Chapter 332
The last time they backed Mira up on stage, she had only been able to offer a small token of appreciation. Back then, she wasn’t wealthy-in their eyes, she was just an orphaned girl who had been kicked out by the Mercer family.
But this was a massive commercial gig, and they were going to be paid a substantial performance fee.
For the guys from better financial backgrounds, it was a fun trip to Aethelgard to experience the thrill of the stage and make some pocket money.
But for someone struggling financially like Harrison Moore, this single paycheck would easily cover his tuition and living expenses for the entire next semester.
“Mira, can I keep tagging along to help out with your future concerts p>
Harrison asked eagerly.
“Aren’t you supposed to be in school p>
They had lucked out with winter break this time, but Mira couldn’t guarantee her own schedule for future shows, let alone theirs.
Harrison snapped his mouth shut.
“If you need to make extra cash during the semester, you can work at Solflare Hearth & Grill on the weekends,” Mira offered. “I’ve already cleared it with the management. You can go whenever you’re free, and they’ll pay you an hourly wage p>
“We just think performing in a concert is awesome, plus we get to travel,” another guy chimed in.
Mira smiled at them. “Then you’ll have to wait until you graduate and officially apply to join the team based on your own merits p>
“Mira, could you put in a good word with Kieran Holt? Maybe we could work as extras for the entertainment company during summer break p>
They were young, energetic, and eager for a fun experience.
“Sure, but being an extra isn’t a walk in the park. Without any real acting experience, you’ll only make minimum wage p>
“That’s fine! We just want to do it for fun and experience the industry. The money doesn’t matter p>
Mira let them have their way. Solflare Entertainment was currently shooting a series of short dramas and constantly needed background actors. Plus, their pay scale was considered highly competitive within the industry.
The next day, the second concert was set to kick off.
The entire staff consisted of trusted insiders, and the security grid was fully operational. In Mr. Lawson’s words, not even a fly could slip through the perimeter.
Unless, of course, the enemy tried their old trick of planting paid shills in the audience.
But they were already on high alert for that tired strategy, so it wouldn’t cause any real damage.
In fact, the more agitators Lawrence bought, the more ticket sales they racked up. By now, the audience was filling the seats.
Tickets cost hundreds of dollars, which was roughly equivalent to an average worker’s monthly salary.
Therefore, the crowd was largely made up of affluent individuals, including many from Aethelgard’s high society.
If anything went wrong tonight, the financial loss would be the least of their worries. It would irreparably tarnish Solflare’s brand reputation in the capital so there was zero room for error.
As the showtime approached, Owen couldn’t shake his unease. He personally led a security detail for one last sweep of the venue and his instincts paid off.
He spotted a vendor near the entrance selling a highly pressurized carbonated drink called Aurora Fizz. It came in sleek, unusual plastic bottles that owen had never seen before.
A massive crowd was buying it, mostly for the novelty. The internal pressure of the bottles was significantly higher than regular soda.
When opened, a geyser of white mist would shoot into the air before condensing into droplets, mimicking a miniature firework display. It was a visually stunning gimmick.
But they were currently outdoors, where the temperature was hovering well below freezing.
What would happen if those bottles were opened inside the heated arena?
Owen immediately ordered his men
to test a bottle at room temperature.
The results were alarming: in a warm environment, the sprayed gas. turned into a thick, Tingering white fog that refused to dissipate.
“Shut that vendor down immediately and hand him over to the police. I suspect someone is trying to sabotage the concert.
Announce to the crowd that the beverage is defective and demand that all
purchased bottles be confiscated at the door p>