The next morning.
Mrs. Chung did not immediately take her daughter, Chung Chor Hung, to register. Instead, she dressed her up first.
Chor Hung had never seriously dressed up before. First, cosmetics were too expensive and wasteful; she couldn't afford them. Second, she was already naturally beautiful, and dressing up further would only attract unsavory men, which was unsafe.
This time was different. She was going to enter a beauty pageant. Even though this was only registration, the ATV program last night had clearly said: registration must be done in person, and there would be an initial screening. Anyone whose looks did not meet the standard would not pass.
Though Miss Asia would later hold preliminary rounds, there had to be a gatekeeping process at registration. They couldn't allow unattractive contestants to enter, lest it damage the pageant's reputation.
So, before going to register, Mrs. Chung made sure her daughter presented herself well.
Chor Hung's natural beauty needed little enhancement. Her mother only drew her eyebrows and applied lipstick. As for foundation or perfume, the family didn't own any, nor was it necessary just for registration.
The registration site for Miss Asia was near Asia Television, at a rented venue set up for the purpose.
When Mrs. Chung and Chor Hung arrived by taxi, they found many people already there. Fortunately, ATV staff and security maintained order, so there was no chaos.
"Contestants, please go to Point A to collect registration forms, then to Point B to fill them out. Afterward, proceed to Point C to queue for staff inspection. Please cooperate and follow the process in order."
A middle‑aged man shouted through a loudspeaker. Large signs marked Points A, B, and C, so no one was confused.
"Hong‑Neui, let's go get the form," Mrs. Chung said, leading her daughter to Point A.
"This one looks good, but not as pretty as Hong‑Neui. That one's no good. This one's okay. That one's a bit of a threat…"
Mrs. Chung secretly compared the other girls to her daughter. The more she looked, the more confident she felt. To her eyes, her daughter was the most beautiful.
Of course, parents always think their own child is prettier, unless the difference is overwhelming.
Registration for Miss Asia was free. Even the forms cost nothing. The TV program had already said contestants would not spend a single cent.
Mother and daughter collected the form and went to Point B to fill it out. Five girls were already writing, with more waiting, so they had to wait their turn.
Nearby, other parents chatted: "ATV is generous. If my daughter wins, she'll get at least HK$10,000." "Exactly. Miss Hong Kong offers no prize money. Even winners may get nothing." "Rather than saying ATV is generous, it's Lin Sheng who is. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire offers HK$1 million to the champion!" "That's a lot, but ordinary people can't win. You need vast knowledge." "True. So far, the highest is 14 questions answered. No champion yet."
"For us ordinary folk, winning tens of thousands at once is huge — years of income." "Yes. One prize could change a family's life." "If Lin Sheng holds more events like this, it would be wonderful." "Indeed. Having a chance is better than none."
Another parent added: "Instead of hoping for prizes, think bigger. If your daughter dated Lin Sheng, with his billions, you'd be set." "That's true. He's young and already a billionaire. Any girl who marries him would be fortunate." "Unless he prefers rich girls and ignores ordinary ones."
Mrs. Chung overheard, her heart stirred, but she quickly dismissed the idea. She wanted her daughter to earn money and improve their life, but she would never sell her. If her daughter truly liked Lin BaoCheng and they dated freely, she would be happy. But she would never force her daughter to chase him. That would be no different from selling her child.
After waiting, Chor Hung filled out the form and queued at Point C. Only contestants could enter; family members had to wait outside.
This was just registration, not judging. As long as a girl looked decent, she passed. Those who didn't were rejected quickly.
So, despite the long line, it moved fast. Soon it was Chor Hung's turn.
Three staff members — two men and one woman — inspected her. Seeing her, they immediately approved.
Unlike most girls, who were sent to Point D, Chor Hung was directed to Point S, a room deeper inside.
There, an ATV female staff member oversaw five or six other girls. Like Chor Hung, they were all strikingly beautiful.
The staff explained: all of them were designated seed contestants. ATV would not fix results, but would give them basic training — clothing coordination, stage walking, self‑presentation.
These girls were top candidates. ATV gave them special preparation, hoping they would advance far, even to the finals.
Since it was only the first day of registration, no training was held. They were simply informed of the program. Participation was optional, but those who agreed had to come to ATV the next day for training.
Afterward, Chor Hung rejoined her mother, and they left.
On the way home, she told her mother about the training. Mrs. Chung immediately decided she must attend, even if it meant quitting her job temporarily. The competition came first.
After all, one job paid HK$350 a month. The contest offered at least HK$10,000. Mrs. Chung knew which mattered more.