Chapter 307
As expected, the livestream audience, initially puzzled—including those misled by Sienna and believing Phoebe and the others acted deliberately—realized their misunderstanding after hearing their explanation. Sienna's scheming became clear: she sought to regroup but deliberately stirred up trouble to shift blame onto Phoebe and the others. Maddie’s previous reminders that they chose not to participate were also recalled. Sienna's hypocritical behavior—sweet in public, toxic behind the scenes—was widely noted. Many viewers saw the two as a perfect match.
It was understandable why Sienna wanted to switch teams; Phoebe and the others clearly stole the spotlight. However, this spotlight was earned through their abilities. If Sienna and Cain were so capable, how could others steal their limelight? The viewers’ perception of Sienna plummeted. They now wanted to see how much attention she would gain by switching teams.
Meanwhile, Leon and Joshua watched the live broadcast from a foreign hotel's leisure area. With bullet comments enabled, they followed the viewers' reactions. Joshua was speechless. "Why do these people have to bring us brothers along every time?" he lamented. Every mention of their involvement and Sienna's manipulation caused him embarrassment. Leon echoed his sentiment, "Yeah. They can’t get over this joke, can they?" Each mention felt like a public whipping, as if they were Sienna's pets. Joshua's frustration mounted. "When will this end? My concert was already postponed because of previous trending topics. I'm also implicated because Sienna and Cain have been trending. This morning, my manager even called to say many fans got refunds for my concert tickets." He felt stifled.
He had failed and embarrassed himself in the previous variety show episode, resulting in Quintus's promotion. Quintus's new song had rocketed to the top of major music apps and stabilized in the top five. His success, fueled by Phoebe's assistance and his controversial actions, contrasted sharply with Joshua's situation. Joshua's new song suffered from poor recording and release due to the last variety show. With his concert now in disarray, he felt lost. This was the most miserable experience of his career.
Leon observed, “I’m not much better off than you. The company’s vice president called yesterday. He told me to rest; there’s no rush to return to work. Doesn’t this mean they’re telling me not to come back and embarrass myself?” As a top agent, it was humiliating to be tactfully advised to stay away from work.
Joshua sympathized, "Leon, you seem to be in a worse state than me. After all, I haven’t lost my job yet, but you almost have. Maybe you should quit being an agent and try a different career. Even if you go back in the future, I’m afraid there won’t be any celebrities willing to work with you.” Leon’s reputation was so damaged that associated celebrities might face repercussions. Leon, equally disheartened, retorted, "I think you can consider changing careers, too. With Phoebe around, she'll help Quintus and suppress you. Moreover, Sienna has been dragging you down. You're a top singer now but will soon become a has-been. At that time, only a few people will be at your concerts. That would be truly embarrassing." Leon silently countered, ‘Come on, you want to say something hurtful, right? Like I can’t do the same.’
Joshua, withdrawing his sympathy, felt Leon wasn't worthy of it. He changed the subject to prevent further recriminations. "Do you think Sienna has other motives besides trying to show off?" Since discovering Sienna's manipulative tactics, Joshua sensed deeper complexities to her actions, perhaps fueled by his own fear. Leon agreed. "Maybe she doesn’t just want to be in the limelight. I kept feeling that Cain might be in trouble today." This was because Sienna's schemes always ended with them suffering. Leon mused, ‘Cain is like an idiot. It looks like Sienna had coaxed him again. How can he be unlucky when he’s always like that?’ Joshua nodded. "I also feel that Cain might be in huge trouble today.” He added, "Let’s sit here and watch the live broadcast. I don’t want to go out and play anymore today." Their planned skiing trip was abandoned in favor of observing the unfolding drama. Leon concurred, "I don’t want to go either. Let’s cancel the trip and watch the live broadcast." Leon wanted to witness Sienna's actions and Cain's predicament firsthand.
Elliot and Lydia, in another country, also tuned in from their hotel room. They were in no mood for outings. Elliot, free from work until tomorrow, intended to watch; he could easily turn off the TV if things became embarrassing.
At the polo field, Phoebe and her team needed two more players, so they went to the designated area where teams were forming. Several teams were recruiting temporary players. Many people were seeking teammates. Maddox asked, "There are so many people. How should we choose?" Phoebe suggested Raylan. "Why don’t you choose it, Raylan?" She reasoned that his judgment was sound and she wanted to test his selection process.
Maddox agreed, "That's good. Master Flynn is more suitable to choose people than us." Andrea added, "I agree. Master Flynn, choose two people who look easy to get along with." Raylan, after a thoughtful pause, accepted the task. Scanning the crowd, he pointed to two individuals. "Those two are more compatible with our team. Go and invite them yourself.” He left the rest to the others. Maddox volunteered, "I’m good at this. Leave it to me." He approached the pair Raylan indicated. They were acquaintances and gaming fans of Maddox, thrilled to be invited to play polo with him. One exclaimed, "Mad King. I never expected to be on the same team and play polo with you. If other fans find out, they’ll be so envious."