"I use this mirror to manipulate the lighting around the stage. From the beginning, I knew that this model search was not meant to find the forerunner of a professional model. But it was to help the Tunic Proud company promote their clothing products. The proof was that they willingly lent all the fancy clothes to the contestants. If they want to find a real model, there's no way they would spend that much money. They deliberately look for amateur models who match their clothes so that they can be promoted with very little capital."
"Well, that makes sense," said Waksi.
"See? That's why I stepped in. If I had applied as an ordinary participant by filling out an application on paper, I wouldn't have been able to win. My existence is a boring thing. That's why I had to make all the judges notice me. I made use of the lighting around the stage. When all the spotlights came on at the end of the performance, they shone on my backside, making me the most eye-catching figure of all. I deliberately stood in a position that was the easiest for the judges to see, so that when the lighting came on they would immediately notice my presence. That's why I insisted on standing next to the stage without it. But I didn't expect these mirrors to interfere with the vision of the other contestants, causing Jessey to fall off the stage. That was beyond my expectations."
"So that's what the mirrors are for," Waksi said, nodding.
"Now you understand. When you left earlier, the lights at the back of the stage illuminated me completely. The judges immediately stopped scoring on their papers and were forced to look at me full of beauty. At first, I wasn't sure if they would allow me to take part in this competition. I just wanted to draw the judges' attention to my existence. But seeing as the judges weren't too pleased with the previous contestants, especially many who were distracted by my mirror, I had a feeling that they might give me a chance to walk the catwalk. And I was right."
"After that, I went into the second stage of my plan, which was to choose the clothes that suited me best. Remember, they were holding this model search to help promote their products, so I chose the clothes that would make the most of Tunic Proud's products. My body might not be as good as Jessey's, but with my choice of magnificent clothes and diverse accessories, I can make up for my shortcomings. That's why I chose that white dress and blue tiara."
"Next is easy. With all the judges' attention on me, I just need to bring out the best in myself and walk the catwalk. Especially with the dark blue and purple color scheme, it made me stand out even more against the bright white color of the dress. Moreover, with the help of the mirror that I spread out on the floor, it made me shine even more in front of the judges."
Waksi rested his chin on his lap, trying to think about all of Silvia's explanations. He couldn't believe it, but everything she said seemed to make sense. "That's how you win this competition. You knew from the start that this event was just a promotional event for the Tunic Proud company."
"That's right," Silvia said firmly, "this competition is not about one's hard work and stage presence, but how to steal the show from the judges. I managed to make everyone believe that I was the most suitable candidate to wear their clothes and promote them to the public."
"You're really sneaky, Silvia." Waksi said in a disdainful tone.
"What can I say? I had no intention of entering this competition from the start. But you insulted me earlier. You said I was delusional and insane. In order to prove you wrong, I have no choice but to win the competition. And now that I've won, you disapprove?"
"I refused because the life of a model is not easy. There will be a lot of slander and gossip spread later. This is all for your own good. Who knows what problems will happen in the future? And I'm not sure if my father or yours would approve of you becoming a model." Said Waksi, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms.
"Are you really worried about me?" Silvia said suspiciously. This was the first time someone as cold as Waksi had shown concern about her safety. There must be something behind it.
"Yes, I was worried about you. If any trouble happens to you because of this, I'll be affected as well. Therefore, before things happen that will be troublesome for me in the future, I'd better prevent it now."
As Silvia suspected, there was no way someone like Waksi would voluntarily care and be concerned about her safety. If this had nothing to do with Waksi himself, he must be indifferent to her.
With a bitter smile, Silvia said, "don't mind me. I guarantee that no trouble will befall you because of my decision."
"I hope so," Waksi said as he left, "if you don't have any other foul plans, we'd better go home now."
That way it's official that Silvia has become a model in the future. All of this was captured on the pendant that Waksi wore around her neck. Sooner or later, Silvia's father would find out about all this. Whether he would approve of her becoming a model or not, Silvia did not know.
As Silvia stepped out of the building, her mind still buzzing with Waksi's words and the aftershocks of her victory, her phone suddenly vibrated in her pocket. The sharp, insistent buzz startled her, and she pulled the device out, her fingers trembling slightly.
The screen illuminated with a message from an unknown number.
Her breath caught in her throat as she read the words:
"Congratulations on your victory as a model. You caught my attention, Silvia. From now on, I'll be watching you from afar."
The words blurred as her heartbeat thudded loudly in her ears. She blinked, reading them again, hoping her mind had misinterpreted them. But they were clear—ominous, even.
"Who is this? Am I being watched by someone right now?" Silvia said to herself.
For some reason, she started to get a little scared as soon as she realized that a stranger was trying to watch her. It's really scary.
"Silvia, how long are you going to stand there? Get in the car now," Waksi's voice called out from the other side of the street, breaking her tense stare into the darkness.
"Coming!" she called, trying to sound normal, though her voice wavered ever so slightly. She took a few quick steps toward him, but the gnawing feeling in her gut wouldn't go away.
She quickly shoved the phone back into her bag, her breath coming faster now. What had she gotten herself into? Was her decision to become a model something she shouldn't have done?