Sophia smiled softly and replied, “As a judge, I’ll make sure to be fair and honest. I’ll point out any weaknesses and highlight their strengths. Don’t worry; I understand my role.”
After a bit more conversation, they ended the call.
Bianca quickly contacted the Star Search team to confirm Sophia’s participation as a judge.
Once everything was settled, she couldn’t help but think about how quickly Justin had acted.
It was really fast! Bianca had only spoken to Justin in the morning, and by the afternoon, everything was settled.
Justin was really amazing.
She realized she should take some time to personally thank him for his help.
Once Sophia’s participation was confirmed, the show’s team acted quickly. Within just thirty minutes, they announced the judging panel. Along with Sophia and a few industry veterans, Bianca noticed Natalie’s name on the list.
Remembering her last encounter with Natalie at Phoenix Alliance Group, Bianca recalled the showbiz uproar when Natalie switched to Orion Entertainment. Many fans felt relieved that Natalie had escaped the supposed limits of Phoenix Entertainment and praised Orion Entertainment for helping her.
This situation paints a negative picture of Phoenix Entertainment while making Orion Entertainment look good.
Bianca might have believed the rumors if she hadn’t spent time at Phoenix Entertainment.
At that time, Phoenix Entertainment had provided the best resources for Natalie, but now it felt like they had been stabbed in the back. Natalie was really being ungrateful.
Bianca unexpectedly defended Phoenix Entertainment.
This time, Natalie secured a spot as a judge on the show, clearly backed by Orion Entertainment.
Once the list of judges was announced, Natalie’s supporters praised Orion Entertainment while throwing hateful comments at Phoenix Entertainment.
Bianca was completely taken aback when she saw Natalie’s post thanking the show’s team for the chance to be a judge. Natalie expressed her nervousness and excitement about her judging debut, leading some people to think she had been underappreciated at Phoenix Entertainment.
Shaking her head in disbelief, Bianca thought about how fickle the showbiz industry could be. Still, she felt grateful for her decision to start her own agency, where artists like Sophia and Reese showed true dedication.
Thinking of her artists made Bianca smile. She decided to call Reese and Blake to her office.
Reese arrived early, bubbling with enthusiasm about the show’s details. However, her excitement turned to shyness when Blake walked in, and she waited for Bianca to start.
“Blake, I’m glad you’re here.”
Bianca couldn’t help but feel a little tense as she remembered what happened yesterday at the clothing store. However, as Blake’s agent, she needed to discuss work with him.
Blake’s expression was unreadable as he asked, “What did you need to talk about?”
Reese sensed that something was off and felt the hidden tension between them. She scratched her head and cast several puzzled glances their way.
Reese was curious as she wondered what had happened.
After Bianca finished her brief explanation of what happened, Blake’s reaction was pretty neutral. He didn’t seem too interested and just nodded to show he was listening.
Bianca offered some encouraging words. “Go back and get ready. Stay calm, and don’t be nervous. The goal is to boost your profiles through this talent show. Don’t worry about your rank; just give it your all. And just so you know, Sophia is a judge. But don’t get too excited about it. I’ve already warned her to be strict with you. She’ll be honest, and it might sting, but it’s for your own good. If Sophia’s feedback feels harsh, don’t take it personally. It’s all meant to help you grow. The key is to keep improving.”
“Got it,” Reese said with a nod. Noticing Blake’s silence, she gently elbowed him and said, “Blake…”
Blake jolted as if he had been lost. He glanced at Bianca, then quickly looked away.
Something felt off between them, and Reese became even more convinced of her suspicions.
“Okay, we’re done here. Blake, you can go back to what you were doing. Reese, stay here for a moment. I have more to discuss with you.”
Bianca was focused on some papers, so she didn’t notice the turmoil in Blake’s eyes, but Reese did.
Once Blake left, Bianca shared some advice with Reese. “When you debut on the show, be ready for all kinds of feedback. Don’t let the praise go to your head, and don’t take criticism too personally. Pay attention to what the judges say. I know you’ve had insecurities about your appearance, but that’s all behind you now. It’s time to look ahead.”
Bianca was mainly concerned for Reese. She understood that girls often feel things more deeply than boys. Once Reese achieved fame, it was likely that netizens would dig into her past. The thought of facing both intentional and unintentional negativity from others would undoubtedly make her anxious.
Bianca had heard too many stories of mental struggles in the entertainment industry, and she didn’t want Reese to go through that. So, she felt it was important to add a few more words of caution.
Bianca looked up and noticed that Reese had been daydreaming for quite a while.
She felt a mix of annoyance and amusement.
With a gentle tap on Reese’s forehead, Bianca playfully scolded, “Hey there! Your mind was wandering, and you missed everything I just said. That’s like being miles away.”
Reese, caught off guard, snapped back to reality. She reached up to her forehead, realizing Bianca was just teasing and not really upset. In response, she cheekily stuck out her tongue and gave a mischievous smile.
Bianca continued with a playful tone, “Come on, spill it! Who’s on your mind? Do you have a secret crush? You’re not seeing someone behind my back, are you?”
Reese waved her hands frantically in denial and said, “No way! I’m just starting out and nowhere near famous. How could I even think about dating?”
Bianca couldn’t help but laugh when she remembered the passionate look in Reese’s eyes when she looked at Blake. She teased knowingly, “Oh, please. Since when does being in the entertainment industry mean you can’t date? Wouldn’t that mean all celebrities are single?”
Reese’s laughter mixed with Bianca’s. After a moment of hesitation, she asked, “So, what happened between you and him?”
For a brief second, Bianca didn’t realize who Reese was talking about and asked, “Who are you referring to?”
“Blake…” Reese’s voice trembled slightly as she said, “I’ve sensed something off between you two today. Was there an argument? Or…”
Bianca hesitated, realizing Reese’s keen perception. She had thought her feelings were hidden, but Reese had picked up on them.