Chapter 100: Compare and Mock

The air hung heavy with silence; even Taylor and Riley stood dumbfounded. The play was a collection of tragedies in the mortal realm. Since all the supporting actors were acting majors, Isabella's role, even among them, was insignificant. The overall impact was less stunning than the previous confrontation with Team Young Again, whose performance had been repeatedly disrupted by stage constraints.

However, this performance completely captivated the audience, who became engrossed in the characters' fates. Offstage, Evian and Selena's eyes were red-rimmed. They considered themselves easily moved to tears, but were surprised when David, beside them, choked on a sob. He stared intently at the king's back, seemingly empathizing with his helplessness. Evian and Selena then realized many in the audience were equally emotional; some were choked up, others visibly angry. Backstage, Rosalie wept, holding Thalia tightly.

Thalia asked, "Didn't you watch their rehearsal?"

Rosalie stammered, "Butbut"

Hayden incessantly checked his phone, flitting between the live room and Twitter. Danielle, however, confidently declared, "You don't have to check; they've got this in the bag." Hayden was taken aback. Danielle flashed a radiant smile, turning her head to say, "You chose the best topic, and thank you" Hayden raised an eyebrow. What keen insight! Danielle had clearly discerned the underlying message.

The other two groups in the waiting area glanced at Maverick and Hendrick, their eyes filled with mockery, especially remembering how the two had earlier cheered on Team A-list. While not entirely well-intentioned, Team A-list was unscrupulous. Hendrick cast cautious glances at Maverick, who was flushed, his fists clenched. He gritted his teeth, his embarrassment flaring into anger.

The stark contrast between the on-screen and off-screen reactions was a silent mockery of their performance, negating their efforts. It felt like a slap in the face; that's how humiliating it was.

Meanwhile, in another area, the supporting actress, Mirabelle, wept. Some sympathized, feeling sorry for her and others overshadowed by Team A-list's performance. It wasn't that Team A-list's acting surpassed theirs; the plot was overwhelmingly impressive.

At that moment, both the live room comments and Twitter exploded with traffic after a brief silence. Comments included:

• "This depicts how mortals suffer when deities battle!"
• "We used to empathize with the leads, but we're the ones in dire straits!"
• "Fck, why do we suffer because they're* in love? I can't accept this Sorry, I got carried away."
• "What? We lost our lives, but they only lost their love? Was that it?"
• "Comparing the two, the mastery is at its peak. True to form, Christopher and Isabella still pull out all the stops."
• "I was so frustrated by the play, then realized how nauseating the TV shows I used to watch were. It was about love, yet the writers made such a fuss! They're deities; why is love all they think about? If they're in love, why can't they date without causing turmoil?"

Most netizens felt a strong resonance, as if finally finding a platform to voice their frustrations. Team A-list had provided that opportunity. Like a hornet's nest, netizens unleashed a barrage of criticism about medieval fantasy shows.

However, some resisted:

• "It's just a show; aren't you taking it too seriously? Some enjoy it; I love watching deities fall in love. Do you have to criticize just to stand out?"
• "That's just life. Can't I enjoy sweet romance between deities? Why create negativity?"
• "Team A-list is malicious! They're intentionally singling out and bullying others!"

This showed the diverse online opinions. The performance continued. Initially, everyone expected a comparison showcasing the turmoil caused by deities' love. However, the narrative shifted.

Isabella emerged from the mortal realm, transformed into a celestial being, and ascended to the celestial realm, observing with a cold demeanor. The setting changed to the celestial realm. Christopher played a celestial lord; another actress played a goddess.

The plot mirrored the previous arc, only the female lead was resurrected and caused turmoil in the name of love. The classic chase ensued. The goddess fled into the forest; the celestial lord set it ablaze. She emerged, and they engaged in a dance of resistance and intimacy, oblivious to the damage—countless villagers suffered grievous injuries and deaths.

The goddess fled to the ocean; the celestial lord stirred enormous waves. They cried amidst the roaring sea, oblivious to the destruction of fishing boats and coastal villages; even sea creatures suffered. The goddess continued her flight, the celestial lord pursued, their actions causing indiscriminate death. Until a power capable of annihilating the realms emerged.

The actors' performance was chillingly real as the celestial lord forced the goddess to abandon her world-saving mission and began slaughtering mortals. He even shouted, "If you dare to die, I'll make the whole world die with you!"

In the waiting area, Maverick stood, his composure lost. "Isn't Mr. Carey going to do anything about this? This is deliberate!"

Hendrick, though feeling Maverick shouldn't have spoken, joined the protest. Someone from behind sarcastically remarked, "But in your last performance, you mentioned forcing the goddess to appear through carnage. You just sidestepped that narrative."

"Young men, don't get caught up in each other's stories. You might be at a disadvantage regarding plot logic. Even though the livestream is soundless, the audience is watching. Maintain your grace, or you'll be the laughingstock."

Maverick's face flushed red with fury. Hendrick pulled him down. "Calm down, Maverick. We acted according to the script. Even if we're less likable, we won't be implicated."

He was right. The audience was astounded, viewing the previous act from a new perspective. Their awe wasn't for the performers, but the unexpected twist. Behind the domineering love was so much bloodshed.

Online criticism intensified:

• "F*ck, date or break up! You're idiots dragging innocent people into your messed-up romance! Do you think everyone's a pawn?"
• "What did the world do to you? Why should we die for your love?"
• "Jinx! They want us to die with them! How shameless! Who wants to teach them a lesson?"

The rose-tinted glasses were gone; anger replaced the former captivation. The performance continued.

It wasn't until the celestial lord was about to slay the demon lord that the goddess intervened. On the verge of striking the celestial lord, she hesitated, unable to do so under everyone's influence. Holding him, she wept.

The audience grew annoyed, assuming another push-and-pull display. Then, Isabella, previously a spectator, rushed forward, stabbing the celestial lord. Everyone stared in shock. The goddess, holding the fallen celestial lord, gasped, "W-Who are you?"

"I am the myriad of vengeful spirits who perished because of you!" The audience was dumbfounded.