Chapter 5 Variety Show Recording

The live stream of the press conference soon ended. The guest list was almost completely revealed, with only one mysterious guest yet to be announced.

Catherine returned to her apartment and began preparing for the show recording in a few days, while sorting through everything that had happened recently.

In her past life, Harper, Stanley, and Lloyd had all participated in this variety show together. The three of them had intimate interactions on camera, and Harper's popularity soared as a result. Netizens voted her and Stanley as the most compatible on-screen couple, and also called her and Lloyd the most enviable sibling duo.

After the show ended, Harper went on to partner with Stanley in several more couple-themed programs, gaining a huge fanbase.

Meanwhile, she herself, who was Stanley's actual girlfriend at the time, was pushed onto trending topics just for being photographed leaving his hotel room. She was labeled as deliberately clinging to fame and having questionable character.

Stanley never came forward to clarify anything for her. Instead, he accused her of being willful and unreasonable, saying his interactions with Harper were just publicity arranged by the company, and warned her not to let jealousy affect their public popularity.

Looking back now, her past self had been too weak to actually believe such ridiculous excuses.

In this life, she wouldn't let them have their way again. She actively joined the show to publicly expose their fake personas.

Before long, "Flawless Escape" officially began recording.

This was an outdoor survival reality show. The first episode's content involved guests going to a farm to experience half a month of rural life.

The show was broadcast live throughout, allowing viewers to send real-time comments, creating strong audience engagement.

With a top-tier production team, a famous director, plus two highly popular artists Stanley and Lloyd, the moment the show launched, millions of viewers flooded into the live stream.

Catherine was the first to arrive on site. She wore a practical windbreaker with her hair tied up in a high ponytail, looking fresh and energetic.

When the camera gave her a close-up, the live stream comments immediately became lively.

[This is the singer of "Unshared Umbrella"? Her looks are beyond imagination!]

[She's just average, Harper looks better.]

[Stop giving her so much camera time, we want to see Harper and Lloyd!]

[I heard before that she deliberately approached movie star Stanley. Coming on this show, she probably wants to play tricks again.]

[Getting famous from one new song and now she thinks she's something special. She's completely out of her league.]

[I simply think she's very attractive and has a comfortable presence.]

Most of the negative comments came from Harper and Lloyd's fans, while regular viewers were mostly amazed by Catherine's appearance.

Subsequently, other guests arrived one after another: actor Tim, singer Ally, and Lucy, a female singer who debuted through a talent show and ranked at the top in popularity.

As Catherine was casually chatting with everyone, the fifth car slowly pulled up.

Stanley wore a black trench coat, with an upright posture and a cool demeanor. His sunglasses made his facial features look even more defined.

As soon as he got out of the car, comments flooded the screen.

[The movie star is so handsome!]

[Finally waiting for him, his first variety show recording, so excited!]

Catherine only glanced at him indifferently. Since proposing the breakup, Stanley had been constantly sending her private messages on social media, which she never replied to.

Everyone present, mindful of Stanley's status in the industry, took the initiative to greet him, except Catherine, who sat alone drinking coffee, completely unmoved.

After Stanley exchanged pleasantries with the others, his gaze repeatedly fell on Catherine. Seeing her cold attitude, he assumed she was still throwing a tantrum, so he simply walked straight toward her, planning to take the initiative to smooth things over.

"Catherine, long time no see."

Stanley had never publicly acknowledged their private relationship. When photos of them together had leaked before, he had always let the public believe Catherine was deliberately clinging to him.

Now that he was initiating conversation, it immediately sparked discussion in the live stream.

[The movie star is taking the initiative to greet her, their relationship must be unusual.]

[Are they really dating in private?]

Lucy noticed and walked over, looking curious. "Do you two know each other?"

Stanley nodded in response, "We're very good friends."

By actively acknowledging their connection, he thought she would take the opportunity to back down.

"I wouldn't say friends." Catherine looked up, her tone distant. "We've just had some work interactions, eaten together a few times. Beyond that, there's no connection."

Stanley's expression darkened, his eyes showing displeasure. He had already taken the initiative to compromise, yet she still wouldn't let it go. Given that they were live streaming, he could only suppress his emotions and didn't lash out.

The farm was located in the suburbs, with strong winds and continuously dropping temperatures.

Stanley asked the production team for several blankets and distributed them to the guests one by one. Everyone praised him for being gentlemanly and considerate, and the live stream was full of positive comments.

When he reached Catherine, he found all the blankets had been distributed. He directly took off his trench coat. "There aren't enough blankets, wear my jacket."

He was about to hand over the clothes.

"No need."

Catherine moved her chair to create distance. "Mr. Rogers, you should maintain proper boundaries, to avoid being misinterpreted by netizens again and attracting unwarranted criticism."

With one sentence, she both addressed the past negative rumors and completely drew a clear line between them.

Stanley felt frustrated, his expression growing worse.

Moments later, the sixth car arrived on site.

Lloyd wore a white suit with an elegant, refined demeanor. He looked gently toward the car interior and extended his hand to help Harper out.

Harper wore an exquisite and gorgeous princess dress with elaborate makeup, her face carrying a well-practiced, appropriate smile as she appeared before the camera.

The live stream was instantly flooded by her fans' comments.

[Harper is so beautiful!]

[They look so good standing together.]

[The outfits are obviously carefully coordinated, the tie and dress colors match, such thoughtful details.]

Harper wore high heels and was unsteady walking on the lawn, her body swaying lightly, only managing to stand firm with Lloyd's support.

"Thank you."

Her voice was soft and sweet, her manner endearing, winning favorable impressions from many viewers.

Accompanied by Lloyd, Harper greeted everyone, then walked directly to Catherine.

She spoke with feigned unfamiliarity, "Hello, I'm Harper Taylor. You look unfamiliar, you must have just entered the industry, right? May I ask what your name is?"

Catherine saw through her deliberate provocation at a glance. This was a subtle jab at her low profile. She laughed inwardly—Harper was voluntarily coming to provoke her, which played right into her hands.