Ye Wuge was well-known across the country as a young and exceptionally talented director.
Although many of the top stars in the entertainment industry would give anything to play a role in his movies, he had the quirky habit of unexpectedly casting newbies.
And the newbies that he cast in his movies would all become superstars, winning award after award.
Even a supporting role as a nondescript female character in his movie would be portrayed brilliantly under his tutelage.
The women had registered for the contest specifically with the goal of entering the entertainment industry. If they managed to catch the eye of someone important like Director Ye, it would be like gaining a free pass within the industry and probably shorten their path to fame by at least 10 years.
Also, the guy was unapologetically charming, wealthy, and single.
When Lin Kelan noticed Director Ye walking towards them, her eyes lit up, and she quickly lowered the hand that she had raised to slap Xia Xiaotong.
Her face transformed to a beguiling smile, and she rushed forward and extended her hand to Ye Wuge, saying with confidence, "Hi Director Ye, I am Lin Kelan, daughter of Mr. Lin from Changxing Group. Very pleased to meet—"
Before she could complete her sentence, Director Ye had walked directly past her without even glancing at her.
Lin Kelan's smile froze as she glared fiercely at An Ziqi.
It was all that woman's fault. If not for her, she would not have left Director Ye with such a bad first impression.
An Ziqi made a face at her, signaling that she had brought this upon herself.
Noticing the glance that Director Ye gave her, An Ziqi stuck out her tongue mischievously.
"You're here, Director Ye. We had just received the call and were about to go out to meet you."
A few members of the staff emerged from the broadcast studio, hurrying forward and greeting Director Ye warmly.
Director Ye nodded slightly and walked towards the studio.
All this time, he did not even glance at Lin Kelan.
A staff member stopped and faced the crowd, speaking in a loud voice, "What are you all waiting for? Numbers 20,160 to 20,200, follow me."
An Ziqi looked at the number in her hand and continued to wait in the corridor.
Lin Kelan stared at her, flames of fury raging in her eyes. However, mindful that Director Ye might get wind of any commotion outside while he was in the studio, she did not dare continue harassing An Ziqi.
Having waited in the corridor for almost an entire day, An Ziqi's group was finally led into the studio by a staff member.
The judges were seated in a row at the front of the studio. Each contestant had to wait their turn to stand in front of the judges, make a self-introduction, and present herself.
Seated at center-left, Director Ye had a slight frown on his face and he looked a tad impatient.
He took one look at the woman standing in front of the row of judges and exclaimed, "You have so many layers of powder on your face. Go act as a zombie!"
That said, he drew a cross on the profile sheet, emotionlessly.
"What's with this pose? Backache? Tummy ache? If you're not well, just go home and consult a doctor."
Another callous comment...
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The other judges around him winced.
Whatever they had heard about Director Ye's weird temperament and sharp tongue had turned out to be true.
According to his criteria, they could not possibly go on with this beauty contest.
When it was An Ziqi's turn, she was different from the others for she did not try to imitate the poses that the top models did in the magazines or posters.
Since they were not trained professionals, imitating such poses just made them appear contorted and nauseatingly funny.
She simply opted to present her natural self as best as she could.
With confidence, she did a few poses that she would usually make when having her photograph taken.
With her face devoid of makeup, her smile was radiant and natural.
Everyone waiting their turn behind her looked at her with disdain.
Fancy making such silly poses in front of the judges. This was just too embarrassing. It would be a miracle if she were selected.