Chapter 195

Morning sunlight spilled over the cobblestone path as the production crew ascended the winding mountain trail.

The gilded characters "Embroidery Pavilion" gleamed under the sun. A young woman in an embroidered cheongsam stood at the entrance, smiling warmly at the group.

Lily Green clicked forward in her high heels, deliberately sidling up to Vanessa Knight. "Ms. Knight, you'll surely dazzle us today," she said, her lips curving into a faint smirk as she glanced at the cameras.

Vanessa toyed with the jade bracelet on her wrist and chuckled. "Such high praise, Ms. Green. Still bitter about yesterday?"

Their gazes locked, tension crackling between them.

Lily's expression faltered briefly before she forced a sweet smile. "You misunderstand. I genuinely admire your talent."

"Is that so?" Vanessa arched a brow. "Then you'd better watch closely."

Lucy White moved discreetly to Vanessa's side and whispered something in her ear. Vanessa's eyes lit up, and she gave Lucy a playful wink.

The challenge was soon revealed: embroider a duck.

Lily suppressed a smug grin. The task seemed simple but held hidden complexities. She couldn't wait to see Vanessa stumble.

But the next moment wiped the smile from her face.

Vanessa's fingers flew across the fabric, and soon, a pair of lifelike ducks emerged on the embroidery hoop—executed in flawless double-sided stitch.

"Pass," the cheongsam-clad woman declared with approval.

Vanessa turned and hugged Lucy. "All thanks to your guidance last night."

Lily dug her nails into her palms. Lucy again! Always ruining her plans!

Live comments exploded:

[Queen Vanessa slays!]

[Lucy's full of surprises!]

[This duo has my heart!]

By afternoon, the group relocated to the Opera Pavilion. William Jones mesmerized everyone with a rendition of "The Drunken Concubine," effortlessly clearing his challenge.

As evening fell, the cast gathered at the inn for casual conversation—until an uninvited guest stormed in.

Dressed in designer labels, the woman lifted her chin and fixed Ethan Smith with an intense stare. "Ethan, I'm leaving tomorrow."

Ethan's expression turned icy. "Ms. Chase, mind your manners."

Lucy rose to leave but was stopped.

"In such a hurry, Ms. White?" Jessica Chase sneered. "Afraid I'll expose you?"

The courtyard fell silent. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see how this confrontation would unfold.