The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 217: Who Will the Prize Go To?

"Next, let’s introduce our panel of judges—we can’t deny their lineup is equally impressive."

"Which awards will ultimately find their winners at the Huazhong Awards? It’s up to them to participate and judge!"

"Let’s give a round of applause to welcome our judges!"

As soon as the host finished speaking, the large screen began playing video introductions of the judges.

Maya glanced up briefly and saw that they were mostly renowned veteran artists who had won numerous awards, and just looking at them inspired awe.

Maya slightly turned her head and said to Nina beside her, "Is this opening ceremony always this long? How much longer until the awards begin?"

Nina laughed, "It’s always like this in past years; the beginning always needs to heighten the atmosphere, but next, they’re going to start awarding. The first award at the Huazhong Awards is the Most Popular Award for the year. I think..."

Nina looked at Maya, "Maya, you have a big chance of winning."

"Me?"

"Yes, this award is generally contested based on popularity and a series of metrics."

Maya shook her head dismissively, "You overestimate me, winning an award can’t be that easy."

Maya reached out to rub her forehead, "I’m just here to enjoy the spectacle."

Miles, that kind of top star, is sitting down there, not to mention some powerful new talents; this award won’t be easy to win.

Maya glanced towards Kiki.

If the lead actress were nominated, there might be a chance to win.

Nina patted Maya’s shoulder, "Maya, you have to be a bit more confident; at least getting a nomination shouldn’t be a problem. You have no idea how popular ’Wandering Beyond the Horizon’ has been lately! Just getting nominated once is nice."

Maya nodded.

"The first announcement is for the Most Popular Award—"

Once the host’s voice fell, another steady and solemn voice played from the screen.

"The nominees for the Most Popular Award are: Miles Wallace in ’Ginger and Sugar,’ Jessica Fisher in ’Attack,’ Kiki Monroe in ’Plop Plop Heartbeat,’ Maya Monroe in ’Wandering Beyond the Horizon’..."

Each name announced was accompanied by Amazing performance clips of the actors.

"Wow, impressive!" Julian praised.

"Getting a nomination for your first acting role is quite something."

Other members beside him also praised.

Miles’s expression did not show much excitement; his face remained indifferent. If you look closely, you might notice the disgust in his eyes.

"My acting was average."

Kiki was excited to hear her nomination, her cheeks flushed red.

This ’Plop Plop Heartbeat’ was her work before she worked on ’Wandering Beyond the Horizon,’ and she hadn’t expected it to get a nomination.

Kiki subconsciously straightened her back, knowing this show was one of her earlier works. She’s talented and competent; what does Maya have to compare with her?

"Maya, you were nominated! You’re really amazing!"

Unlike Nina’s excitement, Maya’s expression was calm, her gaze still on her phone screen.

"Oh..."

The lead actress got nominated, others are destined to be runners-up.

Nina glanced down and saw Maya’s screen:

"Maya, what are you playing?"

"A little game, do you want to play? I’ll teach you."

Nina wasn’t interested in these little games, but since Maya rarely invited her, she said dizzily, "Sure, sure."

As the last step was completed, the game declared failure. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Nina’s finger was frozen mid-air, seemingly not realizing what had happened.

"Don’t be discouraged; failure is normal." Maya took the phone back from Nina, "I’ve almost worn out this game. Here, I’ll teach you."

Her profile was exquisite, her eyebrows and eyes uniquely beautiful, the tip of her nose like an unmelted snow peak, her jawline smooth and elegant.

Nina stared at Maya’s profile, stunned for a second: "I heard you ranked first on the Most Beautiful Faces list recently, congrats to you, Maya."

Maya turned her head, "Did you get it?"

"What?"

Nina looked at the screen following Maya’s gaze, realizing Maya had already completed the game.

"I... I understand. Thank you, Maya." Nina’s face reddened.

Kiki pretended unintentionally to glance sideways, and upon seeing the game Maya was playing, almost laughed out loud.

Maya can only play these boring, childish little games.

She turned her head upright, noticing the host making another appearance, about to announce the results.

Kiki smoothed her clothes and hair, slowly exhaling.

This auspicious start, she had to seize it!

The film introductions on the screen concluded.

With the microphone in hand, the host opened up amid all the expectant gazes: "The winner of the 32nd TV Festival’s Huading Award for Most Popular is—"

"Maya Monroe!"

"Maya Monroe impressed us with her portrayal of ’Luna’ in ’Wandering Beyond the Horizon,’ showcasing her strength in this incredibly charming role!"

Evan glanced down at the script, then quickly raised his head with a smile: "Up next, let’s welcome David Wright and Ruby Shelby to present the award!"

"Hey, you can’t play it like that here; let me demonstrate. See? It should be like this..."

Maya’s fingers flew, continuing to give Nina a couple of pointers.

Nina nodded, unsure if she understood, simply thinking Maya’s profile was exceptionally beautiful, her gaze unconsciously paused.

The screen switched to Maya’s shot, not showing her touched to the point of tears or excited.

Maya hung her head slightly, revealing a segment of her neck, elegant and fair, her black hair smooth like silk, and silver earphones lightly coiled around her collarbone.

"No, no, still wrong, you can’t play it like this..."

Every gaze followed the screen’s scene to focus on Maya herself.

Realizing something was amiss, Maya took off the headphones and scanned the surroundings with confusion.

An actor in the front reminded, "Maya, it’s your turn, you need to go on stage."

Other actors also chimed in, "Maya, it’s your turn to go on stage!"

Nina, who was previously lost in thought, was also somewhat confused at the moment.

Maya sat center stage; to reach the aisle, she had to pass by Kiki’s side.

Kiki bit her lip, her face almost turning blue with frustration.

Why, of all people, did it turn out to be Maya? It wouldn’t have mattered if she didn’t win, but why let Maya win? She just couldn’t swallow this anger...

Still oblivious, Maya made her way muddled towards the stage under Kiki’s envious gaze.