The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 69: New Year’s Celebration

The actress performing alongside Miles Wallace already looked shy and bashful.

The manager of the FREE boy band, Claire Brooks, walked over and tried to ease the situation, saying, "I’m really sorry, Director. The kid is still young and doesn’t have much experience in love, so it’s normal for him to struggle with filming hug scenes."

The director, looking displeased, said, "He is a teenage boy, after all. He should have some shy emotions towards the opposite sex, but he shows no reaction at all and even looks disgusted!"

Claire chuckled and said, "I’ll have a talk with him right away and make sure you’re satisfied!"

Even after the talk, Miles Wallace was still the same, though he didn’t look disgusted anymore, his face remained stiff.

"Cut! Cut!" The director snorted angrily, "Imagine for a moment that the girl in front of you is the one you love most. You haven’t seen each other for a long time, and now that you’ve reunited, there’s so much you want to say to her. Haven’t you ever liked someone? Can’t you put yourself in that moment?"

"No." The boy’s brows seemed to be knitted with an untouchable coldness.

The director, finding no solution, had to hastily film a back shot without capturing Miles’ expression.

After filming, Miles Wallace and Claire Brooks boarded the trailer.

The series that Miles was filming was arranged by the company, a youthful school drama, partly to solidify his popularity and partly to give his many female fans material for their imaginations. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

After getting in the car, Claire didn’t reproach him; instead, she patted his shoulder, considering him still a 19-year-old kid, "It’s normal to encounter some dissatisfaction during filming. Just keep a good attitude."

"Okay."

"The second season of ’Great Survival Challenge’ will begin filming after the new year. It’s a good opportunity to establish an image of being resilient and hard-working."

Claire turned her head to look at Miles, seeing his cool, crisp demeanor, his upright figure, exuding an aura reminiscent of a noble prince.

Miles’ path to being a top star hadn’t been smooth. After gaining a large number of fans, countless doubts arose simultaneously.

The most common was skepticism about his appearance, that he was too delicate and feminine. Eventually, it escalated to his character, accusing him of being effeminate and lacking masculinity.

"I understand, Claire."

"Oh, here’s the demo for the album, something that’s already been decided. Take a look."

Miles showed some expression for the first time, frowning as he spoke, "Wasn’t this decided a while ago? What’s this now?"

Claire replied casually, as if she was used to it, "Changes are normal. After all, market demands are constantly shifting. We cater to the musical styles fans prefer. The impact of the market can’t be ignored."

Rarely, Miles’ expression turned cold, "So we’re only supposed to cater to the market and have no distinct style of our own?"

Claire disagreed, "How can you say we have no distinct style? We’re just starting from this broad perspective. What the market likes to hear is this style, going against it, no matter how well written, won’t have a market."

"I understand..."

*

During the New Year, everyone would gather at the old house, it’s a tradition of the Rowe Family.

After tidying up, Maya Monroe went to the old house with Ian Rowe.

By this time, almost everyone in the Rowe family had already arrived.

Yolanda Sawyer looked much more energetic than before, moving with brisk steps and a rosy glow on her face.

Seeing Maya Monroe arrive, Yolanda was delighted and urged her to sit down, asking someone to get her some food.

"Maya, half a year just flew by, it’s really fast!" Yolanda stopped halfway through talking, then remembered something, "Ian, sit closer to your wife."

After Ian sat closer, Yolanda held Maya’s hand and sighed, "Haven’t seen you in a while, dear Maya. Grandma missed you so much, and you haven’t gained much weight lately..." Yolanda shook her head, "No, you need to eat more, eat more..."

"Grandma, I eat plenty on a daily basis."

"Really?" Yolanda smiled kindly, "You should eat even more, you’re so slender."

Maya thought Yolanda probably didn’t know her appetite; otherwise, she definitely wouldn’t advise her to eat more.

Holding Maya’s hand, Yolanda sighed meaningfully, "Seeing you and Ian well makes me relieved. Ian, although he’s a little cold, a bit bad-tempered, not very charming... but, but..." Yolanda frowned, not finding the right words, "but he has many merits..."

Maya almost burst out laughing.

After talking for a while, Yolanda seemed to remember something and called out to Ian again, "Is your third uncle not back yet?"

Ian suppressed the emotion in his eyes, "His flight was last night; he should be arriving soon."

Jessica Young came over, thoughtfully massaging Yolanda’s shoulder, "Is the old lady missing Tristan?"

Yolanda sighed, "He’s always abroad, busy with work, and we barely see him for years. It’s only natural to miss him... I remember when he was younger, no one played more wildly than him, how did he become such a workaholic now?"

Jessica Young, who managed many affairs of the Rowe’s old house, came from a scholarly family and had the demeanor of an elegant lady, "The third brother had a more childish disposition when he was young, but as he grew older, he naturally learned the importance of his career."

Yolanda’s face suddenly turned somber, as if a thought struck her, "Tristan is someone who clings to the past..."

Jessica Young followed her words, "The third brother sends gifts to you every year, never missing a holiday, he surely keeps you in his thoughts..."

Yolanda sighed and suddenly waved her hand, "No need to massage anymore, I feel a bit of a headache..."

Maya Monroe saw Eric Rowe again, looking as sunny and handsome as ever, perhaps more mature. When he saw Maya, he broke into a smile, "Happy New Year, sister-in-law!"

"Happy New Year!"

Maya had heard that Eric recently took on several endorsements and major productions. Although he wasn’t playing the lead roles, from the resources he received, it was clear the Rowe family was supporting him. Also, being a newcomer without any foundations directly landing a leading role can be controversial, while this way was the most prudent, gaining popularity while honing his acting skills.

The Rowe Family’s old house is very large, giving off a sense of timeless grandeur.

During her free time, Maya slipped out, feeling a bit stuffy inside the house, and came out for some fresh air.

Casually, she pulled a candy from her pocket, tore open the wrapper, and popped it into her mouth. Actually, she had other snacks in her pocket, but candy was the most convenient since eating sunflower seeds would mean dealing with shells.