CHAPTER 13: CHAPTER 13: MODEL AUDITIONS

In the following days, she neither saw Fu Yinli nor contacted him. She waited for the versioning department to produce the finished product before seeking him out.

The design drafts for the fashion show were finalized, and there were some changes in her work. She was now in charge of selecting models and overseeing the styling for the three haute couture gowns she had designed.

Su Lingzhi participated in model interviews and conducted an initial selection round for the models.

As soon as she opened the door, everyone in the room turned to look at her.

She smiled politely, nodded to everyone, and walked in.

Her white wide-leg pants fluttered as she moved, and a sophisticated light pink off-shoulder fitted knitted long sleeve embraced her body, adorned with two different-sized three-dimensional rose blooms at the shoulder. Paired with a matching color choker, it accentuated her gentle collarbone line, while her slightly wavy long hair naturally draped over her shoulders, exuding a gentle and ethereal charm.

The staff accompanying the models were already captivated, their gaze following her until she seated herself at the center position.

The personnel handed her the resumes and introduced in English, "Lindie, all the models scheduled for the interview are here. Two are missing, making a total of forty-eight."

For the models, wearing Lyrae’s haute couture on the runway is a great honor, but at the same time, the competition is extremely fierce.

She needed to select three models from the forty-eight for fitting, along with three alternates.

The models stood in five rows, all in black tube tops, shorts, and high heels, with number plates attached to their waists, standing in order, nearly all possessing Northern European features.

Su Lingzhi’s gaze swept over them one by one, pausing for a few seconds on number 8, then addressed them, "Let’s start the catwalk from number one."

At this moment, some staff members assisted in clearing the field and informed them of the designated spots for the fashion show,

Up until candidate number 7 finished, Su Lingzhi hadn’t selected a single model.

"Number 8."

As she came up, Su Lingzhi’s gaze locked onto her, and a glance at her resume revealed she was from Beijing.

Model number 8 had a frail physique and a pure demeanor, a visually appealing beauty, yet compared to the other models, her presence was far weaker, and her aura wasn’t what she was looking for.

She looked at her a few more times because her brow and lip shape bore some resemblance to her mother’s.

However, number 8’s catwalk was not good. Her stage presence was unstable, clearly she wasn’t a professional model.

Su Lingzhi immediately passed.

"Next."

...

After the screening, Su Lingzhi finally determined the models she wanted and prepared to take them for fitting.

Just as she stepped out the door, a woman in a white suit approached.

"Miss Su, I’m the agent for model number 8. I’d like to have a private word with you."

Su Lingzhi hesitated for a moment and said to the personnel, "Please take them for the fitting first."

Then, Su Lingzhi took the agent to an unoccupied reception room, poured her a glass of water, and they sat down face to face.

From entering to sitting down, the agent’s gaze never left her, staring intently, scrutinizing her from head to toe.

"Hello, what would you like to discuss with me?" Su Lingzhi interrupted her blatant scrutiny.

The agent quickly came to her senses and reintroduced herself, "Miss Su, I’m Zhang Li, an agent from Huayang Entertainment. You can call me Sister Li."

"What do you want from me?"

"Miss Su is from Beijing, right?" Sister Li tried to establish rapport.

Su Lingzhi nodded slightly, "Say what you want directly, no need to beat around the bush."

Sister Li handed a resume to her, smiling flatteringly, "Here’s the thing, model number 8, Tong Yan, is an artist under my management. She’s an actress with three million online fans, and her career is on the rise. I wish to ask you for a chance, to let her become a model for Lyrae."

Su Lingzhi’s expression darkened as she understood the purpose of this private conversation, "As her agent, you should understand her situation clearly. Compared to the other six, she doesn’t meet the professional standards for a model."

"Although Tong Yan is not a professional model, she turned down a film for this Lyrae fashion show and has been calmly learning the catwalk for a month. This show is very important for her."

Sister Li pleaded earnestly, "There is still half a month before the Lyrae fashion show; she is sure to apply herself during this time."

Su Lingzhi’s voice remained restrained, "It’s not a matter of whether she will work hard in the next two weeks. That was just an initial assessment; later our creative director will review again, and the outcome will be the same."

As her words fell, silence ensued within the room.

Sister Li looked at this young girl barely in her twenties, feeling somewhat bewildered.

From the conversation until now, the girl’s aura remained undisturbed, elegant yet amicable, and her exceptional appearance and demeanor suggested she was not from an ordinary family.

"Sister Li, if there’s nothing else..."

Sister Li hastily said, "Miss Su, we are here because of you."

Su Lingzhi was slightly surprised.

Sister Li continued, "You are the only Chinese designer at Lyrae and you’re from our Beijing. I hope you can give us locals a shot at fame. If Tong Yan becomes famous one day, you will be our benefactor."

Upon hearing this, Su Lingzhi’s expression changed, her eyebrows knit tightly, "Of the three models I just selected, one is Chinese. There’s no question of not giving Chinese people a chance. I understand your wish to promote your artist, but if she’s not professional, she’s just not professional. Please respect my selection criteria."

Sister Li was speechless, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"I’m sorry, I’ve already selected the models. Thank you for coming all this way for the interview, but I must return to work and won’t be able to entertain you further," said Su Lingzhi as she stood up, bidding farewell and leaving.

...

In the fitting room, the three models had already changed into their clothes.

Su Lingzhi adjusted each of their outfits, checking the details.

"Your name is Su Lingzhi, right?" asked the model she had selected, who was Chinese.

Su Lingzhi looked up at her, "Do you know me?"

"Last year I walked in a show at the British Fashion Week, and I saw you. I really liked your designs. I can hardly believe I will become a Lyrae model."

Su Lingzhi smiled but remained silent.

The model introduced herself, "My name is Chu Qingxuan—Qing as in ’green’ and Xuan as in ’xuanji’. Although I’m still a new-generation model, not yet famous, I will strive to become a supermodel."

The slogan seemed a bit naive; indeed, a model’s aura on the runway and their real-life persona can be completely different styles.

She looked to be about twenty, with a sweet appearance and a cool temperament. A key reason for her selection was that during the show, she exuded a balanced and powerful presence.

Su Lingzhi smiled, "You’ve only passed my evaluation. Later, when our creative director comes, make sure to show your best."

"I will, thank you, Lingzhi."