Chapter 148 Male Model
"Miss Watson, you’re really cunning," Arwyn said confidently, seeing that Hailey approached her first, “You claimed you didn't care about winning the competition, and yet you managed to stir up quite a fuss online and garnered a lot of votes."
In this season of Top Avenue’s finals, a point system was employed, and points began accumulating from the online voting for this round. In the second and third rounds of the competition, points would continue to be awarded, and the contestant with the highest total score would be crowned the winner. As for the winner of the online voting, Hailey would gain a substantial lead and advantage by receiving an additional 1,000 points.
"Arwyn, you’ve misunderstood me," Hailey said, feigning innocence, "The engagement announcement was proposed by the Harrington family. The Watson family can’t compare to the Harrington, and I have no say in the Harrington family at all."
Arwyn felt like there was some truth to those words, but she still looked at Hailey skeptically. "Really?"
"Of course!" Hailey said warmly as she linked arms with Arwyn, "Arwyn, we’re good friends. I would never compete with you for what you desire, but..."
Hailey hesitated for a moment before continuing, "You should be cautious of my sister. She’s not a simple person. Otherwise, as an unknown model, how could she have surpassed your online votes in such a short time?"
Every time Arwyn thought about how Natalie’s votes were significantly higher than hers, she felt humiliated. She was determined to eliminate Natalie in this round.
Hailey smiled slyly, happy that she found another pawn to manipulate.
…
The second round's evaluation criteria included professional photos, with scores from the professional judges and online voting combined in a 70:30 ratio to determine the final result.
Each contestant would be paired with one or more male models and could select their own photographer, focusing on the theme of aristocracy.
The highlight of this round was not the pairing of men and women but rather the contestants' ability to direct the male models and photographers themselves, relying on their skills to create enough buzz and intrigue.
The option to choose male models and photographers provided an advantage to certain models, such as Arwyn, who had many years of experience in the industry, and someone like Hailey with an influential background.
"This feels unfair. The male models you choose will affect your online popularity and photo. The photographer’s skills are also important. Models like us, who have no support or background, are at a disadvantage with this, right?” Lyra complained in a low voice.
"Why are you so anxious? Someone else will definitely be at the bottom,” one of Lyra’s friends replied, nodding in Natalie’s direction.
Lyra smiled. Her goal was to make it into the top three, and if Natalie got eliminated in the second round, her chances would significantly improve.
…
The production team gave the contestants a day to make preparations. Almost all contestants immediately got busy, taking out their phones to call male models, using charm and sometimes even flirtation to secure their cooperation.
Natalie found herself in a bind. She would not have had a problem with finding female models, but she did not know any models in the industry.
Following the assistant director's instructions, the crew focused the camera on Natalie, highlighting her awkwardness as she sat alone on the couch in stark contrast to how effortless it was for the others
A middle-aged bald man approached Natalie, suggesting meaningfully, "Natalie, if you can't find a male model and still want to continue in the competition, it's not impossible. As long as you can satisfy me, I’ll arrange for a top male model to shoot with you. Not only that, but I can guarantee you a spot in the top three."
This man was Mr. Evans, he had been absent previously due to other work commitments. He had shown strong interest in Natalie since that time at All Night Manor. Her escape from him did not anger him, but on the contrary, it only aroused his desire to conquer.
Natalie calmly dodged his extended hand. Her tone was polite when she responded, but her smile could not conceal her disdain and contempt.
"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Evans, but I already have someone in mind."
Mr. Evans retorted, "I'd like to see who you bring in! Let me make it clear, my influence is nearly on par with that of the executive director. I can make your life difficult!"
If he did not get what he wanted, he did not mind resorting to harsher means.
“Natalie’s husband is wealthy. Are you sure it’s okay for us to treat her this way?” a producer asked.
Mr. Evans scoffed, cigarette in hand. "Why are you so worried? Who knows if the marriage certificate is fake? I can easily do that with one of my mistresses. Does that mean we’re really married?”
“Well, you have a point,” the producer said with a nod. Indeed, who knew if Natalie was really married like she had claimed?
Meanwhile, Natalie called Jane for help and got the contact information for a male model named Blake.
Blake was quite famous in the industry, and with a few more shows, he would likely become famous internationally.
Natalie contacted Blake, and when he readily agreed, she was pleasantly surprised.
After a while…
"Did you find a partner?" Mr. Evans asked.
"Yes, he’ll be joining us tomorrow,” Natalie replied.
Natalie’s words stunned everyone, especially the models who had yet to find a partner.
Meanwhile, Arwyn, who had overheard Natalie's phone call, walked aside and ordered her assistant, “Find me a different male model.”
…
During mealtime, Natalie, as usual, prepared a meal for Oliver. Since their marriage had been publicly announced, she also openly delivered the food to him.
The production team had never seen Natalie cooking before and were stunned by her culinary skills. The appearance and aroma of the food greatly whetted their appetites.
Upon seeing this, Lyra whispered to Hailey, “When she got married, did she become a chef for the family as well?”
“Who knows? Maybe…” Hailey replied with a shrug and smile, masking her jealousy.
Oliver always had to eat the meals Natalie prepared, and it made Hailey wonder if he was so attached to Natalie. In the past, Hailey had wanted to cook for Adrian before, but Adrian had politely refused due to his dislike of her cooking skills."
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