Fu Ling Laozu did say his condition was normal, but this normalcy was beyond his expectations.
However, the most important thing now was to ensure Bai Suxiang's safety.
Perhaps this was also an opportunity.
The next morning, all the girls were gathered by the beach.
Colorful flags fluttered all around, and various sun umbrellas dotted the sand.
In the center of this beach, a stage was set up, brightly red and festive.
Soft music played, seemingly inviting everyone to relax and enjoy.
The music stopped only when the host walked onto the stage.
"Good morning, esteemed guests, and young ladies!"
This voice drew everyone's attention, and they all turned towards the stage.
"The grand prize is about to be revealed! Do you have a chance?"
"Who knows? I heard only ten people will be selected. Look at how many people are here, it's going to be tough!"
"Yeah, yeah! I think we'll just go home with that ten thousand yuan!"
"Shh, shh, shh, it's about to start, don't gossip!"
Below the stage, a few people whispered amongst themselves.
But people wouldn't be so considerate; a few quiet whispers were enough to drown out the host's voice.
Seemingly noticing the girls below weren't paying full attention, the host cleared his throat:
"Ahem... ahem..."
He continued, "Ladies, please be quiet and listen to me, alright?"
The sound engineer adjusted the microphone's volume at the opportune moment. It might have been too much, producing a slightly harsh sound.
The crowd below quieted down, and the host then began to explain the purpose of their gathering, the company's selection process, and what the challenges entailed.
Listening to the host, some felt a sense of relief, while others were filled with deep regret.
"You say, was it really wrong for me to take that ten thousand yuan? Was it wrong to enter the blue area?"
Ye Feifei's emotions got the better of her, and her voice choked with a sob.
She had never imagined that entering the blue area meant being eliminated in the first wave.
Fang Xiaoxia felt a little relieved, thankful that Bai Suxiang had stopped her from going in.
Bai Suxiang gently patted Ye Feifei's shoulder to comfort her.
At this moment, words were of little use, and the host hadn't finished speaking, so they couldn't leave yet.
The blue area represented desire and temptation; green signified contentment and self-restraint. What did red represent?
Many people had entered the blue area yesterday. Not many remained outside. Bai Suxiang and her companions, having gone through their own experiences, paid little attention to such details.
According to the host, over thirty people had stayed outside the blue area yesterday.
So, the top ten would be chosen from these thirty-odd people.
With one out of three being selected, the probability of getting in was quite high.
Fang Xiaoxia's heart was filled with hope. Only by successfully entering the top ten would she have a chance to advance further.
"The first name..." The host paused deliberately, capturing everyone's attention.
All the girls present were nervous yet expectant.
Expecting their own name to be called first.
"Yu Xiaoman! Yu Xiaoman, who is it? Please step forward and come onto the stage!"
As soon as the host finished speaking, someone called out:
"Here, here, I'm here!"
Everyone looked towards the voice. A youthful maiden stood up and walked towards the stage.
Her figure was graceful, and with each step, she moved elegantly.
There was an indescribable grace in her demeanor.
"As expected, as expected!"
Someone exclaimed.
"The second..."
The host paused, as he always did. This was a tactic to keep everyone's focus on the stage.
Fang Xiaoxia's heart skipped a beat; her heart pounded fiercely, and she tightly gripped Bai Suxiang's arm.
Bai Suxiang felt the same. Although she didn't have high expectations, she still hoped to make it into the top ten. Otherwise, the chance of finding Bai Xiaoxiao would be slim.
"You Cai Die!"
Another woman walked towards the center of the stage. The person before her seemed exceptionally happy, and a few sisters cheered her on, playfully pushing her forward.
It seemed she was well-liked.
"The third..."
Bai Suxiang didn't have very high hopes. As long as she could get into the top ten, even being tenth wouldn't matter.
She wasn't aiming for the million-year salary in the first place. Being ranked among the top ten would already exceed her expectations.
"Bai... Su... Xiang!"
Bai Suxiang was lost in thought and didn't hear her name being called immediately.
"Sister Xiang... Sister Xiang! You, yes, it's you!"
Fang Xiaoxia, both nervous and excited, nudged Bai Suxiang, as if calling her own name.
"Ah..."
Bai Suxiang finally snapped back to reality, slowly stood up, patted Fang Xiaoxia's hand, and turned towards the center of the stage.
Along the way, she could feel countless eyes watching her.
She had often given speeches on stage in school, but she had never felt this nervous.
Perhaps, the recognition from society was more persuasive or pressured than that from school.
Many names were called in between. Fang Xiaoxia gradually became disheartened. It seemed likely she would have to go home early, just like Ye Feifei.
Ye Feifei was fine; she still had ten thousand yuan. But what about her?
Seeing Ye Feifei's teary eyes, she felt even more like crying!
"There's one more. Who will be the last of these top ten?"
As these words were spoken, many who hadn't heard their names called felt a pang of anxiety.
Some were quite pessimistic and dejected; others still held a sliver of hope, their eyes fixed on the slip of paper in the host's hand.
It contained the outcome they desperately desired, but the host, to build suspense, was slow to announce it.
At this moment, it was agonizing.
Many people nervously clenched their fists, while others held onto each other's arms tightly.
"Guess who it will be?"
The host's question left everyone perplexed.
This was just an ordinary company interview. How could the girls below know each other so well that they could guess? Asking them to guess was clearly impossible.
"Are you kidding me? How could anyone guess this? How can this company select people like this? No wonder they only choose pretty faces!"
Someone below the stage grumbled indignantly.
Before the selection, they hadn't said anything, just told everyone to enjoy themselves. Now that the selection was ending, on what grounds?
However, she didn't dare ask the organizers such a question and could only mutter it in her heart.
"I'll tell you, she's wearing a blue outfit."
The girls' gazes focused on the girls wearing blue. Fang Xiaoxia looked down at her blue pants.
"It's over, it's not me. I'm not wearing a blue outfit."
Fang Xiaoxia pronounced her own death sentence in her heart. She bit her lip in disappointment.
Seeing her like this, Ye Feifei felt a little more balanced. At least it wasn't that three of them came to the island and only she was leaving alone.
She squeezed Fang Xiaoxia's hand and offered her comfort with her eyes.
Fang Xiaoxia's mind was a blank slate; she didn't register anything.