Chapter 177: Do You Think This Is Vacation?

While Olivia and Jared were talking, a celebrity in an eight-centimeter stiletto and a figure-hugging, airy dress strutted toward the lounge, surrounded by her team.

“It’s scorching hot. Hold the umbrella properly! Don’t let the sun hit me,” Joycelyn Kurt complained, frowning as she sank into the chair she had brought along. Two assistants held a large umbrella over her to block the blazing sun, while another waved two handheld fans, desperately trying to cool her down.

Even with iced mineral water in hand and surrounded by helpers, Joycelyn’s face showed irritation. Her gaze drifted toward Olivia and Jared, but with the light behind them, she couldn’t see their faces clearly.

“Who are they?”

An assistant glanced over. Since the lounge areas for male and female stars were separate, they guessed, “Probably Olivia.”

“Olivia? That minor actress who was trying to ride the hype of Mr. Jos’s new film online?” Joycelyn frowned again.

“What’s going on with Mr. Tobie’s new show? Why would they invite such a low-tier actress?”

The assistant shrugged. “No idea. All the guests were handpicked by Mr. Tobie, and they didn’t announce anything publicly before the show. I only saw the guest list when I arrived today.”

Tobie’s variety shows were notoriously exclusive. Joycelyn was a sought-after star who had appeared in several acclaimed films by top directors. The other participants were also well-known, except for Olivia, who seemed entirely out of place among them.

“Other than Mr. Jos’s new movie, none of Olivia’s previous projects had any traction. If it weren’t for her latching onto Mr. Jos’s buzz on Twitter, she’d still be a nobody,” the assistant said disdainfully.

The entertainment industry thrived on praising the successful and ignoring the rest. To them, Olivia was just a minor actress; she was insignificant.

“But Ms. Joycelyn, you’re the only other female celebrity in this episode. There’s no way she can match you. Won’t she just serve to highlight your brilliance?”

“Did you see what she’s wearing? Casual clothes! How does that compare to your elegance?”

“Exactly. A live-streamed show, and she’s planning to show up in a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers?”

“No wonder she hasn’t made it big…” Joycelyn’s assistant chimed in, lifting her up while putting Olivia down.

Joycelyn smiled faintly, clearly unimpressed by Olivia.

The group wasn’t quiet, and Jared overheard everything. “How could they talk like that? Olivia, this is my fault. Next time, I’ll prepare a show-stopping outfit for you; it must be something stunning, with crystal heels!” Jared said angrily.

Olivia smirked. “That’s unnecessary.”

“But we can’t lose on presence!” Jared insisted.

Olivia glanced at him. “Do you want to see me trekking through the mountains in ten-centimeter heels or weeding in a fancy dress?”

Jared blinked in confusion and thought, Trekking? Weeding?

Olivia patted his shoulder. “You think we’re here on vacation? You’ll soon find out how impractical those outfits are.”

Jared still looked confused.

Just then, the assistant director arrived to call Olivia and Ms. Joycelyn over. From that moment, the variety show officially began. The live stream for With You, Under the Sky went live, and viewers, who had been waiting eagerly, poured into the streaming room.