on cue. “Have you settled him in?”

Having found his ideal model, Ying Cheng’s resentment toward his brother had vanished, replaced by a bit of sycophancy. “Settled, settled. Brother, he really is as good as you thought. I have a feeling he will be the next rising star in the Chinese modeling world!”

Leaning back on his sofa at home, Ying Yuan replayed that face in his mind. Seeing the message, he could not help but smile. “Do not play games. Are there still seats for the show? Give me one. Make sure it is a good spot.”

Ying Cheng was secretly stunned. For his cousin to deign to watch his show meant his interest in Zhan Zhiqing was real. “Yes, yes. Brother, I will have someone arrange it for you immediately.”

The hotel Ying Cheng arranged was top tier with comfortable bedding and excellent service. Zhan Zhiqing slept well, adjusted to the jet lag, and even went for a swim before the runway coach arrived.

He was highly intelligent and grasped the essence of the walk within moments. Not only did he learn quickly, but he also walked exceptionally well.

Tonight’s show was for menswear. It did not require heavy makeup, but the hair needed styling. Zhan Zhiqing arrived early to familiarize himself with the venue, a quiet, century old villa in the heart of Yi City. Given the skyrocketing land prices in the city, the value of the villa and its massive garden was self evident.

The backstage was on the second floor. During the show, the models would descend slowly down a staircase. The slow pace and the mother of pearl wall behind the stairs were designed to create a classical, romantic atmosphere.

The other models were all stealing glances at Zhan Zhiqing. He was a new face in the industry, vastly different from their muscular builds and tanned skin. He was slender with a layer of lean muscle and milk white skin. Coupled with his perfect face and long hair, he was a landscape unto himself just by standing there.

In the busy backstage, the models did not greet each other. Since he was the opening model and the only one with long hair, the stylist designed a unique look for him. His hair was combed back and secured at the nape, with two long strands pulled from the temples, fixed with small silver rings, and draped over his chest.

When he emerged in his outfit, even Ying Cheng was shocked by the effect. Having wandered through Europe for years, Ying Cheng was obsessed with the classical architecture of Greece, Italy, and Germany. The theme for this collection was Classical Modern.

He used unique fabrics for the Autumn and Winter menswear, combining suits with silk, shirts with prints, and overcoats with intricate patterns. He wanted the models to interpret the clothes as both classical and modern. He sought perfection, which was why he had struggled to find an opening model until he found Zhan Zhiqing.

Zhan Zhiqing wore a deep gray suit with matching trousers and black leather boots. The focal point was the jacket. Glossy silk of the same color extended from the left collar, wrapped around the right waist and back, and was fixed at the side seam, finally draping down to his ankle.

With fifteen minutes to go before the start, Zhan Zhiqing looked out the window and saw a steady black Maybach driving in. He assumed it was the owner of the villa because Ying Cheng personally went out to welcome the guest.