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Chase actually preferred the second option as well. Besides being more exciting, if there were any kind of upset, it would boost the show’s popularity.
He smiled, “Since it’s the second option, let’s have the trainees choose based on their rankings from the last performance p>
Chase then asked Marley, “Should the guests show off some talents to sway the votes p>
Marley chuckled, “Better to keep the guests a bit mysterious for now. Let the trainees make their choices first, then the guests can perform. It’s best if the trainees who picked them suggest whether they want singing, dancing, or both.
“Or the production team can set a theme, and all the guests perform. That way, the trainees can see for themselves if they made the right choice p>
Chase rolled his eyes internally, thinking, ‘You really know how to stir things up. Still, he had no objections. The bigger the drama, the better.
Hearing Marley’s suggestion, many of the trainees at the table exchanged subtle looks. The audience found it fun too, flooding the comments with excitement.
[All performing under the same theme–that way we can really compare the guests‘ skills p>
[Yes, make it challenging. That’s more fun p>
[Watching unprepared guest performances feels so thrilling p>
[This is a true test of skill. Marley knows how to stir the pot, but we love it p>
Once the team selection method was confirmed, the directors placed four numbered cards in front of the four groups of guests.
Chase said to the trainees, “Now, Elijah Butler, ranked first, please stand. Choose the guest team you want to join. If the guests also choose you, take a seat behind them p>
Elijah was a handsome young man with delicate features but not girly at all. His skills weren’t the strongest, but he was hands–down the most popular. Beyond his looks, it was also his outgoing and friendly personality that made him stand out.
Elijah didn’t put on any act or pretend to hesitate. He stood and said, “I choose the second group with Mr. Moore and Mr. Delaney p>
Maxwell and Nicolas were superstars with massive fan bases, their popularity off the charts. Being in their group would definitely boost anyone’s visibility.
Besides, Nicolas started as a singer and was rumored to have been in a band with Maxwell when they were younger, so Nicolas’s skills shouldn’t be lacking. Elijah’s choice came as no surprise to anyone.
Nicolas nodded. “We agree p>
Elijah smiled at Maxwell and Nicolas, “Thank you.” He then walked quickly behind them and took a seat.
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The director turned to another handsome trainee with a slightly cold aura. “Sean, ranked second, please make your choice p>
Sean stood up. Everyone assumed he would also pick the second group, but he said, “I choose the fourth group p>
Everyone was shocked by his choice. The room went silent, and someone blurted, “What? Did he say that right p>
Felicity doubted it too and asked, “Did you say that wrong?” She thought, ‘Only a fool would pick Alicia and Darren’s group. They have the weakest skills and the worst reputation p>
But Sean remained calm. “I didn’t misspeak. I’m choosing Ms. Delaney and Mr. Quinn’s group p>
Everyone froze, thinking, ‘But Sean is second–ranked. That was unexpected p>
Felicity’s expression turned stormy. She asked more directly, “Can you explain why you picked the fourth group?” She couldn’t understand or accept it and wanted to know the reasoning.
Her words, however, annoyed both those present and the viewers watching the live broadcast. While they were curious about why Sean would pick the least–favored fourth group, Felicity’s tone basically implied she thought he was foolish.
Sean expected his choice to surprise people. He replied evenly, “Because I think Ms. Delaney is very talented, and I really like a song she’s sung before.” He was telling the truth.
Felicity, however, refused to let it go. “Alicia has sung a full song before p>
Alicia hadn’t released any solo tracks while in LUMIA. The other four members had each released more than one single.
Whenever LUMIA took the stage for singing and dancing, Alicia either sang along with the group or provided harmony. Occasionally, she would get a single line, but it was barely noticeable.
Hearing this, Maxwell and Nicolas both looked a bit gloomy, thinking, ‘Has Felicity learned nothing? Is she really throwing shade at Alicia again p>
They knew exactly how good Alicia’s voice was. Back in middle and high school, they had even pulled her into a band with them just for fun.
At that time, it had mostly been a casual hobby for them. They hadn’t been in the entertainment industry yet and hadn’t managed anything professionally.
Later, Alicia got into Solmare Medical College and was often called by her professors to help out. Meanwhile, Maxwell entered the prime of his esports career.
Nicolas’s family allowed him to explore the entertainment world, but he still had to complete rigorous one–on–one heir training during college. Also, Caleb went abroad to study directing. Because all four of them were so busy, their band eventually disbanded.
Just as Maxwell and Nicolas were about to tell Felicity to shut up, Sean spoke first, “Not long after LUMIA was formed, you guys did a live broadcast, and I happened to catch it by chance.
“ Each member had a solo performance that time, and Ms. Delaney sang a song. After hearing her sing, I
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really liked the song and thought she performed it beautifully p>
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At that time, Alicia wasn’t just the prettiest and most popular in the group–she also sang the best. Somehow, just over half a year later, she was criticized as a weak link in LUMIA, labeled a useless loser.
Since then, Sean hadn’t heard Alicia perform a full solo again. But even in group songs or harmonies, or when she got a line in a group song, he still thought Alicia sang wonderfully.
On top of that, Sean had watched a live broadcast where Alicia had evaluated him personally, which made him even more convinced she was nothing like the “loser” people painted her.
Sean had connections and a solid background in the industry, so even if he didn’t debut in the end, he could still enter the entertainment world as a singer.
It might be a more complicated path, but he didn’t care. So, he figured he could indulge himself a little.
Besides, Sean didn’t think being on Alicia’s team would make them the worst on stage during the performance.
After he spoke, everyone present froze for a moment, realizing that Sean was being completely honest. At this moment, Marley received a video from Jackson. Marley opened it and saw it was exactly the live broadcast Sean had mentioned.
Marley scrubbed through the footage and noticed that it didn’t just show Alicia’s performance. It included
the other four members as well.
At the same time, Marley understood that Jason, the sponsor, wanted them to show this video publicly. Otherwise, Jason’s assistant wouldn’t have sent it to Marley at this moment.
Marley knew very well that when a major sponsor gave instructions, they had to be followed. And since Jason had the video sent over, it was clear that Alicia’s performance was solid.
The most compelling aspects of the show were controversy and unexpected twists, and Alicia clearly had
both.
So, Marley smiled, “Speaking of which, I happen to have the video Sean mentioned right here.” He added, “Do you all want to watch it p>
Of course, Marley had already planned to play the video. Asking was just a way to build anticipation and get everyone’s attention.
Chapter 57
Chapter 57
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.