Julian Lawson’s expression remained unchanged, but he slightly lowered his eyes, making it difficult for others to discern his intentions. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel⁂fire.net Just as Jasper Ford was impatiently preparing to leave, Julian Lawson spoke again. "Serena Sterling told me that you are friends with her." Julian Lawson’s voice was low, audible only to him and Jasper Ford. The voice betrayed no emotion. "And so?" Jasper Ford glanced at Julian Lawson. "Take good care of her," Julian Lawson raised his eyes to look at Jasper Ford, "as a friend." Without waiting for Jasper Ford to say anything, Julian Lawson continued, "Much appreciated." His tone was more sincere, "Let me know if there’s anything you need." This left Jasper Ford momentarily speechless. He had been ready to retort. After hesitating for two seconds, Jasper Ford finally said, "I don’t need you to remind me about that!" Having said that, he strode off. Jasper Ford grumbled as he walked backstage, unsure of what Julian Lawson was up to. Was he keen on both Vera Hansen and Serena Sterling? Waiting for Vera Hansen to be out of the picture and then reconcile with Serena Sterling? Jasper Ford shuddered; it was quite possible. He made a vomiting gesture. Julian Lawson said nothing, only calmly watched the departing figure of Jasper Ford. The fourth live broadcast of "Heavenly Sound" was truly spectacular. This was the semi-final. And Hawthorne Group’s involvement was widely known. Although The Lawson Corporation was the head of the three major giants, Julian Lawson’s presence was obviously due to Vera Hansen, but Hawthorne Group was different! After all, Hawthorne Group controlled the majority of the luxury goods industry! If noticed by Hawthorne Group, future resources in luxury goods and fashion would definitely be excellent! And it just so happened to be now! Hawthorne Group suddenly joined at this time, focusing on these six individuals. Not entirely, but certainly the top three are promising. Thus, everyone was fighting fiercely. Each showcased extraordinary abilities. Various attempts were made to draw votes for themselves. They aimed to impress the Hawthorne Family with their characteristics, talents, or other marketing abilities, even if they couldn’t make it to the top three. As a result, the atmosphere was filled with cheers. Serena Sterling was fourth in line to perform, assigned by draw. While the third contestant was on stage drawing votes, Serena Sterling received the latest message from Vera Hansen sent to Irene’s number. [Irene, I gave you a chance.] Serena Sterling looked towards the judges’ seats, with Vera Hansen also looking at her. A meaningful smile was on her face. This was the moment of action. Just as the previous contestant was about to leave the stage and an advertisement was inserted. "Slow down, don’t fall." Serena Sterling said, looking seriously at Chloe, "What’s up?" Chloe hesitated about whether to tell Serena Sterling. But with the semi-finals being different from the past, after the performance, there’s a voting segment. In Chloe’s view, if she didn’t inform Irene now, she would miss the best opportunity during the voting segment to clarify things for herself. So, Chloe immediately handed the tablet to Serena Sterling. On it was the latest update— #Explosive! Contestant Irene and Ford Entertainment CEO Jasper Ford in a backdoor operation controlling votes# #Heavenly Sound Insider# Serena Sterling quickly skimmed the content. The general opinion was netizen’s statement— "Irene is an artist under Ford Entertainment. Of course, such great resources from Heavenly Sound would be given to their own artists. Now there’s news of their backdoor operations, unsurprising. This was supposed to be a competitive event, yet it’s so shady, really irritating. And those other contestants having to make way for ’Royal Clan Irene’, what’s that about, so disgusting!" Chloe reminded by the side, "You must clarify during the voting segment." Serena Sterling understood. The nearby staff were already urging her to get on stage. Serena Sterling looked at Chloe and said, "Tell Jasper Ford, that direction, true strength won’t be defeated by rumors. As for the rest, wait for my return." "Got it." Chloe immediately replied. Serena Sterling turned and went on stage. In the audience, Hawthorne’s second brother already had his siblings watching the latest online news. "It’s odd; someone is targeting her, with Irene’s abilities, does she even need a backdoor operation?" Hawthorne’s second brother protested. The other two were looking at the latest news. Not far away, Julian Lawson heard this news and slightly frowned. He curiously looked towards the masked woman on stage. The stage was pitch black at this moment, while the camera was live-streaming over at the host and advertisements. Serena Sterling stood firmly on stage, looking towards the judges’ seats not far away. Vera Hansen’s face bore a smile. Upon sensing her gaze, Vera Hansen mouthed. Serena Sterling could decipher it, it was—"Beg me." Serena Sterling sneered coldly inside. Vera Hansen didn’t know that in face of sheer power, any obstruction would be crushed. Even if rumors of backdoor operations got out, so what? Lacking virtue for one’s position results in a downfall, but she never needed to worry about that. "Now let’s welcome contestant Irene to bring us, ’Travel’!" As the host’s voice resonated, the lights on the stage gradually brightened, revealing a woman dressed in romantic Frelia attire, matching mask on her face, and holding a clarinet in her hand. As the lights turned on, the masked woman raised the clarinet and gently played this famous instrument from Frelia. As the music progressed, she opened her mouth and softly sang in Frelian. Singing a story of being romantically enchanted while traveling in Frelia, light and elegant, with songs and dances. Everyone was immersed in this romance, with swirling clouds and her graceful dance steps bringing a sense of presence. However, amidst a competitive stage, especially the semi-finals, where extraordinary abilities were shown, it clearly wasn’t enough. So, the internet was ablaze. "It truly is the Royal Clan; while the song was nice, there weren’t major technical skills, had such hype before, but now it’s unimpressive." "I also feel that the other contestants are strong, what is she doing, it’s a competition stage, very disappointing." A bunch of people reacted, guiding public opinions. Vera Hansen watched the stage with arrogance in her eyes. "Irene, you’re finished." Vera Hansen silently said. But was it really just that? No, this was just a small segment, as the masked woman gently strolled, gradually disappearing behind a tree. The stage lights dimmed, and then Dunhuang images appeared. Next, the lights brightened. A woman dressed in heavy Dunhuang attire, with a flying mask, appeared before everyone. She held a pipa in her arms. As she gently plucked it, the stage’s hue instantly brightened. Differing from the gradual progression before. After just a few strummed notes came powerful strums like shocking words, rapidly escalating from peace. Like thunder on flat ground, highly impactful. The masked woman on stage was also relentless, showcasing an extraordinary vocal interpretation of a dream-like journey to Dunhuang. As the song and pipa played, the masked woman turned around, then— "Oh my God, it’s playing the pipa backwards!" The audience exclaimed. As the intense tune continued, the masked woman’s backward pipa playing was visually stunning. Instantly captivating everyone.