Chapter 247: Chapter 247

Anna Thornton stood on stage, watching as the sound equipment staff left one by one, followed by the lighting technicians who also abandoned their posts.

The stage lights suddenly went out, plunging the scene into darkness.

Since the microphone wasn’t working and fearing a panic from the audience, Quinn Locke found a street vendor-style loudspeaker from somewhere and handed it to the host to use temporarily to calm the situation.

"Director Lucas, what should we do now? The event can’t continue, why not announce an early end?"

"That won’t do. Florian specially canceled an important event today to come to your film premiere, and now it’s ended up ."

Upon hearing Kevin Jacobs complain, Florian corrected him, "I’m involved in this film as well."

"You are just making a cameo out of goodwill. Considering our status, making a cameo is already giving face. You know, Actress Ford’s film premiere next door invited half the entertainment industry for support, and Florian came here today facing the spotlight, which has offended many people." Kevin Jacobs retreated backstage, still complaining, "You guys are letting him embarrass himself , what are you up to?"

Upon hearing Kevin Jacobs mention Marilyn Ford’s movie, someone suddenly suggested, "The premiere of ’Future Travel’ is right next door, why not go ask them to borrow some equipment?"

The suggestion immediately met with opposition from everyone: "They’re our competitors; how could they lend us stuff? Besides, who will go to ask?"

The one with the bright idea was Quinn Locke, who cautiously raised his hand: "Why don’t I give it a try."

"Director Lucas, you’re not good with people; how will you communicate when you get there?" someone asked.

"Oh, here’s something you don’t know. Director Lucas is actually a fan of Marilyn Ford." Mary patted Quinn Locke on the shoulder, "Maybe Actress Ford’s going for a fan-loving image and might generously lend us some gear."

Quinn Locke was embarrassed, his face going pale, wishing he could find a hole to crawl into.

At this moment, Henry Willow said, "Let me go. I happened to see someone I know next door when I first arrived."

The ’acquaintance’ Henry Willow mentioned was dressed in a black suit, with gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, looking elegant and proper, and even bearing some resemblance to him.

Before Henry could go to borrow equipment, Ivan Willow had already come over from next door. Googlᴇ search Nov3lFɪre.ɴet

"Second brother, I heard your premiere was a mess, so I came over to see if you needed any help."

A while ago, Henry Willow had caused a scene at his father’s and stepmother’s wedding anniversary. Despite being born in the same year, he had no relationship with his stepmother’s son.

Ever since moving into the Willow Family with open arms and pushing Henry out, Ivan Willow had considered himself a successor from a wealthy family. In reality, he looked down on Henry. Even the ’second brother’ he reluctantly called him carried an ironic tone.

After Marilyn Ford left Starlight Entertainment, she joined the new company ’Jubilant Entertainment,’ which is under Willow Group, meaning Ivan Willow and Henry Willow are now competing directly.

There’s no way he’d be kind enough to really help. He’s mostly here to mock Henry Willow: "I thought following President Sterling would lead to a great future for you, but it turns out he only rewarded you with a general manager position at a small entertainment company. If you’re really idle, you could come beg me. Dad asked me to manage half of Willow Group’s entertainment business, and I have many companies like Starlight Entertainment under my belt."

"At least, seeing as we share a surname, I wouldn’t let you face the embarrassment of having to perform yourself due to your artists’ low popularity."

With Ivan Willow openly mocking Henry Willow in front of so many people, even Anna couldn’t stand it anymore.

Before she could say anything, Ivan Willow noticed her: "Don’t misunderstand, beauty; I’m not talking about you. Haven’t you been to a banquet at my house? I remember you well. With your looks and talent, there’s no need to waste your youth in a small company without prospects. Would you consider switching to Jubilant? I could make you the next Marilyn Ford."

Anna smiled, "Sorry, Third Young Master Willow, I think Marilyn Ford’s style doesn’t suit me. And as far as I know, Marilyn wasn’t groomed by you."

"So what? I can make her even more successful than Conrad Sterling could, proving her departure from Starlight and coming to our Jubilant was the best decision ever."

"We’ll see then," Anna crossed her arms, "Our premiere isn’t over yet, so I won’t keep you chatting."

Ivan Willow placed a hand in front of Anna: "Your equipment is failing; no sound is coming out, and the lights are off. It seems the premiere can only end early. But if you agree to have dinner with me tonight, I might consider lending you some equipment."

Anna didn’t immediately reply, looking from Henry Willow to Quinn Locke.

After all, it was Quinn Locke and Henry Willow who initially suggested borrowing equipment from next door, so let them decide now.

Given Ivan Willow’s arrogance, if Anna were to decide, she would definitely refuse.

Even if the premiere ends early, she won’t bow her head.

"No need; we’ll solve our own problems," it seemed Henry Willow and Anna made the same decision.

Quinn Locke, as another illegitimate child in the shadows, usually avoided the Willow family, so what could he say at this moment?

Anna heard the rising anxiety and restlessness from the audience outside; the host couldn’t handle it alone.

She planned to go out and take the stage, but Florian stopped her: "This is the perfect occasion to showcase the charm of male responsibility, why would you interfere?"

Henry Willow also gestured to Anna: "Don’t worry, I’ve already got new equipment on the way, and stage power will be restored within five minutes."

"Besides, where’s the rationale in letting a woman take the blame?" Henry said this while glancing at Ivan Willow. "Exploiting the situation is even more despicable."

Before Ivan could retort ’Who are you calling despicable?’ Henry totally ignored him, handing extra loudspeakers to Florian and Quinn Locke: "Go on stage to manage the crowd. I’ll organize security to prevent safety incidents due to the chaos."

"By the way, Florian, the fans have waited all day to hear you sing. Is it okay to perform to fill this time?" Henry asked.

"Not a problem. I’ve asked my manager to postpone other engagements."

Since Florian said so, Kevin Jacobs dared not play the critic without understanding Young Master Willow’s temper, at least before he fully understood him.

He had no choice but to let Florian take the stage with the loudspeaker: "Dear fans here, I’m still here."

His voice immediately calmed the previously anxious fans, who then, after an excited cheer, quietly sat down and listened.

"Indeed, problems arose during the premiere due to inadequate arrangements on our part, but may I request a chance from you all? Close your eyes for five minutes, and I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you open them."

A popular young star asking you so sweetly for a chance — who could resist?

Quinn Locke wasn’t good with words, especially in public.

Luckily, Florian’s few words were enough to calm the audience, who returned to their seats and even obediently closed their eyes to start counting time.

But in five minutes, can new equipment really arrive?

The premiere next door is ten times bigger than this one, and they have already commandeered all available equipment.

"Beauty, it’s not too late to change your mind now," Ivan Willow continued his despicable act backstage, exploiting Anna again, "I heard recently you ran around all the major theaters nationwide, hosting feasts and still couldn’t achieve a tenth of our screening count. Surely you don’t want all your efforts to go to waste?"

"Third Young Master Willow, you seem so calm and watching the show. Could it be our equipment failure today isn’t just an accident?"

"Beauty, you should know very well the difference between companies in the entertainment industry. Although Starlight Entertainment’s owner is Conrad Sterling, he’s never been interested in developing the entertainment sector. But we’re different at Jubilant! Artists from our prestigious company have things go smoother, whatever the event or filmmaking."

Ivan’s words were a veiled confession: "I am only advising you since you seem smart, and following someone as useless as Henry Willow leads nowhere. I even heard you tried to stir up a rumor with Conrad Sterling. I know Conrad well; he’s never shown any tender feelings, and women gain nothing from him. However, I’m different! And I’m not any less capable than him!"

Anna had felt a strange sense of familiarity when she first saw Ivan’s attire.

Now it clicks; dressed in a black suit, he’s entirely a copy of Conrad Sterling.

From Ivan’s words, it’s apparent he sees Conrad as a benchmark and makes comparisons at every turn.

Suddenly, there came a cheer from outside!

The sound and stage power must have been restored because Anna heard Florian’s voice on the microphone.

But then, two successive tidal waves of exclamations followed.

Curious, Anna poked her head out to see what was happening.

Well now, five minutes later, it really is a surprise.

Finn Grant showed up!

The real Conrad Sterling also came!