Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind

Chapter 131: One Misfortune After Another

The unexpected turn of events during the live broadcast sparked astonishment in the live comments. One comment read: "What's going on?! I was waiting for Team Noble's performance, but Team A-list stole the show with their stage play. Their 'confidant' theme looks hypocritical, no matter how you slice it." Another asked: "Is Mr. Gonzales unwell? Is this real? Too much of a coincidence? Is this a plot against Team A-list?"

A netizen commented: "I hope they didn't think we wouldn't call them out on their plot inconsistencies just because they were later in the lineup." Another agreed: "Exactly! Those problematic artists were so scared of Team A-list they fled before the battle even began."

One person wrote: "Maybe the minx got scared of internet cancellation, lost her nerve, and got Mr. Gonzales to make excuses for her." Another chimed in: "They should perform whether they're scared or not! Otherwise, what are they going to do for the rest of the show—sit around and chat?"

One comment read: "Let's see what trouble Team Noble stirs up." Another: "Whatever! Let's watch Team A-list's performance first. I'm curious about their spectacle this time."

A commenter wrote: "Beauty is the cause of all disasters. That theme sounds trifling. I bet it harshly criticizes wicked women who use their bodies to climb the social ladder and harm others!"

Meanwhile, Twitter's reaction was different due to the broadcast delay. A short skit titled "Confidant" suddenly trended, even though Team Noble hadn't performed, so it didn't generate much buzz beyond the shared keywords. Netizens are inherently rebellious. Subtle opinion manipulation often works, but blatant, mindless hate can backfire. Some people realize it's a hate train and adopt a fairer perspective.

Even more amusingly, a group of wives collectively posted the same tweet as the video trended. The tweet read: "Only those who earn their roles through talent deserve respect. Those who use dishonest means should leave the entertainment industry! You're not welcome here!"

While they didn't tag anyone, they had a well-known blacklist, making their target obvious. If Team Noble had been performing, their post would have been timely. Netizens craved drama—fights even!—for entertainment. However, the timing before any performances created an indescribable sense of… bewilderment. The band of wives was bewildered too. This normally haughty group didn't usually take tweeting seriously. Someone probably mentioned it in their group chat, and everyone casually posted it.

Yet, the response was mockery. Netizens suggested they watch the livestream before posting; their timing was off. Bewildered, they immediately searched for Ruth in the group chat. But neither the video nor the comments could be deleted, as netizens likely took screenshots. They could only wait for Team Noble's performance.

Ruth was flustered, but more worried about Gordon's situation. She quickly called Simon. Though unable to be there, she asked him to watch over them.

"I'm not sure myself. Uncle Gordon said he wasn't feeling well but refused the hospital. He's resting backstage and I suspect he'll return once he rests. I can only wait for updates. However, Rebecca seems anxious. Even though we rearranged the lineup, she's urgently seeking replacements."

"What? That selfish bitch! My husband is ill, yet she only cares about her performance. She refused to wait and is searching for a substitute. She's heartless!" Although Ruth was hospitalized because of her husband's ruthlessness, her first reaction was still to worry about him. She couldn't bear to see him discarded after falling ill.

"Who is she contacting? I'll make calls. I refuse to believe people in the industry won't respect me enough to refuse her!" Ruth exclaimed angrily.

"That's unnecessary. I overheard two calls; neither wanted to help. It's not just her scandal; who would perform on short notice without preparation? It risks their reputation. She's the only…" Ruth pondered. "Hmph, evil will be punished. Perhaps Gordon finally took my advice and decided not to help her anymore."

Simon wasn't so sure. He was dubious about his uncle's sudden illness. Shortly after hanging up, he saw a pale, fragile, helpless Rebecca. "Can you… stand in for your uncle? You know the plot. Don't worry if you don't remember everything; I'll fill in the gaps. I—"

"If I were to step in, how do you plan on repaying me?" Simon laughed, scanning her. "You beat me up last time, and now you hope I'll help you?"

Rebecca's expression darkened. During a late rehearsal, Simon had made a move on her, and she beat him up. He saw a vulnerability in her, a need for male protection. Hmph! She's seducing me again.

Unable to contain himself, he leaned in and whispered, "I can help you… Come with me to the restroom, and if you take care of me well…" The audacity of this bitch to reject me. What can she do to me, even if she takes care of me?

He reached for her arm, but she sidestepped him. His face darkened. "You don't know what's good for you! Keep looking then!" He turned and walked away.

Rebecca leaned weakly against the wall, her eyes losing their spark. Finding a replacement was challenging, let alone one with a good reputation. Team A-list secured more time for her, but… she was about to let them down. Should I stop being naive? Maybe I should give in. Otherwise, what will become of Grandma if my career is ruined?

Just then, she heard a clamor. She saw figures, her pupils trembling. The crew bustled about, preparing stage props. Danielle cursed, swiftly ordering supporting actors backstage. The crew was plunged into self-doubt seeing the large group of supporting actors.

That night, events unfolded, each more serious than the last. The audience saw actors refusing to perform due to illness and lineup adjustments. But this was the first time supporting actors were revealed just before going onstage; even the staff kept it secret. Unless it was a famous supporting actor, the public wouldn't care. But as familiar and unfamiliar actresses passed, everyone realized they shared a characteristic: like Rebecca, they'd all been involved in sex scandals.