Chapter 335
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Zola smiled softly without answering. She was well aware that everyone here was a competitor. The worse one performed, the better one’s popularity would be. She had already started planning for the next arrangements.
After the initial stage performance, all the actors were invited to the stage for the first round of elimination. Some people. were already pre-selected. Undoubtedly, any show would involve some behind-the-scenes manipulation. But for the most
it was fair. Thirty people, only fifteen could stay. Zola stood in a relatively secluded corner, having no expectations for
part. herself.
The rules for the first round of elimination were simple and straightforward, Judges directly discussed and selected, supporting those whose names were called to stay, and asking others to leave. Names echoed in Zola’s ears, one by one, until the last one. The host paused. At this moment. Zola had already looked towards the direction of leaving the stage, thinking. If I get eliminated later. I should leave first. Standing at the edge of the stage will block the people coming down behind me.
“Zola Yvette!” the host announced loudly. Zola was taken aback, and other contestants were surprised too. Indeed, her performance today was not impressive. The judges’ evaluations of her were also not high. While thinking about who would advance, Zola was not even considered.
Zola didn’t expect it herself either. When her name was called, she thought the host had made a mistake. After confirming with her eyes multiple times, the host gave her a clear answer. She walked into the group of advancing contestants with lingering fear. This moment was truly unexpected. Honestly, she felt that among the eliminated actors, there were those who performed better than her. But in a variety show, the level of interest was also crucial. Disappearing suddenly three years ago and then returning should have created some buzz, so Zola stayed for observation. If her popularity indeed increased, she could still look forward to the show. If not, she would undoubtedly leave in the next round.
“Congratulations to the fifteen contestants who have successfully advanced, and once again, thank you for the splendid performances of the other fifteen contestants. Let’s give them applause. The host continued to build up the atmosphere. Thanks to the audience here and those watching on TV. See you next week, the host finally announced the end.
The remaining fifteen actors on stage spontaneously approached the judges’ seats to shake hands, express gratitude, and show goodwill. Zola was among them. She couldn’t stand out. Being able to stay was really not easy for her. Anyway, for those who earned a living through acting like her, whether on TV or in everyday life, there wasn’t much difference.
Zola shook hands with the judges one by one. From left to right, the first one was Reuben. He said, “Zola, you must work hard!” It implied that Zola didn’t advance based on her acting skills.
“Yes, yes.” Zola nodded eagerly, being very obsequious.
Zola also voluntarily shook hands with Carly.
Carly sternly said to Zola, “Zola, I have expectations for you. Adjust your emotions and give me your best in the next
“Yes, Ms. Stokes. I will definitely work hard.” Zola nodded and bowed.
Then, Zola approached Leopold. Once again, their eyes met. Zoja took the initiative to speak up, “Mr. Cavanaugh, I’ll nee your guidance to improve my acting skills. Saying that, she bent over and reached out to shake hands with Leopold. He looked at the hand in front of him, wondering, ‘Is it because of thakeup? Her hand seems a bit rough.”
Zola’s hand awkwardly hung in the air, because Leopold didn’t respond for a long time. She thought that he would at least pretend a bit in public. After all, he shook hands with every other actor before her. But unexpectedly, he still seemed so repulsive towards her. Zola forced a smile, looking quite composed, withdrew her hand, and walked past Leopold to Dexter. Once again, she bowed humbly. She didn’t notice that after she left. Leopold’s hand extended a bit. A little, then retracted.
With the actors and judges finishing their interactions, all the actors returned backstage. Zola sat in the shared dressing
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Chapter 335
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room, removing her makeup. Leah was also removing her makelip. She had also advanced. Although the host said the list of advancing contestants was not ranked among the first few who advanced, in fact, it was. Leah was the last one.
“Congratulations, Zola. You also advanced.” Leah seemed genuinely happy.
“It’s just luck,” Zola replied.
“Why would it be luck? Your talent speaks for itself!” Leah complimented. No matter how one heard it, there was a hint of sarcasm. In terms of skills, Zola’s performance today was not enough for her to advance. So she didn’t say much, just echoed a few words.
As Zola had a more elaborate makeover, she was among the last to leave the dressing room. As soon as she walked out, she heard the faint voices in the corridor. “Zola used the back door for sure. If she didn’t, you would have definitely advanced. We all think that you act better than her. It was clear that some of the contestants were discontented.
Zola didn’t want to stir up trouble. In her current situation, she had truly softened all her edges for the sake of life and dreams. At this moment, upon hearing the voices, her instinct was to escape,
Deciding to leave the TV station in the opposite direction, she accidentally bumped into a trash can in the corridor, causing a loud noise. This noise immediately attracted the attention of the actors who were still gossiping. Zola looked at the trash can on the ground, feeling helpless, thinking. This is how one embarrasses themselves. Feeling extremely awkward, she decided to pretend she hadn’t heard anything and leave.
Zola, did you use the back door?” the actress who spoke earlier suddenly questioned her.
Zola couldn’t help but bellow inwardly, ‘If I say I didn’t, would they believe me? I don’t even believe myself, but I really don’t have any connections supporting me. I know no one in the entertainment industry now. Who would help me use the back door? I don’t even have the money to use the back door.
“How despicable!” The actress, seeing Zola not refuting, took her silence as acknowledgment and became even more self- righteous. “You think you can get far by using the back door? At most, you’ll be eliminated in the next round. Stop showing
off!”
Zola just wanted to say that she didn’t show off. She wondered how she gave a vibe of showing off as she clearly just wanted to leave right away.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” The actress became even more agitated, speaking on her own.
“You will not believe anything whatever I say anyway.” Zola finally spoke.
“You have to show
your respect
to us! Regardless, we are seniors, the actress said.
“Although you are older in age, in terms of entering the entertainment industry, you might not necessarily be my seni Zola replied seriously.
“Do you still think you’re the same Zola as before? Acting like a senior is simply laughable,” the actress retorted.
Zola finally realized how her words had been twisted, leaving her defenseless.
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