CHAPTER 29: CHAPTER 29: CINNABAR MOLE, A DROP OF BLOOD ON THE HEART

But this trending topic didn’t last long and quickly faded.

Because singer Irene’s "Yesterday Once More" livestream began.

The popularity of the newly launched "Yesterday Once More" kept surging.

The reason was simple, the stage was absolutely explosive.

Even though Vera had the show staff reduce the clarity and sound quality data of the livestream to the lowest, the impact was still conveyed.

This masked singer named Irene was incredibly mysterious, with no information online.

Everyone was guessing who she was. So far, no one online could find another singer who resembled her.

People were discussing fervently—

"Oh my god, it’s so shocking! Who could this be? I feel like she’s not a newcomer!"

"I agree, before I thought Vera’s ’Micro Love’ would be the best of the show, but I was wrong, hidden talents everywhere!"

"I bet it’s some big shot who’s changed their singing style, otherwise why wear a mask?"

"I think the same, let’s guess together! It’s so interesting."

"’Micro Love’ and ’Yesterday Once More’, so different in style, I would call them the white moonlight and cinnabar mole of the first ’Heavenly Sound’ show!"

At that moment, another trending topic was thrust up.

#MicroLoveYesterdayOnceMore#

#HeavenlySoundWhiteMoonlightAndCinnabarMole#

Countless netizens shared their opinions.

Some liked "Micro Love", others liked "Yesterday Once More", but since their styles were completely different, there was no way to determine a winner.

...

While discussions raged online, in another corner, Vera angrily smashed the cup in her hand.

When the trending topic of the demo practice of "Micro Love" recorded in the studio went down, she felt relieved as they had already learned from the comments that someone wanted to question her about the demo at the scene.

Luckily they found out, so she could intercept the process accordingly, smoothly navigating through the demo issue.

But what was up with "Yesterday Once More"?

She had already pressured the livestream equipment team to lower the clarity and sound quality to the minimum, yet the results were still like this!

"Vera, don’t be upset." A member of the marketing team searched through data, consoling, "The internet is saying now that ’Micro Love’ and ’Yesterday Once More’ are neck and neck, we haven’t lost."

But Vera shot him a look.

Her voice was icy: "I want absolute victory, you understand?"

The other sweated profusely and brainstormed: "How about this, Vera, we immediately guide the narrative saying you’re not a professional singer, but managed to achieve such results in your debut, highlighting the contrast, so you can definitely outshine her!"

Vera finally nodded, though there was still harshness in her gaze.

The man wiped his cold sweat, letting out a sigh of relief.

However, Vera still wasn’t content. Watching the other take out a tablet to send messages to relevant personnel, she said, "Connor, your team was built by me, you know what I’ve done and what you’ve done for me."

The man named Connor broke out in cold sweat again, simpering, "I was just an unknown promoter back then, it’s because of working with you that I have today."

"Vera, don’t worry, I know, our mutual achievement, and only by helping you rise to become Mrs. Lawson can our team maximize our benefits."

"You know it." Vera finally nodded, glancing at the livestream stage still performing, a plan forming in her mind.

This masked woman named Irene couldn’t be underestimated, plus she was Jasper Ford’s little canary, not to be attacked directly.

Then, make use of her.

If the hand isn’t sharp, why confront the knife directly? Grasp the handle and make it your own, that’s the proper way.

Thinking of this, Vera smiled slightly, hasn’t the handle of this "Irene" knife always been in her hand?

As long as she wants to continue in this circle, then her secret of aborting is a perfect leverage.

At least during the "Heavenly Sound" competition, this can completely control her.

Otherwise, once this scandal spreads, her support rate will plummet and her future commercial value is thoroughly spoiled.

Equivalent to being ruined.

After intimidation, there is enticement.

And the enticement...

Vera smiled contentedly, helping "Irene" to dethrone Serena and become Jasper Ford’s officially announced girlfriend is her biggest lure.

After figuring it out, Vera, who was a bit tense just now, relaxed.

She looked at Connor who was in action and instructed, "This event today must show me as the best."

Connor raised his head, unsure why Vera repeated the instruction.

Seeing Connor’s confusion, she added, "Also, regarding the woman’s marketing, I have another direction."

Speaking, Vera leaned toward Connor’s ear, whispering something.

Connor nodded thoughtfully, the two exchanged smiles.

...

Elsewhere, in Serena’s personal artist rest room, Jasper Ford had already gone to attend to other matters, and assistant Chloe was left to take care of Serena.

Chloe was looking at her phone, checking online content, and her brows knitted tighter the more she read.

"Strange." Chloe muttered under her breath.

Serena had rested for a while and regained some energy, so she asked, "What’s wrong?"

Chloe handed the tablet to Serena, saying, "Irene, I’m looking at online data, they’re all debating whether ’Micro Love’ or ’Yesterday Once More’ is stronger."

"But the odd thing is here."

Chloe brought up the relevant page, saying, "What’s up with the quality of this livestream?"

Serena glanced at it, then thought for a moment and understood.

This kind of maneuver was common in the industry.

However, she was the main push of Ford Entertainment, and Jasper Ford was no meek man; his temper was notorious in the industry.

Ordinarily, no one would dare to treat her this way.

Nor would anyone deliberately provoke Jasper Ford.

Unless there’s someone even more overwhelming, like Julian Lawson.

Hence, the only person who could make the show staff do this was Vera.

Serena sifted through online comments about "Micro Love" and "Yesterday Once More."

She found it amusing.

White moonlight and cinnabar mole?

Pitting a song she wrote against one she performed?

Serena chuckled lightly, setting down the tablet.

Chloe cautiously retrieved the tablet, wanting to observe Irene’s expression, but all her emotions were hidden under the mask, making Chloe unable to decipher.

After thinking for a while, Chloe spoke, "Irene, should we tell Mr. Ford? Let Mr. Ford resolve this."

Serena shook her head, knowing Jasper Ford’s hasty nature, he should already be aware.

Probably planning something unpleasant.

With this in mind, Serena made a call to Jasper Ford.

Jasper Ford seemed busy with something, hesitating to answer.

When Serena thought he wasn’t going to pick up, the call connected.

"Irene." Jasper Ford’s voice came through, "Is there something you need?"

This was their arrangement; whenever she wore this mask, she would be referred to as "Irene."

Serena calmly watched the live broadcast interface before her, saying, "The lawyer’s letter can be sent."