Chapter 144

Sebastian was already aware of what had happened in the lounge. At this moment, he looked at Joshua with a deep, amused smile. Letting Joshua take Erika’s spot was definitely the right decision. There’s going to be a lot of drama, and the buzz won’t die down anytime soon, Sebastian thought.

Joshua felt baffled by the way Sebastian was looking at him. And, for some reason, he had a nagging feeling that Sebastian’s gaze carried a hint of mischief.

Sebastian smiled and greeted the guests first. “Welcome to Darmechia, and thank you for joining this episode of the show. The theme this time is fun. There are ten of you in total, divided into three groups.”

“The production team will provide you with a list of locations, and each day, you’ll visit these spots and check in. Basically, you’ll be exploring the country while bringing the audience along for the ride.”

Jamar’s eyes lit up. “Now that sounds great!”

“Finally!” No more backbreaking labor just to get a meal, he wondered. He still had a lingering trauma from the previous episode, where food had been a major struggle.

Jamar asked, “So, is the production team covering all the expenses for this trip?”

As he said that, most of the other guests shot him looks of disdain.

Sebastian chuckled. “We’ll be giving each of you 500 dollars as your starting funds. Don’t worry. We won’t let you go hungry or sleep on the streets.”

But, of course, 300 dollars would not be enough to afford luxury hotels, fine dining, or extravagant entertainment.

He continued, “For the next week, how you live and how you have fun is entirely up to you.”

“Was I being way too naive?” he wondered.

Jarmar could not help but roll his eyes. I knew I was being…

It was Joshua’s first time participating in a variety show like this. “On our own! How is 500 dollars supposed to last us an entire week?”

The cost of living in Darmechia was similar to that of Solara City. For Joshua, 300 dollars would not even cover a decent pair of socks. If he saw that amount on the ground, he would not even bother bending down to pick it up.

Sebastian simply smiled. “If you think it’s not enough, then go earn more yourself. That way, you can eat well and enjoy yourselves. I have full confidence in all of you—you’ll figure out how to make it work.”

Then, he had his assistant distribute images of the designated check-in locations. There was only one per day, which was not too demanding.

Since the previous season had been well received, the production team decided to skip any extra challenges or competitions. The three groups were free to explore and have fun as they pleased.

Reece spoke up, “So, how are we splitting into groups?” That was what he cared about most.

Sebastian smiled. “You can form your own teams. One group of four, and two groups of three.”

The moment he finished speaking, Maddox immediately said, “I’m teaming up with Pheels.” He then added with a grin, “She’s amazing. If I stick with her, I’m sure we’ll make a ton of money.”

Quintus quickly followed. “I’m sticking with my agent. Wherever she goes, I…”

Everyone knew that Phoebe was both Quintus’s boss and his manager.

Both James and Lexie could see that Maddox had a crush on Phoebe. Quintus was Phoebe’s artiste, so it was easier to lead her into the same group. James and Lexie exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement. “We’ll form our own team.”

The two of them got along well and had enjoyed working together before. But they had no interest in teaming up with the other four.

Lexie turned to Jimmy. “Jimmy, how about joining us?”

Jimmy had watched the previous season’s recordings and had a good impression of James and Lexie. Since they had extended an invitation, he saw no reason to refuse.

He smiled and nodded. “Sounds good. Thanks for inviting me, Ms. Bradley and Mr. Lloyd.”

With Jimmy on board, Maddox grinned. “Perfect. That makes it me, Pheebs, and Quintus in one team, James, Lexie, and Jimmy in another. That leaves the last four as a team on their own.”

James and Lexie nodded. “That makes three groups exactly.”

Joshua and his two siblings had no objections. They had no intention of splitting up anyway. However, Reece’s expression darkened slightly.

Unable to hold back, Reece turned to Sebastian. “Our team was the same last season. If the audience sees the same setup again, they might get bored. I suggest we switch things up a little…”

What he really wanted was to team up with Phoebe, and more importantly, to break up the group between her and Maddox.

Sebastian smiled. “It’s up to you. We’re not interfering.”

Maddox immediately chimed in. “I think this setup is great. No matter what, we’ve already got our team locked in. The rest of you can do whatever you like.”

Naturally, these comments sparked a wave of backlash from Reece’s fans. They refused to believe that Reece would lower himself like that. Besides, they did not want Reece to be permanently tied to Sienna either.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, Reece suddenly said, “How about I join your team instead?”

Reece’s fans froze. The awkwardness was palpable, but at the same time, they could tell. Reece wanted to get back together with Phoebe. Between her and Sienna, they would much rather see him with Phoebe. Sienna was just too fake.

After all, if it weren’t for Sienna interfering, Phoebe and Reece would never have broken up. At this moment, even many of Reece’s own fans found themselves hoping he could team up with Phoebe.

However, Maddox’s fans and Phoebe’s fans were not having it. They immediately pushed back. And Maddox himself was the most unwilling of all; there was no way he was letting Phoebe’s ex-boyfriend join their team.

Maddox shook his head at Reece. “Mr. Hill, the three of us are already locked in. No room for extras.”

Reece’s expression turned cold. “You’re not the only one who gets a say in this.” He looked at Phoebe, his eyes carrying a hint of expectation and even a plea. “Shouldn’t we hear what the others think?”

The moment he finished speaking, Phoebe responded. “I’m sticking with Maddie. Whatever he says is what I think too.”

Quintus immediately added, “I’m with them. Their decision is my decision.” Quintus had no fondness for Reece whatsoever.

Chapter 111

…led up with Sienna. If the relationship was over, it should stay over. Reece clearly did not want the breakup, but back then, he had still been tangled up. Now, he was just suffering the consequences of his own actions.

When Maddox heard Phoebe’s words, a dazzling smile spread across his face. He turned to Reece and spread his hands. “Mr. Hill, they’re with me. And I reject your request to join our team.”

Reece’s face grew even colder. A trace of embarrassment flickered in his eyes. “Fine. So be it.”

He cast a wounded glance at Phoebe, but she did not even spare him a single look. His heart ached even more.

So, this was how it was. When Phoebe made up her mind, she could be completely ruthless.

In that instant, all the excitement Reece had felt about this show evaporated. His whole demeanor turned sullen and distant.

Sienna, on the other hand, was fuming. She never expected Reece to stoop so low and beg Phoebe like this.

“What is so great about Phoebe? Why are both Reece and Maddox acting like maniacs, throwing themselves at her?” she thought bitterly. She could not help but wonder, “Did Phoebe put some kind of evil energy or curse on them?”