Chapter Sixty-Six: The Champion

Everyone noticed two extra seats on the judging panel, occupied by two men: a plump middle-aged man and a tall, well-dressed young man.

Zhuo Yiyan, who was both a judge and host, introduced the judges to the contestants, and more importantly, to the audience. The other judges who had participated in the opening show were not mentioned; the middle-aged man was Mr. Nie, the head of the potato chip manufacturer, and the young man was even more prominent—he was the CEO of the video website that the program partnered with, and he also managed Yuren International Media Entertainment Company. He was Li Yu.

First, Mr. Nie announced the contestant who received a bonus of ten points: the sweet and beautiful Luo Yi. Ten points might not seem like much, but at this crucial moment in the competition, every point counts.

Next came the main event.

According to the scoring criteria, 100 points was only the total score for the cover shoot and the closing show. Contestants also received five points for each exemption they received in previous weeks, ten points for advertising, and ten points for popularity outside the competition. Finally, the champion, runner-up, and third-place winners were determined based on their scores.

Based on the judges' scores for the cover photo and runway show, Xiao Yang received 95 points, Luo Yi received 90 points, and Sheng Jiaoyang received 97 points. In the previous weekly competition, Luo Yi received two exemptions, Xiao Yang two, and Sheng Jiaoyang three, while Luo Yi received an additional 10 points for advertising. Therefore, the scores became: Luo Yi 110 points, Xiao Yang 105 points, and Sheng Jiaoyang 112 points.

The score difference was small, and the final result depended on off-stage popularity.

Off-stage popularity became extremely important; whoever received the popularity bonus would be the champion.

"President Li, please!" Zhuo Yiyan gestured for Li Yu to proceed.

Li Yu stood up and said, "According to the real-time popularity rankings, the number one spot is..."

His gaze lingered on the three contestants' faces before finally settling on Sheng Jiaoyang, "Xu Jiaojiao."

"Wow~ It really is Jiaojiao!" Wang Wei, sitting in the back row, jumped up excitedly.

"The rankings are now clear: Xu Jiaojiao is the champion, Luo Yi is the runner-up, and Xiao Yang is the third-place winner. Congratulations on becoming the champion, runner-up, and third-place winner of this year's All-Star Supermodel competition!"

"Congratulations!"

People around them offered their congratulations, some casually, some more casually. Sheng Jiaoyang's gaze met Lin Na's,

and the two exchanged a knowing smile. Li Yu narrowed his eyes, observing their interaction. Before the competition, Xu Jiaojiao was just an unremarkable student. Now, not only had she transformed, but she had also managed to build a good relationship with Lin Na—quite impressive!

Although the scores for the champion, runner-up, and third-place winners weren't far apart tonight, considering both overall qualities and off-stage popularity, Xu Jiaojiao's path seemed wider than the others.

Li Yu chuckled, realizing he was overthinking things. Whether she was good or bad was none of his business. Entertainment International had already launched many successful artists, and many newcomers were preparing to debut. Besides, he couldn't see what this talent show champion could do besides become an internet celebrity.

Soon, the contestants went backstage to change. The production team was hosting a celebration banquet at the adjacent hotel that evening, inviting all the guests, sponsors, and media representatives.

The team had also provided several evening gowns for the contestants. After changing, they had their makeup and styling redone.

When the three of them arrived at the banquet hall, many people looked over.

Lin Na, who had been listening with a cold expression, chuckled when her gaze fell on the three entering, immediately noticing the middle-aged man in front of her.

Lin Na said "Excuse me," and swayed over, holding a wine glass. On the way, she casually grabbed a glass of orange juice from a waiter's tray and handed it to Sheng Jiaoyang.

"Why did you decide to wear a princess dress? This isn't your style," Lin Na asked with a smile, lightly clinking her glass against Sheng Jiaoyang's.

Sheng Jiaoyang almost dropped her sleeve. She was so annoyed by the thought. She didn't know what the production team was thinking when they prepared the dresses for them. The other two wore simple, fitted dresses, but hers was a puffy princess dress. She asked to change, but they replied that they hadn't prepared a second dress.

Luo Yi and Xiao Yang, who came in with her, glanced enviously at Sheng Jiaoyang, who had managed to get Lin Na to talk to her. They discreetly walked away, knowing they were the ones who felt most awkward standing there.

"Haha, you look quite cute in a princess dress," Lin Na chuckled.

Sheng Jiaoyang took a sip, looking down at her juice glass. She raised an eyebrow at Lin Na: "Why did you still give me juice? I'm perfectly fine."

"But you're a minor!"

"..." Sheng Jiaoyang.

Helpless, Sheng Jiaoyang could only change the subject, "How's the company doing? Has that matter been resolved?"

"Don't worry, it's all resolved. I'm planning to stay here for a few days. Will you take me in?" Lin Na looked at her expectantly.

"Sure, you can stay as long as you want." Sheng Jiaoyang smiled and nodded. "But let me make this clear first, I live in a regular neighborhood. It can keep out thieves, but not paparazzi."

"Whatever." Lin Na smiled too.

"Ms. Xu, congratulations on becoming the champion." Suddenly, a voice interrupted from the side.

Sheng Jiaoyang's smile faded, and she looked at the person who came, but didn't speak.

Tan Jie smiled broadly, looked at Lin Na, and extended a hand, saying, "Hello, Ms. Lin, I am Tan Jie, the top agent of Supermodel Agency."

Lin Na was exactly like Sheng Jiaoyang, completely ignoring Tan Jie's outstretched hand.

"Is there something you need?" Lin Na also had a cold face.

Tan Jie was furious inside, but on the surface, he still had to put on a warm face and say, "I wanted to ask Ms. Xu Jiaojiao if she has changed her mind and wants to develop her career with our company?"

"No need." Sheng Jiaoyang gestured to Lin Na and walked away directly.

Lin Na understood, didn't say another word to Tan Jie, and turned to follow Sheng Jiaoyang.

Tan Jie really wanted to smash his cup; those two brats!

After walking aside, Lin Na said, "Why don't you sign with my studio? You'll have an excuse to go abroad later."

Sheng Jiaoyang thought about it and felt that this was a good idea, saving her from being bothered by those clueless people. Anyway, she had no intention of signing with a management company. Forget about resources; signing with a management company was like handing over a contract of servitude, becoming someone else's money-making tool for nothing.

"I'll have my assistant draft a contract later, according to my standards," Lin Na said.

Hearing this, Sheng Jiaoyang laughed and said, "I bet your employees will think you've lost your mind."

"Who cares what they think!"

In another part of the hall, Li Yu answered a cross-border phone call.

"Boss?"