The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 220: The Answer Is Becoming Clear

Maya held a trophy wedged in her arm, struggling to hold it: "Do I have to hold all of these?"

Ryan whispered beside her: "All these journalists are here to interview you. With three trophies in hand, of course, you should let them be seen! Such a glorious moment can’t be hidden away!"

The journalists swarmed towards her, eagerly thrusting microphones in her direction.

"Maya, how do you feel after winning three trophies this time?"

Maya’s expression was calm, with a touch of melancholy: "Actually, I’m not interested in awards..."

The journalist who asked burst into laughter: "Maya, you’re truly so nonchalant, congratulations on winning!"

Nobody expected Maya to win so many awards, especially given her previously well-known acting and reputation.

Maya became the biggest dark horse of the award ceremony.

Other journalists scrambled to ask questions.

"It’s really rare to win three trophies at once! Maya, do you have any unique tips regarding acting?"

"After winning so many awards, do you have anything to say to your fans?"

...

With Ryan’s reminders at her side, Maya gathered her thoughts and answered a few questions.

Feeling it was enough, Maya shook her sore arm: "I’m a bit tired."

Ryan nodded and then signaled to the bodyguards and assistants.

"Sorry, that’s all for today. We have other commitments to attend to! Hope everyone understands, thank you all!!"

Surrounded by the bodyguards and others, Maya walked towards another passageway.

Compared to Maya’s lively side, Kiki’s area seemed excessively quiet.

Holding the trophy in her arms, Kiki felt little joy internally but had to face the camera with a smiling face.

Compared to Maya’s several trophies, this one newcomer award seemed rather insignificant...

Suppressing her jealousy, Kiki chatted with the nearby journalists. But seeing Maya approaching her direction, she couldn’t suppress the flame in her heart.

What on earth is going on? Wasn’t Maya supposed to be her defeated opponent?!

Handing the trophy back to Ryan, Maya twisted her wrist.

The sudden ring of a phone broke the silence.

Listening to the familiar melody, Ryan was unsure: "Maya, is that your phone or mine?"

He should have changed the ringtone, knowing it was unlikely Maya ever would.

Maya took out her phone and glanced at it.

"It’s mine."

"I’ll take this call."

"Hello, honey?"

Ryan held his breath, then slowed his pace. He turned and signaled for everyone around to stay quiet, also falling silent immediately himself.

Ever since he learned who Maya’s husband truly was, he could no longer face the relationship casually and carefreely.

Since that person was the big boss, it was impossible not to have a bit of reverence in his heart.

"Where are you now?"

Listening to the voice on the other end, Maya glanced around but didn’t spot any obvious logos.

She couldn’t resist asking Ryan.

Ryan said, "Outside the passageway is the lobby of The Mujin Theater."

Maya acknowledged and relayed it word for word to Ian on the other end.

Ian hesitated for a few seconds: "I’m nearby the theater now, come out."

Maya’s eyes widened slightly: "You, you’re here to pick me up?"

"It’s on the way, just come out."

Hanging up the call, Maya turned to see Ryan’s inquisitive gaze.

Ryan’s gaze was too intense, causing Maya to take a step back: "Ryan, what’s up with you?"

Ryan smiled, reining in his gaze: "Did Mr. Rowe call about something urgent?"

"No, he said he’s coming to pick me up."

"How considerate." Ryan marvelled.

"He said it’s on the way."

"On the way?" Ryan frowned: "Valerius Group’s headquarters and the theater are in opposite directions, how could it be on the way?"

Maya paused: "He’s not always at the company."

Ryan nodded thoughtfully: "Anyway, it wouldn’t be good to keep Mr. Rowe waiting too long. Let’s hurry to the elevator."

*

Ian and Ryan shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

Vincent had already helped Maya take her trophies, feeling their weight as he marveled: "You weren’t just at an award ceremony, you were wholesale collecting, weren’t you? How can you win so many awards, are trophies these days made of thin air?"

Maya cast a faint glance his way: "If you like them, they’re all yours."

"Really?" Vincent held up a trophy: "Say, it’s quite heavy. Is this pure gold?"

"Mr. Rowe, we’ll take our leave now."

Ian withdrew his gaze from Maya, nodding slightly toward Ryan.

Ryan nodded repeatedly: "Take it slow on the road, be safe."

Vincent was in the driver’s seat, while Maya and Ian walked behind.

"Are you very tired?"

Ian’s voice was soft, but his gaze was tender.

Maya felt as if she’d been scalded and averted her gaze: "Seems like it... I walked quite a bit just now, and had to carry those heavy things."

Unthinkingly, she blurted out a complaint, surprising even herself a little.

"If you’re tired, take a nap."

"You’ve done very well. Don’t put pressure on yourself."

Sweeping his gaze over her slightly weary eyes, Ian hesitated slightly, as a subtle emotion flitted through his mind.

Maya nodded haphazardly: "Okay, I’ll take a nap."

She closed her eyes, hearing Ian’s quiet voice instruct: "Vincent, turn off the stereo."

Then a thin blanket was draped over her, and Maya clutched its edge, wondering when Ian had prepared these things?

The environment had been too noisy, leaving Maya unable to settle her mind.

She let out a soft sigh, finally feeling more at ease.

The numerous unexpected events at this award ceremony had left Maya needing to sort through her thoughts properly.

In this major plot twist, she, a mere supporting female character, won three awards, while the female lead Kiki got only a newcomer award.

This was unbelievable, and really hard to explain!

Upon opening the plot excitement interface, Maya was truly dumbfounded.

82%

This value was difficult to increase in the later stages, so this increase of five or six points represented a substantial boost.

What’s happening? The plot excitement didn’t decrease but instead rose?

This bizarre situation had already occurred before; it couldn’t simply be explained away as a glitch.

The notion that had long lingered in her mind resurfaced once more.

Maya attempted to contact headquarters again, getting straight to the point. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

[What exactly is the basis for the plot excitement value? Must it be tied to the female lead, Kiki?]

The answer seemed within reach.

The reply from headquarters was slower than ever, taking about five minutes before a line of text appeared.