Intro. Xiao Wen Ju arrived early at Secret Victory's studios, balancing an iced coffee and the serious humor that always made the newcomers get their posture. The place was full, bright and busy, but she went at her own pace: silent, precise, observing everything without seeming really present
The training that day was heavy. Catwalk, light marking, endless repetitions. Xiao did everything with the stiff calm that made her one of the most respected in the cast—on the outside, impeccable; inside, calculating each step so as not to make mistakes. She didn't smile, she didn't talk much, she just worked
When they were finally released, she overheard two producers whispering about one of the world's most famous models watching the entire audience train. Xiao paid no attention. He thought he was just another big name trying to show up
She took her bag, put on her headphones and left without looking back, completely oblivious to the fact that this much-talked-about model was someone she hadn't seen since her youth