Onlookers witnessed this jaw-dropping scene and shared it online. Soon, people recognized the woman leading the pack as Evangeline. Netizens were left in disbelief. One commented: "Hold up, isn't that Evangeline? What's she doing in the dead of night? And what's with the crowd following her?" Another remarked, "This is mind-blowing!" Other comments included: "Feels like something out of a supernatural invasion", "Evangeline is amazing. She's leading a whole bunch of people," and "Leading them astray? Evangeline's clearly helping them find themselves."
Meanwhile, the barbecue joint owner posted several videos. In them, he passionately explained, "Due to a misunderstanding, these people were going to confront Evangeline, but the police presented evidence proving her innocence. She remained calm, didn't blame anyone, and even treated everyone to drinks. It started with a few people, but more and more joined, all invited by Evangeline. The place was so packed that most had to stand, but everyone had fun. I even ran out of ingredients and had to call in neighboring store owners for help! Evangeline is amiable, down-to-earth, and outgoing. I'm so excited to have met such a wonderful celebrity! She's great, but she really dislikes her family. Clearly, the Gallagher family has some serious issues. Okay, enough said. I'm closing up to catch up with Evangeline!" Before the end of the clip, he shouted, "Evangeline, climb bravely! Evangers, always together!"
Besides this explanation, he also posted clips showing Evangeline sharing meals with people, even giving a piece of chicken to a passing dog. Netizens were blown away. One commented: "Oh my gosh! Evangeline looks even more stunning in these videos. She stands out and looks like an angel!" Another wrote: "Evangeline is incredibly generous and down-to-earth. I'd love to be friends with her!" Other comments included: "I envy those who were there. I want to drink with Evangeline too!", "I want to crawl through the city with Evangeline!", and "The barbecue joint owner is probably in his fifties, yet he's shouting Evangeline's slogan like a young man!" Another person commented: "Where are the entertainment industry sponsors? Get Evangeline to act or host a variety show! I can't go a day without seeing her!" Someone agreed, adding: "Exactly! I've watched all her shows, but she's always a side character with minimal screen time. Sometimes she's even intentionally made to look unattractive; it's frustrating!" Another pleaded, "Please, Evangeline, give us more entertainment!"
Seeing these comments, directors and investors felt even more anxious than the netizens. They were eager to collaborate with Evangeline, but couldn't reach her. She used to be with Superb Entertainment, but was no longer under contract. Superb Entertainment refused to provide her contact information. They sent her Twitter messages, but she didn't reply. Without contact, collaboration was impossible. They hoped she would see the netizens' pleas. Evangeline was now a top A-list celebrity, yet she was oblivious to the online buzz. At that moment, she was still crawling down the sidewalk, followed by a large crowd. She stood up and ran, trying to leave them behind. Many people yelled, "Hey, Evangeline! Why are you running? Why did you stop crawling?" "Evangeline, don't leave us!" "Evangeline, wait for us!" They tried to catch up, but she was too fast; they only saw her afterimages. Soon, she disappeared from sight, and they gave up the chase.
Evangeline returned home and fell asleep. The next day, she received a call from the assistant director of the show, Xtreme Survival. The assistant, Michael, said, "Hello, Ms. Evangeline Castillo. I'm Michael, assistant to Director Smith. He asked me to inquire about the list of participants you'd like on the show. Once confirmed, we'll announce the participants and promote the program. Filming starts in a month." Evangeline, having almost forgotten about it, quickly provided a few names. Michael noted them down and confirmed them. He then said, "All right, we'll take care of it. Ms. Castillo, please arrive in Nardor at least a day before the shoot." Evangeline replied, "Send me the money." Michael hesitated. Evangeline continued, "I won't go without the money." Michael replied, "I'll discuss this with our boss." Evangeline gave him her international account details and said, "Transfer the money directly. No need to contact me again. You cover the transaction fees." Michael remained silent. Evangeline hung up, went outside, and stretched. She crawled two laps, ran ten, did one hundred push-ups, and then one hundred one-finger push-ups per finger. Next, she attempted a one-arm handstand, progressing to a one-finger handstand. After this warm-up, she began intense punching.
An hour later, she picked up a leaf, flicked it, and it flew over thirty feet. She furrowed her brow, saying, "My body hasn't fully recovered. The effects of that drug are too strong, and my metabolism is too slow. It's been a year, and it's still not completely out of my system." However, she'd improved significantly. There was a chance she'd fully recover in a month. If not for the drug's lingering effects, she wouldn't have been ambushed by Meghan three months ago. Thinking of Meghan, a coldness flashed in her eyes. She needed to settle the score with the Gallagher family before going to Nardor. She decided to wait three days, allowing them to fight amongst themselves before making her move.
Meanwhile, from the observatory atop the neighboring mansion, Arthur, Steven, and Hugo watched Evangeline's workout with stunned expressions. Steven swallowed hard, trembling, "Evangeline is too strong. Is she even human?" Hugo commented, "She's undoubtedly the most formidable human I've ever seen." Arthur felt complicated. He couldn't understand her strength. He wondered about their training methods. Steven said, "Arthur, maybe you should give up on Evangeline. Otherwise, you won't stand a chance, and we'll always have to be ready to collect your body. Let me try; I can handle a beating." Arthur's expression darkened. Hugo interjected, "I think I'm more suitable. I'm a masochist." Arthur kicked them both and snapped, "Shut up!" Sighing, Steven said, "It's not about who pursues her, but who she chooses. Evangeline calls the shots." Arthur, still grim, walked down from the observatory. "Where are you going?" Hugo asked. "I'm going to be her punching bag," Arthur said, without turning. Steven and Hugo were speechless. They decided to stay and observe.
Arthur quickly entered the mansion's yard. Evangeline was still training. Noticing him, she launched a high kick at his head. Arthur sidestepped and grabbed her ankle; she then hooked her foot around his neck, flipping him to the ground. He kip-uped and attacked; she caught his punch, but was pushed back two steps. She was surprised; he was stronger than she thought. Her eyes lit up with excitement; she rarely encountered such a worthy opponent. They fought silently, their moves fast and fierce, targeting vital points. The sounds of their clashing bodies illustrated the battle's intensity. Steven and Hugo watched with astonishment and trepidation. Steven remarked, "They're going all out. It looks painful." Hugo wiped his brow, "How could Arthur go all out? He won't win any girls like this." Steven glared, "Evangeline isn't an ordinary girl. If Arthur holds back, she'll beat him senseless." Hugo shook his head, "Evangeline's law-abiding; she won't kill anyone. At most, she'll leave them severely injured." Steven was speechless.
After nearly half an hour, Evangeline won. Her relentless attacks forced Arthur to retreat constantly. She executed a foot sweep, causing him to fall. Planting her foot on his chest, she grinned, "If I went all out, I could shatter your sternum and break your heart." Arthur lay on the ground, gazing up at her. The rising sun cast her in silhouette; she looked beautiful, almost ethereal. Arthur's heart raced. He thought, "Damn. Why does being beaten up make me more excited?"