"The Ultimate Slay"
The title bursts onto the scene like a trending hashtag right after the show wraps up, going viral faster than a meme on a mission.
Such a title spreads like wildfire after the show, catching on with a speed that rivals an epidemic.
Jessica's allure, with her bewitching smile and eyes that judge like they're looking at trash, cuts through the hearts of many. Her recent rise to fame captures everyone's attention as she exudes a killer coolness that defies gender norms—completely captivating.
The performance wraps up at five in the evening. Backstage, everyone takes a breather, rubbing their sore feet from wearing high heels all day. The torn stockings and bare skin have a provocative, accidental charm.
"Jessica, acing a ten-million-dollar endorsement deal in just your first year? You're amazing!"
"Yeah, those moves on stage? You're my idol now."
"The way you carried yourself up there, no wonder you're already so famous!"
The room is alive with chatter.
In the center, Jessica blushes deeply, feeling the mix of pride and shyness.
"I'm not that great, honestly. You guys are overdoing it," Jessica says, her cheeks tinged with red.
Even though she enjoyed the show, she admits to herself it was nerve-wracking.
"Jessica, how do you manage to keep calm on stage?" someone asks enviously. "I always go blank the moment I step out there."
"What do you think about on stage?"
Jessica tilts her head, recalling the moment. At the time, she was solely focused on not getting scolded by Sebastian, blocking out the audience completely.
"Just practice a lot. It helps with the nerves," she offers, giving them classic advice with a slight smile.
In the hallway, Patrick Anchor waits anxiously for the news.
"What's the verdict?" he asks nervously.
After the event ends, Sebastian is pulled into discussions about collaborations, only returning much later. Though it's not Patrick's company, he's deeply invested, perhaps even more than Sebastian.
The end goal for any product is its sales.
"Yeah, it went alright," Sebastian replies, stretching the words as he nimbly dodges Patrick's playful kick.
"Stop stalling, tell me already," Patrick insists, almost desperate.
"Alright, alright... we've secured better deals with manufacturing plants and authorized four new stores to carry our brand," Sebastian finally says, chuckling.
Is this a win? Short-term gains are still uncertain, but for a new brand, this is a significant step forward.
"You did it, man," Patrick says, laughing as he gives Sebastian a friendly punch. "I thought you were cutting corners, but those sheer stockings were a hit."
Patrick doesn't fully grasp the fascination with the ultra-thin stockings, finding Jessica's suit much more impressive. Sebastian only smiles knowingly.
Patrick, without university experience, can't understand how intriguing 'tearable' could be for others.
They quickly reach the dressing room. Sebastian enters first, blocking Patrick from following.
"Yes?" Patrick looks puzzled.
"The smell in there is intense. Trust me, you don't want to go in," Sebastian says sincerely. "Besides, man, you've been by my side all day. Take a break."
"Really?" Patrick asks seriously, nodding. "Alright, then. You'll call me when it's dinner time?"
"Sure thing," Sebastian claps him on the back and closes the door behind him.
Patrick feels genuinely moved. Walking by the stage all day leaves a distinct smell and sore body, he could literally fall asleep the second his head hit the pillow.
Sebastian looks around the chaotic dressing room, smiling brightly. "This is for the best, Patrick. Trust me," he thinks. "You wouldn't be able to fall asleep for days if you saw this."
"Boss!" someone spots Sebastian.
"You all did great today. Let's have a proper celebration, an after-party later—my treat!" he announces, earning cheers from the room.
The team boards a bus back to KG Studio to return their costumes and change.
Meanwhile, in the office, Jessica glares at Sebastian.
"You pervert!" she exclaims quietly.
"Excuse me?" Sebastian looks confused.
"Making girls leave their clothes to satisfy your twisted desires?" Jessica accuses, her eyes full of contempt. First impressions really are powerful.
Sebastian responds seriously, "Are you okay?" He's genuinely curious if something is bothering her. Her moods still swing wildly, long past the time a normal period should last.
Jessica is irritated by his innocent reaction and retorts, "You..."
"Have you met a real pervert?" Sebastian smirks. "If I were one, I'd have already checked your body instead of clothes. And Miss. Levandov, I have to remind you once more, you just signed a ten million deal with my studio. I expect better attitude than being called pervert."
Without giving her a chance to respond, he walks away.
Jessica, furious, starts to chase after him but is stopped by a cleaner.
"You're the girl who left her clothes here, right? Did you get your ID?"
"Huh? Oh, yes," Jessica says, slightly stunned.
"Last time when you were in the studio, your clothes were on the floor when I was cleaning." The cleaning lady stops and starts to tell the whole story as she noticed Jessica's bewildered expression, "So I picked them up and cleaned your clothes. That's when I found your ID. I later sent it back to Mr. Vanderbilt's office as I thought you two met often, only found it ended up in the trash for some reason. So in short, did you get it or not?"
"Oh, the ID. Yes, thank you," Jessica says, deeply grateful.
"Be careful next time," the cleaner advises, "Losing your ID can be a hassle."
Jessica listens, but her thoughts drown out the rest of the well-meaning advice.