With a friendly smile, Bianca replied, “It’s Sophia’s turn to perform, but she’s unsure about some parts. Maybe you could give her some guidance?”
The room was filled with astonishment.
Now Bianca had a helper.
“Of course,” Ruby was eager to assist Sophia and fine-tune their performance.
The audience began to view Bianca differently.
Bianca and Ruby seemed to have a strong connection, sparking curiosity about Bianca’s background. The three judges felt uneasy, realizing they might have misjudged Sophia.
They feared the repercussions of being excluded from the film industry.
The judges, who had previously sided with Natalie, regretted taking Zoey’s bribe to support her.
If they had known about Bianca’s connection to Ruby and that Sophia was Ruby’s student, they would have tried to win over Bianca and Sophia much earlier.
The moment came for Sophia to perform. Ruby approached the judges’ panel. As she walked over, she grinned at Louis and asked, “Louis, I missed the earlier performances. Who impressed you the most?”
Louis smirked slightly. “Do you even need to ask? Obviously, your student.”
Ruby smiled happily. “I always love hearing your praise for my only student. Even though I already know, I still like to ask.”
“Haha, you really haven’t changed a bit,” Louis remarked.
They exchanged knowing smiles.
Ruby took Camille’s former spot on the panel while Camille stood nearby, too respectful to say a word.
Zoey and Natalie, watching this unfold, could only grit their teeth in silence.
Sophia stepped onto the stage. Facing the industry giants and millions watching live, she smiled subtly.
“For this final performance, there’s no title or lines. Please watch and enjoy.”
Sophia began her performance in silence. She didn’t speak a word throughout her act, yet her expressions and movements conveyed a captivating portrayal without relying on physical props.
As she performed, the live stream chat filled with new comments.
“What character is Sophia portraying?”
“I see now. Sophia is depicting a swan with a broken neck. Rejected, scorned, and abandoned by others. Consumed by sorrow, anger, and hopelessness, she plucks at her feathers and retreats into the shadows of a cave. But then, a glimmer of light catches her attention, and she pursues it. Despite stumbling, she always gets back up. In the sunlight, her feathers regain their beauty, and she raises her graceful neck, emerging triumphant from adversity.”
“No, Sophia isn’t just acting as a swan. She’s reflecting on her own life.”
The emotions were intense. How many challenges must Sophia have faced to find the strength to rise each time?
“Sophia’s performance is truly inspiring. Let it serve as a reminder to everyone watching. Never lose hope. The darkest night will pass, and the sun will rise again.”
The performance concluded as the swan spread its wings and soared.
Comments flooded the screen.
“Sophia, you’ve captured my heart.”
“Sophia’s performance goes beyond just portraying a swan. Without words, without props, her breathtaking act reaches deep into the soul.”
“That’s what real acting is.”
The audience erupted in cheers, all for Sophia this time.
Their admiration was unanimous.
The three judges, who Zoey had previously swayed, now felt a pang of guilt. The idea of supporting Natalie again made them uncomfortable.
Watching Sophia on stage, Natalie pointed angrily and shouted, “Sophia’s cheating in her performance. She’s just trying to gain sympathy by drawing from her own life.”
“But her role is that of a swan,” a judge interjected.
“She… She’s using the swan as a metaphor for her own experience,” Natalie insisted.
Robert glanced at Natalie and said calmly, “You’re entitled to interpret it however you like. Everyone has their own perspective, as they say about Hamlet. But in reality, she’s simply portraying a swan.”
“But…” Natalie struggled for words, sinking back into her chair, her spirits deflated.
Zoey stood frozen and silent, unable to process what had just happened.
Ruby then addressed the crowd, “Since the audience gets to choose their favorite for the lead role, why don’t we let them vote on this scene? Let’s keep ourselves out of it.”
Vincent agreed with a nod. After eliminating the paid voters, the voting was fair, truly reflecting public opinion.
Stepping onto the stage, Vincent announced to the livestream audience, “We’re putting this special vote in your hands. The judges will step aside. Vote for your preferred leading lady.”
As soon as the voting began, Sophia’s numbers surged, leaving Natalie’s far behind.
“Sophia is the real star in my eyes.”
“Why aren’t Natalie’s supporters turning out? They were so sure of themselves earlier.”
“Let’s stop with the insults. As someone who’s always backed Natalie, even I’ve voted for Sophia.”
“It’s obvious Natalie was surpassed. We accept it without reservation.”
“The difference between Natalie and Sophia is clear. Natalie has a lot to improve on.”
“Welcome back, Sophia. The best is yet to come.”
Sophia emerged triumphant.
Bianca, overcome with joy and tears, embraced Sophia tightly. “You’re amazing, Sophia. I’m incredibly proud of you. You’re the real star.”
Returning the embrace, Sophia held back tears. “Thank you, Bianca. I wouldn’t be here without you. You’re the one who gave me another chance. You’re the guiding light that the swan with a broken neck followed.”
Sophia decided to always follow that guiding light.
As they shared this emotional moment, Vincent’s serious voice interrupted. “Zoey, I know about your plan with the paid voters during the audition.”
“Moreover, she’s been bribing the judges,” Ruby added firmly.
Ruby, with her commanding presence, stood with a sharp gaze.
As a veteran in the film industry, Ruby had a wide network of contacts. Nothing could escape her notice.
She had heard about the judges being bribed before she arrived, which prompted her to come in person.
Vincent also observed that three judges, influenced by bribes, were intentionally hindering Sophia’s success. Without their interference, Sophia might have already won.
“I will ensure a thorough investigation into this matter,” Vincent declared sternly. The judges implicated in bribery hung their heads, visibly shaken.
Then, turning to Zoey with a serious expression, Vincent publicly criticized her actions. “Zoey, what you’ve done is unacceptable. I won’t be representing any artists under your management in the future.”
“Mr. Lopez, please, there’s been a mistake. I didn’t hire any paid voters. I…” Zoey pleaded desperately.
“There’s no need to explain!” Vincent cut her off. “Do you think I’m unaware that you bribed my staff to get the audition script early? Zoey, you’ve been an agent for years. Shouldn’t you know that while the script is set, the performance isn’t? I intentionally added an illogical twist to the third scene to test adaptability, but you directed Natalie to stick rigidly to the script, missing the point entirely! Zoey, your actions have been disgraceful. You’re not fit to be an agent.”