Vera Hansen lifted her head. Then, she smiled bashfully and said, "Brother Julian, I can’t help it." Julian Lawson didn’t speak; he just frowned deeply as he looked at her. "The song ’Micro Love’ is already tied to me," Vera said, "and if I don’t say it , it would be bad for my image." Julian still didn’t say anything; clearly, her reasoning hadn’t convinced him. "That fan has been sticking around multiple live broadcasts, and if you don’t believe me, Brother Julian, you can check." "Even if he doesn’t come in this time, he’ll still block me somewhere; it’s just a matter of time." "The day we bought this song from ’Yan’, the price we offered her was already pretty high. Even famous lyricists sell songs for just a million, but Brother Julian, you gave her ten million, and that’s enough." However, despite saying so much, Julian still only looked at her. The two of them stared at one another. Finally, Vera let out a long sigh and lowered her head, saying, "Brother Julian, sometimes you need to use some tactics, don’t you?" Vera’s voice was soft: "I don’t have much time, and to achieve my goals, I need to do this. If my public image collapses now, how could I possibly do what I want to do?" "As long as what I ultimately do is right, isn’t that okay?" Vera paused for a moment, then lifted her head and smiled, saying, "Serena... isn’t she the same way?" Julian pursed his lips, looking at Vera, whose eyes were slightly red. "Could it be..." Tears welled up in Vera’s eyes, "She can, but I can’t?" "Is this your favoritism towards her, Brother Julian?" Julian withdrew his gaze, no longer looking at Vera but instead staring out the car window. The sky had already darkened, landscapes rushed by outside, the streetlights casting a slightly worn-out hue. Serena wasn’t like that. She would try her best to take care of everyone. Serena was only harsh on herself. Julian suddenly felt a headache. But Vera... only has half a year left. Meanwhile, Vera looked at his profile, her eyes full of calculation. She must be the best in the first round because only then can she solidify—"Even if Vera is an amateur, she can still beat everyone," which is the reason she joined this variety show in the first place. To keep suppressing Serena. If the spotlight is all taken by Irene, how can she use it for promotion? So, at least the first round, she must win the first round. Follow current novᴇls on novel[f]ire.net The Bentley sped down the road, while on the other side, Serena had already picked up Seraphina. Serena had already removed her mermaid makeup, and was currently holding Seraphina’s hand, buying art supplies at a stationery store. Seraphina liked painting, and it was because Serena bought one of Seraphina’s paintings that this bond formed. "Aunt Winters, can I buy this?" Seraphina asked cautiously, pointing to a set of paintbrushes. Serena squatted down, patted Seraphina’s head, and gently said, "Feel free with me, Seraphina. Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you." Seraphina was happy; she liked this feeling. But regardless of Aunt Winters’ words, she wouldn’t buy recklessly; she’d only take what she needed. Serena saw through Seraphina’s thoughts and felt even more tenderness towards her. Seraphina had a ventricular septal defect, a form of congenital heart disease. She had taken Seraphina to Bianca Lynch and knew that as long as surgery was performed and regular follow-ups were maintained, there wouldn’t be any major issues. But Seraphina’s parents still abandoned her, making her feel like a burden and very self-conscious. Nevertheless, she would care for Seraphina as she would for her own child, ensuring Seraphina would be fine. With that thought, Serena picked up a few more necessary items for Seraphina. After checking out, Serena led Seraphina out of the store. They walked slowly along the street, with Seraphina recounting amusing moments at kindergarten today; both were laughing happily. A Bentley sped by on the street beside them. In the back seat of the Bentley, Julian looked at the smiling faces of the two, feeling inexplicably moved. Serena soon brought Seraphina to the private room booked by Jasper Ford. Quinn, Bianca Lynch, and Justin Jennings were already inside; Jasper was still on the way. As Serena came in holding Seraphina, Bianca immediately scooted over. "Little Seraphina!" Bianca smiled, bringing out a gift she just bought for Seraphina, "Do you remember me?" "Aunt Joy," Seraphina called sweetly but didn’t accept Bianca’s gift, instead glancing at Serena. Seeing Serena nodded slightly, Seraphina happily accepted the big-eared puppy plush Bianca bought for her, her eyes smiling in delight. "Thank you, Aunt Joy." Bianca was very fond of the child, lightly pinching Seraphina’s cheek. Serena was full of smiles too. The group took their seats. While waiting for Jasper, Bianca said to Serena, "I’ve spoken to the hospital; it’s best to start taking Seraphina for some examinations soon, and once the procedures are done, take her for surgery." Because the adoption paperwork wasn’t complete yet, there were some procedures needed for Seraphina’s surgery. Serena nodded, "Thank you." "It’s nothing," Bianca smiled, "When the time comes, I’ll have my brother perform the surgery himself; you know he’s very skilled." Saying this, Bianca also smiled at Seraphina, "Seraphina, don’t be afraid. Once the surgery is done, you’ll be like other kids." Seraphina was a bit scared at the mention of surgery, but she still nodded vigorously. She wanted to be like everyone else. Even if it hurt a little, she’d endure it. Serena saw Seraphina’s reaction and couldn’t help but hug her again. "I’m here!" With a voice, Jasper Ford came in and had the dishes served. Jasper also brought a gift for Seraphina; everyone liked this little girl. The evening was full of joy for everyone. Online, there was heated discussion about Irene. Irene’s songs, Irene’s stage—all were points of discussion. Countless bloggers rushed to use her songs as BGM. For narrative videos, dance videos, and more, there were all sorts. Of course, the most popular was bloggers attempting to sing her songs; some succeeded and were praised, others failed and broke their voice, but even those weren’t ridiculed, instead bringing entertainment to the public, sharing in the feast. Meanwhile, many speculated about who Irene was. "She wears a mask, so, could she be someone we knew before?" "When will she take off the mask? I’m so curious!" Just as the discussion about Irene heated up, suddenly, a piece of news rocketed to the top of the trending list— #Affair within marriage, Serena and Jasper seen behaving intimately, repeatedly appearing together#