The selection event commenced as scheduled, with Bai Suxiang prepared early in the morning.
This signaled the official start of a new competition, and she couldn't afford to be careless.
The gowns for today's appearance were all custom-made. However, there were over a dozen styles, and participants could choose freely.
Yu Xiaoman, with her flamboyant personality, undoubtedly selected a form-fitting, sexy skirt paired with black stockings.
Her well-endowed upper body was perfectly showcased by the dress, catering to her desire for attention.
Wang Xiaohong had initially chosen a similar fiery dress but, lacking Yu Xiaoman's figure, had reluctantly opted for a more professional, sleek outfit.
Bai Suxiang, indifferent to these choices, selected an elegant and graceful Chinese retro-style dress for herself.
Accessories were provided by the makeup artists as reference, to be matched according to personal preference.
Even Aunt Hong, standing nearby, marveled at them, "Youth is truly wonderful!"
To enhance the appearance of her dress, Bai Suxiang, just before her turn, specifically chose a silk scarf with small flowers to wear around her neck.
As the start time drew near, outside the curtain, the host's voice boomed with enthusiasm.
Accompanied by considerable applause and whistles, it felt as though many people had turned up today, rivaling the crowds at previous assessment events.
With the announcement, "We invite Miss Yu Xiaoman to make her grand entrance!"
Yu Xiaoman stepped onto the stage beyond the curtain. Dynamic music immediately followed, and the atmosphere appeared quite fervent.
This segment had been rehearsed many times prior. Though Bai Suxiang hadn't performed yet, she had a good grasp of it.
It was akin to the major fashion weeks around the world, starting with a runway walk.
However, this differed from a professional model's strut.
Models needed to use specific runway techniques; these participants did not.
Of course, there was no rule prohibiting them from using model-like steps.
Yu Xiaoman, to complement her sexy attire, employed a model's walk, which further accentuated her style.
Although she could have emulated Lin Kexin in many aspects, she was aware of her own strengths and did not copy her entirely.
"Wow! She's a natural bombshell! If it were me, I'd definitely choose her."
"Yes, yes! I just don't know when you'll have your chance!"
"Damn it, who are you looking down on? Maybe I'll go up there while you're still guarding the place!"
"Haha, isn't that the truth! If you could just replace your old man, you could go!"
"You..."
Two young men near the stage were bickering.
They alternated between watching the stage and teasing each other. Sudan Fiction Network.
"Hey, here it comes! The red card is out!"
A voice declared.
Instantly, the venue erupted in applause.
"Great! As expected of Yu Xiaoman, she's set a good precedent!"
Upon hearing the words, Aunt Hong exclaimed with delight.
This was not just her genuine sentiment but also meant to encourage the remaining contestants.
Generally, it was like a driver's license test; if the initial stages passed smoothly, those who followed would feel less pressure. If the first few failed, the subsequent ones would become nervous and then also fail.
Bai Suxiang held her breath, preparing for the host to call her name.
But just as she scanned her attire from head to toe, Wang Xiaohong nudged her.
The movement was subtle, but Bai Suxiang still noticed.
She glanced back at Wang Xiaohong, who was calmly looking ahead, completely unfazed by the current situation.
Wang Xiaohong had changed. She was no longer as bewildered as she had been when they first entered the top three.
On the contrary, she had grown significantly.
"You..."
Before Bai Suxiang could utter a word, Aunt Hong spoke up:
"Oh no, Bai Suxiang, what happened to you?"
Bai Suxiang then realized that the knot she had tied with the small floral scarf had come undone.
With her turn to appear imminent, any mishap at this moment could potentially lead to her and Wang Xiaohong being disqualified.
This was not what Aunt Hong wanted to see. She pointed to Bai Suxiang's neck with one finger and used her walkie-talkie to communicate with the stage.
The knot had been perfectly tied; why would it come undone now, right before going on stage?
Was Wang Xiaohong's subtle action truly unrelated?
But since Wang Xiaohong remained motionless, Bai Suxiang couldn't say anything.
To address this unexpected predicament, Aunt Hong adjusted the performance order.
"Director, Director, please change the order. Let Wang Xiaohong go first! Let Wang Xiaohong go first!"
Hearing Aunt Hong's words, Wang Xiaohong was overjoyed.
During their training, Aunt Hong had hinted at this.
In such selection events, appearing earlier was more advantageous.
Because the number of VIP guests was limited, sometimes only one would attend, sometimes two. Three was rare, but not impossible.
Consequently, there had been instances where three individuals were prepared, but only one was selected.
To avoid significant waste, the company would sometimes arrange for individuals of slightly lower standing to participate.
Yu Xiaoman had already been selected, making the subsequent spots crucial.
Originally, based on the ranking, Bai Suxiang had a much higher probability of going on than Wang Xiaohong.
Although Wang Xiaohong was selected, she was merely a "super substitute."
While her position was better than that of the Bai Xiaoxiao's, the term "substitute" spoke volumes.
Therefore, to secure such an opportunity, Wang Xiaohong had resorted to a small maneuver.
Even without the floral knot, Bai Suxiang could have gone on stage. However, Aunt Hong, possibly due to extreme nervousness, had inadvertently blocked Bai Suxiang's path.
"Next! Miss Wang Xiaohong, please!"
As the host finished speaking, a wave of enthusiastic applause extended from the front of the curtain to the back.
Bai Suxiang felt a tinge of anxiety and took a deep breath.
She spent a moment tidying her floral knot and adjusting her attire, awaiting her chance to appear.
At this moment, she suddenly understood the sense of dejection Bai Xiaoxiao had described, of being sent back before even getting a chance to perform.
But time was still available, and until she heard the host announce the end, she had no intention of giving up.
"Hey! Be patient!"
Aunt Hong said softly, patting her shoulder gently.
Given Bai Suxiang's demeanor, her chances of going on stage were greater than Wang Xiaohong's.
However, the sudden turn of events left her unwilling to take any chances.
Even the slightest misstep from Bai Suxiang could put both Wang Xiaohong and herself at risk of being eliminated.
This would represent a significant loss for Aunt Hong.
For her, substantial income stemmed from their success.
If even one of them succeeded, she would personally earn three million.
This was an astronomical sum.
The previous rates had not been this high. She didn't know why the boss had increased the stakes this time, but it was exactly what Aunt Hong had hoped for.
Therefore, Aunt Hong truly worried herself sick over all three of them.
If she were younger, she would have loved to go on stage in their place.