Chapter 24 New Instructions
+8 Pearls.
Jean widened her eyes, ck and bright, hesitating for a moment. Softening her voice as much as possible, she carefully said, “I’m not pitying you, okay? But that bread’s expired, so you definitely can’t eat it. I just don’t want you to starve and lose focus <b>in </b>ss, that’s all. Here, take this. But I’m not giving it for free: you can pay me back next time.”
Afraid of bruising the male lead’s fragile pride, Jean racked her brain to phrase it carefully
Asher simply tilted his head, silently watching her. His deep eyes were unreadable, intense enough to make Jean feel ufortable beneath <b>his </b>gaze
Was this the pressure of a male lead?
Just as she was about to withdraw her hand
Asher suddenly reached out, epting Jean’s <b>cake</b>.
Jean instantly rxed, turning to her textbooks to prepare for ss. What she didn’t notice was the young man beside her, slowly eating the cake, asionally flicking his gaze onto her for a second or two. It seemed like observation, perhaps even
<b>assessment </b>
Jean finally joined the rehearsal that day.
With the Hope Cup finals taking ce that weekend, there wasn’t much time left. Still, she stubbornly refused to put on the costume beforehand. She intended to wear that absurd tree costume only once–on the final <b>day</b>.
“Everyone in ss has tickets to the Hope Cup finals,” their homeroom teacher announced, waving <b>a </b>stack of tickets. “Anyone interested,e and grab one. It’s at Central Theater this weekend. I hope you’ll all go and cheer on our ss.”
“Hell <b>yeah</b><b>, </b>I’m definitely going to watch Jean stand there as a tree!” one of the boys mocked enthusiastically.
The ss erupted inughter.
Jean’s mood remained unaffected. Her fingers silently traced the cold iron token tucked safely in her pocket.
Why had that hidden individual demanded she participate in the Hope Cup finals? She had a hunch that this mysterious figure would surely <b>make </b>another appearance <b>that </b>day. Perhaps then she’d finally uncover some answers.
Jean: sighed inwardly<b>. </b>She only wanted to save up quickly and continue her blissfulziness. Instead, here she was, stuck half- baked betweenzing around and being dragged unwillingly into mysterious plots.
Asher, beside her, caught the brief flicker of resignation on Jean’s face, punctuated by the <b>harsh </bughter echoing through the ssroom. Unknowingly, his fingers tightened <b>into </b>a fist.
The weekend arrived swiftly.
Jean woke up early, apanying the other students to Central Theater.
The Central Theater was an impressive dome–shaped building. The anticipation of performing on such a grand stage sparked excitement among the students.
Batkstage buzzed with activity–students adjusting costumes, applying makeup, arranging <b>props</b>.
Jean doesn’t need makeup, right? She’s just a tree. The simpler, the better,” Lacey interrupted a <b>makeup </b>artist walking toward Jean
The makeup artist paused, visibly unsure. It was customary to apply makeup to all performers, and leaving Jean barefaced
red odly out of ce.
7:41 PM c
Chapter 24 New Instructions.
“What’s happening” Lacey grabbed someone rushing toward themotion
“A celebrity judge just arrived for the Hope Cup!”
“Who is it?” Curiosity brightened Lacey’s eyes.
“Easton.”
“Easton Lacey eximed in shock.
+8 Pearls
Anyone <b>unaware </b>of Easton was surely out of touch. He was currently the hottest star, a multiple award–winning actor, and the ultimate heartthrob for millions of girls.
Unable to resist, Lacey joined the throng heading to catch a glimpse, leaving Jean alone and amused. If she heard correctly, <b>this </b>superstar judge was her brother–Easton, her second brother.
Jean shook her head. She could bump <b>into </b>one of her brothers anywhere.
The backstage, exploded in excitement, though eventually disappointed students trickled back after failing to spot Easton Jean watched them with amusement. Obviously, a star like him wouldn’t wander through here just for them to see.
<i>in </i><i>a </i>VIP
He was probably rxing in a VIP lounge.
Bored, Jean thumbed through thepetition rulebook. Suddenly, one particr rule caught her attention: “Performers without speaking lines won’t qualify for awards.”
So, if her tearn won, Jean–being silent as a tree–wouldn’t even have her name engraved on the trophy.
No wonder Lacey confidently chose Jean–this girl had nned it perfectly. Jean realized Lacey had ensured she’d get none of the benefits, only embarrassment
Clever
Jean set aside the handbook, digging into her bag for a snack. Instead of snacks, her fingers brushed against another cold iron
token.
The first token was already in her pocket, so what was this one?
Jean’s heart skipped a beat. Carefully ncing around to ensure no one watched, she discreetly drew out the token.
Fresh words appeared engraved:
“After thepetition, turn off the main light switch at the center of the stage.”
In the corner was <b>today’s </b>date. It was undoubtedly a new instruction.
Things weren’t <b>simple </b>after <b>all</b>.
Jean felt irritation rise within her. What exactly was she? Someone’s obedient puppet? Why did this stranger think they <b>had </b>the right to control her?
Did they have dirt on the original Jean? Or had they promised some reward?
Jean clenched her jaw, her expression darkening. She wasn’t certain if she’d obey. <b>What </b>consequences would follow if she did? More importantly, what if she <b>didn’t</b>?