Chapter 82: Chapter 82

"Is my question too direct? This is the style of our show, so you can get familiar with it in advance."

Jay Cross explained to Anna Thornton, worried that she hadn’t watched "Food and Love". Female celebrities who had been on the show before would more or less be asked such questions, implying that she should cooperate and answer like they did.

The tone of his words carried an air of entitlement, completely oblivious to his offense towards women.

And to say such things to a woman he’s meeting for the first time, discussing her chest, is not just offensive but downright sleazy.

"Anna, did you know? When I first heard your name some time ago, I immediately wanted you on our show. I’m sure audiences are eager to see you showcase your culinary skills and share the secret life of a celebrity. Especially your love life— is it because you’ve had children that you feel particularly empty? With eligible bachelors like President Sterling, we know how many unmarried young women dream of him, including rumors about actress Marilyn Ford having a special relationship with him. Where do you think your competitive edge lies?"

Anna hadn’t even answered the question about her chest, and who knew the following questions would be even more excessive.

What does having children mean? What does feeling empty mean?

Anna even suspected that this male host had crafted an explicit novel about her in his mind upon meeting her.

Pulling out her hand, which the host hadn’t let go of, Anna flatly threw Conrad Sterling’s favorite four words at him: "None of your business!"

Jay Cross retracted his hand with an awkward smile, looking for an excuse to defuse the situation: "Then let’s change the wording a bit later and share with the audience how you maintain such a great figure. After all, I know the first two questions are quite sensitive. I’ll give you some time to adapt, maybe about cosmetic surgery and private life..."

"For those who’ve never had cosmetic surgery, the surgery topic isn’t sensitive," Anna interrupted him, "Later, I can share with everyone how to keep your cheeks plump through daily facial exercises, rather than injections, which are too unnatural."

Upon hearing this, Jay Cross’s smile froze: "..."

Anna had watched a few episodes of this show and knew audience members often commented or made remarks about the male host’s facial fillers on chat lines, saying his stiff expressions affected the viewing experience.

But Jay Cross personally hated when people brought up this point.

"Just joking, don’t take it seriously!" Anna smiled at Jay Cross, returning his previous attitude as it was.

Didn’t he say the show had this style? Anna let him experience the feelings of those female guests grilled for sensitive personal details on the show.

"Haha... Is that so? This show needs humorous guests like you," Jay Cross responded with a perfunctory smile.

What did Anna amount to?

If it weren’t for the recent rumors with Conrad Sterling and her signing with Dynasty Entertainment, no one in the country would know her.

The show had been running for two years, and she was the first to dare not give the host any face.

Great, Jay Cross had already noted this grudge in his heart.

She probably didn’t know; guests who were reluctant to cooperate in creating buzz often ended up suffering even more.

They went through the entire show’s process, almost half an hour had passed.

However, the other guest still showed no intention of coming out from the break room. The director sent someone to urge him again, and that person came back to report: "Young Master Hawthorne said he went abroad for some relaxation recently and hasn’t adjusted to the time difference yet, so he’s not feeling well today."

"How could he be not feeling well?" Another staff member previously sent to urge Ethan Hawthorne contradicted, "I clearly heard women in his break room..."

No need to finish the sentence; everyone present grasped the implication, as Young Master Hawthorne was notorious for his womanizing nature.

Moreover, his recent trip abroad wasn’t exactly relaxation. Those in the circle knew he had gotten caught in a sex scandal at a hotel, and the female artist involved woke up and directly reported to the police for legal proceedings.

The Hawthorne Family used their connections to suppress the incident, sending him abroad to lay low.

Unexpectedly, even now, when the storm hadn’t completely died down, Ethan Hawthorne showed no sign of reining in his reckless lifestyle, making the show’s staff members conflicted.

They needed such topics for attracting viewers but were troubled about how to get him to cooperate properly. Setting up all the equipment and props, they couldn’t just waste everyone’s time .

As the director was at a loss, the second staff member sent to urge Ethan continued the report: "Besides, Young Master Hawthorne also said that if today’s female guest personally invites him, he might be in a better mood if he sees a beauty."

The female guest today was obviously Anna Thornton, right?

Suddenly, everyone in the room looked at Anna with hopeful eyes.

Even the director turned to her: "Anna, how about you give it a try?"

This show had previously been a platform for minor artists to gain exposure and had never invited a big star like Ethan Hawthorne before. It was easy to see why Ethan had agreed to this taping—it was because of Anna Thornton.

Young Master Hawthorne had no other hobby; he loved flirting. Apart from someone with a strong background like Marilyn Ford or those who weren’t attractive enough, others generally couldn’t escape his charm.

To tell the truth, everyone looked forward to seeing these two meet. Chapters fırst released on novel⸺fire.net

Anna, who had just returned to the country, had quickly linked arms with Conrad Sterling, evidently eager to find a wealthy benefactor.

Although Ethan couldn’t compare with President Sterling’s wealth and influence, he was a Hawthorne, which was enough for a not-so-famous actress to live the good life. Who knows, Young Master Hawthorne might be generous and overlook the fact that she’s already had children, given her beauty.

"Yes, Anna, since he specifically asked for you, it seems Young Master Hawthorne values this collaboration with you. All of us staff are waiting here, and it’s up to you to invite him." Jay Cross also tried to persuade Anna.

His words sounded polite, but his eyes betrayed his true thoughts.

I found it a bit surprising. Anna had the opportunity to record a variety show together, and she was actually cooperating with the script and the process. I thought she would be eager to introduce herself to Ethan Hawthorne.

Perhaps Ethan Hawthorne thought this way too. Waiting for so long without Anna coming to connect with him, he deliberately acted high-handedly, refusing to cooperate until she personally invited him.

Since it seemed inevitable, Anna had no choice but to compromise: "Alright, director, I’ll go and see if Young Master Hawthorne has any energy."