At this moment, the music on the stage began, and the models started their walk, everything seemed to be a foregone conclusion.
Was Chi Tingting really going to crush Chi Xiaoyu this time?
No, this was not the outcome she wanted.
Xia Xixi was cursing furiously, rolling up her sleeves and ready to leap to action, "Damn it, what the hell is this! The conscience of a dog, acting all high and mighty, just wait and see how I'll deal with her!"
Chi Xiaoyu tugged at Xia Xixi's sleeve and gave her a look, shaking her head gently.
"Xiao Yu, what should we do? Without a model, your week-long effort was in vain..." Xia Xixi's eyes were beginning to redden, she felt sorry for Chi Xiaoyu.
Chi Xiaoyu bit the back of her hand and paced back and forth in the makeup room, her delicate eyebrows furrowed as she thought carefully.
"It's okay, Xixi, if all else fails, I'll walk the runway myself!"
"You!! Can you do it?" Xia Xixi looked conflicted.
Chi Xiaoyu was only 1.64 meters tall, far from meeting the standard height for a model, but she wouldn't give up.
Chi Xiaoyu checked her phone, "Luckily, we are the last to perform, there's still time. Come on, help me buy a pair of shoes!"
The shoe shopping went smoothly, and by the time they rushed back, there were only fifteen minutes left before they were due on stage.
A pair of ten-centimeter heels instantly resolved all her worries.
With Xia Xixi's help, Chi Xiaoyu did her makeup, fixed her hair, changed her clothes, and got everything done in one go, not even having time to be nervous.
But the moment she stepped out, her eyes lit up.
There were four people sitting at the judging panel, and she looked over at each one of them.
The first was Teacher Deng from our academy's traditional Chinese painting department, the second was international fashion design master Mike, and the third one was... actually Bo Xuan. Alright, Bo Xuan must have secretly sponsored Chi Tingting, which is why he had a spot as a judge. Under the lights, he looked so aloof and unfamiliar.
Strangely unfamiliar, as if he had never been loved at all. Her heart still ached, not for this man, but for the emotions she had once invested.
Pinching the center of her palms, she struggled to regain her composure, displaying a calm smile.
On the far left... dressed in a slick black suit, his handsome features were breathtaking, his eyebrows sharp and eyes fiercely independent.
Every move he made exuded the sharpness and edge of someone who had been through the world's trials.
His commanding presence made the other judges almost fade into insignificance in an instant...
She could only see him in her eyes.
He was the only one left in her entire world.
That was Gong Beiming!!!
Oh my god, yes, it was really him.
These past few days, she had been so busy with the competition that she had completely thrown the car compensation issue out of her mind.
In a moment of utter disorientation, she nearly twisted her ankle, until the photographers' flash brought her back to her senses, restoring her poise.
The first half of the show was incredibly boring for Gong Beiming.
He kept checking his watch, looking at his phone...
He had turned down all his evening engagements just to see the girl's design work.
The appearance of Chi Xiaoyu truly dazzled him.
He immediately sat up straight, his long eyes lighting up.
To the backdrop music of "Taihu Beauty," the screen showed a misty alley in the drizzling rain of Jiangnan.
Scattered peach blossom petals lay all around as a charming girl holding a paper umbrella emerged gracefully, donning an elegant and classical flowing gown.
"Mist Cage Moon," it was a cheongsam revision. With an ink painting as the foundation, ethereal and fashionable, its simplicity carried a classic beauty.
Amongst a sea of sexy, fashionable, and luxurious styles, this "Mist Cage Moon" was a breath of fresh air that revitalized the senses.
Plus, the model's natural classical charm added a significant allure to the piece...
The brief walk on the runway ended in just a few seconds and there was silence for three seconds, followed by thunderous applause.