"I already told you, Chen, this outfit is for me to wear," the girl said, clutching the garment with a hint of grievance on her face.
"Jiang Ying, what's the point? It doesn't matter which outfit you wear. Let's hurry and get ready; we have to go on stage soon. If we delay, Director Chen will reprimand us."
Jiang Ying replied impatiently, "Qian Jiaojiao, why don't you say that to Zhu Ping? If it doesn't matter which outfit we wear, why does she have to snatch this one from me?"
When she had arrived earlier, she had seen several cameras set up on the main stage. This was a chance to be on television, something some people might never experience in their lifetime. She was determined to be on stage looking her absolute best for this golden opportunity.
Given her looks, perhaps someone would notice her and offer her a movie role. Some actresses weren't even as good-looking as her. All she lacked was the chance to be discovered.
"What's going on?" Chen Lishu's voice came from behind. Everyone present turned around.
Jiang Ying's back stiffened, and she remained silent, her lips pressed together.
"Director Chen," Qian Jiaojiao called out, then added with a smile, "It's nothing. We just got a little delayed changing clothes. We'll be ready shortly."
As she spoke, she tugged at Jiang Ying's arm, signaling her to hurry and change. Jiang Ying remained unmoved and looked up at Chen Lishu. "Director Chen, I want to switch outfits with Zhu Ping. I still think her outfit suits me better."
No one expected Jiang Ying to voice her complaint directly to Chen Lishu. They subtly observed Chen Lishu's expression, wondering how she would handle the situation.
Chen Lishu looked at everyone present. "Everyone, stop standing around here. Go change your clothes first, and then check each other's makeup to ensure there are no issues before going on stage."
Upon hearing her words, everyone dispersed. Seeing that only Jiang Ying, Qian Jiaojiao, and Zhu Ping remained, Chen Lishu's gaze fell on Zhu Ping. "You go prepare too."
Zhu Ping seemed relieved as if granted a pardon. Holding the outfit she was to perform in, she turned to leave, casting a cautious glance at Jiang Ying's expression. As expected, it wasn't pleasant.
"Director Chen, I really like Zhu Ping's outfit, and I think..." Under Chen Lishu's stern gaze, Jiang Ying felt a pang of apprehension but pressed on, "I think I would look better in that outfit than Zhu Ping."
Chen Lishu did not get angry. Instead, she calmly explained, "I should have told you earlier that your figure can better showcase the elegance of a suit. Besides, your modeling team is a collective; I'm looking at the overall effect. Everyone is waiting, so you should go change quickly."
"Director Chen." Jiang Ying stood still. Qian Jiaojiao, standing nearby, reached out to pull her, but Jiang Ying flung her hand away. She didn't care about the collective. If she missed this chance, who knew when the next one would come.
"If I can't wear Zhu Ping's outfit, then I won't go on stage." She knew very well that the formations were rehearsed and that the team couldn't afford to be short of anyone. If her wishes weren't met, she'd simply refuse to perform.
Chen Lishu's brow furrowed. Qian Jiaojiao, seeing Chen Lishu frown, felt a jolt. "Jiang Ying, what difference does it make which outfit you wear? Why are you being so stubborn? Hurry and come change with me. The performance is about to start; don't delay." She felt that Director Chen had already been very accommodating, and for Jiang Ying to continue making a scene was excessive.
"They are completely different. My appearance is the most outstanding in the team. Is it fair that I have to wear an outfit I dislike just to accommodate everyone else?" By this point, Jiang Ying had revealed all her thoughts. "In the end, I'm the only one sacrificing. Aren't you just afraid I'll steal the spotlight?"
Chen Lishu found her childish words amusingly infuriating. "Jiang Ying, do you think I deliberately picked an outfit you dislike to suppress you?" Jiang Ying remained silent, but the defiance in her eyes clearly indicated her thoughts. In terms of looks and figure, she was the most striking in the factory.
"Director Chen, the opening ceremony has already begun. Our factory's performance is fourth. We need to hurry," Zhao Xingwang reminded them.
Chen Lishu did not respond. She looked at Jiang Ying. "If you're willing to perform, go change your clothes now." Jiang Ying stood unmoved. The modeling team had twenty members; without her, the formation would be disrupted. Chen Lishu needed her, which was why she was causing trouble at such a crucial moment. She was confident that for the sake of the overall situation, Chen Lishu would compromise.
Seeing her certainty, Chen Lishu shook her head helplessly. Some people were just hopelessly conceited and foolish.
"Since you're unwilling, then forget it," Chen Lishu said calmly. "Qian Jiaojiao, you've worked hard. Take her place." Qian Jiaojiao was startled. After realizing what was said, she quickly replied, "Director Chen, everyone has a fixed position. It might not be appropriate for me to take her place?"
Chen Lishu said sternly, "There's nothing appropriate or inappropriate. You've been training with the team throughout, so you're familiar with the formations. Since I entrusted you with the modeling team, I believe you have the ability to handle this. Don't you agree?"
With these seemingly casual words, Qian Jiaojiao knew Chen Lishu was angry. If she said anything more, she might implicate herself. Glancing at Jiang Ying as she left, she knew she had done all she could. However, she couldn't risk her own job. The host on the distant stage was announcing the second act. Chen Lishu said nothing more, not even looking at Jiang Ying again, and led Zhao Xingwang towards the main stage.
Watching Chen Lishu leave, Jiang Ying swayed, her face instantly turning pale. Chen Lishu paid no mind to this minor disruption. At that moment, a large chorus of about a dozen people from a company was performing on the main stage, dressed in white shirts and dark blue work uniforms, their voices loud and spirits high.
With few entertainment options available, most company performances consisted of large choruses or traditional comedic dialogue performances accompanied by singing. Occasionally, a performance of crosstalk or a skit would be met with thunderous applause.
When the host announced the fashion show by the Shu Se Garment Factory's modeling team, there was a moment of silence from the audience, followed by murmurs.
"Modeling team? What is that?"
"I know about that. I heard that cities like Kyoto and Shanghai have modeling teams. Their figures are amazing, and the clothes they wear are beautiful, comparable to celebrities on television. But this is my first time seeing a live performance."
"I've seen it on television. I didn't expect our provincial capital to have a modeling team too. This is my first time seeing a live performance..."
As the crowd eagerly awaited, lively music began. Qian Jiaojiao was the first to appear. She had a good appearance, and her outfit, adorned with sequins, seemed to shimmer under the sunlight as she walked. Her stunning entrance captivated everyone present.