Chapter 157

Under the expectant gazes of everyone, the director cleared his throat.

"Team formation is mandatory. The official competition starts tomorrow."

"This time, it'll still be two guest stars leading each team."

"Drawing lots is too troublesome. Let's just go with yesterday's carpool groups."

Before he could finish, Nolan Reed slammed the table and stood up. "No way! Grouping like this every time is completely unfair!"

"Director, are you doing this on purpose?"

This guy was definitely up to something—pairing Damian Cross and Aria Bennett together repeatedly? No one would believe there wasn't any foul play!

The other guests immediately chimed in: "Exactly! The director's being biased!"

"We demand a reshuffle!"

Wesley Hart protested the loudest. He absolutely didn’t want to be teamed with Serena Blake. The previous two teams paired with her had suffered terrible luck, and he wasn’t about to follow in Caleb Monroe’s footsteps.

Vivienne Archer raised her hand. "How about we draw lots to decide?"

Audrey Lane agreed. "Right! You keep separating us from Aria. Director, have a heart!"

The trainees grew even more agitated. "Draw lots! It has to be fair!"

"We want equal competition!"

The director: "..."

He’d just wanted to save some trouble. How had he provoked a mutiny? Clearly, he couldn’t brush this off.

"Fine, fine. We’ll draw lots for teams."

"Let’s split into two teams—four guest stars leading ten trainees each."

"Perfect for a head-to-head match."

Hearing this compromise, everyone finally settled down.

"Deal! Let’s draw!"

The crew quickly prepared a lottery box, and the guests stepped forward one by one.

Aria Bennett drew first. She unfolded her slip and waved it. "Team One!"

Audrey Lane pulled a "One" and happily rushed to hug her. "Finally, I get to be on Aria’s team!"

When it was Nolan Reed’s turn, his palms were sweating with nerves. Seeing the "One" on his slip, his eyes lit up instantly. "I’m on Team One too!"

Caleb Monroe and Wesley Hart drew "Two" and groaned. "Terrible luck!"

Serena Blake stared at her "Two," silently praying: Please let Damian be on our team...

Now only Vivienne Archer and Damian Cross remained.

Damian gestured politely. "Ladies first."

Vivienne randomly picked one and sighed upon unfolding it. "Ugh, missed out on Aria."

Damian leisurely opened the last slip—"One."

Nolan Reed’s face immediately fell. Why does it have to be him again?!

Wesley Hart remarked sourly, "Damian’s luck is insane."

"Officially jealous!" Caleb Monroe joined in.

Damian’s lips curved slightly. "Fate."

This time, he genuinely hadn’t rigged it. Pure coincidence.

Serena Blake was crushed. Why had her lucky charm failed her?

The trainees began drawing. Leo Brooks and Owen Parker got Team One and high-fived excitedly. "Awesome!"

Mason Bell and the others stared at their "Two" slips, on the verge of tears. "We wanted to be with Aria..."

The director observed the final lineup with a meaningful smile.

"I think Team Two has the upper hand this time."

"Caleb excels in music and arts. Wesley’s a master of opera. Clear advantages."

Hearing this, Team Two’s morale soared.

Caleb Monroe thumped his chest. "We’ll carry you to victory this time!"

"Go, Caleb!" the trainees cheered.

Vivienne Archer blinked. "I trained hard for that embroidery film."

Serena Blake refused to be outdone. "I’ve studied martial arts."

She emphasized, "My instructor said I had real talent."

Team Two’s spirits lifted. "We’re winning!"

Viewers flooded the live comments:

[Team Two’s making a comeback!]

[Serena knows martial arts? Seriously?]

Wesley Hart smirked. "Watch out—we might crush you."

Damian smiled faintly. "We’ll see."

Aria added, "Game on."

Audrey Lane waved her tiny fist. "Never back down!"

Suddenly, Nolan Reed spoke up. "I know martial arts too."

He glanced at Serena Blake, dead serious. "If it comes to a one-on-one, I’d win."

The room erupted in laughter.

Serena Blake’s face turned ashen. Who wants to fight you?!

The comments exploded:

[LMAO this guy’s a walking steel beam!]

[Serena’s face just turned green!]

[Nolan: Martial arts duel? I’m dead serious.]

[Why does Nolan seem kinda cute now?]

[New Nolan fan, signing up!]