Chapter 185 Mutual Favors
The song debuted.
Throngs of listeners rushed to hear it.
“Hmm...pretty good, but somehow it's lost the original flavor.”
“Is this really sung by one person?”
“Oh my God, so amazing! Releasing music late at night, goddess, are you trying for an all-night single loop?”
“Here to support! This new single is shooting straight to number one!”
“Always been a fan of Juliet. Not only is she gorgeous, but her singing is mesmerizing. A pure and crystalline voice, spot-on technique, and full of emotion. Incredible!”
“Not even a professional and still singing this well? Which University did she graduate from?”
“Are you kidding me? This is so mediocre.”
The paid reviews quickly climbed to the top.
While critical comments about Juliet's performance were either deleted or relegated to obscurity.
Juliet grinned from ear to ear, feeling that all her hardships were justified.
"Luann Weaver, one day I'll surpass you."
"I'll take back all the fame that belongs to me, piece by piece!"
Admittedly, the marketing team behind the Talent Management Agency executed a flawless launch.
Upon the release of Juliet's song, discerning listeners immediately knew she wasn't the voice in the video.
But the wave of popularity had already been set in motion, making it rather difficult to subside.
Luann Weaver scrolled through the comments under Juliet's song, yawning incessantly.
Mike Weaver's call was unexpected.
Glancing at the long silent contact on her phone, Luann Weaver already had a hunch about what the caller would say.
As soon as she picked up, Mike Weaver's voice, brimming with mirth, filled her ear.
"Luann, how long's it been since you've been home? Come over here for dinner already!"
"Oh."
"If I don't see you by six, I'm coming over to the Curtis family Diner to drag you out!"
Without waiting for a reply, he hung up.
Luann sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and bemusement, "Just wants to show off Juliet's new single..."
She decided to let it slide; if Juliet wanted to brag, so be it.
On her way to the Weavers', Luann posted a picture on X.
The moment she stepped inside the Weavers’ home, a chorus of happy chatter greeted her.
"My precious girl, making us proud!", exclaimed a family member.
Juliet, unable to hide her pride, responded, "Dad, I'm just getting started, you know."
Mike Weaver gave Juliet's hand a reassuring pat.
"You don’t have to be modest, Juliet. Do you think I'm not aware of the Talent Management Agency? Signed under that top talent agency with the gold-star agent, your future is boundless!"
"I used to think you were just dabbling in showbiz for kicks, but you've really made a name for yourself."
Juliet's grin almost touched the sky, buoyed by Mike Weaver's praise.
Luann strolled in leisurely, her grin teasing. "Am I interrupting a family moment here?"
Brianna, hearing the commotion, came over with her usual tender smile.
"Luann's here! Come on, take off your shoes and take a seat."
Acknowledging with a hum, Luann made her way past Juliet's self-satisfied gaze.
Mike Weaver shot her a look, his next words unclear whom they were meant for.
"It's better for girls to stay on the safe side."
"Why mess with racing? It's dangerous."
"Juliet's got it right – playing piano and singing, that’s what a lady should embellish."
Brianna nudged Mike Weaver gently with her elbow, quickly smoothing things over.
"Girls racing cars can be good too. Another skill is another strength."
Seeing Brianna defend Luann, Juliet’s mood deflated just a bit.
Brianna gently took Luann Weaver's hand, whispering to her with a soft smile.
"I caught your car race, you were amazing out there, really cool driving."
"Thanks."
Juliet Weaver shot Brianna a sharp, disapproving glance.
Luann rose and made her way to the kitchen, wanting some fruit for a fresh taste.
As she entered, she noticed a baked fish being prepared.
"What's this?"
The maid turned at the sound and said, “Miss Weaver, the lady knew you were coming over for dinner today, so she had us pick this up specially for you."
A warmth blossomed in Luann's heart.
Out of the entire Weaver family, it was Brianna, the one without any blood ties to her, who treated her the best.
"Thanks so much for this. I was just looking for some fruit."
The maid brought out a plate of Luann's favorite fruit, all neatly sliced.
Taking the plate, Luann felt a cozy warmth inside.
Returning to the couch with her fruit plate, Brianna leaned in and asked, “Why didn’t Myron come with you today?”
Luann replied between bites, “He's traveling abroad today.”
Brianna nodded, “How are things at the Curtis family? They're treating you well, right?”
“They are. Myron looks out for me,” Luann replied, her smile curling up at the edges with joy.
Overhearing their conversation, Juliet Weaver couldn't resist making a sarcastic remark, "Oh Mom, stop worrying about her. She's holding her own at the Curtis family, even managed to nudge out their head designer from the spot."
"Now that she's in that position, she's making pretty good money every month."
Brianna's eyes sparkled slightly, "Really? Luann must be quite impressive."
Juliet scoffed, "Impressive? It's all thanks to a man. Without Myron Curtis, do you think she could have secured that position?"
In Juliet's eyes, Luann was still the fool who did nothing but goof off and play video games at the office.
Brianna gave Juliet a warning look.
"Knock it off. Your sister has worked hard for her success."
Mike Weaver, seeing an argument brewing, quickly interjected.
"Enough already, what's all this arguing about? We just got together."
"Today, we've brought Luann Weaver home to celebrate Juliet's release of her first single."
"Luann Weaver, aren't you going to congratulate your sister?"
Luann glanced sideways, her voice devoid of enthusiasm.
"Oh, congrats. That's really great, super impressive."
Juliet Weaver stamped her foot in indignant frustration, a picture of aggrieved innocence.
"Dad, can't you see she's not being sincere at all?"
Luann Weaver countered with gentle emphasis, "But I truly wish you the best, Juliet."
A twitch touched the corners of Juliet's mouth as her sister's words provoked her, and she rolled her eyes in exasperation.
Mike Weaver expressed his discontent, "Luann, it's not often we're all together. Was it really necessary to stir up such a tension at home? What's wrong, can't stand to see your little sister doing well? Jealous because Juliet’s new single is a hit?"
Luann's face was the epitome of innocence.
"What would I have to be jealous of?"
"I'm happy for Juliet."
"It's just that there should be an exchange of courtesies, shouldn't there?"
"Sis, I've already congratulated you. How about a 'thank you' in return?"
Juliet looked at Luann skeptically, questioning her motives.
"What am I supposed to be happy about for you? What have you achieved that merits my congratulations?"
Luann's lips curved in a small smile.
"Just wish me luck... on the new song I've composed and written."
