Chapter 275 Mr. Harriman, The Meeting Is about to Start, And You Still...
At the live event, there were indeed many people gathered around. Although there was a 32-inch perimeter marked by a caution line that people were not allowed to cross, such a flimsy barrier could easily be pushed aside and offered little protection.
Jessica was the last to go on stage. The host first invited two male actors to chat for a bit to warm up the atmosphere.
Mackenzie was backstage looking at her phone and said, "There are already over three million people in the live stream."
A staff member sent by the sponsor quietly reminded them, "There are too many people here today. Earlier, before Jessica arrived backstage, the host had to go on stage to control the situation without having a chance to go over the script with her. We need to inform you about some possible scenarios."
"Because Jessica's recent dance incident is a trending topic, the host will definitely bring it up. The audience here and those watching the live stream will be very interested in this matter. If possible, Jessica could take this opportunity to clarify things."
Jessica had already anticipated this. She glanced at the staff member without saying much, her expression calm and unreadable.
Mackenzie, displeased, said coldly, "Throwing out such a big question without even going over the script first, you guys really know how to exploit every bit of hype."
The staff member chuckled. "We can't help it. The sponsor's boss wants to use today's live reality show to boost their advertisement. They want traffic, and we're just doing our job. These are orders from above."
"Alright, no need to explain. We get it," Mackenzie said coldly, frowning. "Can you guarantee Jessica's safety in this venue today?"
"Yes, we can guarantee it!"
Mackenzie stopped talking and looked at Jessica. "Are you okay?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the host's voice rang out from the stage. "Now let's welcome the two popular actresses from the Charles II crew, Trinity and Jessica! Let's welcome them with applause."
Jessica walked out directly while Mackenzie, still worried, called Zoey. After confirming that their bodyguards and Cynthia were in the crowd, she felt slightly relieved. By the time she looked back, Jessica was already on stage.
Trinity was wearing a custom-made, pastel pink traditional dress, much higher quality and more expensive than the costumes she wore in the drama. Her hairstyle was also designed to be very elegant and demure, making her look exceptionally beautiful and delicate in front of the camera and audience.
Jessica's costume looked simple on the surface, with a color similar to Katrina's pre-darkening white in the drama—pure and simple. Her makeup and hairstyle were also very minimalist and not very eye-catching.
But nowadays, no matter what Jessica wore, just standing there was enough to draw attention.
The host first asked a few questions about the drama to warm up the atmosphere. Jessica and Trinity each held a microphone to answer. They stood on either side of the host, looking calm but without any eye contact, making it hard to discern their relationship.
Backstage, Mackenzie continued to watch the live stream on her phone.
With the appearance of Jessica and Trinity, the number of viewers in the live stream skyrocketed, reaching over nine million in just a few minutes and soon approaching ten million!
On stage, after asking the initial questions, the host checked the viewer count on his phone. When it surpassed ten million, he put down his phone and smiled. "Since we're recording a reality show today, which will later be aired as a special edition, how about we play a game?"
"Sure."
"Sounds good."
"Our sponsor aims to spread beauty worldwide with their skincare brand. But how is a woman's beauty best showcased? Through dance, whether it's classical or modern, each has its unique charm."
The number of viewers in the live stream continued to rise.
In Washington, D.C.
At a conference center.
"Mr. Harriman, the meeting is about to start. Aren't you going in?"
Gabriel glanced at the time. "We still have five minutes, no rush."
Wayne was beside him, intently searching for something on his phone. A moment later, he said quietly, "Found the live stream. It's this one."
He quickly handed the phone to Gabriel.
The audience was in an uproar. Given the recent controversy over Jessica and Trinity's dance plagiarism, seeing them on stage together and possibly dancing was a big deal.
The host, as if the atmosphere wasn't heated enough, added, "You guessed it right. Our next segment is a dance-off. The winner will get 500 sets of skincare products from our sponsor to give away to the audience."
Trinity suddenly picked up the microphone and said, "I don't mind a dance-off. Standing here means I'm bravely facing my past. Acting has always been my dream, but I've had regrets over the years. Since the movie "Red Cavalier" five years ago, I haven't done any roles requiring dance. I also suffered a severe leg injury during filming, which led to a serious fracture. Although I've recovered enough to walk normally, the doctors have warned me against any strenuous activity, including dancing and action scenes. I know "Red Cavalier" is irreplaceable. No matter who tries to replicate it, it can't be done. And I probably won't be able to present such a classic performance again."
The audience fell silent, and the live stream comments were flooded with messages.
[Poor Trinity!]
Trinity continued, "The year I filmed "Red Cavalier" was the best time of my life. Although I'm still considered a young actress, my leg can no longer dance for you all, and I truly regret that. When I was invited to this show, I knew what might happen, but I still came, ready to face everything I have and have lost. Life must move forward; we can't always look back at past achievements."
The host, feeling a bit sympathetic, asked, "So, Trinity, are you planning to forfeit the dance-off?"
"Yes."
The host then turned to Jessica, "What about you, Jessica?"
At this moment, everyone felt sorry for Trinity and lamented the lost classic.
A dance-off was just a game. If Jessica insisted on continuing, then she is really too competitive.
Just when everyone thought Jessica would also forfeit, Jessica calmly said, "Although that dance can't be replicated, since the Best Actress regrets it so much, even if we don't compete, I should do something to show my respect for "Red Cavalier," for five years ago, for the Best Actress, and for myself."
