Chapter 77 Autumnvale
Hera’s gaze briefly brushed past Xavier before swiftly moving on to survey the other participants. However, her gaze abruptly locked onto the one individual she least wanted to encounter at that moment.
The individual didn’t avert their gaze; instead, they met Hera’s eyes head-on, boldly conveying their animosity towards her through their piercing stare—a moment caught unforgivingly by the camera lens.
None of the guests were aware of the fact that they were being broadcasted live, as the director ensured that only the crew was privy to it, and everyone remained tight-lipped. They all knew firsthand how nasty the director could be when crossed, so no one dared to challenge him, no matter the circumstances.
"Ahem!" The throat-clearing cut through the chatter, drawing Hera’s attention and commanding silence from the group. "Everyone, if I could have your attention, please," came the authoritative voice.
All eyes turned towards the man in his mid-40s, who possessed a robust build akin to that of a bear. His full beard added to his rugged appearance, complementing his muscular physique, which was accentuated by the faint trace of hair visible on his arms and exposed chest.
He exuded a fierce presence, resembling more of a modern-day Viking than a mere bear.
"Now that everyone is here, it’s time to head to the village where you’ll be staying for the next 7 days," he announced. Turning to the other crew, he signaled for them to approach the participants. With this cue, the crew moved closer to the participants to collect their devices, ensuring that no one would have the chance to contact the outside world during the duration of the Variety Show.
"What’s the meaning of this?!!!" A shrill female voice echoed through the place as the staff attempted to confiscate the cellphones from the participants.
The Director remained resolute, meeting the instigator’s gaze without flinching, despite being aware of the individual’s influential connections. "I trust that each of you has signed the contract?" His gaze swept across the group before he continued. "And I assume you’ve all read its contents thoroughly..."