Employees passing by were stunned by Chen Yao's beauty, and couldn't help but chat about her in the pantry by the corridor while holding their phones.
Some of them, who were frequent internet users, said, "This new model's name seems to be Chen Yao. She once trended online with a set of photos depicting misty rain in Jiangnan. In less than half a month, this unknown newcomer with no background has already gained a full five hundred thousand followers!"
Several people beside them exclaimed, "That's amazing! If she's this beautiful in person, her photos online must be heavenly!"
"Yeah, yeah. I originally thought CEO Shi's looks were enough to amaze me, but I didn't expect another one to show up now."
"You're wrong. CEO Shi and the new model are completely different types. CEO Shi has more defined features and a more mature aura. Anyway, I think CEO Shi is more beautiful!"
Amidst this chatter, there were, of course, a few models who were unhappy. They were quite displeased with this already popular newcomer.
"Fifty thousand followers? That's not many. Who knows how many of them are die-hard fans," one model said.
A model in a similar gown retorted, "She hasn't even started developing yet, so it's normal not to have die-hard fans."
The elaborately dressed model was displeased. "Lisa, you should be on my side. Now that the new model is stealing our resources, you're still defending her."
The model called Lisa, dressed in a sky-blue strapless gown, had only a light layer of foundation on her face and a touch of lipstick. She exuded youthful innocence and freshness.
She leaned back indifferently. "I'm not so idle as to be jealous of other people's resources. Besides, even if this new model hadn't come, you wouldn't have gotten any resources anyway."
Her words struck a nerve, and Feng Yi exclaimed loudly, "Lisa, it's you who can't get resources, so what right do you have to talk about me!"
Lisa shrugged. "I'm just too lazy to fight over those minor resources. There are big resources right there, and you're fighting tooth and nail for small ones. You're really stupid."
After speaking, she ignored Feng Yi's displeasure and walked out of the pantry.
Meanwhile, Qiaoqiao also received the news and came to the fifth floor. She took a deep breath in the lounge, followed by Shi Xinxin and Chen Yao.
"Let me introduce you. This is Chen Yao, the model for your project," Shi Xinxin said, stepping aside.
Qiaoqiao nodded excitedly at Chen Yao. "Hello, you can call me Qiaoqiao. If there's anything in the design drafts that doesn't suit you, please tell me."
Chen Yao pursed her lips and nodded. "My name is Chen Yao, but you can call me Xiaoyao."
After a brief self-introduction, Shi Xinxin sat down and gestured for them to do the same.
There was a knock on the lounge door. Shi Xinxin said, "Come in." The gazes of the other two in the room turned towards the door, and they saw a woman in a sky-blue gown walk in. She looked about twenty-five or twenty-six, with a pair of dewy almond-shaped eyes that made it difficult to discern her position.
Shi Xinxin stood up and politely nodded to the newcomer. "Lisa, Yang Yue should have told you. We need you to take three days off to teach Chen Yao."
Although Lisa had only been in the modeling department for a year, her performance had been consistently excellent. Eighty percent of the brands she endorsed for CL had trended online. Therefore, Shi Xinxin felt confident entrusting Chen Yao to her.
"No problem. I'll take care of it. I'll definitely train her into a satisfactory model," Lisa replied.
Then, Lisa turned and scanned the lounge. Her eyes lit up when she saw Chen Yao sitting on the small sofa. "You must be the new model, right?"
Chen Yao nodded shyly and then stood up. "I am Chen Yao. Please guide me in the future."
Lisa was very pleased with this new model. She curved her lips, thinking that she now understood why Feng Yi had reacted so strongly earlier. This newcomer was indeed stunning!
Her eyes sparkled. "You have a distinctive look and a lot of spirit. I don't think I need to teach you much. Just standing on the stage, people will be voting for you."
Although Chen Yao knew Lisa was teasing, she couldn't help but blush slightly.
"Alright, alright, stop teasing her. Remember to teach her well. If she doesn't make it into the top three, I'll hold you responsible," Shi Xinxin said, patting Lisa's shoulder and giving her a meaningful look.
Lisa pouted. "That depends on her talent. But you're really biased. When I first started, you didn't find me a mentor, did you?"
Shi Xinxin and Lisa had been college classmates. Years later, Shi Xinxin coincidentally discovered Lisa, who had been ranked first for many years, on a modeling forum and invited her to CL. Their relationship thus evolved from classmates to colleagues.
As a result, Shi Xinxin and Lisa's relationship was not as rigid as others. They would often chat when they met.
"Back then, you were endorsing new products for the company. Chen Yao is different. She's now carrying the company's entire year's sales. Which do you think is more important?" Shi Xinxin joked.
Lisa sighed helplessly, feigning sadness. She then turned to Chen Yao. "Did you hear that? You're carrying a great responsibility now, so you must study hard with me!"
Chen Yao nodded, her face flushed.
Lisa took her to the practice room, while Shi Xinxin and Qiaoqiao returned to the design center. Just as they were about to discuss Qiaoqiao's impression of Chen Yao in person, they noticed that the expressions of the people at the desks were not quite right.
Shi Xinxin raised an eyebrow, noticing the furtive glances cast her way repeatedly. She then walked over to the desks.
"What's wrong? What's happening that has you all looking at me so mysteriously?"
The people at the desks immediately composed themselves, not daring to speak.
Seeing their demeanor, Shi Xinxin suspected something was indeed amiss. She asked Qiaoqiao to stay and listen, and then inquired, "Is there something I can't know? If you don't tell me, I'll dock half of your salary this month."
Upon hearing about their salaries, one person quickly said, "CEO Shi, it's not a big deal, just some minor issues online."
"Oh really?" Based on their expressions, Shi Xinxin didn't believe it was a minor issue. She casually turned one of their tablet screens towards herself and began to examine the content on the webpage.
— Sheng Chenjin and Li Daina are rumored to have kissed in the parking lot...
"CRASH!"
Shi Xinxin didn't even finish reading the rest of the content. Her face instantly darkened, and she slammed her hand down on the desk.
"How dare you, Li Daina! Causing trouble again. Just you wait, I'll deal with you properly!"