[Joshua, why aren’t you answering my calls?!]
[You’re reading these messages, aren’t you, Joshua? Please hurry up and reply to me!]
[How dare you throw me away like that? What’s so wrong with me?! Do you think your friends are better than I am?!]
[Why aren’t you replying? You clearly said you only trusted me — what the hell are you doing, Joshua?!]
[If you don’t reply, I’ll create an online anti-fan group for you! Don’t think you’ll have any reputation left!]
The messages from an unknown number kept coming in — the username was just nine digits of the number 9.
Nine kept sending messages, then went quiet for a long while. Four hours later, the messages started again.
[Did I do something to make you mad, Joshua? Pick up the phone or at least reply.]
[Whatever it is, I’m sorry, okay? But do I really deserve to be thrown away like that? If something’s bothering you, say it!]
[Fine, I said I’m sorry. Please reply.]
[Joshua!]
Joshua glanced at the "99+" notification in his message inbox and thought Nine had too much free time.
[It’s nothing. I don’t want you in my head anymore.]
Joshua sent that line back, then looked at the pile of clothes before him.
The four of them shared a single wardrobe room. Of course, Joshua hadn’t forgotten his task — wear someone else’s clothes from room 202 and walk out.
He casually grabbed Luther’s jacket and called, "Luther, my jacket got dirty. I’m borrowing yours."
Hearing that, Luther immediately opened the changing room door and came in.
Joshua, acting cautiously, covered his chest. Luther couldn’t help but laugh. "Don’t act so shy."
Even so, Joshua really liked wearing tank tops. Even though autumn had already arrived, he’d always wear them home. One of them had such a deep cut that it barely covered anything if he so much as moved.
Luther rummaged through his clothes and tossed a jacket over Joshua’s head. "This one should work best — at least it won’t look too big on you."
Joshua pouted. "You’re only a little taller than me, stop acting like such a big deal."
"More than ten centimetres," Luther said casually. "And besides, look at our builds — your whole face could fit in one of my hands."
Joshua put on the jacket. "Don’t use enlargement spells here."
"It’s true." Luther stretched out his hand and measured right in front of Joshua as if to prove his point.
Joshua grabbed his hand, pulled it down, and then looked at himself in the mirror.
Luther’s jacket really did look big on him. The shoulder seams drooped, and Joshua had to roll up the sleeves — overall, it looked a little oversized.
Luther stroked his chin with a grin. "What do they call this again, Joshua? Ah, right — a boyfriend jacket! Hahaha!"
Joshua gave Luther a helpless look, shoved him aside and walked out.
The final-round premiere was approaching, but Shining Path had arranged a surprise event for them before that.
"A brand photoshoot audition in collaboration with several seniors from CM Broadcasting System! The casting team has been waiting for you — if you receive an invitation, you’ll be featured on the September cover of V Celestia magazine!"
The instructor’s voice echoed, like seeds planted in the trainees’ hearts.
If they did well, they might even catch the attention of a luxury brand!
Images of a bright, glamorous future easily bloomed in everyone’s mind, and the trainees couldn’t help but grow excited.
Leonard, sitting nearby, suddenly asked Joshua, "Do you want to be on the cover?"
Joshua glanced at him and replied, "I’ll do my best."
The instructor’s voice rang out again: "Joshua, Will — your turn."
The interviews were conducted in random pairs. As expected, Joshua lifted his gaze and saw Will looking back at him.
Joshua gave a faint smile, and Will nodded thoughtfully — though he hadn’t expected to be paired with Joshua.
Since that day, they hadn’t spoken at all. Not that they’d ever been particularly close before, but at least it hadn’t been as awkward as it was now...
Inside the room were two people — a young-looking woman with a soft smile standing to the side, and a man sitting down. His outfit, however, was outrageously flamboyant: his hair was split red and yellow, and he wore a green bowtie with a red suit dotted in blue polka dots. There was no need to even look at the rest of his outfit — just this much was enough to leave anyone stunned.
His lips were painted a vivid red, the colour spilling past the edges as if he were trying to imitate the exaggerated smile of a clown. His face was caked in powder — so much that it looked like a single facial expression could send a cloud of it falling off.
And indeed, the moment he saw Joshua and Will, he leapt up from his chair, revealing bright yellow pants and blue shoes. Laughing loudly, he exclaimed, "These two trainees look very promising!"
Then he walked over to Will, tapping lightly on his earring. "How many piercings do you have there, rebellious one?"
After that, he slid over to Joshua, pausing briefly before breaking into another wide grin. "A boy with a very unique beauty."
With that, he suddenly took Joshua’s hand, his red lips hovering just above the skin as he gave an air kiss and said, "A pleasure to meet you. Oh, and—lovely nails, by the way."
Even though there was no actual contact, Joshua still couldn’t help but feel goosebumps prickle across his skin. He knew it was just a greeting custom in some places, but still—
He pulled his hand back discreetly, nodded, and replied, "Thank you for the compliment."
Then he spread his hands slightly, lifting his chin a little. "I painted them myself, actually."
William hadn’t expected Joshua to boast about it. He paused momentarily, then nodded while lowering his gaze to his own hands.
They were the only exposed parts of his body besides his face, and they were covered in scribbles and smudges — lipstick or ink, who could tell — except for the bare nails.
He reached his hand toward Joshua and leaned in closer. "Would you paint mine too?"
Joshua noticed the powder from William’s face drifting down and clinging to Luther’s black jacket. The man’s face was far too close, and Joshua instinctively leaned back, shaking his head before replying, "I didn’t bring my polish with me. Besides, I still have practice later — not much time to spare."
William frowned. "Why did you move back? You don’t like me, do you? You think I’m strange?"
Accused so suddenly, Joshua didn’t flinch. He shook his head, expression calm and detached. "First, I just like to keep a safe distance when talking to someone. And no — I don’t dislike you."
William immediately slumped his shoulders. "Alright then."
Joshua had no idea what he meant by that.
"Okay, Anna, tell them what they need to do," William said, waving his hand lazily, sounding utterly bored.
Anna — the assistant who had been standing quietly to the side — stepped forward with a pleasant smile. "Hello, both of you. I’m Anna, assistant to Mr. William, chief editor of V. This time, he’ll personally select which trainees qualify to appear on V’s September cover. The theme for this shoot is flowers. All you have to do is pick one of the flowers, pose with it, and let our photographer take a few shots. Mr. William will evaluate you fairly based on your aura, naturalness, and photogenic sense."
It had to be said — Anna’s explanation was in-depth.
Joshua and Will turned their heads and indeed saw a freshly arranged flower garden filled with various kinds of blossoms. A photographer was already waiting there, and when he caught their eyes, he gave them a bright smile and a thumbs-up.