Chapter 200 : It’s the 200th Chapter, Isn’t That Worth a Group Photo
“It really pays to have connections, doesn’t it? A total newbie with zero runway experience, and she gets the finale spot.”
“Well, of course! She’s got the backing of a big shot, after all!”
“We just don’t have that kind of support, I guess—it’s all fate.”
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Voices like these echoed in the backstage dressing room. Ever since the rehearsal, murmurs of discontent had been spreading. Ling Ning, a newcomer with no runway experience, had snagged the finale spot, which caused some people to feel disgruntled.
Wang Yan was one of them. Originally, the finale was supposed to be hers, and she had worked hard to earn it. But now, out of nowhere, this rookie had parachuted in and taken the position. It didn’t sit well with her at all.
Why should someone without any runway experience get the finale spot? Wang Yan had paid a hefty price to secure it.
Though Ling Ning ignored all the gossip, she knew that in today’s world, having connections is a form of power. If others had that same advantage, they could get the finale spot too.
Actually, even Ling Ning hadn’t expected to land such a prominent position. This finale would feature Qin Qing’s latest design—a work by the former Miracle Nikki design director. The organizers had purposefully reserved this position for that piece, and Qin Qing had insisted that only her chosen model could wear it.
In truth, this finale dress had been designed specifically for Ling Ning. The last time Qin Qing had gone overseas, she’d promised to bring back souvenirs for Ling Ning and her daughter, but she’d forgotten. Though Ling Ning assured her it was no big deal, Qin Qing went out of her way to design a dress as a gift—a dress perfectly suited for Ling Ning.
The organizers reluctantly agreed, knowing that without Yang Bing’s connections, they wouldn’t have landed someone of Qin Qing’s caliber for the show in the first place. Thus, Ling Ning was granted the finale position.
Sitting in her chair, Ling Ning felt the makeup artist’s brushes gliding across her face. The show was about to begin, and as much as she tried to stay calm, she couldn’t deny the nerves. This was her first time on a stage like this, and it was a whole different feeling from her usual photoshoots.
For some reason, she suddenly missed Xia You’s lap. Lying on it would’ve been so relaxing.
Dong Xue, the little girl beside her, watched quietly as Ling Ning got her makeup done. The idea of makeup wasn’t new to her; her own mother loved applying creams and powders before going out, though Dong Xue couldn’t quite understand why. Her mom had said it was to make girls look prettier.
So what about boys?
Despite her age, Dong Xue knew when to cling to people and when to give them space.
Ling Ning was lost in her thoughts when she suddenly felt a tiny hand grasp hers. Startled, she opened her eyes to find Dong Xue holding her hand and looking up at her.
“Frowning doesn’t look good,” Dong Xue said softly.
Ling Ning heard her quiet voice and, smiling, reached out to pat her head. “Are you worried about me, Xiao Xue? Don’t worry! Just wait and watch how awesome your Sister Ling Ning looks on stage!”
The show began shortly after, and Ling Ning stood backstage, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.
At that moment, a strikingly pretty woman approached her. Ling Ning recognized her—it was the girl who had been making snide comments about her earlier.
Wang Yan sneered at the nervous look on Ling Ning’s face. “Little sister, make sure to give it your all up there. You wouldn’t want to ruin Qin the Great Designer’s reputation by messing up, now would you?”
“Thank you for the advice, Auntie,” Ling Ning responded with a polite smile.
Wang Yan barely restrained the urge to slap her, forcing a friendly smile in return. “I’ll be looking forward to seeing how you perform, little sister.”
She intended to see for herself how this newbie would fare on stage. Recalling Ling Ning’s earlier anxious expression, Wang Yan sneered before heading out for her turn on stage.
Once Wang Yan’s part was over, the crew signaled for Ling Ning to get ready.
Seeing the signal, Ling Ning steadied her nerves, recalled everything Yang Bing had taught her, and slowly made her way out.
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“Isn’t this a bit too much pressure? Making Ling Ning do the finale her first time on stage seems overly ambitious,” Qin Qing whispered to Yang Bing as they watched from the audience.
Yang Bing smiled and shook her head. “No, actually, I think this show might be too small for her. With Ling Ning’s abilities, she could easily take on a show twice this size.”
Her voice was full of confidence. Ling Ning was her prized student, someone so talented that even Yang Bing, her mentor, sometimes felt a sense of defeat. Ling Ning was truly exceptional.
“You think so?” Qin Qing still seemed doubtful.
“Fashion design is your expertise, but in modeling, I’m the pro. Ling Ning is the most gifted model I’ve met in years, as well as the most promising. Just watch!”
Finally, it was Ling Ning’s turn.
As she stepped onto the stage in a stunning dress, she immediately drew every gaze. Most people in the audience were there for the legendary Qin Designer, and seeing her latest work in person was electrifying.
The moment she stepped out and felt everyone’s eyes on her, Ling Ning’s heart began racing. Then she caught sight of little Dong Xue’s encouraging expression, and she suddenly remembered the words she’d said to her earlier.
She couldn’t let her down. A promise to a little girl was one that had to be kept.
“So? Was I wrong?” Yang Bing said, her gaze fixed on Ling Ning, her voice brimming with excitement.
“This time, I really misjudged her.”
As she watched the dazzling Ling Ning on stage, Qin Qing murmured her admission.
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Author’s Note:
Seventeenth update