The filming location was on a private island.
The guests arrived one by one, and when the camera caught me rolling in with my suitcase, the live chat instantly exploded.
"I swear, the show team is stirring things up by inviting both Essence and Alanna. Aren't they worried they'll tear each other apart?"
"Guessing the first mysterious guest is Pranav. I'm out, no competition between women."
I gave Elsa a questioning look, wondering why Joanne was here.
Before she could answer, my mother called. She said the wedding had affected both the two families deeply. Joanne wanted to use the variety show to mend our relationship and asked me to take care of my sister.
Mend the relationship?
We haven't gotten along ever since I returned to the Kemp family.
If it weren't for that hefty penalty fee, I'd turn around and walk out right now.
I stayed tucked in the corner, focusing intently on my snacks, while listening to the compliments flying back and forth between a few handsome men and beautiful women. Once the two helicopters entered the frame, everyone eagerly rushed to greet them.
I lazily followed behind.
The netizens, as usual, were spot on. The first mysterious guest was Pranav. He greeted Joanne and then walked toward me with a smile.
"Alanna, I've dropped all my work to accompany you on this variety show. Don't be mad anymore."
Joanne also explained, "Alanna, I was wrong before, but I only have six months left. I hope you'll forgive me." Her words sparked a heated discussion in the live chat.
"Joanne said she only has six months left. What does that mean?"
"I heard she was diagnosed with malignant cancer. This is her last variety show before quitting the industry."
"Oh my God, no wonder she collapsed at Alanna's wedding."
"Does this mean Pranav leaving Alanna's wedding to take Joanne to the hospital is understandable?"
"Plus, Pranav is willing to drop everything and do a variety show to win back his woman. I'm all for it!" Netizens couldn't stop praising Pranav for his deep and loving image.
As the camera shifted to me, I was looking out the window, my heartbeat accelerating involuntarily. The live chat popped up: "What's with her arrogance? If Pranav doesn't want her, she won't even have a place to cry."
"""Pfft, late affection's worth less than nothing. We—good looks and wild ways—don't need a man to survive."" The camera followed my gaze, and suddenly, the scene shifted from fans bickering to something entirely different.
"
"With those broad shoulders, narrow waist, and god-like looks, I seriously just want to marry you and take you home."
"Baby, just wait a minute. I'm about to divorce my husband and be with you."
"Ha, ha, ha, thank you, variety shows, for giving us a chance to enjoy all these handsome guys!"
"One minute. I want all the information on this man." In the blink of an eye, the finance and entertainment channels seamlessly merged. The Alastair's family in this city is one of our century-old top aristocratic families.
The heir, Alastair's financial news had been dug up and repeatedly analyzed by netizens. The live chat exploded again with: "Alastair is so handsome."
"Alastair is talented," were the comments flooding in.
I watched from a distance. After a few days, he seemed even colder than before, his suit radiating a completely restrained vibe.
Unlike the earlier fake enthusiasm, everyone excitedly stepped forward to introduce themselves, with even the director running up eagerly. Alastair nodded slightly, walking with an air of nobility.
Unexpectedly, he missed his step, stumbling forward.
Hey, watch where you're going! Why are you looking at me? Quick reflexes, I caught him. "Hey, are you okay?"
Alastair steadied himself and looked up at me, his pale white face visibly reddening.
"I had something to deal with, but just seeing you has already healed me."
The live chat exploded again:
"Pfft, cold, aloof CEO breaks his character in one second."
"Darling, please, can you stop being so desperate?"
"Don't you think he looks a bit like Alanna's wedding runaway back?"
"I think that's exactly it."
