With The Backing Of A Powerful Figure: He's Gone Wild In The Modeling World - Chapter 8

His hair was the longest among the male models, and the stylist seemed to adore it, spending a long time braiding over a dozen small plaits. These extended from his forehead to the back of his head. When paired with his outfit, he looked entirely different from his previous cold and noble style. He had become passionate and fiery.

To the side, Wei Ming was commenting on the contestants’ looks for the cameras. When he reached Zhan Zhiqing, he made a specific note. “I have seen the video of his runway walk for that brand. His pace was perfect, and he has a distinct style. My only concern is that his personality is too aloof. He might fail to convey the passionate, unbridled energy required for swimwear.”

He shrugged. “Regardless, let us wait and see.”

The dozens of judges below were all professionals who would do their best to avoid gender bias. The champion of this challenge would be born from their collective scores.

When Zhan Zhiqing emerged after changing, he drew a dozen subtle gazes, but only Zhou Xing stepped forward to greet him. His physique was not the typical bulky build or tanned skin common in the modeling world. He had muscle, but it was not thick. Instead, it covered his frame evenly, and his skin was as white as milk.

As soon as Zhou Xing reached him, she flipped up his open Hawaiian shirt and gasped in surprise at his chest. “Your physique is truly beautiful, especially…” She gave a knowing smile.

Zhan Zhiqing felt a bit helpless. Zhou Xing’s actions were not offensive; as a model, swimwear shows were a required part of the curriculum. He took a step back before replying, “You look beautiful too, Zhou Xing.”

Zhou Xing knew his quirks and did not take offense. Instead, she let out a hearty laugh and twirled around to show off her swimsuit.

His praise was sincere. Although Zhou Xing was not particularly curvaceous, her small braids and unique features gave her a striking look. With her slender waist, long legs, and healthy skin, she was an androgynous female model. In a modeling world where beauty standards are often uniform, both Zhan Zhiqing and Zhou Xing were wild cards.

This was also why the other models instinctively excluded them. Based on looks alone, these two possessed more character than the rest.

When Le Xin emerged in her outfit, she was stared at by almost all the male models. She had a perfect face, the traditional Chinese beauty with an oval face and willow leaf eyebrows. Her smile was sweet, and her body followed a perfect S curve. However, because of her close relationship with Cao Yan, most of the male models only dared to steal glances at her.

Cao Yan had dyed his hair gold. He was muscular and handsome, but he was a mommy’s boy. Since entering the house, he had been focused on Le Xin. Even though every third sentence out of his mouth was “my mom said,” Le Xin still smiled at his flattery. She did so for no other reason than the expensive luxury brand outfit he wore when he first arrived.

The female contestants did not envy her, however. She had been warm and generous from the start, mingling with everyone. After her cooking performance the previous night, she had gained everyone’s affection. Thus, the female models praised her and the male models complimented her.

Cao Yan was also a popular figure among the men. His handsome face and short gold hair made him well liked, though many flattered him because of the designer clothes and bags he carried. He was ostentatious enough that every contestant knew about his wealth, his family background, and his obsession with his mother. Zhou Xing even privately mocked him by imitating his “my mom said” routine to Zhan Zhiqing.

Inside the rectangular pool, a transparent runway had been installed. The models needed to enter the runway from the left side of the pool, walk to the right, strike a pose for the high fashion shot, and then exit. Men and women alternated turns. Zhou Xing was ranked first, and Zhan Zhiqing was sixth.

Ten minutes before the show began, Ying Cheng brought Ying Yuan to the scene. They sat in the very center of the front row, ensuring Ying Yuan had an unobstructed view of Zhan Zhiqing. Indeed, Ying Yuan was the benefactor who had increased the investment in He Yu’s show and provided the venue. Inviting these industry leaders to watch was also a suggestion Ying Cheng had made to He Yu.

The two were dressed low key in black suits, black sunglasses, and black masks, trying their best to remain unrecognized by Zhan Zhiqing. When Ying Cheng asked why they were being so secretive, Ying Yuan simply glanced at him and said, “It is not the right time yet.”

After taking his seat, Ying Yuan seemed to drift into a daze. Ying Cheng whispered provocatively in his ear, “Brother, are you excited to see Zhan Zhiqing’s physique?”

Physique… Just thinking of the body wrapped in that suit made Ying Yuan’s pulse quicken. Who would not be moved by a vibrant, twenty year old body? But he could not show it. He replied coldly, “Watch your behavior.”

Seeing that Ying Yuan would not take the bait, Ying Cheng mimed zipping his lips to indicate he would no longer speak.

The time arrived, and the show began promptly. Although Ying Yuan had no interest in the other models, he upheld the principle of fairness. He forced himself to watch the entire performance and give each model a professional score.

He considered himself rational, but the moment he saw Zhan Zhiqing emerge, the emotional side of his brain nearly overwhelmed his logic.

The model walking before Zhan Zhiqing was Le Xin. Wearing a black bikini on the transparent runway, her superior looks and proud stature captured the attention of all the judges. Her walk was excellent, powerful, and confident, showcasing the bold side of her personality. When she reached the end, a mocking smile touched her lips. She was determined to win today. She did not believe any model following her could capture the judges’ favor.

Zhan Zhiqing’s appearance immediately drew every eye in the house. He simply possessed an aura entirely different from the other models.

It is rare for male models to stand out in a swimwear show. They wear almost uniform outfits with no other decorations. The small area of the swim trunks and the simple designs leave little room for expression. Like the male models who had walked before him, they all focused on displaying their muscles. The poses they struck at the end of the runway were as messy as bodybuilders’ routines. While partly due to a lack of professional training, it also reflected their basic understanding of the modeling industry. Their temperaments were uniform: passionate, wild, and bordering on greasy.

Zhan Zhiqing’s arrival brought a breath of fresh air to the judges. His muscles were not as large as the other contestants’. They were just right. With his slender frame and fair skin, he stepped onto the runway wearing his sunglasses with a steady gaze.

The first thing Ying Yuan noticed was his two straight, long legs, which seemed to glow white in the sunlight. Looking up, he saw the swim trunks and a clear set of eight pack abs. The only regret was that the patterned shirt covered his chest.

Though he appeared thin and aloof, his runway walk was anything but. He stepped perfectly to the beat of the music. Although the judges could not see his eyes behind the orange sunglasses, they saw the personality reflected in his facial expressions: sincere, frank, and wild.

This time, Zhan Zhiqing did not look toward Ying Yuan. He stared straight ahead throughout the walk with his lips slightly curled. His gaze was piercing, and his steps were casual yet crisp, as if he were walking on a white sandy beach with a gentle sea breeze blowing through coconut trees.