When Eliana walked out of Central Film University, she was in an excellent mood.
In the preliminary round, she had performed a monologue, recited a poem, sung a song, danced, and passed a basic physical test. The callback round had required a live audition and an emotional expression assessment.
Judging from the expressions on the professors' faces, she knew she had done well.
Feeling light-hearted, she decided to treat herself. She hailed a taxi and headed to Dawnlight Mall.
There, she wandered through a few stores, bought several outfits, and eventually made her way to a quiet restaurant inside the mall. After ordering a selection of dishes, she settled into the relaxed atmosphere.
Eliana had been sitting quietly for a few minutes when a man and a woman, seemingly in their late thirties and mid-forties respectively, approached her table. As they neared, she instinctively stood up.
The woman, adjusting her glasses with a practiced gesture, introduced herself with a warm smile. "Hello, I'm Aria Monroe, and this is Hugo Barrera. We're currently shooting a campaign for Vellura. The shoot's happening in the boutique right next to this restaurant, but unfortunately, our model canceled at the last minute."
The man beside her, Hugo, stepped forward, his tone tinged with urgency. "We saw you when we came in and were wondering if you'd be willing to step in. Your stature matches our model's closely..."
Aria and Hugo exchanged a quick, embarrassed glance. Finding a replacement model wasn't impossible, but it would take time they didn't have. Their schedule was packed, with multiple shoots lined up after this one. Luckily, this particular campaign wasn't too demanding — even if Eliana simply stood there, her striking appearance alone would more than suffice.
Originally, the campaign's concept was to show Vellura's designs not only on professional models but also on everyday individuals, to highlight the brand's versatility and universal appeal. They had planned to feature a few "non-models" anyway — but the sudden cancellation of the primary model threw a wrench in their plans.
Hugo had already called Aria earlier, venting his frustration over the situation. After failing to secure a replacement through her usual channels, Aria had decided to rush over personally to help. She had collaborated with Hugo many times before in her role as an agent at Star High Entertainment.
When they had passed the restaurant and spotted Eliana sitting alone, it had felt almost like a stroke of luck. Her looks were sharp and distinctive, her aura eye-catching even in a casual setting. Without hesitation, they approached.
Eliana studied them. She knew of Vellura — a prestigious fashion house under Ruiz Conglomerate. Their collections were the epitome of sophistication: bold yet refined, rich fabrics flowing in designs that turned heads both on runways and in daily life.
It felt like good fortune had smiled on her today.
With a polite smile, she said, "Sure. I don't mind."
Both Aria and Hugo visibly relaxed, the tension in their shoulders easing.
Just as Eliana was about to follow them, she remembered something and said, "My name is Eliana Dubois."
Aria and Hugo nodded, but Aria paused for a second, her eyes sharpening slightly as she took another, more careful look at her.
"You're a live streamer, right?" she asked, a hint of recognition in her voice.
Eliana nodded without much thought.
Aria smiled, her gaze sweeping her from head to toe in quiet approval. This girl really was exceptional — delicate yet striking features, an elegant posture, and a natural aura in front of people. Plus, having some existing popularity would only help with the campaign's promotional reach. She had heard of her before: a rising live streamer known for her gaming skills and clean, beautiful looks.
Perfect.
She thought to herself, feeling even more confident about pulling her into the shoot.
Hugo, on the other hand, didn't seem to recognize Eliana. But after another glance at her face and bearing, he didn't care — the camera would love her, that was all that mattered.
...
When they entered the boutique, it was empty except for the shoot team.
Hugo immediately instructed the stylists to get Eliana ready, while he went to set up the camera equipment. Without any hesitation, Eliana followed the stylists to change and have her makeup done.
Not long after, Eliana stepped out of the dressing room.
Hugo, adjusting his lens, and Aria, standing beside him, both looked up—and froze.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air.
Eliana's appearance was nothing short of breathtaking.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored dress that hugged her figure gracefully, paired with delicate earrings and a hint of soft makeup, she exuded effortless elegance. The outfit, combined with the subtle yet precise touch of makeup, made her seem far more mature than her actual age—calm, poised, magnetic.
Hugo snapped out of his daze first and gestured toward the set. "Please, stand here."
There was no need for complicated instructions. Eliana wasn't a professional model; forcing stiff poses might only backfire. Simply standing there would be more than enough.
But the moment the camera clicked, something shifted.
Eliana didn't just stand—she moved. She breathed into the role as if she had done this a thousand times before. Her posture straightened naturally, her gaze sharpened, her hand brushed the edge of her earring with effortless elegance. Every small motion was smooth, deliberate, alive.
Hugo was stunned.
The shoot, originally scheduled for an hour, quickly spiraled beyond that as Hugo, driven by excitement, kept capturing more.
Eliana adapted to every theme with seamless grace:
In a classic blazer dress and subtle jewelry, she radiated authority—shoulders squared, gaze calm yet commanding. One hand rested at her waist while the other casually adjusted her bracelet, a slight, knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Layered in elegant coats and scarves, she transformed into an image of winter's chill—cool, distant, refined. Her expression softened just enough to suggest hidden warmth, like a patch of sunlight breaking through icy clouds.
When Hugo requested seated shots, Eliana leaned into the setting perfectly—one leg crossed over the other, a velvet chair under her, fingers lightly brushing her temple. Every frame looked effortlessly regal.
As lighter outfits replaced the heavier layers, Eliana's energy shifted again. The cool distance melted into a radiant warmth. She smiled—a genuine, bright smile that made her eyes crinkle, her entire being seeming to glow with vitality.
In one shot, she ran a hand through her hair, the movement casual and captivating. In another, she turned mid-step, glancing back over her shoulder with playful mischief. The soft, flowy dress caught the motion, a perfect picture of fleeting joy.
Then, in fitted athletic wear, she transformed once more. Her body spoke of power and control—leaning forward with her hands resting on her knees, her muscles subtly defined under the fabric. Her gaze held a burning intensity, sharp and commanding.
She straightened, a towel draped around her neck in one scene, a water bottle held casually in another. Every detail, from the curve of her wrist to the slight twitch of her lips, felt alive, compelling.
Draped later in pastel-toned dresses, Eliana softened into an almost dreamlike presence. Her head tilted slightly, lips parted, fingertips brushing delicate flower petals as if caught in a quiet moment of wonder. The afternoon sunlight filtered through, casting an ethereal glow around her. It was as if she had stepped out of a dream.
The shoot, meant to last just one hour, stretched endlessly. No one had the heart to call it to a stop.
And then, something shifted again.
Eliana stepped onto the set wearing something different.
A fitted silk blouse, the top few buttons undone, offered a tantalizing glimpse of smooth collarbones. Tailored trousers hugged her long legs, emphasizing her lean, sculpted figure. She moved with languid ease, settling into a sleek leather chair—one arm draped over the backrest, her legs crossed elegantly.
Her fingers traced lightly along her jawline, and when she lifted her eyes to meet the camera, there was a slow-burning intensity in them that seemed to thicken the air.
A moment later, the silk blouse slipped from one shoulder—unintentional, casual, devastating. The line of her collarbone gleamed under the soft light. Her parted lips, the faint hitch in her breath, the half-lidded gaze—none of it felt deliberate. It was natural, unguarded, dangerously magnetic.
Then she smiled.
Soft. Innocent. Yet so devastatingly seductive that it sent a shiver through the room.
Click.
Hugo caught the moment instantly. It was perfect—purity tangled with quiet temptation, a contradiction that drew the eye and refused to let go.
Hugo swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his professional composure.
If he could, he'd keep her in front of his lens forever.
Finally, after what felt like both a heartbeat and an eternity, the last shot was taken.
Eliana, unaware of the chaos she had left in her wake, calmly adjusted her sleeves and disappeared into the dressing room.
When she reemerged, dressed once again in her own clothes, Hugo approached immediately, excitement lighting up his features.
"That was incredible," he said sincerely. "You're made for the camera."
Eliana nodded with a polite, modest smile.
Then, looking a little sheepish, Hugo rubbed the back of his head. "We, uh, forgot to discuss payment before—"
Eliana waved a hand. "It's alright. I did it for the experience."
Hugo paused, caught off guard by the casual generosity, but eventually nodded gratefully.
Still, he couldn't help but ask, "Seriously... was this really your first time modeling? You did better than some top-tier professionals."
Eliana hesitated at the unexpected praise, then nodded again. "First time," she said simply.
At least in this universe, she added silently.
Hugo studied her, disbelief clear on his face. With looks like that, talent like that... how had no one discovered her yet?
But Eliana didn't seem like she was lying.
Before Hugo could ask more, Aria stepped forward, eyes gleaming.
"Can I have your contact information?" she asked eagerly. "Would you consider joining Star High Entertainment? I'm an agent there."
Eliana looked at her, thoughtful. "Star High Entertainment?"
The current entertainment industry was dominated by three major companies: Sonic Pulse, Star High, and Blue Flame. Even the platform FlowerTV belonged to Star High Entertainment.
When they entered the boutique, it was empty except for the shoot team.
Hugo immediately instructed the stylists to get Eliana ready, while he went to set up the camera equipment. Without any hesitation, Eliana followed the stylists to change and have her makeup done.
Not long after, Eliana stepped out of the dressing room.
Hugo, adjusting his lens, and Aria, standing beside him, both looked up—and froze.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air.
Eliana's appearance was nothing short of breathtaking.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored dress that hugged her figure gracefully, paired with delicate earrings and a hint of soft makeup, she exuded effortless elegance. The outfit, combined with the subtle yet precise touch of makeup, made her seem far more mature than her actual age—calm, poised, magnetic.
Hugo snapped out of his daze first and gestured toward the set. "Please, stand here."
There was no need for complicated instructions. Eliana wasn't a professional model; forcing stiff poses might only backfire. Simply standing there would be more than enough.
But the moment the camera clicked, something shifted.
Eliana didn't just stand—she moved. She breathed into the role as if she had done this a thousand times before. Her posture straightened naturally, her gaze sharpened, her hand brushed the edge of her earring with effortless elegance. Every small motion was smooth, deliberate, alive.
Hugo was stunned.
The shoot, originally scheduled for an hour, quickly spiraled beyond that as Hugo, driven by excitement, kept capturing more.
Eliana adapted to every theme with seamless grace:
In a classic blazer dress and subtle jewelry, she radiated authority—shoulders squared, gaze calm yet commanding. One hand rested at her waist while the other casually adjusted her bracelet, a slight, knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Layered in elegant coats and scarves, she transformed into an image of winter's chill—cool, distant, refined. Her expression softened just enough to suggest hidden warmth, like a patch of sunlight breaking through icy clouds.
When Hugo requested seated shots, Eliana leaned into the setting perfectly—one leg crossed over the other, a velvet chair under her, fingers lightly brushing her temple. Every frame looked effortlessly regal.
As lighter outfits replaced the heavier layers, Eliana's energy shifted again. The cool distance melted into a radiant warmth. She smiled—a genuine, bright smile that made her eyes crinkle, her entire being seeming to glow with vitality.
In one shot, she ran a hand through her hair, the movement casual and captivating. In another, she turned mid-step, glancing back over her shoulder with playful mischief. The soft, flowy dress caught the motion, a perfect picture of fleeting joy.
Then, in fitted athletic wear, she transformed once more. Her body spoke of power and control—leaning forward with her hands resting on her knees, her muscles subtly defined under the fabric. Her gaze held a burning intensity, sharp and commanding.
She straightened, a towel draped around her neck in one scene, a water bottle held casually in another. Every detail, from the curve of her wrist to the slight twitch of her lips, felt alive, compelling.
Draped later in pastel-toned dresses, Eliana softened into an almost dreamlike presence. Her head tilted slightly, lips parted, fingertips brushing delicate flower petals as if caught in a quiet moment of wonder. The afternoon sunlight filtered through, casting an ethereal glow around her. It was as if she had stepped out of a dream.
The shoot, meant to last just one hour, stretched endlessly. No one had the heart to call it to a stop.
And then, something shifted again.
Eliana stepped onto the set wearing something different.
A fitted silk blouse, the top few buttons undone, offered a tantalizing glimpse of smooth collarbones. Tailored trousers hugged her long legs, emphasizing her lean, sculpted figure. She moved with languid ease, settling into a sleek leather chair—one arm draped over the backrest, her legs crossed elegantly.
Her fingers traced lightly along her jawline, and when she lifted her eyes to meet the camera, there was a slow-burning intensity in them that seemed to thicken the air.
A moment later, the silk blouse slipped from one shoulder—unintentional, casual, devastating. The line of her collarbone gleamed under the soft light. Her parted lips, the faint hitch in her breath, the half-lidded gaze—none of it felt deliberate. It was natural, unguarded, dangerously magnetic.
Then she smiled.
Soft. Innocent. Yet so devastatingly seductive that it sent a shiver through the room.
Click.
Hugo caught the moment instantly. It was perfect—purity tangled with quiet temptation, a contradiction that drew the eye and refused to let go.
Hugo swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his professional composure.
If he could, he'd keep her in front of his lens forever.
Finally, after what felt like both a heartbeat and an eternity, the last shot was taken.
Eliana, unaware of the chaos she had left in her wake, calmly adjusted her sleeves and disappeared into the dressing room.
When she reemerged, dressed once again in her own clothes, Hugo approached immediately, excitement lighting up his features.
"That was incredible," he said sincerely. "You're made for the camera."
Eliana nodded with a polite, modest smile.
Then, looking a little sheepish, Hugo rubbed the back of his head. "We, uh, forgot to discuss payment before—"
Eliana waved a hand. "It's alright. I did it for the experience."
Hugo paused, caught off guard by the casual generosity, but eventually nodded gratefully.
Still, he couldn't help but ask, "Seriously... was this really your first time modeling? You did better than some top-tier professionals."
Eliana hesitated at the unexpected praise, then nodded again. "First time," she said simply.
At least in this universe, she added silently.
Hugo studied her, disbelief clear on his face. With looks like that, talent like that... how had no one discovered her yet?
But Eliana didn't seem like she was lying.
Before Hugo could ask more, Aria stepped forward, eyes gleaming.
"Can I have your contact information?" she asked eagerly. "Would you consider joining Star High Entertainment? I'm an agent there."
Eliana looked at her, thoughtful. "Star High Entertainment?"
The current entertainment industry was dominated by three major companies: Sonic Pulse, Star High, and Blue Flame. Even the platform FlowerTV belonged to Star High Entertainment.