Though paralyzed, still radiantly charming!

Chapter 92: Keep it up, you're the best!

Chapter 92: Keep it up, you’re the best!

“Quiet, please, everyone quiet down!” The middle-aged judge grabbed the microphone, trying to calm the excited crowd.

The atmosphere in the venue had reached its peak after that hit song just played.

Everyone thought they were witnessing the birth of a legend, but then, out of nowhere, a withdrawal announcement set the whole place off.

It was like finally getting a date with the girl of your dreams to a hotel room, only to find out when the pants come off that she’s actually a guy in disguise.

“We can’t accept this!”

“Why are you dropping out? Please don’t!”

“Coach Biggie, we just became your fans!”

Really, one song shouldn’t cause such a frenzy, but that’s humans for you—always more pained about losing something.

Ethan’s statement had ignited everyone’s emotions.

The noise had overtaken the venue, making it impossible to continue the show.

“Quiet! Please, everyone, let’s calm down!” The judge stood up trying to restore order, with the help of some staff from backstage.

After more than ten minutes of effort, they finally managed to bring some semblance of order to the scene.

“Mr. Biggie,” the middle-aged judge stood up. “Everyone has the right to withdraw, but as artists, we should not only follow our passions but also consider our audience’s expectations.”

“Am I right to think that your sudden withdrawal is irresponsible to your fans?”

“Yeah! Are you being fair to us?”

The fans below were starting to grumble.

Ethan held the microphone but didn’t speak, seemingly hesitant.

His silence made the audience agree with the judge’s remarks. It seemed like he was just in it for the money, and now that he had it, he was ready to leave, which, while not blameworthy, left the audience needing a vent.

Seeing his silence, the judge, not wanting to antagonize the young man, spoke again: “Your talent is undeniable. Income is important, but as a public figure in the performing arts, you have greater responsibilities.”

“But you’re still young, and these are things you’ll learn in time. I hope you reconsider your decision to withdraw and come back to this stage to give your fans the performances they deserve.”

“And just so you know,” the judge added with a kind smile, “I really like your song.”

His words offered Ethan a way out and showed goodwill.

All eyes turned to Ethan again.

“Sorry, and thank you for your recognition,” Ethan said, his eyes melancholic behind his mask. “I still insist on withdrawing.”

With his words, the crowd erupted once again.

Compared to the previous shock, there were more boos this time, and the audience expressed strong dissatisfaction towards Ethan.

“Well, I’m very sorry,” the middle-aged judge said, having offered an out but to no avail.

At that moment, Abigaile picked up the microphone: “May I ask why you insist on withdrawing?”

Unlike the other judges.

She knew Ethan was her fan, and she had planned to use Coach Biggie’s fame to boost her own profile. His withdrawal was a big loss for her.

“This…” Ethan feigned hesitation, having waited so long for someone to ask this question as the atmosphere built up.

He held the microphone, silent for a long while, before finally speaking: “Actually, my illness is very serious. According to my doctor, just being able to get out of bed is already a miracle.”

What is a variety show? Is it about talent?

Of course not, it’s about the story.

Because stories generate more buzz, more easily engaging and monetizing the audience.

As he finished, the room went wild.

“Sorry,” Abigaile covered her mouth, feigning surprise, but her eyes lit up.

She didn’t care whether this man lived or died, but she keenly sensed that this breaking news was exactly the viral content she desperately needed.

“It’s okay, I’ve actually gotten used to it,” Ethan began, sensing the mood was right to continue:

“I’m actually very lucky because when I was lying in the hospital, there was a woman who stayed by my side through thick and thin.”

The hint of gossip, a patient and a devoted woman, such stories always touch people the most.

Ethan noticed the room had quieted down, pleased with how he was managing the atmosphere. He deliberately said ‘woman’ instead of ‘family member’.

It was to make the aunties listening feel more connected from a woman’s perspective, possibly completing his task.

“Wish: I really hope she genuinely wants to date me. Reward: 2000 points. Random existing skill +2.”

“She’s just an ordinary woman, but with her modest salary, she managed all our expenses. I watched her run around for me, watched her come back each day tired but still managing a gentle smile for me,” Ethan continued, his voice full of emotion.

He saw a man in the audience covering his mouth, eyes glistening.

“I wish I could do something for her.” Ethan tried to squeeze out some tears, but his acting skills weren’t cooperating, and no tears came.

“Thank you, Dream Chaser Show.” His voice wavered, he tried to speak several times but nothing came out.

“Go for it! Coach Biggie, we support you!”

“Keep it up, you’re the best!”

The audience, previously booing, now started crying out in encouragement.s are such creatures, easily moved and empathetic.

Ethan finally said nothing more, put down the microphone, bowed deeply to the audience, and then turned and left stylishly.

He knew that no story should be told in full,set the general direction.

The rest, let people guess and fill in the blanks.

“What?!” The audience let out a deafening shout.

Why did he just leave?

It was like the story had been cut off at its most exciting part.

But no matter how much they called out, no one came back through the contestant’s entrance.

Until the staff came up, indicating the show must go on.

So, the next performer was really unlucky, their carefully prepared act overshadowed as the audience was still caught up in the emotions of the previous story.

Everyone was empathizing with that beautiful tale.

Meanwhile, Ethan was backstage talking to the executive producer, Isabella.

“You really surprised me there,” Isabella said, her expression complex, the show’s impact completely beyond her expectations.

“Heh, $20,000, remember to transfer it to my account,” Ethan walked away nonchalantly.

He was well aware that the next round was the finals.

With his subpar acts, the production team would never let him win.

Besides, he really couldn’t come up with anything new.

This time, maximize the benefits, then bow out gracefully.

“I’ve already transferred it, hope we can collaborate again in the future.” Isabella was quite impressed with this young man.

His cunning and his talent.

Isabella suddenly thought that dating such a man might not be too bad.

She dismissed the thought as quickly as it came.

Compared to men, her career was what she should be chasing.

When the Dream Chaser Show aired, it instantly blew up online.