MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 360: Runway Revelations

When Xin regained consciousness, he found himself in the kitchen with Xiaxia and Seraphina, the early morning light filtering through the windows.

Xiaxia’s grin was so wide that it nearly hurt Xin’s eyes. He knew her well enough to recognize that this exaggerated smile meant she wanted something.

"What’s going on?" Xin asked, feeling a bit uneasy about Xiaxia’s expression.

Instead of answering directly, Xiaxia hopped over to Xin and grabbed his hand. "Hey, Xin, did Victor call you today?"

"Victor?" Xin was puzzled by the sudden topic. "No, why?"

Xiaxia’s grin widened even more, accompanied by a giggle. "Well, he called me early this morning and asked if I wanted to apply for a part-time job today. His sister needed some fresh models because the ones they hired backed out at the last minute."

Xin struggled to process Xiaxia’s words, her excitement making it difficult for him to understand what she was saying.

"What are you trying to say, Xiaxia?" Xin asked, exchanging a brief glance with Seraphina who was sweetly smiled at him in return.

Taking a deep breath, Xiaxia explained, "As I was saying, Victor will come here today to fetch me to model in his sister’s fashion show! And he’ll pay me, of course! Isn’t it exciting? Imagine your sister, a model!"

Xin blinked, finally registering what was happening. It seemed Victor had called Xiaxia to participate in a modeling gig.

"But why didn’t he mention it to me?" Xin muttered to himself in a low voice.

Rolling her eyes, Xiaxia replied, "Haven’t you heard me saying that he called early in the morning while you were still sleeping because it was urgent? He sounded pretty desperate. Besides, I’m already of legal age, so I don’t need your permission to go. I just told you so you’ll know where I am the whole day," she added with a flip of her hair.

"I see . . ." Xin said and resumed eating. It’s not like he was going to stop her or anything. She was of legal age and could decide what she wanted to do.

It was just that . . .

Xin glanced at Xiaxia from head to toe. Xiaxia was well-proportioned, but weren’t models supposed to be skinny? Was she alright going out there wearing six-inch heels in a tight dress?

She didn’t exactly fit the typical model mold.

Xiaxia slapped Xin on the head, breaking his train of thought.

"I know what you’re thinking. So what if I’m not model material? Victor said that it’s fine since the audience will focus on the dress and not on the model."

"Yeah, but . . ." Xin scratched his head. "Are you alright with walking on the runway with people looking at you?"

Xiaxia hummed and raised her head proudly. "Of course. You don’t know, dear brother, but I used to do runway when you were still in the hospital," she said with a hint of sarcasm. "Well, at least, imaginary ones in my head."

Xin stared at her incredulously. "Are you going to be alright with that?"

Xiaxia waved her hands dismissively. "How hard could it be?"

"For starters, you have to walk in six-inch heels. Can you do that without falling on you face?"

Xiaxia’s smile faltered for a moment before she looked to the side. "Maybe I could wear something less . . . high?"

Xin wasn’t having it.

On the side, Seraphina laughed and said, "I can give you some tips on how to walk."

"Really? Thank you!" Xiaxia said, grabbing Seraphina’s hand gratefully.

Seraphina licked her lips and began, "Well, for starters, stand up straight with your shoulders back and your chin up. Engage your core muscles to help maintain balance."

Xiaxia unconsciously straightened her back and rolled her head upward. "Like this?"

"You don’t have to exaggerate your head, but your shoulders are in the right place," Seraphina said with a giggle.

"Take small steps," she continued, "Keep your strides short and controlled. Avoid taking large steps, as this can throw off your balance.

"Walking heel to toe is key," Seraphina explained. "Roll your foot forward with each step, starting with your heel and then shifting your weight to the ball of your foot before pushing off with your toes."

"Use your arms for balance," she added. "Allow your arms to swing naturally at your sides to help you stay balanced as you walk."

And remember to slow down. Take your time and walk at a comfortable pace. Rushing can increase the likelihood of stumbling or losing your balance."

"R-right," Xiaxia said, her eyes seeming to spin with nervousness.

"Are you really going to be alright?" Xin asked with a poker face. "You can call Victor right now and say that you couldn’t make it. I’ll call him if you want."

"What?! No! Of course, I will be fine, and I’ve already said YES to Victor! I can’t back out now!" Xiaxia exclaimed, panting.

Xin sighed, realizing Xiaxia must have agreed out of impulse.

"Speaking of which, I have to get ready! Victor might be here soon!" Xiaxia hurried off to her room, excited and nervous at the same time.

Xin followed her with his eyes, unsure if he should stop her or not.

"Don’t worry, she’ll be fine," Seraphina reassured him.

"I probably should stop her. I have a feeling that she doesn’t know what she’s doing," Xin expressed his concern.

Seraphina chuckled. "She has Victor with her, the brother of the designer, so she will be fine."

Xin looked at Seraphina, realizing that’s what she meant.

"Besides, it would be a good experience for her," she added. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Xin didn’t know how to respond. "Maybe you’re right."

He finished his meal while engaging in small talk with Seraphina.

After thirty minutes, the doorbell rang, and when Xin went to get it, it was Victor.

"Hey, Xin. Sorry for being so early, but did Xiaxia already talk to you about her doing a modeling gig?" Victor asked.

"Yeah," Xin replied.

"Sorry, I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t tell you beforehand; it was a last-minute problem. I tried to call you, but your phone couldn’t be reached."