Chapter 139: The Clothes Horse

Since the start of the meal, the director had been observing Lin Yu. He found it quite puzzling: with such a hearty appetite, how did he maintain such a perfect physique? The talent agency didn't seem to be managing him strictly either—perhaps he had some unique method for weight control? He had tried asking Su Xiaolin, but couldn't get a word out of her; otherwise, the models they collaborated with wouldn't have to suffer through such grueling diets.

"Hmm?"

Lin Yu felt a bit bewildered. How did the conversation suddenly shift to a runway show? More importantly, wasn't he a singer? A strange feeling arose in his heart, and he glanced at Su Xiaolin with suspicion. What was going on? Was she pulling that "act first, report later" routine, surprising him by ignoring convention?

*Fine, fine.* He feigned a moment of contemplation. "For work-related matters, you’ll have to discuss them with my manager first."

Su Xiaolin, who had been about to sneak a bite of food, nearly choked when she was suddenly brought into the conversation. Ji Ya’s gaze drifted over, clearly tacitly approving of the situation. Su Xiaolin had already gone to discuss it anyway; as long as it served the company and the artist's development, acting first and reporting later didn't really matter. Besides, walking in a runway show would increase his exposure—that was a good thing.

If it were any other artist in the company, the manager would have had the final say. But Lin Yu was different; he was the female CEO’s sole favorite, and every job required her special permission.

"If it’s just a runway show, that’s fine. Naturally, it will depend on his schedule."

Liu Xu, the show’s director, had been prepared for this. Waiting only for their consent, he immediately pulled a contract from his bag. This move didn't just stun Lin Yu; the other two were also somewhat taken aback. Was it really necessary to be this "sincere"?

Liu Xu didn't mind. He rarely felt the urge to personally secure an artist, but Lin Yu’s physique and looks were impeccable. With a bit of makeup and styling on that sunny, handsome face, he was guaranteed to be the center of attention under the spotlight. Moreover, as a professional, he knew at a glance that Lin Yu was the perfect clothes hanger. The show happened to feature a suit created in collaboration with a high-end brand that would fit him perfectly.

A quick glance showed that the contract requirements were simple—just a walk-through. It didn't matter if he didn't know how; there would be professional instructors, and the pay for a single walk was surprisingly generous, reaching tens of thousands.

"If it’s possible, would you mind spending some time after dinner getting to know the instructor?"

Although it was already evening, it was still early. As the director of the show, Liu Xu wasn't afraid of the delay; it all depended on Lin Yu’s willingness. He was simply too eager to sign such a promising talent.

Liu Xu was a smart man. He could see at a glance that Lin Yu held a different significance to Ji Ya than other artists. As the newcomer favored by the president of the Jifei Agency—the best in China—he was bound to become a huge star. Signing him early, before he became expensive, would yield returns far exceeding the cost.

***

After dinner, with Ji Ya’s permission, Lin Yu followed them back to the model training room.

The decor was quite grand, clearly the result of significant time and effort. Once he put on the high-end suit, Lin Yu’s entire demeanor shifted; he transformed from a campus heartthrob into the CEO of a publicly traded company. The perfectly tailored suit showcased his best features flawlessly. His biceps and broad shoulders stood out in the interplay of light and shadow, as magnificent as a massive mountain.

Ji Ya picked up her phone and snapped a photo, but accidentally left the flash on.

*Oh dear...*

Lin Yu looked at her with a gentle smile, not exposing the awkward moment; instead, the look in his eyes was filled with indulgence.

There were also high-end garments to follow, and everything for Lin Yu would be handled according to the highest standards. If the collaboration was successful, he would even be able to get discounted custom clothing from the brand in the future.

"A-Yu has some program and film commitments recently. How about we arrange for him to learn the cat-walk tomorrow morning?"

Watching the two of them interact with a sweetness that was nearly suffocating, Su Xiaolin wished she could give herself a hard slap. They were already this sweet, so why on earth was she still "shipping" him with Mr. Song? Did he deserve it? No, he did not!

***

After changing his clothes, Lin Yu went off to meet the instructor with Liu Xu. The instructor was a fashionably dressed man who gestured with delicate, professional flair.

While waiting in the lounge, Ji Ya stared blankly at the photo of Lin Yu she had just taken. She was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice Su Xiaolin leaning in until she pointed at the photo on the lock screen and let out a gasp. Ji Ya was startled and quickly covered her mouth to stop her from talking.

"Don't go shooting your mouth off!"

Su Xiaolin made muffled, indecipherable sounds. *What? You two are allowed to be together secretly, but I’m not allowed to say anything? This is a secret romance, isn't it? Even using matching couple wallpapers, and you’re treating me like an outsider!*

The wallpaper was one Ji Ya had secretly changed. Even as her special assistant, she couldn't just go around talking. Lin Yu was in the rising phase of his career; this was just a small, playful indulgence of hers—it must not be publicized!

***

An hour later, the instructor, Andy, walked out of the training room, giggling and blowing a kiss to Lin Yu, his eyes full of reluctance. "If there’s anything you don’t understand, just call me. I’ll be waiting for you, little handsome!"

The two women outside felt goosebumps rise all over their skin. The confession came out of nowhere—was it possible that both of them were men? Pull yourself together, man!

Liu Xu walked out with a smile, patting Lin Yu on the shoulder with clear satisfaction. "A-Yu, you have great potential as a model. We must collaborate more in the future."

The work hadn't even officially begun, yet here was an invitation for the next collaboration. Lin Yu’s charm was truly irresistible!

*Good grief, this Liu Xu really has a business brain,* Lin Yu thought. *Securing such a good talent early could save a lot of money in the future! He really knows his stuff.*

Lin Yu was just thinking about saying yes whenever there was work, but Su Xiaolin interrupted his train of thought.

"Director Liu, collaboration is, of course, a step-by-step process. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. However, whenever A-Yu is free, we will definitely consider you first."

Liu Xu clearly saw through Su Xiaolin’s flattery and could only smile. "Then we’ll talk when the opportunity arises. I suppose I was being a bit too impatient."

Naturally, he really wanted to sign Lin Yu to a ten-year contract! Otherwise, once his market value rose and his competitiveness increased, he would have to wait in line and spend much more money to get him! *What a loss, what a loss! I should have brought it up when Su Xiaolin wasn't around!* Liu Xu wanted to slap himself. This impatience had cost him more than just a little.

"Alright, alright, there will be plenty of chances to work together in the future. Sister Xiaolin, you must remember to prioritize Director Liu when scheduling!"

Having been with Su Xiaolin for a while, Lin Yu knew how to return the flattery. After he said this, the smile on Liu Xu’s face was impossible to suppress, even though he knew it was just a polite, official response.