Chapter 25 He’s Looking at Me
Amid her swirling thoughts, the Hope Cup finals began..
+8 Pearls
“Jean, hurry up and put on your costume!” Lacey sharply commanded, pointing at the cumbersome costume piled in the backstage corner.
Everyone else had already finished their makeup, faces glowing with excitement, eagerly anticipating Jean’s appearance in the ridiculous tree costume. Quiet chuckles echoed softly through the group.
Jean didn’t move. After a brief pause, she reached beneath a nearby table and pulled out a bag she’d prepared earlier.
“What’s that?”
All eyes turned curiously toward her.
With a subtle smile, Jean opened the bag, revealing a flowing, forest–green gown.
I thought the original costume didn’t quite match my style,” Jean raised an eyebrow, her smile growing brighter. “So, I designed something myself.”
She couldn’t bear wearing the cumbersome, rounded tree costume after all. Even if she’d initially thought she could endure it just once for the finals, the idea felt increasingly unbearable. So, she’d spent the previous night making a costume more suited to her tastes.
Silence settled over the group.
Finally, Lacey snapped, frustration evident on her face. “Jean, what do you think you’re doing? Who gave you permission to change costumes?”
“Jean, this play was carefully planned! You can’t just improvise like this!” others joined in, scolding her.
“Are you kidding me? Do you think you’re special? This isn’t a game!”
Their teacher looked troubled, turning uncertainly toward Jean, “Jean, there’s really no need for this-”
Holding tightly to her dress, Jean’s voice was firm. “My outfit better matches the theme. If I can’t wear it, I won’t perform”
Lacey clenched her fingers, irritation boiling within her. Her plans had been disrupted. She’d thought Jean would obediently play along, but now she was cornered by Jean’s unexpected stubbornness. If Jean refused to perform, the consequences would
be disastrous.
After a tense moment, Lacey exhaled slowly. “Fine, suit yourself.”
ย
Seeing Lacey relent, others quickly changed their tone. “Just don’t embarrass yourself! Your rags aren’t better than our
costumes.
Ignoring them, Jean slipped into the dressing room. She changed into the forest–green gown she’d made and placed an elegant crown of leaves on her head. Examining herself in the mirror, Jean smiled, satisfied. She looked more like a woodland sprite than a ridiculous tree.
When she reappeared, silence fell again.
Lacey and her friends opened their mouths to speak but froze, their eyes widening in surprise as they took in Jean’s
appearance
Before anyone could comment, staff arrived. “Your turn is coming up. Get ready!”
Apple of tension spread. Faces tightened anxiously. For these teenagers, performing on such a grand stage for the first time
undeniably nerve–wracking
Jean luwever, felt calm. Her true purpose today was not the performance itself but unraveling the mystery behind the metal
7:41 PM
Chapter 25 He’s Looking at Me
+B Pearls
The audience stretched far into the distance, a sea of eager faces. Cameras stood ready to broadcast live, capturing every
moment.
In the front row sat the judges–mostly elderly men and women Jean didn’t recognize. But in the center sat a dazzling young
man
Jean blinked.
It was her second brother, Easton.
His silky hair shimmered under the lights, his stunningly beautiful features mesmerizing. Jean mused that he looked exactly how mythical sirens were described–almost otherworldly in his allure.
The Ginger family was undeniably blessed with remarkable beauty, Jean thought wryly, though she herself was an unrelated imposter. Right now, she felt more like a plain potato among swans.
As if sensing her gaze. Easton suddenly looked over.
Jean startled as their eyes met.
Easton smiled softly, raising his hand in a gentle wave.
Immediately, piercing shrieks erupted beside her.
“Oh my god! Easton’s waving at me!”
“No way, he’s waving at me!”
Only Jean knew the truth–Easton had waved specifically at her.
The beautiful man quickly refocused ahead, leaving Jean’s classmates still buzzing with excitement.
“He’s so gorgeous!”
“I could die happy now…”
As they continued swooning, the play finally began.
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