This year was being called the "Year of Heritage," so it was no surprise that traditional culture had be the hot new trend in TV and film.


    Reality shows were no exception.


    *Timeless Treasures* was one such program-its focus was to showcase and celebrate cultural heritage. The regr cast was made up of today''s most popr celebrities, and every episode featured a handful of guest stars.


    For this week''s episode, the producers had invited four guest stars. Along with Rosita, Briony was also on the list.


    The other two? One was Mary, an up-anding starlet who''d just made a ssh with a teen drama. Thest was a male guest who hadn''t yet arrived; rumor had it he was a doctor-and a passionate enthusiast for antiques and folk traditions.


    The show wasn''t live, nor was it scripted.


    Filming wouldst three days and two nights.


    The location: a resort in Goldenleaf.


    Goldenleaf had once been a quiet little town, but thanks to government support, it had been transformed into a semi-self-service vacation spot. The resort was famous for its local folk songs and puppet theater, with folk music promotion being a recent pet project of themunity.


    Rosita hadn''t actually chosen to appear on the show; Bill, her manager, had volunteered her for it-without so much as a heads-up.


    So when Rosita found out that this episode would have a strong focus on folk music, she couldn''t help feeling uneasy.


    On the first day, the regr cast took the guest stars on a stroll around the town, mingling with locals and soaking up the culture.


    Rosita kept a low profile, ying everything safe and making sure not to draw attention to herself.


    No one thought much of it. In fact, people just assumed she was humble and down-to-earth for such a famous actress.


    That evening, once all the guests had returned to their assigned cottages and filming was paused, Rosita wasted no time seeking out Bill.


    "Bill, I''m not feeling well," she said quietly. "Can you tell the crew I won''t be able to finish the rest of the filming?"


    Bill eyed her suspiciously, frowning. "What''s wrong? Should I call a doctor for you?"


    "No, that''s not necessary." Rosita wasn''t actually sick-she was just nervous. She was terrified the cameras would catch on that she knew absolutely nothing about folk music.


    "It''s just a little cold. Honestly, I don''t want to keep filming this show," she insisted. Bill looked troubled. "This isn''t just any show, Rosita. The big boss personally picked you for it. If you drop out now, how am I supposed to exin that to him?" The mention of thepany boss made Rosita''s patience snap.


    "I''m the top star in thepany right now. Missing a single episode of a variety show isn''t going to hurt my status. I really don''t feel well, so just let the boss know for me, will you?"


    Bill pressed his lips together, sighing. "You know Mary, right? The boss brought her over to our agency on Grover''s rmendation."


    "This show is a big deal, Rosita. Don''t underestimate how much the country is valuing traditional culture these days. Plus, the public cares a lot about celebrities'' reputation''s now. The boss is thinking of your future-this show ties in perfectly with the series you''re filming."


    But Rosita had already made up her mind. She was determined to back out.


    Seeing her resolve, Bill tried another


    angle. "There are only four guest spots, you know. The boss had to pull strings with the director to get you this chance. If you quit now, you''t be handing that golden opportunity straight to Mary.


    "Mary?" Rosita''s brows drew together. "She''s only acted in one show. The boss wants to promote a rookie like her?"


    Bill shrugged. "Nothing I can do. Grover''s convinced she''s the next big thing- maybe even bigger than you."


    Rosita clenched her fists.


    A nobody from a realitypetition, thinking she could surpass her?


    Ridiculous.


    Rosita''s mind was awash with bitter


    sarcasm. She''d been ready to bow out of the show to avoid exposing her ignorance, but now that she? heard the boss was eager to promote Mary, she just couldn''t swallow it.


    She''d fought hard to be thepany''s leadingdy, wed her way back to the top, and she''d be damned if she let some newbie steal her spotlight now.