Chapter 45 Almost Fainting In Frustration
The four of them, including Jodie, performed in a crowded town square
There were quite a few onlookers. but the tips they received after the performance were meager. They only managed to earn a little over fifty, mostly thanks to Leon’s popularity.
As Jodie looked at the money in the box, she felt a deep sense of disappointment. She had expected to make more money with their street performance, but it turned out to be just over fifty. In her everyday life, she wouldn’t even bother to pick up that amount if it fell on the ground.
She smiled wryly and said to the others, “With the little money we’ve earned, we’ll have to tighten our belts for dinner tonight.”
Leon sensed Jodie was trying to sound optimistic despite feeling down, so he comforted her, “We’ve done quite well to earn this much. Your guitar playing is excellent, Jodie. I could see that the audience enjoyed it. It’s just that this is a remote town, and many people here aren’t used to tipping street. performers.”
He smiled, adding, “Let’s work harder to earn more money in the next episode.”
Jodie felt better upon hearing those encouraging words. She realized that their goal for today was not just about making money but showcasing their talents. And so, she put on a determined and positive expression and even made a cheer–up gesture, saying, “Mr. Foster is right. We’ll work harder next time and surely get better.”
If it weren’t for Simone’s group appearing earlier, the audience might have thought that they performed well. But now they thought this group seemed ordinary and weren’t shocked that they only received fifty in tips. What’s more, that amount might have been from Leon’s popularity.
Later, Jodie suggested going to the market to buy groceries. While they were shopping, she handed the money to Leon, asking him to be in charge of the main shopping, and then made an excuse to the restroom.
go to
Upon returning from the restroom, she didn’t immediately return to the screen. Instead, she exchanged a meaningful look with a crew member she knew. The crew member slowed down so that the two could walk together and create some distance from the others.
Jodie whispered, “How was the live stream audience’s reaction to our afternoon performance?”
She thought the live audience would praise her for her talent and dedication.
But the crew member discreetly replied, “It was mediocre.”
In reality, there was not much reaction.
Jodie was surprised to hear that, “Just mediocre?”
The crew member nodded. “Yes.”
After that, the crew member comforted her, “The problem is that another live stream stole the show. The audience was captivated by their performance. Otherwise, your performance might have been quite good.”
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Jodie felt her heart skip a beat. “The other live stream outshone us?” Then, she pretended to be curious and asked, “How did they do it?”
The crew member didn’t hide the truth and mentioned Simone knew how to play several instruments. “Simone was accused of following a script provided by the production team, so to prove them wrong. she boldly challenged the audience to request songs, which she played on different instruments. Her performances were top–notch, full of skill and emotion. The impressive display not only silenced those scrutinizing her but also helped her make it into the headlines. Also, she even played the same guitar piece you did. Still, the audience claimed she played it better because of her other talented instrumental performances.”
The fact that Simone had performed the same song before Jodie made the latter’s act appear less impressive. However, the crew member was sensible and chose not to speak the truth.
In the meantime, Jodie felt her vision darken and she almost fainted in frustration. The smile on her face froze as she thought, “Simone, Simone, Simone… Why is it always Simone? She’s like a ghost haunting me. Also, when did she learn so many instruments?”
Jodie’s thoughts were the same as her elder brothers. They all thought Simone had been concealing her abilities. If Jodie had known about Simone’s talents, she wouldn’t have thought about coming all the way out here to play the guitar. Not only did she fail to show her talent, her skills became a contrast against Simone’s.
“Simone must have done it on purpose. That b*tch is so evil!” Jodie was filled with so much hatred and frustration that she felt suffocated. At the same time, she also felt somewhat regretful. She would have stayed in the village if she had known things would come to this. Besides, she shouldn’t have come to ask the crew member because she felt even worse after finding out the truth.
The crew member noticed Jodie’s expression and felt some sympathy for her. After all, Jodie was unlucky to encounter Simone. “It’s also the fault of those trolls. Mr. Chapman said it was probably trolls posting negative comments about Simone. Who would have thought that not only did it not work, but it actually ended up helping Simone?”
She continued to comfort Jodie, “So your performance was indeed very good. It’s just that you were unlucky to have encountered such an incident.”
Upon hearing that. Jodie could guess who had hired the trolls. It was probably Titus..
But this time, she didn’t feel grateful toward Titus. Instead, she couldn’t help but feel resentful because Titus didn’t investigate properly before hiring trolls to target Simone. Now, not only did the plan backfire and end up helping Simone, but it also put Jodie in a tough spot.
If it weren’t for Titus consistent favoritism toward her, she would have started to suspect that Titus had done it intentionally.
In no mood to deal with the crew member, Jodie nodded absentmindedly. T’m fine.”
In reality, she wished she could return to the village and slap Simone. At that moment, Aaron noticed Jodie approaching them with a downcast expression and waved at her. Jo, come over here.”
Jodie forcefully composed herself and mustered a weak smile as she approached.
Usually, in situations like grocery shopping, Jodie would give many suggestions to highlight her
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Chapter 45 Almost Fainting In Frustration
presence. But now, she seemed deflated, showing little enthusiasm.
The viewers watching the livestream thought Jodie was upset because they only earned a little over fifty. Except for her and Aaron’s fans, others thought she was too petty. They thought it was just a show, so she should take it as having fun. There was no need to take things so seriously and let such a trivial matter bother her.
Inside the car, Jodie felt upset, so she closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep. Seeing that she was quiet, Leon and Aaron also refrained from speaking and chose to rest.
Leyla was at a loss for words in this situation. They had been live–streaming the entire journey. Are they planning on letting the audience watch us sleep? This is a complete disaster!
She was starting to regret choosing this team. Although she didn’t hold Simone’s status in high regard, she couldn’t deny that Simone had a natural sense for variety shows and genuine talent.
If she had chosen the other team from the beginning, she wouldn’t have to worry about food every day and would have more screen time.
At this point, Leyla began to suspect that she would have the least performance and screen time for this episode. Just thinking about it made her furious.
But since the other three had their eyes closed and remained quiet, Leyla couldn’t do anything either, so she could only close her eyes as well.
The viewers watching the livestream were confused. What is this group doing? Are we here to watch them sleep? Aaron and Leon’s fans initially enjoyed seeing their idols‘ sleeping faces, but it became boring after a while. As a result, many viewers left this livestream and went to watch the other one.
By this time, Simone’s group had already returned to the courtyard and gathered the children who came to learn the performance, so they could continue rehearsing for the program in two days. They had planned the program in the previous two days and had the children rehearse it.
The four tired and famished people fell silent.
Aaron couldn’t hold back his complaint. “That guy is so mean!”
This time, Leon couldn’t hold back his curse. “That jerk! He must have done it on purpose Zachar always been such a jerk.
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