Chapter 106: The Curtains Rise
Originally, Bai Xia wanted to go and visit Fu Jian after returning home from the exam.
But she already knew what awaited her the moment she stepped into the house.
Just as she expected, when she entered, the entire place was filled with the aroma of food. The dining table was packed with dishes of every kind—meat, seafood, vegetables, desserts. The house was lightly decorated as well. Colorful ribbons hung along the walls, and small festive lights blinked softly in the corners.
It was obvious.
Her family was preparing a small celebration for her entrance examination.
Bai Xia stood at the doorway for a moment, her heart softening slightly. No matter how powerful she became, this simple warmth was something she cherished deeply.
That night, after everyone finished celebrating and the laughter slowly faded away, Bai Xia finally returned to the peace and quiet of her room.
She sat on the edge of her bed and took out her phone, dialing a familiar number.
"Stella."
"Boss," Stella answered promptly.
"What plans do we have for tomorrow?" Bai Xia asked calmly.
"Tomorrow is the modeling audition day," Stella replied. "Everything has been prepared since last week."
"Has everything been arranged properly?"
"Yes. The audition hall, judges, registration list, and security. I will also personally instruct the guards to keep everything in order tomorrow."
"That's good." Bai Xia paused briefly. "I also need you to find out where I can buy some land and buildings. Preferably through an auction."
Stella thought for a moment before replying, "There is a large-scale auction starting tomorrow and continuing throughout next week. It seems the government is promoting development and releasing plenty of land for public bidding."
Bai Xia's eyes flickered with interest. "Add it to my schedule. I'll go tomorrow."
"Yes, boss."
After confirming a few more important matters, Bai Xia ended the call.
She wanted to call Fu Jian.
But when she glanced at the time, she realized it was already very late. Not wanting to disturb him, she placed the phone down and went to sleep.
---
The next morning, Stella arrived early.
She took Bai Xia and Bai Xuan directly to the company.
The moment Bai Xia stepped out of the car, she saw a massive crowd gathered outside the building.
Young girls.
Beautiful girls.
They lined up in long, orderly rows stretching from the company gate all the way across the street. Some stood nervously, clutching their bags and papers. Some whispered excitedly to each other. Others practiced poses quietly, fixing their hair or adjusting their clothes.
Their ages ranged around their early twenties.
Fresh, delicate faces.
Eyes bright with dreams.
Some had traveled from far places. Some had borrowed clothes just for this opportunity. Some looked confident, others terrified—but every single one of them carried hope in their eyes.
The entire street looked like it had been flooded with youth and ambition.
This was the battlefield of dreams.
Bai Xia walked past them calmly.
Some of the girls recognized her from previous news reports about XB's young boss. Whispers immediately rose among the crowd.
"That's her…"
"She's the boss?"
"She's so young…"
"So pretty…"
Bai Xia ignored all voices.
Inside the building, employees who saw her immediately greeted her respectfully.
"Good morning, Boss."
"Good morning, President Bai."
She nodded back lightly and headed straight toward the audition hall.
Inside the large hall, two people were already seated.
These were the two professionals Stella had recruited—experienced figures from the fashion industry.
They stood up politely when they saw Bai Xia.
"President Bai."
"President Bai."
Bai Xia returned the greeting politely and took her seat at the center of the judge's table.
Soon after, Bai Xuan also entered and quietly sat at the last judge's seat without saying a word.
Stella stood near the entrance, holding the audition list and maintaining order.
The hall was huge.
The stage stood brightly lit at the center. The judge's area sat at the far edge, slightly elevated.
The audition officially began.
One by one, the girls entered.
Some walked confidently with steady steps, displaying their posture and aura with poise.
Some trembled so badly that their steps faltered before they even reached the center of the stage.
Some forgot what they were told and froze completely under the pressure.
Some struck poses with sharp confidence, catching even Bai Xuan's attention briefly.
The judges observed carefully.
"Next."
"Turn."
"Walk forward."
"Stop."
"Pose."
Some passed with ease.
Some were eliminated without hesitation.
One girl tripped and nearly fell off the stage—she was immediately escorted out, sobbing quietly.
Another girl's eyes shimmered with tears when she was rejected, but she still bowed gratefully before leaving.
Time passed slowly.
Two full hours went by.
The atmosphere grew heavier.
Then—
It was finally Bai Gin's turn.
She entered nervously.
Her heart pounded violently against her chest.
She glanced at Bai Xia subconsciously.
Their eyes met for only a brief second.
Bai Xia's gaze was calm, detached—completely professional.
There was no warmth.
No special treatment.
For a moment, Bai Gin felt slightly panicked.
But then she remembered what Bai Xia had said to her.
"You will be a star."
"You will earn money."
Her trembling spine straightened instantly.
She lifted her chin and walked forward.
She followed every instruction perfectly.
Walking.
Turning.
Stopping.
Posing.
Changing expressions.
Bai Xia watched her silently.
She recognized her.
But she pretended not to.
Bai Xuan didn't even spare Bai Gin a single glance.
To her, every contestant was nothing more than data.
When Bai Gin finished, the judges exchanged brief glances.
"You may leave," one of them said.
Bai Gin bowed quickly and turned to leave.
Just as her footsteps reached the door—
A cold voice suddenly rang out across the hall.
"Wait—"