After Being Blackened All Over the Internet, I Ruled the Military Variety
Chapter 653 - 643: Pre-Coronation, Grand Finale

Chapter 653: Chapter 643: Pre-Coronation, Grand Finale

The atmosphere inside the compartment was warm and cozy.

Yun Ping smiled the moment she saw Jiang Lingxi, showing none of the coldness she had towards others outside.

"When I first saw this outfit that the old master crafted, the first image that came to my mind was how you would look wearing it."

She could no longer count how many film and television productions she had styled for, both domestically and internationally, including historical dramas. Yet, when it came to styling for the role of an Emperor, she felt that the male Emperors she had previously styled all paled in comparison to Jiang Lingxi.

It wasn’t about looks or makeup, but that aura of supremacy.

"I didn’t expect the old master would actually invite you over. When he asked if I had time, I came without a second thought."

Because she feared others might not achieve the perfect presentation.

Indeed, she was that self-confident.

"This time, I also brought a crown that I really liked and had purchased. I once thought I’d only get to lock it in a safe for life, but finally, it’s seeing some use."

Jiang Lingxi glanced at a portable safe being held by her assistant.

It required fingerprints and a password to open, and after some maneuvering, it finally did.

Inside was a stunning black and gold crown that caught everyone’s eye.

At first glance, its design seemed a bit ostentatious, but the engravings retained an understated grandeur.

The piece incorporated multiple complex techniques, making people utter a spontaneous "wow" upon seeing it.

"So, what do you think? Not bad, huh? Even though it’s a modern craft, every detail was handcrafted by that artist. The techniques used span over a thousand years, and in my opinion, it will be a cherished heirloom in a few hundred years."

Jiang Lingxi looked at the crown placed carefully before her, caressed its lifelike dragon’s whisker, and nodded, "Indeed exquisite."

Of course, such a lavish and delicate crown wouldn’t even be worn regularly by a true Emperor.

Only during sacrifices or grand ceremonies would it be adorned, as a sign of solemnity.

Today’s occasion worked as well.

Shen Yunqing probably wouldn’t make fun of her.

"Hurry up and change clothes, I can’t wait to show my skills."

The heavy gown she wore on the red carpet was switched to a simple tie-up robe, for convenience in makeup and styling.

Only at the end would she put on the Dragon Robe to be showcased.

After all, though the Dragon Robe looked stunning, one couldn’t sit down while wearing it.

The music in the show outside subtly changed, the lights dimmed, leaving only the large transparent runway brightly lit as usual.

Everyone seated around noticed, recognizing that the grand show had begun.

People quickly focused their attention on the stage with wide eyes.

After all, they wouldn’t get to see grand shows led by old master Casuo afterward!

The event was simultaneously streamed live in the broadcast room.

The barrage initially discussing Jiang Lingxi’s whereabouts also quietly disappeared, replaced by comments on the show itself.

[Didn’t expect this year’s international fashion gala to be the old master Casuo’s farewell show, the Aibosi family certainly gave the master due recognition!]

[Why suddenly prepare for a farewell? The old master still looks like a spry old man in my eyes, I feel like he could easily remain undefeatable in the fashion world for over ten more years.]

[Possibly because he’s been at the peak for too long and feels lonely.]

[Suddenly thought of the trope about retreating from the martial world. Though I’m not in the fashion industry anymore, my legend exists everywhere within it.]

[Everyone, stop guessing. Since it’s a farewell show, I bet the old master will appear towards the end to say a few words. Let’s just focus on enjoying the show for now.]

[I must say, watching every show from the old master is indeed a visual feast.]

[Hehe, the audience onsite probably doesn’t see as clearly as those watching the live stream.]

[But they can appreciate it up close; this show’s lighting and colors really bear the old master’s signature touch, blind guess it was crafted by the master himself.]

[Will we really no longer be able to see shows of such high caliber?]

[Well, each generation has its talented individuals, that’s the only phrase I can think of to comfort you!]

...

The duration for each model to complete a full walk on the runway was roughly around two minutes.

Once the model in front stepped out, the one behind had to be ready at their entry point.

Especially regarding the music beats; missing them could easily lead to disrupted steps, diminishing the effect greatly.

Fortunately, the models for this grand show were veterans who had been battling on the catwalk for at least two to three years, minimizing such mistakes.

From the opening until now, everything was going smoothly.

Han Rui wore a dress with distinctive characteristics of Hua State. The upper body was a pink short jacket with a front opening, with hand-embroidered bird patterns on the chest, while the lower body was an embroidered long skirt styled like a phoenix tail.

Typically, only women from Hua State could truly embody the charm of such outfits.

This is also why she could be exceptionally selected as one of the models for this grand show.

After all, supermodels from Hua State with a beautiful and elegant appearance were quite scarce internationally.

Upon reaching the waiting area, she silently encouraged herself; having been exceptionally chosen, she felt more nervous than others.

Even Casuo was in the waiting area, observing each model’s status, ready to provide guidance and adjustments if necessary.

Upon seeing Han Rui, he first assessed her face and nodded.

He chose Han Rui after seeing her previous show videos. Her steps were somewhat average in his eyes, but her looks and figure could earn some points.

Especially since he preferred matching show outfits with the distinctive features of the models.

Otherwise, simply based on her steps, Han Rui might need more years of practice before qualifying for his runway.

"Don’t be nervous. Your outfit is soft and gentle; don’t counteract it with tension."

The old master’s advice couldn’t be ignored, so Han Rui had to use deep breaths to suppress her nerves.

Yet, just before stepping onto the runway, she couldn’t help but glance back.

The grand show was already midway, yet she hadn’t spotted Jiang Lingxi.

Could it be that this person not only participated in this grand show but also would perform the finale, as previously in the Liangchuan grand show?

Her intuition said this speculation was somewhat unbelievable, but once this thought appeared, she couldn’t shake it off.

"Go!"

With a light command in her ear, she quickly composed herself and stepped in time with the beats onto the runway.

[It’s Han Rui, we actually have a model from Hua State!]

[Although Han Rui’s steps aren’t great, her looks and figure truly score points. She’s the only one who can bring out the essence of these Hua-style outfits.]

[I hope Hua State can produce a few more internationally renowned models; right now, there are still too few!]

Backstage, Han Rui sighed in relief.

She knew her catwalk wasn’t as dazzling as others, but this time, although not perfect, she managed not to mess up.

"Well done, you can remove your makeup now, you’re finished after this round."

Some with strong business skills would proceed for a second or third round, but theirs was completed with just this one.

Han Rui changed back into her own clothes and sat down to have her makeup removed.

She casually asked, "Where is Jiang Lingxi? Hasn’t it been her turn yet?"

"I don’t think so; it seems she hasn’t come out of that compartment yet. Sister Han, are we leaving after removing makeup?"

"No, I want to watch the rest of the show."

Not seeing Jiang Lingxi’s performance personally, she felt unsettled.

A thought kept circling in her mind.

If she hadn’t stood up Yun Chan at the Liangchuan grand show, would Jiang Lingxi have had the opportunity to shine?