Soon, the woman on stage switched again, to The Fifth Nation, Gallia. The woman, dressed in a lightweight, pure white gown, stood on stage, gently playing the flute, the sound was soft and clear. As she put down the flute and began to sing softly, the entire room was immersed in this wondrous journey. Languages, instruments, and singing styles from five countries were showcased one by one before everyone’s eyes. And all this did not appear abrupt due to the change in style because it was a journey. Like fragments of lively civilizations intertwined, it created a sense of time and space disorientation. With the final performance of the masked woman on stage, Julian Lawson’s face was hidden in shadow among the audience. Both he and Serena Sterling had visited these countries. And more than just that. In the early years, The Lawson Corporation was transforming, she accompanied him to many places. In those past times, with her by his side, he would not feel lonely. She was always so vibrant. There seemed to be boundless hope and energy always. "Julian, we will succeed." She always spoke beside his ear, "I will always be by your side, climbing to the peak with you." "I believe in you." She said with a smile, "So, you must believe in me too." With clenched fist, what appeared before Julian Lawson was the lean body and tearful eyes of Serena Sterling at Moonlight Manor that night. Just like it had withered. Both fists were clenched tightly and trembling, as the masked woman on stage put down her instrument and bowed to everyone, Julian Lawson closed his eyes. Thunderous applause erupted at the scene. Everyone was applauding her. The 5 minutes and 30 seconds of stage performance even included a rapid costume change in between. It can be said that various skills were demonstrated to perfection. And it was not just about the skills, it was a complete narrative. The host came on stage, and the lights illuminated once again. "Let’s applaud once more!" The host said excitedly. Once again, thunderous applause was heard. The host looked appreciatively at the masked woman beside him: "Irene, you really surprised everyone, ever since the last performance of ’Deep Sea’, I have been wondering what piece you would present next, now I know!" Serena Sterling took the microphone and said with a light chuckle, "Thank you." After a brief interaction between them, it was the voting segment. Serena Sterling didn’t perform more, after all, what had just transpired was enough, and her energy was quite spent, not enough to sustain another performance. "Thank you, thank you to all the audience, both those who are present and those outside the venue, today marks the fourth stage of ’Heavenly Sound’, it is because of your support and the cooperation and help of all staff that I could stand here today." Serena Sterling’s face bore a perfectly fitting smile, and especially upon seeing Vera Hansen’s displeased face at the judges’ table, she felt more content. "In fact, I have seen some rumors that aren’t favorable to me, but I believe, in the face of true ability, rumors are unworthy of note!" "So, please vote for me!" Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net After speaking, Serena Sterling bowed deeply again. Her sweat mixed with makeup dripped down, glistening under the stage lights. This represented her effort, and also her sincerity. No complicated rhetoric, just stating a fact. Because Serena Sterling knows, the audience in the venue cannot use phones, if spoken inappropriately it might provoke some resentment. Therefore, just stating the core needs that both the audience inside and outside can understand is enough. And this was indeed the case. With her bow once more, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Thus, Serena Sterling exited the stage. Just before leaving, she glanced at Vera Hansen. Only to see Vera Hansen almost unable to control her expression, glaring at her angrily. Serena Sterling smiled. Turned and exited the stage. The host quickly continued. In the staff passageway, Chloe and Jasper Ford hurriedly came to meet her. "Are you okay?" Jasper Ford asked. Serena Sterling nodded and smiled, "I’m not that exhausted." Jasper Ford didn’t think so, knowing the difficulty level of this stage performance. Chloe quickly took out tissues to wipe Serena Sterling’s sweat. "I’ll do it myself." Serena Sterling smiled and took the tissues to wipe her sweat. Several people walked together to the other side of the hallway. Behind them were cheering audiences, enthusiastic and lively! Serena Sterling looked at the tissue in her hand filled with sweat mixed with makeup. She liked this feeling. Soon, they arrived at contestant Irene’s personal resting room. Sitting on the sofa, Serena Sterling finally relaxed a bit. Jasper Ford handed the tablet to Serena Sterling. "Chloe told me what you said, this is their result from the action." Jasper Ford said, using something to cover the tablet for Serena Sterling to check. If previously the commotion about alleged dealings between Irene and Jasper Ford made people doubt contestant Irene’s abilities, then now, that part of the population has become very few! Currently, the trending topic online is — #Irene, absolute strength# "In the face of absolute strength, any rumor is crushed! I’m convinced, mom, I’m so shaken, mom, I’m going to kneel and vote for Irene!" "Where are the haters, come out and talk! Still talking about backdoor dealings, do you guys see this strength, is there even a need for backdoor dealings?" "Indeed, previously I heard someone was into The Royal Clan or something, beforehand I didn’t care about this, but I came to take a look, what a coincidence, initially indifferent, but now I’m simply in love with Irene!" "So strong, really so strong, strong enough to instantly dispel any rumors about fake votes!" "Five countries, five languages, songs, instruments, styles, seamlessly connected, completely mesmerizing, initially I thought the Frelia style was ordinary, now it seems perfectly fitting with this song, if she didn’t have these votes, I’d think there was shady dealing!" "+ID number +bank card number!" The internet had shifted from one extreme to another. Jasper Ford smiled as he watched Serena Sterling scrolling through these, "Alright?" Serena Sterling nodded and smiled, "Yes!" "However, there is still some time until the actual voting ends, who knows if something will crop up over there." Jasper Ford took the tablet and said. Serena Sterling thoughtfully looked at Vera Hansen in the live broadcast camera. Something is definitely going to crop up. Since she had already made a move, Vera Hansen wouldn’t let her off that easily! Vera Hansen recorded another session, then walked to a dark corner in the staff passageway. She kept exchanging ideas with Connor Goldsmith’s team. She spoke without noticing, something was recording quietly in the corner of the staff passageway. Vera Hansen spoke excitedly, the last sentence was: "Little Irene dared to offend me, Connor Goldsmith, we have so much leverage against her, I want her to face eternal ruin!" If earlier Vera Hansen had waited with hoping for Irene to turn back and seek her help for clarification, then now, it’s about making sure Irene is finished! Soon after, another trending topic exploded online — #Irene and Jasper Ford relationship exposed#