With The Backing Of A Powerful Figure: He's Gone Wild In The Modeling World - Chapter 9

Ying Yuan followed him uncontrollably with his gaze. He realized the truth in the saying that a man is most attractive when he is focused on his work. At this moment, Ying Yuan concluded in his heart that Zhan Zhiqing would certainly reach the pinnacle of the fashion world and shine brilliantly.

As Zhan Zhiqing stepped off the runway, Ying Yuan’s eyes remained fixed in his direction until Ying Cheng nudged him to look away.

“Brother, show some restraint. This is going to be on a video app.”

Ying Yuan did not refute Ying Cheng this time. He coughed twice and crossed his right leg over his left. Ying Cheng saw this and could not help but snicker to himself.

The show did not last long. After it ended, the guests left once they had submitted their scores for the models. Before leaving, Ying Yuan made a point to find He Yu.

“How can I see the raw, unedited footage?” Ying Yuan sat on the sofa with his back against the cushion and one hand on his leg in a complete big boss posture. If He Yu had not learned of his true motives from Ying Cheng, she would have thought he was there for a formal inspection.

“It is simple, President Ying. Just invest in the program. Investors have the right to view every segment we record. You just cannot leak it.”

“Deal. I will have my assistant discuss the details with you later. This is my account. Remember to send it to me on time.”

He Yu arched an eyebrow at the fact that he was willing to commit such a large sum just to see one model’s videos. “Is President Ying interested in Zhan Zhiqing? Are you looking for a deeper development?”

At the mention of Zhan Zhiqing, the scene he had just witnessed immediately flashed in Ying Yuan’s mind. He tugged at his tie to loosen it. “I simply think he is beautiful.”

It was the same rhetoric he used with Ying Cheng. He Yu understood and nodded in agreement.

“I will not go easy on anyone, though. I must maintain absolute fairness and justice in the competition,” she reminded him.

Ying Yuan let out a dry laugh. “There is no need. He has the strength to succeed on his own.”

All the models gathered backstage to hear Wei Ming announce the winner of the challenge.

“I am sorry for only announcing the reward now. This was a last minute decision by the production team. The winner will receive a fully paid trip to New Zealand after the program ends!” Wei Ming’s tone was low at first, making the contestants worry he was about to deliver bad news. When he delivered the final sentence in a high pitched voice accompanied by an excited stomp, the atmosphere shifted from gloomy to joyful in a single second.

Most of them had just entered society or were still in college. Aside from the rich second generation types, they had very little money. Winning a trip to New Zealand just for one competition meant that even if they were eliminated immediately, it would have been worth it!

The reactions were interesting. Several boys crowded around Cao Yan to congratulate him, and several girls surrounded Le Xin with well wishes. Only Zhan Zhiqing and Zhou Xing stood at the very back. Zhou Xing was quite self aware. After being the first to walk, she had watched the rest of the show on the backstage monitors. Though she had been selling ice cream at a dessert shop before the competition, she trusted her own eye.

“You know, Zhiqing, I watched everyone’s walk. I think yours was the absolute best!” she whispered.

Zhan Zhiqing replied softly, “I think you were great too. Truly.”

Zhou Xing whispered back even lower, “I think so too.”

Seeing the models’ excitement begin to settle, Wei Ming prepared to announce the results. A large electronic screen was rolled out.

“Everyone, your challenge scores were given entirely by dozens of popular judges. These scores will count toward your final total for this episode. Now, let us reveal the winner!”

On the screen, the sixteen names were divided into sixteen areas. Below each name was the high fashion shot captured on the runway, and at the bottom, several numbers flashed and changed constantly. Everyone held their breath.

The production team, clearly wanting to torture the contestants, suddenly froze the screen. The names of the two lowest scoring contestants dimmed.

The contestants got their first real taste of Wei Ming’s sharp tongue. “Ma Chang, I know your muscles are great, but you must remember this is a program to select supermodels, not a meat market. The way you showed off your arm muscles while walking was more terrifying than a gorilla. Especially that final pose, it looked like you were in heat.” As he said this, Wei Ming made a horrified expression, pretending to be frightened by Ma Chang.

Ma Chang frowned while listening. He started by staring straight at Wei Ming, but eventually his face turned red. This segment was guaranteed to be in the final cut. The whole country would know he was described as a gorilla in heat.

Next, Wei Ming critiqued the other eliminated female contestant. “Opposite of Ma Chang, as a swimwear model, your movements were far too conservative. Your gaze was wandering, as if you had been stripped naked on the street and were terrified of anyone looking at you.”

Two more contestants were eliminated in quick succession until only two remained: one man and one woman, Zhan Zhiqing and Le Xin. Zhou Xing’s score was actually very close to theirs, but she lost by a mere 0.1 margin.

Le Xin stood there with her head held high, a smile on her face, and certainty in her eyes, as if the grand prize were already in her pocket.

Wei Ming arched an eyebrow. “The result will be revealed immediately!”

The flashing numbers finally stopped.

“The winner of the challenge is, let us congratulate Zhan Zhiqing!”

“On what basis? How is that possible!” Le Xin’s words followed Wei Ming’s immediately. She frowned and stared at the screen in disbelief. Her proud figure was usually invincible, especially in a swimwear show. She had observed that there were many male judges in the audience.

Wei Ming’s impression of Le Xin was not bad, so he did not use his sharp tongue. He simply shrugged, indicating the decision was in the hands of the judges and he was only announcing the result.

Under the persuasion of her close friends, Le Xin gradually calmed down. “I am sorry, Zhiqing. I was just a bit excited. I did not mean to doubt your results.”

She lowered her head to apologize while her eyes seemed to shimmer with tears as if she were sincere. However, Zhan Zhiqing glanced at the camera behind them and saw through her performance.

“It is fine. I do not mind. I was just busy reminiscing about the beautiful scenery of New Zealand, so I did not hear clearly what you were saying.” He was not a soft type who would let others frame him.

Le Xin was choked by his retort and froze for a moment before retreating awkwardly.

The models gradually changed back into their own clothes. According to the prearranged schedule, they would remove their makeup and return to the house. However, at that moment, He Yu’s playful voice came through the speakers.

“Boys and girls! You did not think your first editorial shot for China’s Next Top Model would be that casual, did you?”

The contestants, who had relaxed thinking the competition was over, were startled.

“To test your taste, you will have five minutes to use one item from your previous runway look and choose your own setting. Wei Ming will give you guidance on your movements. Now, get moving!”

After the morning’s experience, the contestants were familiar with these emergencies. They immediately began choosing from the clothes they had just taken off. Most models had a small backpack or a pair of sunglasses. This was a test of their styling ability. However, most of the male and female models chose their swimsuits or decided to go shirtless. They were convinced that their proud physiques would secure high scores from the judges and audience.