The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 218: Best Supporting Actress Award

Maya Monroe stepped onto the stage, all eyes focused on her.

What’s going on? Hadn’t she just played a few rounds of mini-games?

As the music started, Maya saw two formally dressed individuals slowly walking over from the side of the stage, each holding a trophy and a certificate of honor.

Maya frowned slightly; as the two approached, she stiffly extended her hand to embrace them.

"Congratulations, congratulations on winning the Popularity Award," an award presenter said softly beside Maya.

Maya took the trophy and certificate, her expression somewhat complex.

Loud applause erupted from the audience, accompanied by smiles and claps from the two award presenters.

Maya couldn’t muster a smile at the corners of her mouth as she stood in the center of the award stage, feeling the heavy weight of the trophy in her hand, her heart not exactly joyful.

Seeing Maya’s lack of reaction, host Ben Carter went on stage to softly remind her, "Maya, it’s your turn to give a thank-you speech."

Then he addressed the audience, "After many years of hard work, finally today, the fruits of success have been harvested. We believe that the excitement and surprise are best understood by Maya Monroe herself, so let’s offer our sincere congratulations and applause to her."

Another round of applause rose from the audience.

The host completed his task and retreated backstage once again.

Maya recalled the gratitude speech Ryan Spencer had forced her to memorize.

It was supposed to be a formality, but who knew it would actually come in handy.

Maya slightly lowered her head, keeping a certain distance from the microphone.

After finishing her gratitude speech, Maya hurriedly descended from the stage.

While walking down the aisle to her seat, Maya heard many voices of congratulations. She couldn’t be bothered to figure out whether they were sincere or not.

Returning to her seat inevitably meant passing by Kiki Monroe. Maya glanced at Kiki, her expression complex.

Kiki suddenly regretted choosing that seat.

Thinking about the glittering trophy in Maya’s hand, Kiki wished she could grind her teeth to pieces. Why did she choose to sit here?

Maya casually placed the trophy on the floor and rubbed her eyes vigorously.

"Tsk..."

Nina Vance heard Maya’s irritated muttering, "Maya, are you alright? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

"Hmph, what could be wrong with her? Isn’t she just drawing attention with this act? How can you not see through such a simple trick?"

"Shut up!" Maya’s eyes were tinged with red, her tone obviously irritated: "No one will treat you as mute if you don’t speak!"

Kiki looked down and saw the neglected trophy, feeling uncomfortable.

If she had received the trophy, she would hold it close day and night. Maya’s action felt like a slap in her face!

Nina Vance picked up the trophy with care, "It’ll be bad if it gets dusty."

"Maya, are you tired? Let me hold it for you instead."

Maya casually nodded.

"Maya, should we play games again?" Nina asked.

"No more games."

After speaking, Maya reclined in her chair, pretending to nap: "I’m a bit tired, just going to sleep for a while."

Maya felt her head buzzing.

She reached out to rub her temples; the headache was severe.

Seeing Maya’s fatigued state, Nina stopped talking and sat quietly beside her.

*

Maya was awakened by Nina’s gentle nudge.

She had only napped a little, now dazed and confused.

Maya squinted slightly, still a bit sleepy as if she hadn’t fully awakened, "What’s the matter?"

Nina glanced at the big screen and then at the drowsy Maya next to her, "Maya, it’s your turn to go up and receive the award."

Maya pinched her arm.

Feeling pain, she realized she wasn’t dreaming.

"For what award?"

Why should a villain receive an award?!

Maya’s porcelain-white cheeks were tinged with red, seemingly due to her brief nap. Nina inexplicably found this version of Maya even more endearing.

Her voice grew softer, "It’s the Annual Most Promising Award. Go up to the stage quickly, Maya."

Leaning on the chair’s backrest, Maya stood up and walked to the stage to receive her second trophy of the night.

More and more actors’ eyes lingered on Maya; winning two trophies in one go proved Maya’s capability.

But the thought of Maya unexpectedly dozing off made them wonder if she truly hadn’t expected to win or didn’t care about awards.

Despite twisting thoughts, everyone maintained a facade of congratulatory smiles.

This time the presenters were different, two teachers with subtle silver strands in their hair.

"Congratulations on your award..."

Maya took the trophy with one hand, her other hand grabbing the certificate of honor.

"Thank you." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Having experienced it once before, Maya proceeded with another gratitude speech.

After receiving the award, Maya returned to her seat.

"Congratulations, senior Maya, you’re the best!"

Turning around, Maya saw Julian Caldwell, nodding slightly in response.

Nina enthusiastically offered to take care of Maya’s trophy, "Maya, you’re really amazing! Although the Hwa Clock Awards offer many categories, there are also many competing artists. Especially this year, a lot of excellent TV dramas have been released! Winning two awards at once, it’s the first time I’ve seen this..."

""Wandering Beyond the Horizon" has a good script," Maya said, slightly lowering her head.

"Wandering Beyond the Horizon" indeed achieved great success, and I believe that the recent film awards and Best Director Award nominations will likely include "Wandering Beyond the Horizon." The probability of winning isn’t low, especially given that it’s directed by Shane Morgan."

Maya nodded in agreement.

Nina added, "However, receiving so many awards surely can’t be separated from Maya’s hard work! If I were voting, I would choose Maya as well!"

"Hard work?"

Maya squinted slightly; she hadn’t exerted any effort.

These two awards were partially tied to popularity, considering her recent participation in some variety shows, perhaps influencing the results.

Maya closed her eyes once more, "Don’t wake me this time."

Her head felt dizzy, leaving her exhausted.

"I’m going to sleep for a while."

Nina acknowledged, "Alright, Maya, you rest now!"

She heard "Mirror" would start filming soon, possibly explaining Maya’s tiredness due to preparations for the new show.

Nina quietly sighed, feeling that Maya deserved these awards given her efforts.

Kiki clenched her hands tight, her eyes revealing discontent.

Maya had received two trophies, while she was still empty-handed...

After several more awards were announced, the crowd eagerly awaited this particular accolade:

"Next is the Hwa Clock Awards Annual Best Supporting Actress Award—"

"Nominees for the Annual Best Supporting Actress Award are..."