Chapter 247 Hungry For Money
In the following days, they immersed themselves in intensive training. The acting skills of the main cast, originally unfamiliar and awkward, improved significantly under the guidance of Vadiel. Each individual visibly embodied a vibrant character.
Perhaps it was due to innate talent that Madelyn had reached a state of perfect harmony with her role, demonstrating an exquisite level of mastery. Vadiel was greatly relieved. His expectations for her were high, and everyone unanimously regarded her as the acting pillar of this stage play.
In her heart, Janessa harbored a quiet jealousy, but she didn’t feel it was right to voice it.
Ironically, it was Madelyn who was the most at ease. She didn’t really mind, feeling that giving her best was enough. All she hoped for was not to mess up her performance when the time came.
In addition to this, Madelyn had to visit Lockhart Group daily to study business administration. In just less than half a month, Malcolm had completely changed his view of Madelyn. "Most people might take a year or two and still not fully grasp the overly specialized knowledge I taught. Mrs. Lockhart’s insight is truly extraordinary. I estimate that in less than six months, she should have the capability to turn a company into a thriving enterprise."
Of course, effort and exhaustion were directly proportional. Every day when Madelyn returned home, she felt completely exhausted. Exhausted beyond her limits, it felt as if her body was no longer her own. The moment Madelyn touched the bed, she could fall asleep within three seconds.
However, Madelyn didn’t complain at all. That was because she knew she could only truly become exceptional through doubling her efforts.
One day, the much-anticipated anniversary celebration that the entire campus' faculty and students had been eagerly waiting for finally arrived.
The campus announced a suspension of all classes and opened the doors of its grand hall to the public. Many people were able to go and visit for the anniversary celebration. In addition, the campus even invited numerous big shots from various fields to visit, who also conveniently served as judges.
Hence, early in the morning, the campus entrance was bustling with a continuous stream of luxury cars, creating a rather impressive scene.
The entire student council was mobilized, deploying all student resources throughout the campus to maintain order. This was done to ensure the safety of the hall, and anyone who entered was required to register with their ID card.
Various campus clubs seized this opportunity to organize some truly intriguing activities. The entire hall was decorated in a festive manner, filled with numerous colorful balloons and streamers.
At that moment, the backstage of the grand hall was equally bustling.
The anniversary celebration this time was quite extravagant, with around twenty performances in total. Some departments put on stage plays, while others sent out singers for performances. Of course, there were all sorts of groups showcasing their dance routines and even traditional opera performances. Additionally, there were band performances featuring a variety of instruments like the piano, and many more. The list was endless.
The students participating in the competition were also filled with a surge of emotions. They were somewhat nervous, but more than that, they were excited. After all, performing in such a grand event, facing thousands of spectators, was their chance to shine.
Madelyn, Josiah, and a few others had gathered backstage. At that moment, they discussed various aspects of the day’s performance, reviewed their lines, and recalled the emotions they needed to portray in their performance to prevent any nervous forgetfulness later.
Yadiel was busy checking the props with the prop master by his side. Once he was confident that everything was in order, he nodded approvingly. Then, he moved on to consult with the costume designer and the makeup artist about the outfits and styling.
“Everyone, quiet down!” Suddenly, a tall figure appeared at the entrance. He was a handsome young man dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, which suggested he was the host for that day’s anniversary celebration.
“Let’s announce the order of this evening’s performances. First up, we have the Accounting Department. You guys are responsible for the first act of the evening, followed by…”
The male host spoke eloquently, and when it came to the Department of Finance, it happened to be the tenth performance. “The stage play by the Finance Department is the tenth to go on stage,” he said.
“Perfect! Absolutely perfect!” Jillian exclaimed happily from the side. After a brief pause, she suddenly lowered her head. “However, I’m still a bit nervous.”
After all, she had always been a quiet and reserved little girl growing up. Aside from her academic achievements and the occasional award ceremonies, she hardly participated in any activities. This was her first time performing in a stage play, and on such a grand scale, it was inevitable that she felt nervous.
Luckily, Madelyn was completely calm, not showing a hint of panic. She comforted her from the side, saying, “Don’t be scared. It’s everyone’s first time on stage. Let’s all do our best together!”
Jillian nodded firmly, finally feeling a bit better.
At that moment, Yadiel came over. Seeing the two comforting each other, he couldn’t help but laugh and ask, “Feeling all right?”
Madelyn glanced at him, responding nonchalantly, “Hmm. We’re all right."
Yadiel still wore a smile as warm as a spring breeze, and his voice was filled with comforting warmth as he gently encouraged, “Don’t be nervous. I think you all are fantastic, especially Madelyn. Your talent in performance is truly remarkable. I believe you will definitely shine on stage. Jillian, just relax and perform alongside Madelyn. Don’t worry about what the audience might think.”
As soon as those words fell, a profound warmth filled their hearts, instantly boosting their confidence. “Yes, we will definitely give it our all.”
Yadiel chuckled with satisfaction. “By the way, I heard that if you win first place tonight, there’s a surprise reward waiting for you."
“Reward? What kind of reward?” Both of them were somewhat curious upon hearing about a reward.
After some thought, Yadiel said, “It seems like a hefty bonus, or you could also interpret it as additional scholarship money."
“Really?” Jillian’s eyes sparkled on the spot.
Madelyn couldn’t help but chuckle as she observed from the side. Reaching out, she gently pinched Jillian’s soft little face and said, “You’re such a little money-grubber.”
Jillian felt a bit sheepish and let out a faint smile. Nevertheless, her resolve only strengthened. It seems like I have to give it my all and deliver a stellar performance for this scholarship.
As the group was sharing a hearty laugh, Josiah suddenly walked in.
He went straight to Madelyn’s side, his expression a bit odd as he said, “Madelyn, I just saw someone. Can you guess who?"
“Who?” Madelyn asked, her face full of curiosity.
Josiah leaned in close to her ear and said, “It’s the person we found on the mountain the day after our street race last time.”
Madelyn had been quite composed initially. However, things changed after she heard those words. Her eyes instantly widened, and a brilliant sparkle erupted in her gaze. Didn’t Sebastian come looking for me on the mountain that day? Has he actually come to the anniversary celebration today? Wow!
At this thought, Madelyn was overjoyed, even more so than if she had won the lottery. Without a moment’s hesitation, she took off running, bolting straight out of the backstage area of the hall.
Josiah watched her animated figure from behind, utterly baffled. What on earth has gotten into this woman? Why is she so excited?