Chapter Seventeen: Aura at Its Peak, Stunning Attire

"This is a talent show, and the majority of its content focuses on the girls participating in the competition."
"Only about a third of the time is dedicated to the judges, and as a guest judge, I'm unlikely to receive any special attention."
"Most likely, I'll just chime in during the judges' discussions, nothing more."
"Well, that sounds fairly straightforward."
"Oh, so this episode actually features a hundred girls, among whom there are..."
"A third who are here because of connections?"
Seeing that a third of the participants couldn't be casually criticized—indeed, one even had to find ways to praise them—Bai Ling nearly rolled her eyes to the heavens.
What was the meaning of this?
Was this a joke?
"This show shouldn't be called 'Girl Group Assembly,' it’d be better as 'Princesses Traveling Incognito.'"
Hearing Bai Ling's complaints, Miao Miao spoke up from the side, "Sister, you can say whatever you want while we're alone, but once we're outside, don't be too outspoken."
"Besides, isn't this the norm?"
Bai Ling looked at the numb expression on Miao Miao's face, feeling entirely out of sorts herself.
A famous writer once said:
Just because it's always been so, does that mean it's right?
She felt a surge of indignation!
Perhaps it was because the woman whose place she had taken already harbored endless dissatisfaction in her heart.
In a fit of emotion, Bai Ling even felt the urge to rise up and cause a scene, to let the world know...
Are nobles and kings truly born to their stations?
However, after a quick mental check, Bai Ling quietly dismissed such thoughts, carefully memorizing the names of those she couldn't criticize too much.
Idealism is beautiful, but reality is harsh.
Though Bai Ling had briefly soared in spirit, she was still just a small-time influencer without any real say.
Yes, an influencer!
Not even a true star or celebrity.
One's abilities determine one's rewards.
Better not meddle in affairs that aren’t hers.
As for Wen Yan, her name was written clearly on the list.
While others were merely wealthy heiresses—at best, they'd be a county princess in ancient times—
Wen Yan, on the other hand, was treated as a true princess, the most favored of all.
This show was certain to make her famous.
Bai Ling pursed her lips, "Alright, let's leave it at that."
Time passed quickly.

Before long, the stage manager began calling out.
"Everyone, get ready. We're about to start recording."
"Is wardrobe and styling all set?"
Miao Miao grew anxious.
"What should we do, Sister Bai? The makeup artist is still on the way, five minutes from arriving downstairs. There's no way she'll make it in time."
They had been overly optimistic.
They thought the makeup artist would be on time, but who could have guessed the traffic would be so brutal today?
Bai Ling remained perfectly calm.
"Don’t panic, it’s not a big deal."
"Watch me!"
She had originally wanted to quietly earn her money, but circumstances forced her hand.
No more pretending, time to reveal her talents.
Not only was Bai Ling a musical prodigy, she was also a makeup virtuoso.
Though she'd never worn makeup in her previous life, she had recently been rewarded with a divine-level makeup skill.
Right in front of Miao Miao, Bai Ling deftly picked up various makeup tools.
Foundation, concealer, highlighter, mascara...
All top brands, sponsored by the show.
With ten minutes left before recording, Bai Ling worked with astonishing speed.
In no time, she was completely finished.
Bai Ling's natural beauty was already remarkable.
Even barefaced, she outshone most celebrities with their heavy makeup.
Now, under her skillful hands, her flawless looks were elevated to perfection.
Her features became even more defined and exquisite.
Though her makeup was bold, it avoided any hint of vulgarity, instead radiating elegance and grandeur.
If Bai Ling had once resembled a delicate lotus emerging from water, evoking pity and tenderness,
Now she was like a dazzling peony in a garden, surpassing all others!
And she exuded a commanding aura.
Miao Miao stared at Bai Ling, her gaze blossoming like peach flowers.
"Sister Bai, you're so beautiful—and so handsome!"
She even unconsciously reached out as if to touch.
Bai Ling laughed softly, brushing her hand aside.
"Little one, though your sister is beautiful, she can only be admired from afar, not toyed with."
"If you mess up my makeup, I'll have to redo it."
Miao Miao snapped back to reality. "Sorry, Sister Bai, I couldn't help myself."

At that moment, Xiangzi pushed open the door. "Sister Bai, get ready, it's your turn to go on stage."
But halfway through his sentence, he caught sight of Bai Ling's face and froze.
"Sis, you..."
"Sis, can I pursue you?"
Miao Miao stepped forward and smacked Xiangzi's shoulder. "Who are you trying to pursue!"
Xiangzi grinned sheepishly. "Hey, it was just a compliment, Miao Miao, don't make a fuss! I have no ulterior motives."
After a brief exchange, Bai Ling sensed the direction things were heading.
She promptly said, "Alright, that's enough. Take me to the front."
Miao Miao then led Bai Ling out of the makeup room.
At this moment, the busy staff paused in their tracks.
When Bai Ling first arrived, she wore everyday clothes and had no makeup, so although she was an obvious beauty in any crowd, she lacked stage presence and wow factor.
Now, things were different.
Bai Ling had chosen a bright red gown, a dress that demanded both figure and poise.
On anyone less perfect, it would be unflattering.
But Bai Ling was tall and nearly flawless, entirely able to carry the dress.
She had also matched the dress with a radiant, regal makeup look,
Achieving a harmonious unity of style.
This lent Bai Ling an air of dominance, as if she looked down upon the world.
She radiated a vibe of "sister reigns supreme."
No wonder everyone who saw her felt stunned.
Bai Ling paid no mind to their gazes; for someone with divine-level makeup skills, this was only natural.
On the main recording stage, the contestants began to file in.
Because of the girl group theme, they were all dressed in lively, cute, and charming styles.
As Bai Ling passed backstage, she saw several girls even trying to act cute, hoping to win extra points in the upcoming recording.
Bai Ling couldn't help but shake her head.
Competitive, truly competitive.
Pretending, truly pretending.
She then made her way to the side behind the judges' seats.
This was the guest judge area; this episode featured three guest judges in total.
Aside from herself and Lin Yubai, there was another girl.