With The Backing Of A Powerful Figure: He's Gone Wild In The Modeling World - Chapter 7

As models must prioritize physique management, the food Le Xin prepared was very simple: some boiled eggs, sweet potatoes, and corn, along with a side of vegetable salad.

Several contestants carried the plates out from the kitchen. By the time they reached the end of the line, nearly every contestant had a portion. The plates of the final few people were practically overflowing, yet Le Xin turned to Zhan Zhiqing and Zhou Xing, who were sitting to the side, and said with a fake apologetic smile, “I am so sorry, but we have run out of plates and food. I am afraid you will have to cook for yourselves.”

Zhou Xing rolled her eyes the moment she heard that. Zhan Zhiqing stood up, gave a slight nod, and walked toward the kitchen.

He knew how to cook and was quite skilled. If it had not been for Le Xin and the crowd of boys trying to please her crowding the kitchen for so long, he and Zhou Xing would have finished eating by now.

Earlier, during their group chat, Zhan Zhiqing had tried to join the conversation to avoid seeming too aloof. However, he was ignored by everyone. When Zhou Xing spoke up for him, the others just rolled their eyes at her, accusing her of already trying to curry favor with certain people. This was why the two had separated themselves from the group.

Since the others had no intention of accepting him, he did not intend to continue showing them kindness. He asked Zhou Xing if she had any dietary restrictions, then took a steak, some wild rice stems, and a cucumber from the fridge. He planned to make pan seared steak with sautéed wild rice stems and a cold cucumber salad. Zhou Xing stayed by his side to help prep the vegetables.

The first day passed quietly in this manner.

Early the next morning, the pre set alarms in the house blared loudly, startling the models who were still deep in sleep, except for Zhan Zhiqing, who was already awake.

Everyone was gathered in the living room. He Yu and a fashionably dressed man stood before them with serious expressions. He Yu wore a tight fitting short skirt with her makeup and hair perfectly styled. Once she saw that everyone had arrived, she clapped her hands for silence.

“Alright everyone,” He Yu said humorously. “I know you are all curious about the first competition. But first, let me introduce your movement coach, Mr. Wei Ming. He has served as a photography director for the brand LH. He can quickly understand your body characteristics and guide you into your best poses. So, boys and girls, let us give him a warm welcome!”

Zhan Zhiqing stood at the back and joined the others in applauding.

“Alright children, get ready for the first challenge of China’s Next Top Model: the Pool Runway!” He Yu’s tone was spirited, and her animated gestures quickly energized the atmosphere.

Once the cheering died down, He Yu raised her index finger as a reminder. “Please take note: at the end of the runway, a photographer will capture your pose. That photo will become your first high fashion editorial shot in this competition. So, boys and girls, get moving!”

The young men and women, brimming with hormones, cheered at the theme of the challenge. Many of the sixteen models were single, and although this was a model selection program, it did not stop them from thinking about romance. Of course, such unprofessional thoughts only occurred to a few less serious models.

After finishing her announcement, He Yu left the villa, leaving the floor to the photography director, Wei Ming.

Wei Ming wore a black shirt and trousers with meticulous hair. His makeup was heavier than that of the girls. He had been out of the closet for a long time and was something of a legend in the fashion world. The models did not find his feminine gestures strange; they were more worried about something else. It was common knowledge that he was incredibly sharp tongued.

“Alright models, I am giving you five minutes to wash up and change. A bus will then take you to a villa in the city where the pool runway and the final photoshoot will take place.”

“Only five minutes!” one girl cried out.

Wei Ming did not even look at her. He folded his arms and smiled. “If I were you, I would be sprinting to my room right now instead of complaining about the time.”

At his words, the gathered models scattered toward their rooms, leaving only Zhan Zhiqing standing there.

Wei Ming studied him for a moment before arching an eyebrow. “You are a smart young man with a healthy routine. Taking care of your body is the first step to being a model.”

It was clear he held a high opinion of Zhan Zhiqing. Zhan Zhiqing did not become conceited. Although pleasing the man in front of him might help in the competition, he stuck to his usual behavior. He simply thanked Wei Ming politely for the compliment. “I agree with your perspective. I wake up early because I am used to this routine.”

The five minutes passed quickly, and Wei Ming led them onto the bus. It was a long journey, taking about an hour. Zhan Zhiqing was the first to board, and Zhou Xing grabbed the seat next to him.

She was a girl who could not sit still. As soon as she sat down, she asked impatiently, “Our villa has a pool too. Why do we have to travel all the way to the city for the show and shoot?”

Zhan Zhiqing thought for a moment before replying, “Perhaps because the pool at our villa is too small and the setting is not diverse enough to support a high fashion shoot.”

“That makes sense,” she agreed.

In fact, that was one reason, but it was not the primary one. He Yu had originally planned to set the stage at the models’ villa, but thanks to the sponsorship of a certain high profile figure, they were able to use a much larger venue with an even larger audience.

He Yu had a great relationship with Ying Cheng. Thinking of certain information Ying Cheng had whispered to her, she smiled to herself. Even if the favored model was among the sixteen, she had no intention of showing favoritism.

The models only realized that He Yu had not told them the full extent of the rules when they arrived at the city villa and saw dozens of white chairs placed around the pool. They had actually invited leaders from various sectors of the fashion industry to watch the opening show of China’s Next Top Model, and they would act as judges and score today’s performance. These audience members were industry giants whom they would usually never have the chance to meet. If one of them took an interest, their future career path would be set.

The models in the dressing room were eager to go, and the looks they exchanged were filled with competitive fire. Because it was a pool runway, both men and women had to wear swimwear.

The boys’ outfits were simple: just swim trunks paired with accessories like bags, swim caps, or sunglasses. The girls’ swimwear was much more eye catching, with diverse styles and vibrant colors. The boys wore almost no makeup, only having their hair styled, while the girls all wore the same shade of lipstick.

Zhan Zhiqing was assigned a pair of swim trunks and a Hawaiian style shirt. The stylist specifically noted that the shirt should be worn open. He was also given a pair of orange sunglasses.