Chapter 425: Playing Dirty

Chapter 425: Chapter 425: Playing Dirty

Listening to the chubby kid’s uncontrolled screaming and seeing the hatred in his eyes after not being chosen, Hector Donovan felt increasingly glad for his foresight. This was, without a doubt, a total brat. If he had actually picked him, he probably wouldn’t have been able to stand it for even an hour. He’d want to run for the hills at a moment’s notice.

He was relieved, but the host was at his wit’s end.

He almost subconsciously looked toward Hector Donovan and confirmed through gritted teeth, "Best Actor Donovan, your choice is a bit unexpected. Are you sure you don’t want to change it?"

"I’m not changing it." As if afraid the situation wasn’t chaotic enough, Hector Donovan shot back at the host, "What, am I not allowed to pick this child?"

The host froze, looking like he was about to collapse and desperately needed oxygen. Arabella Donovan could even see the existential question in his eyes: ’Do I really have to put up with this crap?’

Although she felt a pang of pity for him, as her own expression shifted to one of surprise and budding hope, Arabella could only apologize to the host in her heart.

Jude Underwood also hadn’t expected things to spiral out of control from the very beginning. His hand tightened slightly on the handle of his suitcase as he stood to the side and reminded them with a faint smile, "It looks like Best Actor Donovan really likes this little girl. I just wonder if this little girl likes Best Actor Donovan."

His words served as a reminder to the host. The man’s eyes lit up, and he hastily agreed, "Yes, yes, that’s right! This is a mutual selection segment. Best Actor Donovan, your one-sided choice isn’t enough. You have to get her to choose you too."

There was nothing inherently wrong with his words, but paired with the subconscious reactions of everyone on set and the stark contrast in the host’s attitude, it made the audience in the show’s livestream realize something was off.

When this variety show was first promoted, it emphasized that there was no script and it was 100% real.

To capitalize on this gimmick, the director went against all advice and opted for a multi-camera, full-livestream format. While this allowed viewers to freely choose their preferred camera angle, it also had certain drawbacks.

For example, right now, the cameras were magnifying everyone’s facial expressions, allowing the audience to immediately sense the trickery involved.

[What’s going on? Didn’t they say no script? Why do the other guests and the host look so shocked that Best Actor Donovan chose that little girl?]

[Yeah, yeah, the host looked completely stunned, with a total "Why aren’t you following the script?" look on his face. It’s killing me, LMAO.]

[It’s so obvious. That rookie guest was feeding the host a line, reminding him he could use the kid to get things back on the scripted track.]

[So, what’s the deal with these two kids? Or rather, what’s the deal with the little boy? Why does Best Actor Donovan have to pick him?]

The audience members weren’t idiots. Of the two guest celebrities, one was a massively popular national heartthrob who had been famous for years. The other was just a rookie idol from a debut competition, with no fame or body of work to his name. It was obvious which pairing would generate more buzz and offer more benefits.

If they were really following a script arranged by the production team, then this little boy was undoubtedly the golden child the show wanted to pour all its resources into promoting.

The production team never expected to be exposed just moments after the show started.

A few staff members responsible for monitoring online public opinion quickly noticed these discussions about their show and immediately reported it to the person in charge.

"Director, what do we do? The audience has already guessed we gave the guests a script. They’re all blasting us online, saying we’re deliberately... deliberately promoting Mr. Coleman’s younger son, and that this livestream is a complete and utter lie!"

The director was at his wit’s end and furious upon hearing this. "What the hell is with this Best Actor Donovan? We told him over and over again before he came to be sure to pick Mr. Coleman’s son! How could he go off-script and change his mind at the last minute? If Mr. Coleman finds out about this..."

The director looked at the group still in a standoff in the distance, pacing around like an ant on a hot griddle.

His assistant stood by his side like a timid quail and tentatively muttered, "Director, do you think... maybe Best Actor Donovan heard something? That he knew about the Coleman kid’s personality beforehand, and that’s why he... changed his mind?"

The director’s anxious pacing came to a sudden halt. Before he could think any more about it, a voice came from behind them.

"That’s right. It’s exactly what you’re thinking."

Sheldon Webb had appeared behind the production crew at some point, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked at them.

The anger and frustration on the director’s face were instantly replaced by guilt, but he quickly composed himself and went on the offensive. "Webb, we’re old friends. For the sake of our past relationship, I’ve been completely accommodating to Best Actor Donovan. I even let him get his way with adding an extra guest at the last minute. But how does Best Actor Donovan repay me?"

The more the director spoke, the more justified he felt, his voice rising. "Changing the script on the fly and causing our show’s reputation to collapse! The internet is roasting us for a bait and switch! If this is what happens in the first episode, how are we supposed to keep filming? What are you going to do about this? Don’t you think you owe us an explanation?"

"Too bad!" Sheldon Webb had been in the industry for too many years to be intimidated. He slammed his hands on the table and sneered, "You want an explanation from us? You should be glad we’re not demanding one from you! What did you say when you first invited our Hector to be on this show?"

"You knew perfectly well that Hector can’t stand spoiled, unreasonable brats. Yet you pounded your chests and swore to us that kid was perfectly well-behaved, wouldn’t cause trouble, was emotionally stable, and easy to handle. Is *this* what you call well-behaved and easy to handle?"

"Tsk..." Hearing Jude Underwood and the host, Hector Donovan raised an eyebrow in annoyance.

He crossed his arms, glanced impatiently at the timid little girl who was still looking down and clutching her skirt, and asked her directly, "Are you willing to team up with me and let me be your dad?"

Arabella Donovan: "..."

’Bro, not even a dog would choose you if you ask like that, let alone a kid.’

Hector Donovan: "???" ’What’s wrong with how I asked? Kids are superficial, and isn’t this face of mine charming enough?’

As it turns out, kids do judge by appearances, but in their hearts, there are many things more important than a pretty face. For example...

"Little one, I like you a lot too. How about you team up with me?" Jude Underwood had been watching Hector Donovan, a flicker of contempt and disdain crossing his eyes. He very naturally pulled out the trump card he had prepared earlier. "I have lots and lots of snacks over here. Milk, cookies, lollipops, bread, dried fruit... If you choose me to be your dad, all of this will be yours."

Hector Donovan: "!!!" ’Damn it, this guy fights dirty! He’s cheating!’