Royalty's show was scheduled for 8pm, but Y/N arrived backstage at 5pm. Although the show was not an international one, Royalty was almost on the same level as some of the top companies in South Korea. Originally, Y/N did not expect Jennie to give her such a great present. But after careful thought, she understood, Jennie was after all a business person; everything she did was from a profit viewpoint.
Tonight there were to be 15 models attending the show. Y/N was the oldest amongst them...
26-years-old; amongst the average person, that was still the prime of one's youth, but in the modeling industry, it was different. In a few years, she wouldn't have the chance to attend even an event like this.
Royalty was held in high esteem, so the models invited for the show all had a great backing. According to Y/N's current status, although she wasn't low, amongst the 15 models, she did not stand out at all.
So, the fact that she was to open the show, made the show director extremely suspicious.
It seemed, every time Y/N worked with someone, she would be met with distrust. Especially since, amongst the models tonight, there were models that had won awards.
"Y/N, if you have stage fright or feel unwell, let me know immediately. I will arrange for someone to replace you straight away," the show director said to Y/N as she applied her makeup. If it wasn't because he had a good relationship with Jennie, he wouldn't even consider Y/N. Although she was quite popular recently...there were plenty of models that were better than her.
"Er...Show director, Y/N's already been in the industry for 8-9 years, she definitely will not have stage fright, you can be rest assured," Mina reminded the man as she smiled.
"I'm afraid you're not confident!"
Hearing his words, Y/N lifted her head. This action was undoubtedly full of confidence.
The show director stopped talking and waited to see Y/Ns performance. This cold woman is already at this age, how can Jennie be interested in her?
The other models looked at her like they were waiting to watch a joke unfold. Some even whispered amongst themselves, "It wasn't easy for us to go through auditions to get here. Who would have thought, someone with a strong backing would be different; directly landing the show's opening. I heard even the A-Grade model, Tzuyu got here via auditions. Who does Y/N think she is?"
"If you think it's unfair then use your background to fight with hers..."
"She's already so old; she should be at home raising kids, why is she here doing shows? Isn't she afraid of straining her back?"
Hearing the discussions get louder and louder, Mina turned around and glared at them. However, she was merely an assistant.
Y/N tugged at her arm, reminding her to control her emotions, "Don't stoop yourself to their level or else you'll be just like them. After all, what they are saying is true. Even if you refute against them, it's just words...they won't admit defeat."
Mina scoffed and didn't say anything. At this time, Jisoo entered backstage with a group of young girls. Upon seeing Y/N, she was quite surprised; unaware that this was all part of Jennie's plan.
Jisoo and Y/N's eyes met. Complex emotions were exchanged between the two, but Jisoo remained silent. She simply led the girls over to the show director and introduced him to them. As the show director had a decent relationship with Jennie, as soon as he heard Jisoo had brought some girls to watch and learn, he allowed them to wander freely as long as they didn't distract the models from getting changed.
"Y/N, get changed...you need to get in position."
She stood up from the makeup table and brushed past Jisoo. At this time, Jisoo turned to her and spoke, "Miss Lee, I'm sorry for rejecting your portfolio. You must know the pressures of this industry, after all, you are 26-years-old."
Y/N slightly smiled; not revealing any emotions, "It's OK, I know you have your difficulties."
"Aren't you tired of carrying on like this? Y/N...honestly, you are quite fake. Don't tell me you aren't angry at all," Jisoo folded her arms, her words were straightforward and humiliating.
"That's because even if I was to get angry it wouldn't change the fact that you are a sinister person. So why should I stress myself?" After speaking Y/N was prepared to leave, but Jisoo grabbed onto her arm.
"You better not find other ways of joining HYPE, it's impossible."
"Does President Kim know that you are calling the shots at HYPE now?" Y/N smiled as she freed herself from Jisoo's grip.
Jisoo was stunned. A cold feeling suddenly swept through her body. Y/N's words had precisely picked out her worries. Right now, she was indeed treading lightly as she tested out Jennie's bottom line.
Amongst the models that had followed Jisoo behind the stage, one of them was actually extremely impressed by Y/N's stage presence. Upon seeing her idol, she couldn't help but be excited. But just as she reached out her hand to greet Y/N, Jisoo sneered, "You're a model from HYPE, how could you shake hands with Y/N who is nothing? Don't devalue yourself!"
Jisoo's voice was deliberately loud; everyone around heard her.
HYP Entertainment's manager Miss K insulted Y/N at the backstage of Royalty's show.
The young girl pulled her hand back helplessly as Y/N patted her on the shoulder to let her know it was OK.
Everyone just wanted to sit back and watch the show; they enjoyed seeing this person that had landed out of nowhere, being torn apart...
However, after Y/N got changed and returned to being a model, her presence and elegance was beyond that of anyone present. Upon seeing Y/N and thinking about her indifferent attitude earlier on, even the show director's eyes lit up.
Royalty's theme for the season was ink. So, Y/N was wearing an off-shoulder chiffon gown with an ink pattern. The random black and white pattern wrapped its way around her perfect physique and thanks to the 2 colors, Y/N looked extra slender and tall...her ability to exhibit something was acknowledged by the public.
However, most people watched her from behind their TV screens or computer monitors. In real life, she was even more beautiful than expected...
She had the perfect body!
And her performance ability...was beyond perfect!
She had always been able to work with any clothing; supporting each other without stealing the limelight.
Looking at all the amazed expressions, Y/N calmly spoke, "I am already 26-years-old and not as energetic as you guys...in that case, I'll see you on the runway!"
Those that had gossiped about her earlier, immediately looked at the clothes on their own body. It was obvious their clothes were from the same range, but how come Y/N managed to give off the aura of a big shot, whereas they looked like something from a streetside vendor?
As for Y/N's words, they were full of meaning.
Below the surface, she was trying to say, 'You are indeed young, but how come your clothes make you appear like you are 36-years-old...' Their level of influence was extremely low!
Below the stage, Jimin was already waiting patiently. After hearing Mina complain about what happened backstage, he scrunched up his eyebrows.
This Jisoo...really needs to be dealt with.
Jisoo did not sense she was in danger at all, because she had no idea, behind Y/N was a vicious wife-protecting Park Jimin. In actual fact, she believed herself and Y/N were the same kind of people; she felt, for the sake of advancement, the amount of methods Y/N used, were no less than what she had done.
So she continued to despise Y/N...the way she often despised herself. She felt Y/N was simply too secretive and her methods were too good.
She didn't feel it was a shame to lose her at all!
Royalty's show was about to start, but a lot of the models were still making last-minute tweaks because either their clothes or makeup weren't suitable. As Y/N was to only appear for the opening, she only had one set of clothing, unlike the other models who had multiple clothes to change into.
Jisoo continued to teach her models. Every now and then, her eyes would meet with Y/N; her gaze always contained the same message: No matter how capable or professional you are, even if my people are merely here to learn, you still won't have the opportunity to join HYPE and attain the best resources. You will forever remain as a model that isn't moving forward or backward; an old model stuck between B-Grade and A-Grade!
"Y/N, why does Jisoo insist on clinging to you? Is it simply because you snatched the opening for the France show? Why does she hate you so much?" Mina was tempted to poke out Jisoo's arrogant eyes. "How does she have the confidence to suppress you?"
"When the day comes that you announce you've signed on with HYPE, let's see if she can still be so arrogant..."
"Since you know that's our opportunity to step on her, why are you still upset? Just let her feel proud for now," Y/N didn't care. Although, Jisoo's position was indeed high...she thought too highly of herself. People like that easily revealed their weaknesses.
"Hmmph," Mina scoffed as she turned back to Y/N and praised her, "You are really beautiful tonight."
In reality, Y/N's exposure right now was indeed sufficient, but...she couldn't forget that there was still the A-Grade model, Tzuyu. She didn't arrive until the show was about to start and accompanying her was her award-winning actor uncle. Upon seeing him, the show director immediately recognized who it was. He spoke in a respectful manner, "Lee Sangmin, I didn't expect you would make an appearance here, sorry I didn't know."
"No need to be polite. I came specifically for my niece today. With Tzuyu's status, why isn't she doing the opening?"
Tzuyu must have heard about how Y/N landed the opportunity out of nowhere, so...she brought along some support. Of course, with her status, it was understandable that she would do something like this.
"That..." the show director glanced at Y/N; he was put in a difficult position.
"Aren't you guys being unfair?"
"Sangmin how could you say that? Isn't Tzuyu doing the closing? She will be in the grand finale..."
"I want to do the opening..." Tzuyu whined to her uncle; she hated models that came out of nowhere.
"Then...should I go make some tweaks?" the show director asked for their opinion.
"I don't care if it's the opening or closing, I don't wish to see a model that landed a position out of nowhere; that is my bottom line."
Her intention was clear; it turned out she didn't want Y/N on stage at all...
Everyone rejoiced in Y/N's misfortune as they looked at her. A moment ago, wasn't she acting all proud and arrogant? Look at what happened now; she no longer has the opportunity to even go on stage...
At this moment, the happiest person amongst them was Jisoo. She crossed her arms and scoffed...
Y/N, did you think, without any background, you would be able to survive in this industry?
The show director had no choice. He had no idea Y/N had already signed on with HYPE; he simply thought Jennie had suggested Y/N because they were friends. If he could explain things to Jennie, then he'd rather offend her. After all, Y/N wasn't anyone important; he didn't have to care about her too much.
So after careful consideration, he approached Y/N and said, "Y/N...I'm only doing this as a favor for a friend. I can only ask for your forgiveness."
"Is it funny for you guys to tease someone like this?" Mina was so angry she was about spit fire as she stood in front of Y/N and questioned the man.
The show director felt slightly guilty as he prepared for Y/N to lose her temper, but she remained calm. She didn't look affected at all...
She simply grabbed Mina, reminded her not to act rashly, and replied gently, "I've already arrived and am sitting here; my makeup is almost done and I am simply waiting to go on stage. If I was to leave, you'd have to find another model to replace me, that would be too much trouble. I won't do the opening or closing, but I'll do other parts instead, OK?"
The show director was surprised for a moment...
His heart immediately filled with gratitude...
At that moment, he almost bowed down to Y/N for being so understanding...
"OK Y/N...thank you, thank you so much."
No one expected Y/N would actually be willing to give up her opening. After being humiliated like that, she still managed to sit there unaffected as she continued to apply her makeup.
In reality, while Y/N was talking, Mina had already stepped outside and reported everything to the Big Boss. After Jimin found out about what was happening backstage, he immediately whispered something into Lu Che's ear.
Tzuyu and her uncle proudly enjoyed everyone's admiration...
All the models were extremely happy that Tzuyu had snatched back the opening from Y/N. Needless to say, Jisoo was so happy at this moment that the corners of her lips were almost in line with her nose.
It was at this time, a handsome figure suddenly appeared backstage...
Everyone turned their attention to Lu Che. A few people weren't familiar with him, but the so-called famous actor, definitely recognized him. He immediately stood up from his seat and approached Lu Che to greet him, "Assistant Lu, it's been a long time..."
Lu Che took one glance at the man and nodded his head in acknowledgment; he couldn't be bothered to even say a word to him. He was simply focused on looking around for Y/N. Eventually, he spotted her and immediately walked over beside her as he bowed down respectfully, "Miss Lee, the president knows you are nearby so he wants to know if you are free for dinner later?"
Although the actor couldn't hear what Lu Che was saying to Y/N, he knew...for Lu Che to speak so politely to her, Y/N must not be someone of normal importance!
It was also possible...she was somehow involved with the CEO of JinHit, Park Jimin!
Y/N, of course, knew Lu Che was doing this on purpose. Jimin must have sent him to help her out of this sticky situation. So, she smiled at Lu Che and replied without hesitation, "Please thank the president on my behalf, it is my pleasure."
Lu Che did not say anything else as he smiled and left. At this time a trembling voice echoed through the backstage...
"That man just now...wasn't he the assistant of....JinHit's CEO?"
"Then Y/N..."
Seeing Y/N remaining calm, the actor felt a chill down his spine and heart freeze...
If he had known Y/N was personally acquainted with JinHit, he would not have challenged her...if he was to offend Jimin, it could be possible that he'd never land a role as the main character ever again! He didn't want to take this risk.
A line of sweat rolled down the actor's forehead. After careful thought, he finally threw away his niece's hand and approached Y/N, scratching his head awkwardly, "Errr...Miss Lee. I didn't mean to offend you earlier on...I had no idea you were friends with President Park..."
Everyone thought they were seeing things...as well as hearing things.
The actor that had been pushing others into a corner earlier, had suddenly become so polite and submissive? Was he admitting he was wrong?
Jisoo was furious. She had never imagined Y/N would have this layer of relations. So, naturally, she didn't expect Jimin and Y/N's relationship to be very strong; if she really did have a strong relationship with Jimin, according to her personality, there was no way she wouldn't create hype. They must simply know each other in passing and Lu Che's appearance was just a coincidence.
Of course, Jisoo's analysis was quite reasonable. Unfortunately, she would one day have to pay for her assumptions!
"Uncle, why are you apologizing to her?" Tzuyu was unwilling to accept what her uncle was doing. What was so good about a model that came from nowhere?
"Tzuyu, you are still young, you still have a lot of opportunities to do the opening, why don't we give this opportunity back to Miss Lee..."
Hearing this, Y/N couldn't help but laugh. Where did their bottom line go? Didn't they say they couldn't allow someone to come out of nowhere?
"It's OK, I indeed landed out of nowhere...It's just that I had no idea all of you went through a series of auditions to get here. I merely promised a friend to come help out," Y/N rejected them politely.
What right did they have to call the shots? How could they assume that they could have something when they want it and give it away when they didn't?
Y/N's response was open-ended, she deliberately left them hanging so they would feel uneasy...
She knew Jimin almost made an appearance personally because he couldn't bear seeing her suffer. So, she couldn't let these bullies off so easily.
Seeing Y/N didn't say anything else, the actor realized he was being treated with contempt. So all he could do was turn away with Tzuyu back to their seat.
Jisoo had originally thought Y/N would take advantage of the situation to take back her opening, since it was a rare opportunity, but she did not do that - she maintained her moral integrity. Jisoo did not know what Y/N was thinking deep down. Y/N believed that no matter which part of the show she walked, or what she wore, nothing could change the fact that she was Y/N.
The Y/N that would only allow herself to be number one for the sake of Jimin!
Because of Lu Che's appearance, the atmosphere in the backstage had changed. Those that had previously ridiculed Y/N, no longer dared to roll their eyes at her. The atmosphere was now relaxed and comfortable and Y/N was a lot more laid-back. Jimin's name was indeed useful; just a simple mention was enough to make everyone tremble. When would her name have the same effect?
As the order had changed...Y/N was to be the third model to walk out and Tzuyu remained as the opening model. However, her mood right now wasn't as relaxed as before, because she had just realized she may have offended JinHit on behalf of her uncle.
This was exactly the type of mood Y/N wanted her to be in...
Having a background could be useful, but it wasn't effective every time!
"Uncle...would I be disregarded by the industry from now on because I offended JinHit?"
Before the start of the show, Tzuyu was still full of worries as she questioned her uncle. But who could truly answer her question? Not everyone could see through Jimin.
"Your uncle can barely protect himself..."
Hearing this, she froze; was offending Y/N this serious?
The actor stopped answering her questions, all the way until Royalty's show was to start...
Although Tzuyu was the opening model, she was not at ease. The result was that upon stepping onto the stage, she accidentally tripped on her own dress and almost fell to the floor. She had never been in such an upsetting situation...luckily, the second model to walk out grabbed her in time. But, her humiliation had already happened.
Although unexpected situations often happened on the runway, the show director and the designers were extremely disappointed by Tzuyu's performance. Since she had stolen the opening from Y/N, they at least expected her to do a good job; why did she end up being like this?
The third model to walk out was Y/N...
At this moment, in a hidden corner, sat an extremely stable man. His focus was on the runway in front of him - his wife was about to appear on stage.
Jisoo was sitting below the stage with her newcomers. The first two models were such an embarrassment, everyone treated the third model to be the true opening model...
Y/N
A person that had been so calm in the backstage, practically showing no emotions, once on the stage became a different person. The way she drew attention, her walk, the way she controlled her body, her eyes...It was like she was born for the runway and belonged there. And when she changed into another set of clothes, the audience couldn't help but erupt into a loud applause.
Was Y/N really this amazing?
Although Jisoo didn't want to accept it, Y/N's professionalism was on a level way beyond that of most other models - how annoying!
After all, she had almost signed with Star King previously if it wasn't for Jungkook...
Tzuyu was an A-Grade model, but via the runway, she could clearly see the aura Y/N gave off. It was like Y/N had two souls inside her; backstage and front-of-stage, she was completely two different people. She had the ability to convey whatever she wanted to the audience and she was so amazing that with just one look, she was impossible to forget...
Jimin's gaze was glued to Y/N; he didn't look away for even a second. Because he knew, this was what Y/N needed.
At the end of the runway, she looked out at the vast darkness in search of Jimin's location. Upon spotting him sitting in a secluded spot, she felt a sense of warmth gush through her body...
Because of Y/N's stand-out performance, after the show ended, the only person the guests could remember, was Y/N. All the other models simply completed their part, but Y/N...she was like something fresh that had swept through the modeling industry.
Like this, Y/N proved that not all opening models were a pleasant surprise, they could be surprisingly terrible. Also, just because the opening wasn't impressive, it didn't mean the rest of the show wouldn't be!
The show director glanced at Y/N. No matter what clothes she changed into, she managed to immediately adapt to the style. She even knew what poses and expressions to make. How did she do this?
No wonder Jennie recommended her...
At this time, below the stage, Jisoo had a sneer on her face: no matter how amazing Y/N is, she still won't be able to join HYPE.