Chapter 157

Under the expectant gazes of everyone, the director cleared his throat.

"Team formation is mandatory. The official competition starts tomorrow."

"This time, it'll still be two guest stars leading each team."

"Drawing lots is too troublesome. Let's just go with yesterday's carpool groups."

Before he could finish, Michael Johnson slammed the table and stood up. "No way! Grouping like this every time is completely unfair!"

"Director, are you doing this on purpose?"

This guy was definitely up to something—pairing Ethan Smith and Lucy White together repeatedly? No one would believe there wasn't any foul play!

The other guests immediately chimed in: "Exactly! The director's being biased!"

"We demand a reshuffle!"

William Jones protested the loudest. He absolutely didn’t want to be teamed with Lily Green. The previous two teams paired with her had suffered terrible luck, and he wasn’t about to follow in Robert Lee’s footsteps.

Vanessa Knight raised her hand. "How about we draw lots to decide?"

Olivia Davis agreed. "Right! You keep separating us from Lucy. Director, have a heart!"

The trainees grew even more agitated. "Draw lots! It has to be fair!"

"We want equal competition!"

The director: "..."

He’d just wanted to save some trouble. How had he provoked a mutiny? Clearly, he couldn’t brush this off.

"Fine, fine. We’ll draw lots for teams."

"Let’s split into two teams—four guest stars leading ten trainees each."

"Perfect for a head-to-head match."

Hearing this compromise, everyone finally settled down.

"Deal! Let’s draw!"

The crew quickly prepared a lottery box, and the guests stepped forward one by one.

Lucy White drew first. She unfolded her slip and waved it. "Team One!"

Olivia Davis pulled a "One" and happily rushed to hug her. "Finally, I get to be on Lucy’s team!"

When it was Michael Johnson’s turn, his palms were sweating with nerves. Seeing the "One" on his slip, his eyes lit up instantly. "I’m on Team One too!"

Robert Lee and William Jones drew "Two" and groaned. "Terrible luck!"

Lily Green stared at her "Two," silently praying: Please let Ethan be on our team...

Now only Vanessa Knight and Ethan Smith remained.

Ethan gestured politely. "Ladies first."

Vanessa randomly picked one and sighed upon unfolding it. "Ugh, missed out on Lucy."

Ethan leisurely opened the last slip—"One."

Michael Johnson’s face immediately fell. Why does it have to be him again?!

William Jones remarked sourly, "Ethan’s luck is insane."

"Officially jealous!" Robert Lee joined in.

Ethan’s lips curved slightly. "Fate."

This time, he genuinely hadn’t rigged it. Pure coincidence.

Lily Green was crushed. Why had her lucky charm failed her?

The trainees began drawing. Lucas Young and Benjamin Harris got Team One and high-fived excitedly. "Awesome!"

Jason Wright and the others stared at their "Two" slips, on the verge of tears. "We wanted to be with Lucy..."

The director observed the final lineup with a meaningful smile.

"I think Team Two has the upper hand this time."

"Robert excels in music and arts. William’s a master of opera. Clear advantages."

Hearing this, Team Two’s morale soared.

Robert Lee thumped his chest. "We’ll carry you to victory this time!"

"Go, Robert!" the trainees cheered.

Vanessa Knight blinked. "I trained hard for that embroidery film."

Lily Green refused to be outdone. "I’ve studied martial arts."

She emphasized, "My instructor said I had real talent."

Team Two’s spirits lifted. "We’re winning!"

Viewers flooded the live comments:

[Team Two’s making a comeback!]

[Lily knows martial arts? Seriously?]

William Jones smirked. "Watch out—we might crush you."

Ethan smiled faintly. "We’ll see."

Lucy added, "Game on."

Olivia Davis waved her tiny fist. "Never back down!"

Suddenly, Michael Johnson spoke up. "I know martial arts too."

He glanced at Lily Green, dead serious. "If it comes to a one-on-one, I’d win."

The room erupted in laughter.

Lily Green’s face turned ashen. Who wants to fight you?!

The comments exploded:

[LMAO this guy’s a walking steel beam!]

[Lily’s face just turned green!]

[Michael: Martial arts duel? I’m dead serious.]

[Why does Michael seem kinda cute now?]

[New Michael fan, signing up!]