Ch. 191..200
Chapter 191 It’s Impossible to Be Special “So, if I don’t show my face, I can get extra points for my cooking skills, and the judges can give me more points?” Cindy Clarke scoffed. “Since it doesn’t work that way, why does it matter whether or not I show my face, or what name I use to participate?” “Did it affect your cooking skills or lower your scores?” Cindy asked coldly.
“What’s going on here?” A staff member came over, hearing the quarrel. “The competition is about to start; you all should hurry up and get ready.” As soon as the staff member looked, they exclaimed: “Why hasn’t someone finished their makeup yet? Hurry up! It’s about to start. The judges are already prepared; do you really want to keep them waiting?” Zoe Silverstone glanced around and said, “We just want to know, on what grounds can Cain Velman wear a mask to participate in the show, and even use her pseudonym?
“Yeah, why is she allowed to be different from us?” someone else chimed in.
“Exactly.” Iris Doone added, “During the group audition, she wore a mask, but the judges didn’t care about it.” Blake Walker sneered: “Maybe it’s because it wasn’t live, and it was just the auditions. Nobody knew if she’d move on. The judges didn’t bother arguing with her about it. If she got eliminated, it would be a waste of time to get caught up in the matter, wouldn’t it?” Zoe Silverstone said, “So, you can’t be sure if Cain Velman really got permission from the major competition?” Iris Doone nodded with an anxious look on her face.
Her timid appearance could evoke the protective instincts of the other male contestants.
They thought it was really unlucky for Iris and Cindy to be in the same group.
“That’s right.” Blake Walker confirmed directly.
Zoe Silverstone took the opportunity to ask the staff member: “Cain Velman claims that she has already applied to the competition and got permission. She can participate without showing her face, wearing a mask, and even without her real name.’ Zoe Silverstone rolled her eyes at Cindy, then asked the staff member, “Is it true?” The staff member hesitated for a moment, seeing the name Cain Velman written on her name badge. It indeed didn’t look like a real name.
However, since the name badge was made like that, they guessed that the organizers didn’t have an issue with it.
As for wearing the mask, she was just a staff member, and she didn’t know the specifics.
The statt member said, “I don’t know.” “You staff members haven’t heard of someone so extraordinary that they can disregard the rules?” Zoe Silverstone said sarcastically.
The staff member frowned, looking at Cindy.
Actually, Adrian Zhekova had directly informed the organizers about it.
But the person Adrian Zhekova could contact was naturally the high-ranking staff of the organizers.
Since the higher-ups of the organizers had agreed, they thought it wasn’t a big deal. They only told the five judges and some key personnel about it.
As for the lowest-level staff, like those doing odd jobs, they didn’t think to inform them.
Besides, they didn’t expect people to target Cindy like this.
“The program is live, and people have to show their faces. There’s no room for special treatment,” the staff member said. “We haven’t received any related notice. ” “I indeed have permission,” Cindy said in a deep voice. “You can verify it with your superiors.” Cindy also realized that the staff member might not be aware of the situation.
“But the live broadcast is about to start, and there’s no time to verify it now,” the staff member said impatiently, as they were really in a hurry..
Chapter 192 Time to Find Connections The staff member thought for a moment and said, “You might as well take off the mask. What’s the big deal about showing your face? Appearing on a show and being recognized is a good thing for your career. If you perform well, you could be recruited by one of the restaurants under Pingla Corp. Isn’t that a great opportunity? Even if you decide to start your own business, people will be more likely to try it out because of your fame.” “I don’t need that,” Cindy Clarke said, “Besides, the organizers agreed. If you don’t believe me, you can ask the judges later. If they say it’s fine, then it must be, right?” “The judges won’t bother about such things!” Zoe Silverstone retorted coldly, “Who knows if you really got permission? You just want to set yourself apart and show off.” She refused to show her face even in her videos, creating an air of mystery, and acting indifferent to fame and fortune, as if she disdained becoming famous.
It made Zoe, who chose the path of being a good -looking chef on camera, seem commonplace in comparison.
She didn’t expect that this would be the case not only on the Internet, but also in reality.
Zoe just couldn’t stand her attitude!
The staff member also thought it made sense, “Just take off your mask already, we’re running out of time. Don’t waste everyone’s time. When the judges ask you to take off the mask later, you’ll feel embarrassed.” How could one feel good when being exposed as a liar?
“As I said, wearing the mask isn’t a problem,” Cindy said, “Since you have time to argue with me about the mask, why not go and ask your supervisor or the judges directly? Why waste time here?” At this point, the staff member’s face was also turning a bit sour: “You know it’s a waste of time too! So why won’t you take it off now? The live broadcast is about to start soon. Do you really want to delay it just because of you?” “There are so many people here, from judges to contestants, all being delayed because of you. That’s bad enough. Do you know how much money the organizers have spent on this live broadcast? Every single second is money! All the time is carefully planned. Even a one- second delay is a loss. Can you afford to pay for these losses?” “Just take off the mask already, everyone get ready. If you haven’t done your makeup yet, don’t bother, there’s no time left.” The staff member said, sounding annoyed.
They really didn’t expect this year’s competition to start so badly.
As for the contestants, the staff didn’t think much of them.
Every year, the spotlight was on students from Pingla Academy.
Those who could truly become famous in the competition were few and far between, and almost all of them were from Pingla Academy. These self-registered contestants simply had no chance.
That’s why the staff didn’t really care about them.
Cindy, realizing her words didn’t work, decided to take out her mobile phone and call Adrian Zhekova directly.
Adrian could talk to the organizers, right? That should be enough!
Cindy was holding back her anger, and at this point, she didn’t care about being polite.
“At this time, what are you calling for?” The staff member said, displeased.
Cindy didn’t say anything, and Zoe snidely remarked: “Oh, look who really has connections! Are you trying to pull some strings now?” As Zoe said this, she also began to doubt in her heart.
Could it be that Cindy really had some connections?
Just as she finished speaking, a clear ringtone sounded from outside the door..
Chapter 193 That tone, it could simply annoy someone to death.
Cindy Clarke looked over in surprise.
Others may be ignorant, but she knew.
That was Adrian Zhekova’s ringtone.
Immediately, Adrian Zhekova appeared at the door.
Everyone was shocked, especially Cindy.
Adrian Zhekova was not alone; he arrived with five judges and several main persons in charge of the major competition.
Since Adrian Zhekova showed up personally, they had to keep up with him, right?
Cindy stared blankly at Adrian, who she had been on the phone with, appearing suddenly in front of her, as if dreaming.
At this moment, Adrian stood in the doorway, one hand casually housed in his trouser pocket.
Obviously, he had just come from the company, still decked in his dapper suit, standing tall and upright.
For some reason, Cindy’s heart throbbed faster. Seeing Adrian here made her feel quite different, pleasantly surreal.
At first, she was nervous around Adrian, after all, he seemed so out of reach to her.
However, over time, the more they interacted, the more she treated him like an ordinary person.
Especially because he was the father of her child.
In her heart, Adrian’s positioning had unconsciously become more intimate.
That sense of distance and awe had vanished.
Maybe it was because, with her, Adrian always maintained a relaxed attitude when they were alone together.
But now, Adrian once again presented his work persona to the public.
His aloof demeanor was somewhat intimidating.
Everyone around was being cautious and respectful, exhibiting a bit of flattery when dealing with him.
This allowed Cindy to see another side of Adrian.
Cindy realized, to others, Adrian still towered high above, like a mountain. The recent closeness in their relationship had made her forget this aspect for a while.
Now, standing at the same perspective as others, those feelings returned.
This made her realize that Adrian was truly a man who stood on clouds.
Adrian swept his cold eyes over the crowd. Only when his eyes fell on Cindy, did his expression become warm.
Surprised, Cindy still held the mobile phone to her ear, frozen in the position ready to make a call.
Upon making eye contact with Adrian, she came back to her senses.
Just as she was about to hang up the phone, Adrian, in front of everyone, picked it up.
Cindy looked at his actions, dumbfounded.
She didn’t even have time to hang up in a hurry.
Adrian lightly chuckled, softly saying, “I’m here, just arrived.” Cindy: ‘ In her heart, she exclaimed that of course she knew he was here, wasn’t he standing right in front of her?
Cindy didn’t dare respond and flustered, she promptly hung up the phone.
She felt guilty and didn’t dare to look at Adrian again.
Everyone looked at Adrian in shock.
Who was he on the phone with, to sound so tender?
However, the contestants weren’t that surprised.
After all, they weren’t familiar with Adrian’s temperament.
But the senior management of the competition, and Michael Greene, Quire’s head chef, were all too familiar with Adrian’s temperament.
Especially Michael Greene, who knew Adrian’s temper inside out.
They had never, ever heard Adrian speak so patiently and gently to anyone.
Adrian’s tone just now could have cloyed a person to death.
At any rate, Michael Greene had goosebumps.
He stealthily let his gaze fall upon Cindy’s face.
When Adrian answered his phone earlier, Cindy was also holding her mobile phone.
When Cindy put her phone down, Adrian magically also hung up his phone..
Chapter 194 Attempt to Show Off Affection Therefore, Michael Greene suspected that Adrian Zhekova was just on the phone with Cindy Clarke.
Putting on a show of affection before so many people!
“This is the CEO of Pingla Group, Adrian Zhekova, Master Adrian.” Billy Houston, the person in charge of this major competition, introduced him to everyone, “He came backstage to see you all.” However, as soon as he came, he heard them arguing here.
Billy Houston didn’t look happy and was preparing to skip over this part without mentioning it.
But surprisingly, Adrian Zhekova began to speak: “What were you all arguing just now?” Though the argument was heated just now, no one answered when Adrian asked the question.
Cindy Clarke shot a cold glance at Zoe Silverstone and the others.
The ones who were aggressively questioning her just now, when given a chance, chose to remain silent.
Then, Cindy said, “Some contestants questioned the issue of me wearing a mask during the competition. I’ve already mentioned it was permitted by the competition. The person in charge is here, if you want to verify, you can ask now. ” Including the staff, everyone’s face changed drastically.
Of course, Billy Houston knew Cindy Clarke. After all, she was someone whom Adrian personally vouched for.
When she first registered, Sheldon Rowland was the contact person Back then, Billy Houston already valued Cindy highly.
After all, having Sheldon Rowland as a personal contact implied consent from Adrian Zhekova.
If it had passed through Adrian’s hands, how could Billy not give it due attention?
Later, Adrian Zhekova even contacted him personally, highlighting the importance of the matter.
Billy Houston never expected that such a minor issue would involve Adrian Zhekova contacting him directly.
On top of that, Adrian Zhekova laid particular emphasis on it.
Billy Houston didn’t dare to ignore it then.
At this moment, Billy Houston was about to answer.
However, Adrian Zhekova was one step ahead, “I personally approved this.” All the contestants were shocked.
The fact of Cindy Clarke wearing a mask wasn’t just conveyed to the organizers?
It was personally approved by Adrian Zhekova!
Even such a minor thing managed to involve Adrian Zhekova!
Just what is going on!
“Do you all have any opinions on this?” Adrian Zhekova raised a brow and asked.
No matter how confrontational or arrogant they were against Cindy Clarke earlier, now in front of Adrian Zhekova, they became submissive.
Even though they had grievances, they didn’t dare speak it out.
Unexpectedly, a timid voice sounded, “But, why can she be an exception? We’ve all joined in accordance with the registration requirements. Why can she be treated specially? Why would the organizers agree to such an exception?” On seeing, it turned out to be Iris Doone who said this.
Looking at her timid appearance, nobody expected her to show such courage.
Adrian Zhekova scoffed, “When you all registered, there was a small print at the bottom that read – the organizers reserve all rights of interpretation.” Everyone: .
Adrian Zhekova casually fiddled with his mobile phone, “You all can question, can be dissatisfied.” Everyone thought Adrian was quite easygoing and they had been overly cautious previously.
However, as soon as this thought occurred, they heard Adrian say, “If anyone is unsatisfied, then just quit the competition.” Everyone: ‘ .
Is this a joke?
Where’s the logic in that?
They can’t even express a bit of dissatisfaction?
If they’re dissatisfied, they should give up?
But they… they really can’t quit.
Everyone’s hoping to become famous from this show, who could willingly quit?
“It seems no one is unsatisfied.” Adrian Zhekova looked around at everyone, “Then get ready for the competition..” Chapter 195 What is your relationship with Adrian Zhekova!
After speaking, Adrian Zhekova turned around and left.
However, as he turned, his gaze fell on Cindy Clarke’s face for a moment.
Although Cindy was wearing a mask, her eyes were smiling, like crescent moons.
Adrian felt regretful that he couldn’t see her smile.
Underneath the mask, her smile must be incredibly sweet.
After Adrian and his people left, everyone looked at Cindy with complicated expressions.
Unexpectedly, she was actually granted permission, and it was even personally agreed upon by Adrian Zhekova.
Just as everyone was speculating about the relationship between Adrian and Cindy, they suddenly heard Zoe Silverstone shout, ‘Master Adrian!” Then they saw Zoe running after Adrian.
Everyone was surprised and wondered, what was Zoe doing chasing after Adrian?
At that moment, Adrian had just turned the corner and was only one or two steps away from the door.
It was because he deliberately slowed down his pace, wanting to listen to the contestants’ reactions after he left.
If they dared to make things difficult for Cindy, he would immediately rush back without delay.
However, before those contestants could say anything, he heard Zoe calling for him first.
Adrian found it strange, and Zoe had already caught up to him.
‘Master Adrian,” Zoe Silverstone stood in front of him.
Although she only ran a few steps, she pretended to be panting, looking very delicate in front of Adrian.
“Master Adrian, do you remember me?” Zoe’s words were not only heard by Adrian but also by the contestants inside the room.
At this moment, everyone couldn’t help but shift their attention away from Cindy, and they were all shocked by Zoe’s words.
What’s going on?
Zoe knew Adrian as well?
It sounded like they had met before?
Everyone couldn’t help but look back at Cindy, wanting to know her reaction.
But the mask covered her expression, and she only felt a sense of frustration building up inside her.
From Zoe’s tone and words, it felt like something was blocking her chest, making it difficult to breathe.
Billy Houston raised his eyebrows secretly behind Adrian.
So, who did Adrian have a better relationship with, Cindy or Zoe?
Adrian impatiently lowered his head and saw Zoe looking up at him with an admiring and somewhat shy expression on her face.
The contestants inside the room perked up their ears, waiting for Adrian’s answer.
They heard Adrian say, “I remember.” The cold tone made it hard to decipher his true feelings.
Nevertheless, Cindy still felt somewhat suffocated.
Zoe showed an excited and admiring look on her face, “Master Adrian…” “Get lost,” Adrian coldly spat out one word.
Someone among the contestants inside the room couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Remember, and get lost.
Could Adrian be any more ruthless?
Although he remembered her, he still told her to get lost, which was quite a blow!
Even Cindy couldn’t help but laugh.
Her previous frustration vanished instantly, and she felt incredibly relieved at this moment.
Poor Billy and the others, standing behind Adrian, wanted to laugh too but didn’t dare, feeling like they were about to suffer from internal injuries from holding back.
Zoe’s face turned red from Adrian’s harsh scolding.
Adrian Zhekova no longer paid attention to her and turned to leave.
Zoe’s face was burning up after Adrian’s merciless scolding.
She went back to the makeup room and saw everyone looking at her.
Zoe, who was both embarrassed and enraged, rushed over to Cindy and asked through gritted teeth, “What’s your relationship with Adrian Zhekova!” Chapter 196 Kick Her Out of the Major Competition So, everyone’s gaze fell on Cindy Clarke.
Yes, they also wanted to know what relationship Cindy had with Adrian Zhekova.
Zoe Silverstone deliberately said it so loudly, attracting everyone’s attention to Cindy.
The best outcome for her would be for Cindy to be discredited because of her connection with Adrian, and her performance in the competition to be questioned.
It would be even better if she could be directly kicked out of the major competition.
“What kind of relationship is there? I’m not like you, chasing after him to ask if he remembers me,” Cindy scoffed.
Zoe Silverstone’s face turned red with anger: “Don’t change the subject! If there is no relationship, how come your matter was personally approved by Adrian Zhekova?” “How would I know? Since you know Adrian, why don’t you ask him? Anyway, he remembers you,” Cindy scoffed again.
“You…” Zoe Silverstone could hear laughter from the others.
Cindy chuckled and said, “Maybe the organizers couldn’t make a decision, and they reported it to Adrian? Anyway, who knows? I just submitted my application, and then the organizers approved it. How could I know that Adrian was aware of it, and even personally approved it?” At that moment, Cindy’s mobile phone rang.
“Sorry, I need to take a call.” Cindy walked away from Zoe Silverstone.
She picked up her phone and saw Adrian Zhekova’s name displayed on the screen.
Cindy thought to herself that it was lucky Zoe didn’t see it.
Answering the phone, she heard Adrian say, “I just ignored that woman who chased after me.” Adrian added that he didn’t even know the woman’s name.
Cindy couldn’t help but laugh: “I know, I was in the makeup room, and I heard your conversation outside.” Adrian’s mouth curled up into a smile and said, “I didn’t speak to you in the makeup room earlier because I didn’t want others to think we knew each other and question your performance.” “I know.” Cindy whispered, “That’s why I didn’t call out to you.” Although Adrian was relieved that Cindy understood, it still felt a little disappointing.
He wished she had called out to him.
At the same time, Cindy heard the staff urging everyone to get ready.
However, because of Adrian’s words earlier, the staff had become more polite.
“I have to hang up, the competition is about to start.” Cindy hurriedly said.
“Alright,” Adrian nodded, “Good luck.” “Thank you.” Cindy said and hung up the phone, then switched her phone to airplane mode.
Not wanting the hassle of turning off her phone and not wanting to cause a live streaming accident, she simply switched to airplane mode.
Everyone hurriedly walked out, and Iris Doone somehow made her way to Cindy’s side.
“The person who accompanied you to the group audition that day was Adrian Zhekova, right?” Iris whispered.
Cindy looked at her, and Iris sneered, whispering, “You don’t have to deny it; I had never met him in person before, so even if I thought it was him, I couldn’t be sure. But now that I’ve seen him in person, I know it’s the same person who went with you to the competition that day. There’s no use in denying it.” “Since you’re so smart and have figured it all out, why do you still dare to provoke me?” Cindy said sarcastically, looking at Iris.
“He’s even accompanied me to the competition; do you think our relationship is good or not? If you keep provoking me, do you believe I’ll go back and tell him?” Cindy shamelessly used Adrian as a shield.
Seeing Iris’s changing expression and unwillingness.
However, she didn’t dare say anything more and immediately backed off..
Chapter 197 Ask Whatever You Want to Ask Cindy moved forward, and Iris didn’t dare to follow her anymore, as if she was scared.
Cindy couldn’t help but think, no wonder little Morgan always said that it was nice to have Adrian Zhekova backing them up.
Indeed, having Adrian Zhekova’s support felt really great.
Adrian Zhekova happily hung up the call and put away his mobile phone, only to see Billy and the others wearing gossip-filled expressions yet not daring to ask.
Adrian raised his chin proudly, “Ask whatever you want.” Billy:
Is the CEO serious, or is he being sarcastic?
Although he was curious, if he asked and the scumbag CEO flipped out, what would he do?
Was the scumbag CEO genuinely inviting them to ask, or was he mocking them?
Billy looked at Michael and the others.
Except for Charles, who didn’t know Adrian well and had an innocent face, everyone else’s expressions were tangled.
Wesley simply nudged Billy to take the lead.
Billy shook his head, determined not to be cannon fodder for this question.
Hunter winked at Billy, urging him to ask. Billy realized that apart from Charles, the other four judges were all in agreement.
He felt lonely, weak, and helpless.
Billy had no choice but to grit his teeth and say, “We…We don’t have anything to ask.” “…” Adrian’s face darkened, “I’m giving you another chance, do you want to ask or not!” How could he show off to Cindy if they didn’t ask?
Billy blinked, feeling that the scumbag CEO’s playbook was really hard to fathom.
So, is he really encouraging them to ask now?
Billy cautiously ventured, “Then, should we ask?” He wouldn’t let himself bear the brunt of the scumbag CEO’s temper alone; if they were going to die, they would all die together!
“Hehe.” Adrian sneered coldly, “So, do you guys really want to ask or not?” Billy wanted to ask, scumbag CEO, do you really want us to ask or not?
“Do you?” Billy ventured again.
Adrian: ‘ If you can’t even understand your boss’s intentions, what use are you?
“Then don’t ask!” Adrian said grumpily with a darkened face.
They all had their chance to ask, but didn’t.
Now he seemed pushy.
Irritated, he lost his mood for it.
Billy: “…” By now, how could he not know that Adrian Zhekova genuinely wanted them to gossip?
The scumbag CEO’s thoughts were really hard to guess!
Billy quickly tried to make up for it, “CEO, you and Cindy are…” “Remembering to ask now? It’s already too late!” Adrian snapped, indicating that Billy and the others had already missed their chance. When they had a chance to ask earlier, they didn’t ask.
Now they want to ask?
Too late!
Everyone: .
The others looked at Billy accusingly.
Didn’t you know about Adrian’s temper?
Why did you provoke him!
Billy: ‘ When you guys had the guts before, you should have said something!
Adrian didn’t want to deal with them anymore; he went to the VIP seating area with Billy and the others in tow.
As soon as they arrived, they saw Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler sitting there.
Adrian: ‘ He couldn’t help but press the corner of his eyes.
No wonder Victoria had called him earlier, seemingly knowing a lot.
She was already here and had met little Morgan.
How could she not know?
Billy and the others were stunned.
What was going on today?
Why would the Old Madam of the Zhekova Family appear here in person?
Even during the finals in the past, they hadn’t seen her visit.
It would be reasonable for her to come and watch the excitement during the finals.
But now it’s just the preliminary round, so why would the Old Madam and Mrs.. Zhekova both be here?
Chapter 198 With me here, who dares to bully her?
Isn’t this too much of a fuss!
“Master Adrian.” Sheldon Rowland saw him and quickly stood up to greet him.
“Mr. Zhekova.” Peggy Lewis also stood up to say hello.
“Uncle!” The little guy was still very happy when he saw Adrian Zhekova.
Adrian Zhekova couldn’t help but smile, lowering his head to tousle the little one’s hair.
He immediately called out, “Grandmother, Mom.” Behind him, Billy Houston and the others greeted the Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler one by one.
Old Madam laughed and said, “We just came to watch the fun. Don’t mind us. You all go about your business.” Billy Houston and the others knew that the Old Madam didn’t really want to be bothered by them either.
Meanwhile, Michael Greene and others had to get ready for the live broadcast.
So they left first.
‘Why are you all here?” Adrian Zhekova helplessly asked them.
“Didn’t I tell you when Cindy was at our house that I would come to her competition?” The Old Madam blamed Adrian and gave him a look, “You actually forgot?” “No.” Adrian Zhekova pinched his brow, “I just didn’t think you would really come. ” “I’m a person who sticks to my word.” Old Madam claimed, keeping her promise!
“Mom, why did you come too?” At this point, Adrian Zhekova felt like his head was about to explode.
He just wanted to take the opportunity to spend more time with Cindy Clarke, but now it has turned into a mini Zhekova family gathering. Seriously? “Why can’t I come?” Victoria Wheeler sneaked a glance at Morgan Zhekova.
The little guy was curiously watching at the moment.
Victoria Wheeler whispered, “How long did you intend to keep this from us?” “I didn’t want to keep it from you.” Adrian Zhekova said helplessly, “I just think the time isn’t right.” “What timing?” Victoria Wheeler felt like this was just Adrian’s stalling tactic.
“I’ll tell you tonight.” Adrian Zhekova said.
Victoria Wheeler and Old Madam were finally somewhat satisfied with this answer.
Since Morgan was here now, they didn’t want to ask too much.
So they temporarily put it aside.
Seeing Adrian Zhekova coming over, Sheldon Rowland and Peggy Lewis moved aside to make room for Adrian to sit next to Morgan.
“By the way, did you just go see Cindy?” The Old Madam remembered that Adrian Zhekova had just come with Billy Houston.
It seemed like they had come from the backstage area.
“Yes, I went straight to the backstage.” Adrian Zhekova said, which was why he hadn’t noticed the Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler earlier.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so surprised.
This time, their conversation wasn’t in a low voice.
So even Morgan, who was munching on potato chips nearby, heard it.
“Uncle, why didn’t you tell me you were going to see Cindy!” Morgan complained from the side.
“I arrived too late and didn’t have time to come over so I went straight to the backstage.” Adrian Zhekova explained patiently for once.
“Then how is Cindy? Is she nervous? Was she bullied?” Morgan hurriedly asked.
“Who would dare bully her with me around?” Adrian Zhekova raised his eyebrows and said, “As for whether she’s nervous or not, I couldn’t tell. The contestants were busy preparing to go on stage, so I didn’t stay for long. There were too many people backstage, so it wasn’t convenient to talk.” When Adrian Zhekova talked with Morgan, it didn’t feel like he was talking to a child at all.
It was completely like having a conversation with someone on an equal footing.
“Besides, I didn’t dare to act too familiar with Cindy, for fear that other contestants would think her achievements were fake and that she only made it this far because of her connections.” Adrian Zhekova explained..
Chapter 199 You Have a Grandson!
Morgan nodded earnestly, agreeing with Adrian Zhekova’s reasoning.
Old Madam gazed back and forth between Adrian and Morgan’s faces, unable to take her eyes off the similarities between the father and son.
Morgan was the spitting image of Adrian when he was a child.
Now, as they chatted, even their expressions were so strikingly similar.
It was as if the two had been living together all along, with Morgan inheriting some of Adrian’s habits since childhood.
It was hard to believe that they had not lived together during the past four years.
Old Madam’s nose tingled with emotion.
She didn’t even need Adrian to provide any evidence anymore.
How could Morgan not be Adrian’s child!
Old Madam secretly held Victoria Wheeler’s hand and whispered, “Victoria, you have a grandson now!” Victoria Wheeler: “….
This surprise came too fast; she had not had time to prepare herself mentally.
At this moment, the Director announced the start of the live broadcast.
The familiar opening music and footage of the Pingla Competition appeared on the big screen, eventually settling on the iconic logo.
The screen slowly parted to both sides, and the host came out.
“Hello everyone, welcome to the live broadcast of the Pingla Cup Cooking Competition. Our annual Pingla Culinary Competition is back, and I’m your host, Grace Green.” Grace Green, wearing a sharp, professional suit, was a very famous host in the country.
“For this competition, we have gone through auditions and selected the top 50 outstanding young chefs. I believe everyone has been paying attention to the list of contestants and has a general understanding of them.” Grace Green said with a smile, “This time we are livestreaming the competition through both the Internet and TV station, so our audience friends who could not make it to the scene due to various reasons can still enjoy this exciting event.” “The TV station will broadcast the last half-hour of the event, while major online streaming platforms will provide live coverage of the entire competition,” said Grace Green.
Afterwards, there were a series of announcements.
These included giving thanks to the various livestream platforms and sponsors.
“First, let me Introduce today’s contestants, ” Grace green said.
On the big screen behind her, photos and brief introductions of the contestants appeared in batches of ten, starting from rank 50.
However, the images were displayed rather quickly, and most audience members could not finish reading the introductions of all contestants.
Besides, there were as many as 50 contestants today, and a round of eliminations would take place.
Even if people remembered them now, it would be of no use. Only the strong contenders who persisted until the end would truly be remembered by the audience.
As for now, all that would make the audience remember a contestant was if they were either handsome or had a distinctive appearance.
Among the crowded rows of photos, they needed to attract attention and be the first to be noticed, with a brief personal introduction to follow.
Otherwise, with so many contestants, it would be impossible to view everyone’s introduction.
After displaying each batch of ten contestants for a moment, the images would shrink and appear at the bottom of the screen.
Zoe Silverstone also had fans in the audience.
Upon seeing Zoe’s photo, they immediately cheered, “It’s Silverstone! Go, Silverstone! We love you, Silverstone!” The little guy in the audience heard the noise from the stands and immediately put down the dried plum in his hand.
After wiping his hands, he pulled a banner out of his bag.
Old Madam watched as the banner grew longer and longer, seemingly without end.
Everyone: .
How long of a banner had this little guy made?
Chapter 200 Is This What They Call “Criticizing with Words but Submitting with Actions?” Finally, with Adrian Zhekova’s help, the banner was completely pulled out.
Morgan Zhekova struggled to carry the banner over to Sheldon Rowland.
The banner was too long for the little fellow, and it was very difficult for him to hold it.
Even when he balled it up, it was almost as tall as he was.
A part of the banner was dragging on the ground.
“Uncle Sheldon,” Morgan called out crisply, handing one end of the banner to Sheldon Rowland, “Pull it up later.” Sheldon Rowland quickly took it over, knowing that the young master’s command could not be disobeyed.
Morgan then held the rest of the banner and went to Victoria Wheeler.
Victoria Wheeler happened to be sitting at the other end.
“Grandmother,” Morgan said crisply again.
There wasn’t much feeling before.
But now, both Adrian Zhekova and Morgan were there.
The contrast between the two made them so alike.
When the little guy called out like this, Victoria Wheeler’s heart instantly “Hold this end for me,” Morgan said, “just hold it for a while, to cheer on my sister Cindy.” “All right,” Victoria Wheeler agreed.
It wouldn’t be as tiring for the little guy if they just held it in front of them. Morgan was sitting right in the middle, so he held the middle part of the banner.
Adrian Zhekova watched him struggle.
The height at which Sheldon Rowland and Victoria Wheeler held the banner was as if Morgan had to raise his hand.
Adrian Zhekova quietly grabbed the banner: “I’ll hold it, you eat some snacks.” Morgan heard and was touched: “Uncle, why are you suddenly so nice?
“…” Adrian Zhekova sneered, “When have I ever been bad to you, tell me.” Upon reflection, Morgan was surprised to find that Adrian had never been bad to him.
Although Adrian Zhekova was always annoyed and impatient.
But every time Morgan encountered trouble, Adrian Zhekova would come to the rescue and not let anyone bully him.
“This must be the legendary saying one thing but doing another,” Morgan concluded.
Adrian Zhekova: “…Just eat!” Snacks still couldn’t keep this kid’s mouth shut, blah, blah, blah! At this moment, the host was introducing the contestants from 11th to 20th place, including Cindy Clarke.
“This time, we have a rather special contestant. She is the famous Internet celebrity food blogger, Cain Velman,” Grace Green specifically pointed out after learning about the backstage conflict, in order to prevent further questioning and live broadcast accidents.
“I wonder if there are any Cain Velman fans in the audience?” Grace Green asked.
“Yes!” In the stands, people had already raised their Cain Velman light sign.
There seemed to be many more fans than Zoe Silverstone had.
“Cain Velman’s popularity is really high,” Grace Green said with a smile.
Zoe Silverstone had a terrible expression when she heard the voice from the front while waiting backstage.
What did this host mean?
Why didn’t she introduce her just now?
Zoe Silverstone’s popularity wasn’t low, was it?
Both of them were Internet celebrity food bloggers, but Zoe Silverstone had been skipped without introduction, while Cain Velman was highlighted!
It was as if Cain Velman was the only Internet celebrity in the audience!
Zoe Silverstone thought to herself that it was no wonder Cain Velman insisted on wearing a face mask and not showing his face.
He must be trying to attract attention!
Out of so many people, only one of them was covering his face, of course, it would be eye-catching!
Cain Velman was as cunning as ever!
“Fans who are familiar with Cain Velman know that he never shows his face in his videos. Due to some personal reasons, we decided to respect his choice and allow him to wear a face mask during the competition,” Grace Green explained..