Chapter 171: Tearing Off Her Hypocritical Mask

After having his hair styled, Lu Beiqin's locks fell loosely around his face. Wearing the outfit, he exuded an aura of effortless nonchalance and wild charm.

The surrounding makeup artists stared, transfixed, and repeatedly praised, "So handsome!"

Lu Beiqin seemed indifferent to the compliments, his gaze locking onto Shen Chutang instead. "How does it look?"

Shen Chutang nodded affirmatively, "Gorgeous!"

A hint of a smile touched the corner of Lu Beiqin's lips before he quietly sat down in a corner.

Ye Pianpian couldn't help muttering, "Chutang, he is too reticent. Anyone else coming here and seeing so many models and clothes would at least look around, but not him. He didn't say a word, just sat down in the corner like a statue."

"He's just like that. Besides, he agreed to help you, aren't you satisfied yet?"

"He only agreed to walk the show because of you. I asked him first, but he turned me down."

At the very first glance, Ye Pianpian had set her sights on Lu Beiqin, but unfortunately, he had refused. It was only after Shen Chutang agreed that Lu Beiqin changed his mind.

While they were talking, Shen Chutang's makeup was finally finished. Her long hair was swept up into an elaborate bun, dotted with tiny, delicate flowers. An assistant led her to change, and soon, a gown interwoven entirely with fresh blooms was brought out.

The off-the-shoulder design highlighted Shen Chutang's exquisite collarbones and slender neck. The girl's back was delicate and frail, and the dress accentuated a waist so slender it seemed it could be spanned by a single hand. The white skirt was strewn with fresh flowers, which matched the floral adornments in her hair, making her look as ethereal and stunning as a fairy of the blossoms.

Ye Pianpian gasped in admiration, "I told you this dress was made for you!"

Shen Chutang couldn't resist looking at Lu Beiqin. "How is it?"

The man's expression was solemn and earnest. "Beautiful."

Soon, the fashion show began.

Zhao Xiangyu was the first to take the stage. Since Shen Chutang and Lu Beiqin were scheduled for the finale, they were in no rush and could even watch the preceding models on the backstage monitor.

Shen Chutang leaned in close to Lu Beiqin and asked, "Are you nervous?"

Lu Beiqin pondered for a moment. "Do they dock my pay if I mess up the walk?"

Shen Chutang instantly burst out laughing. "Don't worry, they won't."

A trace of a smile spread across Lu Beiqin's face. "Alright, then I'm not nervous."

Hearing Lu Beiqin put it that way, Shen Chutang's own lingering nervousness completely settled.

Soon, it was time for Shen Chutang and Lu Beiqin to take the stage.

Lu Beiqin's naturally frosty expression remained unchanged toward everyone, as if he were born to walk the runway.

Standing beside the man with a faint, gentle smile, Shen Chutang's floral fairy styling naturally drew countless gazes, including that of Shen Duoduo in the audience.

Earlier, she and Qi Shangwu had gotten into a massive brawl at the exhibition hall entrance. However, remembering that she had paid for her ticket herself, and driven by the principle of not letting things go to waste, she had called Du Xiaoxing so they could tour the venue together, hoping she might still spot her next wealthy catch.

To her utter shock, she spotted Shen Chutang right there on the T-stage, instantly turning Shen Duoduo's face green.

How could Shen Chutang possibly be this lucky, managing to wear such a stunning outfit in a fashion show!

Moreover, the moment her outfit appeared, someone in the audience signaled to purchase it.

True to the event's format, all the garments in this show were designed by Ye Pianpian. If anyone in the audience saw something they liked, they could place a bid to buy it, and the garment would be delivered to them after the show concluded.

This was also a strategy to rapidly boost Ye Pianpian's recognition and reputation domestically.

Gazing at Shen Chutang, Du Xiaoxing felt a burning hatred as well. Last night, her skin had felt as tormented as if it were bitten by fleas; she had spent the entire night searching online for folk remedies, drinking both olive oil and soy sauce until she nearly passed away on the spot.

Yet now, here was Shen Chutang, standing before her all radiant and glamorous. Du Xiaoxing completely lost her composure.

Recalling how she had just been showing off with the unwanted backpack, Shen Duoduo felt a wave of intense irritation wash over her. She wished she could tear right through Shen Chutang's hypocritical facade!

She whispered a few words to Du Xiaoxing, who immediately nodded in agreement. Taking advantage of the fact that everyone's attention was focused on the stage, the two of them quietly slipped away and headed toward the backstage area.

Since all the models were currently on stage, the backstage was practically empty, save for a few staff members clearing things away.

Sneaking into the backstage area, Shen Duoduo and Du Xiaoxing quickly found a hiding spot.

Before long, the fashion show came to an end. All the models lined up on stage, and Ye Pianpian stepped out to express her gratitude.

The fashion show was a resounding success. Many wealthy socialites adored Ye Pianpian's designs, and one patron even bought five outfits in a single breath.

As Ye Pianpian's speech concluded, the crowd began to file out from the runway area.

Ye Pianpian happily grabbed Shen Chutang's hand. "Thank you so much for today! I'm taking you all out for a celebratory meal later!"

"You bet you are!"

A boisterous group of people flooded back into the backstage area. Shen Chutang told the other models to go remove their makeup and change first, as she was in no particular hurry.

She walked over to a quiet corner, making space for the others.

Suddenly, the backstage lights plunged into darkness. Immediately following that, Shen Chutang caught the distinct scent of something burning. Lowering her gaze, she was horrified to see that the hem of her gown had caught fire!