Rebirth vs. Rebirth Tragedy to Triumph by Violeta and Zelena [[Chapters 411, to 420]] – Daisy Novels 

Chapter 411

Lydia had just appeared as a guest on the latest episode of the ‘RV Travel Diaries’.

During the recording, she crossed paths with Zelena.

Zelena, eager to enhance her public image, was putting on a display of friendliness towards her senior peers.

Not harboring any personal animosity towards Zelena, Lydia was open to forming a friendship.

In the entertainment industry, friendships could be forged as long as there were no conflicting interests, though the longevity of such relationships was uncertain.

Zelena was aware that Lydia’s frustration stemmed from Violeta’s recent win of the Best Supporting Actress Award.

Reports had surfaced of Lydia having a public outburst backstage at the Skyward Awards, with the media capturing her leaving in a bad mood.

Had her team not acted swiftly to suppress the story, Lydia’s cold exit could have made headlines.

Given her extensive experience, Lydia was undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Supporting Actress Award.

It was only natural that she would be unpleased by Violeta’s win.

The rivalry between their teams was intense, with no love lost.

Eugene, who had previously managed Lydia and was now Violeta’s manager, had ensured their paths would remain antagonistic.

Even without the award issue, their rivalry was expected, with Eugene’s involvement deepening their enmity.

Moreover, Violeta’s emergence as a prominent newcomer overshadowed Lydia, who was regarded as a ‘senior’.

Zelena, relishing the opportunity to stir up trouble, watched with satisfaction as Violeta accumulated more enemies.

Seeing a chance to solidify her alliance with Lydia, Zelena made the most of it.

After filming the show, Zelena visited Lydia’s dressing room, carrying a bottle of perfume.

“Lydia, are you removing your makeup?” Zelena asked.

Lydia, wiping her face with a makeup remover pad, looked up with a smile. “Oh, hi, Lena. What’s up?”

Zelena offered the perfume. “You mentioned before how much you liked my perfume. I brought you a sample, though it’s a small one.”

While a perfume sample might not seem like a grand gift, Zelena wasn’t aiming to impress Lydia with her generosity.

Lydia accepted the sample without closely examining it.

“Thanks, Lena. Even if it’s just a sample, it’s appreciated. I’ll buy a bottle myself later.”

Zelena took the chance to sit beside Lydia. “Actually, you don’t need to buy it. You’re the face of this brand.”

Lydia looked momentarily surprised and examined the sample’s label more closely.

Her eyes widened in recognition. “Ah, it’s Godie. No wonder it smells so good; their perfumes are top-tier.”

Zelena nodded. “Yes, I bought it because you’re the spokesperson. I really admire you for representing such a prestigious brand, Lydia. I wonder how long it will take me to have such an opportunity.”

Lydia basked in the compliment. “Lena, it’s just that I’ve been in the industry longer. You’ll get your chance soon. Don’t worry.”

Zelena smiled sweetly. “Thank you for the encouragement.”

With the pleasantries out of the way, Zelena got to the point.

“By the way, it’s unfortunate.”

“What is?” Lydia asked.

“The Flying Sky Award,” Zelena replied with a regretful look.

Lydia’s expression hardened immediately, her mood darkening upon this topic.

Zelena continued, “Lydia, as we’re friends, I’ll be honest with you. Don’t take it the wrong way.”

Lydia placed the perfume sample on the makeup table. “Go ahead.”

Zelena leaned in. “Honestly, I’m perplexed as to how Violeta won the Best Supporting Actress Award. We all thought it would be you. For someone so new to win such an award, it’s almost unimaginable. I felt like she didn’t deserve it. I thought I was the only one who felt this way, but I’ve spoken to many people, and they all agree that the award should have gone to you, not Violeta!”

She paused, then added, “Look at Tracy, who won the Best Newcomer Award and faced online criticism. What did Violeta do to deserve the Best Supporting Actress Award?”

Without Violeta in the running, the award would surely have gone to Lydia.

Chapter 412

Zelena’s remarks only served to widen the gulf between Lydia and Violeta.

Zelena was merely voicing the frustration that Lydia had been harboring.

Lydia felt that the Best Supporting Actress Award should have been hers.

For years, she had been close to winning it, believing that this year was finally her chance, only for Violeta to take it from her.

Previously, Violeta had overshadowed Lydia at a comeback event and had persuaded Wendy to block Lydia’s career shift. Now, Violeta has taken the Best Supporting Actress Award as well.

Their rivalry was well-established.

Lydia wasn’t about to let Violeta escape unscathed.

However, her years in the industry had taught her to keep her emotions in check, not allowing Zelena’s provocations to expose her true feelings too easily.

With a subtle smile, Lydia looked at Zelena. “Lena, what exactly are you trying to say?”

Zelena put on an air of innocence. “I just feel sorry for you, Lydia.”

As Lydia continued to remove her makeup with an indifferent tone, she replied, “Life is full of regrets. You get used to it. Maybe this award just wasn’t meant for me.”

Zelena was caught off guard by Lydia’s composed response.

She quickly shifted the subject.

“By the way, Lydia, when is your new drama going to air?”

Lydia answered, “Soon. I’ve heard it’s passed the review process and should be on air by the end of next month at the latest.”

Zelena beamed. “That’s wonderful news! Did you know Violeta’s new drama is supposed to air around the same time?”

Lydia’s hand froze mid-motion.

Right!

Last year, while Violeta was working on her new series, Lydia was also on set.

Both shows were in similar stages of production, so their airing dates were likely to coincide.

If they were to air simultaneously, comparisons would be inevitable.

Being in the industry for years, Lydia had a reputation for high ratings and was used to topping the charts, especially in the realm of youth idol dramas.

Her new series, ‘As Soon As We Meet’, was a period drama, marking a new direction for her.

If it did well, it could draw more attention from directors and potentially ease her transition into the film industry.

Therefore, the show’s ratings were crucial.

However, Violeta’s swift ascent meant that if their shows

overlapped and Violeta’s outshone hers, Lydia could become the subject of ridicule in the industry.

The thought of this possibility unsettled Lydia.

She had to prevent it from happening.

Seeing Lydia’s shift in expression, Zelena knew her words had struck a chord.

She continued carefully, “But you know, Lydia, you’re actually luckier than Violeta. Your show has already passed review. I’ve heard that Violeta’s drama is having some issues and is still stuck in the review process. There’s no telling if it will even make it to broadcast.”

Lydia’s eyes lit up. “Stuck in review? What’s the situation, Lena? Do you know more details?”

Zelena shrugged. “I don’t have all the specifics, but I’ve heard it’s due to some sensitive content. Apparently, a complaint letter was filed, and they’re still looking into it.”

If the complaint was valid, Violeta’s new drama could face jeopardy, potentially being postponed or even cancelled.

Even if it wasn’t outright rejected, delays might push its airing date beyond that of ‘As Soon As We Meet’, ensuring Lydia’s ratings wouldn’t be affected due to different airing dates.

Regardless of the outcome, it was beneficial for Lydia.

She didn’t know who lodged the complaint, but the anonymous person had inadvertently helped her.

Lydia inquired, “Is your source reliable?”

Zelena responded, “I heard it from someone else. At first, I was skeptical, but considering Violeta’s drama hasn’t even started its promotional campaign yet, I’m inclined to believe it’s likely true.”

Lydia lowered her gaze, contemplating the implications.

With her objective achieved, Zelena found an excuse to leave the dressing room.

As soon as Zelena departed, Lydia pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

“Hello, Hollis. I need you to investigate something for me.”

合

Chapter 413

At the doorway, Zelena leaned against the frame, listening closely to Lydia’s phone call.

A satisfied smirk curled her lips.

She had played her cards well.

Lydia, having been entrenched in the industry for years, undoubtedly had her own network of contacts.

With Zelena having leaked the information, Lydia would certainly verify it herself.

Zelena had done her part and could now simply observe as Lydia took action.

After all, with Violeta having repeatedly overshadowed her, how could Lydia resist the chance to undermine Violeta?

Let the show begin.

That night, Violeta finished her work early and quietly headed to a restaurant for a meeting.

Felix had driven her there.

As she exited the car, Violeta turned to Felix and said, “Felix, you should head back. You could end up waiting for quite some time.”

Felix replied, “No problem, Ms. White. I’ll wait outside. Eugene insisted that I ensure you get back safely.”

“Alright, then.” Violeta agreed, closing the car door.

She adjusted her hat and mask before slipping into the restaurant.

A person was waiting at the entrance to guide her upstairs to a private room.

Inside, Hayden, Zoren, and Liam were already present, with the food prepared and ready.

As Violeta entered and removed her mask, she saw the three “You’re all here already. Am I the last to arrive?” She greeted them.

Zoren teased, “We haven’t been waiting long- just a couple of hours.”

“Get out of here. It hasn’t been that long,” Violeta retorted, gaining a chuckle from Zoren.

Liam looked at her with a mischievous glint. “It’s been a while, Vio. It’s rare to catch a glimpse of a big star.”

“Best Supporting Actress, you mean?” Zoren corrected him.

Liam raised an eyebrow. “Oh, right, Best Supporting Actress!! almost forgot. I watched the awards live. You looked stunning.” Hayden added, “Shall we start serving the food?”

Violeta removed her hat and mask, placing them on the table before sitting down. “It’s not often we get together like this. Is Jasper still abroad?”

Zoren nodded. “Yes. Who knows when he’ll return. It seems he’s forgotten about us. But then again, Jasper is your boss, Vio.”

“That’s true. I work for him,” Violeta replied.

“I just hope he returns soon to support me. With him here, I could run the company however I like,” she joked, pouring herself a cup of tea.

Turning to Liam, she asked, “Liam, how’s everything at the company?”

“Not too bad. It’s the usual eight-to-six routine,” Liam responded.

Zoren interjected, “Liam’s practically a prince at the company. Who would dare cross him? Why do you ask, Vio?”

Taking a sip of her tea, Violeta said slowly, “I’ve heard that Hattie is trying to get close to wealthy men. If she marries into money and Benson returns from his studies, will it pose a threat to you, Liam?”

Hannah had never abandoned the notion of her son vying for power.

Sending Benson abroad had been a strategic retreat.

Before Benson could act to seize power, Hattie would likely find him a powerful ally.

Liam frowned. “Last Christmas, Benson didn’t come back but sent gifts. I heard he’s doing well in school overseas. He should be back this year.”

Benson had left during his sophomore year, and now it was time for him to return, having completed his studies.

Violeta scrutinized Liam closely.

Since joining Ridge Group, he has progressed rapidly, climbing two positions within a year. His manner was now mature and composed.

Clearly, his mother was formidable and wouldn’t let Hannah’s schemes succeed easily.

Still, regardless of whether Benson could surpass Liam, their futures were intertwined through the Ridge name.

Liam’s mother held as much resentment towards Hannah as she did towards the men in her own family, pinning all her hopes on Liam.

“Excuse me, the food has arrived,” a server announced as three waiters wheeled in carts laden with dishes.

“Finally, let’s eat! Enough talk,” Zoren declared.

However, Hayden turned to Liam and said seriously, “Liam, if you ever need anything, just let me know.”

✩

Chapter 414

Liam chuckled with a hint of scorn. “Do you think I can’t match up to Benson and his flashy airs? Even if he returns from abroad, he’ll just be another fixture at home. He won’t see me coming.”

Hayden smirked slightly. “Yeah.”

Violeta and Zoren also smiled.

Their long-standing friendship meant they were staunchly supportive of Liam.

In their view, Hannah and her children were unworthy of their regard.

Tonight’s reminder from Violeta had come at a crucial moment.

With Hattie’s venture into the entertainment industry, the family had somewhat relaxed their vigilance. It seemed prudent to keep a closer watch on her.

Lydia had managed to uncover the source of the complaint.

Someone had indeed reported Violeta’s new drama, which had caused delays in its approval process.

Upon reviewing the complaint, the officials found that while the specifics of the complaint differed slightly from the submitted material, the core of ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ was inherently controversial.

No previous drama had tackled such a sensitive theme.

Nevertheless, the final cut of the series had been deftly edited, with any controversial content removed and the ending left deliberately open.

This ‘clean’ version of the show created an impression of subtlety, with each episode building anticipation and leaving viewers eager for a resolution.

Once this version aired, it would unintentionally draw attention to the complete overseas version.

The officials were still deliberating whether to approve the series.

Lydia, with connections in the bureau through her young boyfriend-the bureau chief’s son- was eager to exploit this situation.

Her goal was to delay the approval process as long as possible, ideally for six months or even a year.

Her assistant looked confused. “Lydia, why not just prevent the show from being approved? Why drag it out?”

Lydia’s eyes sparkled with a cunning glint. “Ophelia’s new show is scheduled to air in the latter half of the year. Wouldn’t it be more advantageous if Violeta’s show were competing with hers simultaneously?”

Violeta was Lydia’s rival, as was Ophelia.

Both had entered the industry around the same time, though Ophelia had moved into film early on and had frequently ridiculed Lydia.

Despite her film work, Ophelia’s accomplishments were modest, failing to make a significant impact in cinema.

Hence, she remained active in TV dramas, placing her in direct competition with Lydia.

Pitting Violeta’s show against Ophelia’s was a clever tactic- watching two of her rivals battle each other was a source of amusement for Lydia.

Her assistant quickly understood Lydia’s plan. “I get it now. You’re a genius!”

Lydia held up the perfume sample. “It’s not just about being smart; it’s about luck. I should be thankful to whoever lodged that complaint.”

When her boyfriend investigated the complaint, he discovered its submission date.

The complaint was anonymous and had only recently reached the bureau.

Ideally, no outsider should have been aware of this.

Yet Zelena had managed to divulge this information with surprising speed.

It seemed Zelena also aimed to use Lydia to undermine Violeta. Lydia placed the perfume on the table, her expression one of disdain.

Clearly, with such scheming coming from a newcomer like Zelena, further dealings with her should be approached with caution.

That evening, Violeta and her companions had finished their meal.

While Violeta had abstained from alcohol, the other three men had enjoyed a drink.

Felix waited outside, while Liam and Zoren had their own cars to take them home. Only Hayden lacked a ride.

As Violeta was heading back to Liberty Grove, she offered to take Hayden along.

Although Hayden had had a drink, he was still relatively sober, only unable to drive. He called someone to pick up his car and then joined Violeta’s vehicle.

As he got into the car, Felix took a moment to assess Hayden.

Wow, he’s really good-looking.

Felix had attended numerous high-profile events with Violeta and had seen many attractive individuals from the entertainment industry.

While male stars often wore makeup, sometimes as much as female artists, Hayden, who never used makeup, had striking features with well-defined lines and angles.

Handsome was secondary; it was his impeccable presence that truly set him apart.

Chapter 415

Although Hayden seemed only slightly older than Violeta, he carried an air of quiet authority that suggested he was a man of promise.

Felix cast a brief glance at him before looking away.

After dropping everyone off at Liberty Grove, Felix anticipated that Violeta might ask Hayden to stay over, which made him feel uneasy. Rather than voice his concerns directly to Violeta, he watched her and Hayden enter before pulling out his phone to call Eugene.

Eugene, upon hearing the situation, quickly called Violeta.

As Violeta had just arrived at the estate, she answered Eugene’s call. “Hello, Eugene.”

Eugene’s voice held a note of concern. “Hello, Beauty. You’re back?”

Violeta responded, “Yes, I’ve just arrived at the estate.”

Eugene continued, “Felix mentioned that there’s a man with you. At this point, you need to be cautious-make sure he doesn’t get photographed.”

Violeta paused, understanding Eugene’s apprehension. “Eugene, he’s just someone who had too much to drink and couldn’t drive home alone.”

Eugene replied sharply, “That’s even more reason to be careful. Some men lose all sense of decorum when they’re drunk.”

Violeta reassured him, “He’s also a resident of Liberty Grove.”

Eugene sounded surprised. “Oh? A resident of Liberty Grove?”

Violeta added, “Don’t worry. He’s not coming to my flat. We live in separate buildings.”

Eugene sighed in relief. “Ah, I see. That’s alright, then. It’s getting late, so make sure to get some rest.”.

The call ended.

Violeta stifled a laugh as she glanced at Hayden.

“My agent seems to think I’m bringing a man home.”

Violeta had been photographed at Liberty Grove before, so Eugene’s concerns were understandable.

Fortunately, the exclusivity of Liberty Grove made it difficult for the paparazzi to breach; they could only stake out the entrances. After a previous incident, Eugene addressed the issue with the property management.

Given the high property values, Liberty Grove was a preferred location for many prominent individuals in Quinston. If Violeta could be photographed there, so could others, causing anxiety among residents with mistresses who feared exposure.

Complaints poured in, leading the management to enhance security with triple the usual staff, including regular patrols with torches and stun guns at the front and back entrances to deter unwanted visitors.

Consequently, it was nearly impossible for paparazzi to gain access.

Eugene’s warning was a precaution. He hoped Violeta would stay focused on her career and avoid being swayed by any charming individuals.

As Hayden listened to Violeta, he glanced at her but remained silent.

He appreciated having such a vigilant agent keeping a close watch over Violeta, ensuring she stayed away from unwanted advances.

Upon reaching a fork in the path- Violeta to the left and Hayden to the right- Hayden looked at the fork and turned to Violeta. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

Violeta responded, “It’s only a short distance. There’s no need.”

Hayden insisted on accompanying her, so Violeta relented.

As they walked together, Violeta wondered if Hayden genuinely wanted to come all the way to her flat.

He stayed silent, which was quite puzzling.

As they approached the entrance to her building, Hayden finally spoke.

He looked at Violeta and asked, “What about that favour from last time?”

Violeta, with her hands in her coat pockets, slowed her pace and looked up at him. “Oh? I asked you for a favour, and now I’m repaying you.”

Hayden replied, “I remember you saying you’d agree to anything.”

Violeta nodded. “Yes.”

Although she had made that promise, Violeta didn’t think Hayden would request anything overly demanding.

He didn’t seem like the type to make unreasonable demands.

She assumed the exchange would be relatively modest.

Hayden stopped walking, and Violeta did the same, their gazes meeting.

“What do you want me to do?”

Hayden’s lips curled into a rare smirk, his eyes sparkling with a touch of mischief. “How about I come up and sit for a while?”

“Huh?”

“Just kidding.”

He glanced away, his eyes falling on a small nightlight casting a warm glow nearby.

Chapter 416

Hayden, with a resolute expression, asked earnestly, “What do you think of me?”

Having garnered admiration from those older than him, and with Niall also regarding Hayden as trustworthy, Violeta had known him long enough to appreciate his qualities.

Violeta offered a slight smile. “You’re not bad. You’re charming and handsome-“

Before she could complete her thought, Hayden interrupted, “I meant as a boyfriend.”

Violeta blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned by the directness of his confession.

Her reaction was one of confusion, and she asked hesitantly, “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I like you,” Hayden declared with confidence.

Despite feeling a twinge of nervousness, Hayden was clear about his feelings and wanted to convey them immediately.

Perhaps the evening’s light indulgence in alcohol was the perfect moment for such a revelation.

In her past life, Violeta had never experienced receiving a confession before.

Her initial reaction was one of bewilderment, and she asked, “Are you serious?”

Hayden responded, “Do I look like I’m joking?”

Even if it were a jest, Hayden wouldn’t have made such a lame one.

Once Violeta realized Hayden’s sincerity, she lowered her gaze slightly, feeling a private thrill at his confession.

In this life, she had certainly thought about marriage and romance.

Though she hadn’t specified her exact preferences, finding a compatible partner was important to her.

The Whites and the Frosts were well-connected families, and they seemed to align well from every angle.

Violeta did have feelings for Hayden and appreciated his approach to expressing his feelings before pursuing a relationship.

“So, what is it that you like about me?” she asked.

“A lot of things,” Hayden replied. “It goes back a few years.”

Their initial meeting had been a mix-up, with Violeta mistakenly thinking Hayden was Zoren.

Even then, Hayden had found her quite attractive and a bit sharp-witted.

As they spent more time together, he discovered more of Violeta’s qualities, which only deepened his affection.

Hayden was not someone who acted on impulse. It was only after confirming his feelings that he decided to confess today.

Although it was his first confession, he hadn’t sought advice from anyone else.

If successful, he intended to pursue a relationship with Violeta with marriage in mind.

If not, he’d likely stay in Quinston for a few more years to maintain his dignity.

Violeta teased, “So, you just like me for my looks?”

Hayden played along. “Yes, I’m that shallow.”

Violeta laughed. “Go away.”

Hayden became serious. “There are many beautiful people in the world, but there’s only one of you. I’m not just attracted to a pretty face named Violeta; I’m drawn to the entirety of who you are, with all your virtues and flaws.”

While good looks were advantageous, they alone didn’t captivate Hayden.

People with power and influence often had beautiful faces around them, but only Violeta had touched his heart.

Violeta adopted a dramatic tone. “Well, your confession is quite flattering. Thanks. Now, Hayden, you’ll have to wait for my response.”

Hayden responded with a grin, “Alright, I’ll wait for your response.”

Violeta continued, “What if I were to reject you?”

Hayden, known for his pride and accustomed to having others accommodate him, might find rejection particularly awkward.

It was clear he had mentally prepared himself for this confession.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “I think it’s only right for guys to make the first move; I won’t find it embarrassing.”

Violeta squinted, detecting a hint of nervousness beneath his composed exterior.

“Oh, really? Hayden, lying is not a good habit. I’ll need to reassess you. You’re not an actor, so don’t put on an act.”

Hayden sighed. “You caught me, huh?”

Violeta smirked. “I guess you’re thinking that if I reject you, you’ll just stay in Quinston for a few more years, right?”

Hayden’s response was a mere chuckle.

Seeing his slightly deflated expression brought Violeta some private amusement, and she burst into laughter. “Hahaha!”

Hayden wondered how there could be someone as blunt as her in the world.

合

Chapter 417

What had started as a simple confession had somehow turned into this.

He felt as though his chances were now gone.

Violeta turned towards the apartment building. Noticing Hayden had not followed her, she looked back at him.

“Why are you just standing there? Didn’t you say you wanted to come up and sit for a while?”

Hayden followed her, and they rode the lift together.

As the elevator ascended slowly, Violeta reflected aloud, “I’m currently at the height of my career. Even if I wanted to be in a relationship, my agent wouldn’t approve.”

Hayden nodded. “Yeah, I understand.”

He assumed this was her way of turning him down, but to his surprise, Violeta continued, “You mentioned you’d be reassigned to Quinston in five years. How about this: We’ll date when you come back.

“By then, I hope to be in a much better position.

“I’ll see you at the top.”

The following afternoon, Violeta flew to Pherances for a two-week promotional shoot.

Hayden also left Quinston three days later, heading back to Newham for work.

Their demanding schedules meant that even if they were together, they would seldom have time to see each other.

Now wasn’t the right moment for a relationship.

As Violeta suggested, it was better to see each other at the top.

For those words she said, Hayden was determined to work harder so that both of them would be better versions of themselves for each other.

Meanwhile, Hayden kept an eye on Violeta’s review process. He discovered that, while the complaint had been resolved, the drama was still stuck in the review phase.

Clearly, someone was causing delays.

Rather than dealing with it directly, Hayden enlisted the help of a well-connected friend from Quinston.

This friend had considerable influence and quickly cleared up the matter.

The next day, the drama was approved, and the production team received confirmation of the successful review.

Violeta, far away in Pherances, was overjoyed by the news. ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ could finally commence its promotional campaign.

Everything was set up in Glorialand, and the domestic promotion was organized as well.

With the green light, ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ launched its campaign with full force.

The official page for ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ posted three promotional posters in quick succession and organized a giveaway for fans.

In just one afternoon, the drama’s promotional topic soared to fifth place in trending searches.

Violeta’s fans eagerly flocked to the official account to enter the giveaway and celebrate. Violeta’s new drama was finally here!

The trending topics included #Violeta, #newdrama, and #NirvanaandRebirth.

It quickly became the talk of the town.

A frantic assistant rushed to Lydia, exclaiming, “Lydia, you need to see this. ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ has already started its promotional campaign!”

Lydia stared in disbelief. “What? Let me see.”

Seeing the trending news, Lydia was astonished.

“Nirvana and Rebirth’ has passed the review? How can the promotion start so quickly? The review should still be pending!”

The assistant asked, “If the review wasn’t completed, how could the promotion have started? Lydia, is something wrong?”

Lydia frowned deeply.

She immediately pulled out her phone and called her boyfriend.

When the call connected, Lydia asked, “Hollis, what’s going on? Didn’t you promise to keep the review process stalled for me?”

The man’s response was unclear, but Lydia’s expression grew more troubled.

“Alright, that’s enough. I’m hanging up.”

The call ended.

The assistant cautiously asked, “Lydia, what’s wrong?”

Lydia replied, “Nirvana and Rebirth’ has passed the review.”

The assistant gasped, “What?! How is that possible?”

Lydia explained, “He told me it was a directive from a leader at the State Council.”

The Federal Communications Commission is overseen by the State Council.

Clearly, Lydia’s young boyfriend couldn’t withstand such pressure.

The assistant wondered, “Could Violeta have such powerful connections?”

Lydia remained silent, her gaze narrowing.

In truth, ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ had fully adhered to the review regulations. The complaint had not impacted the outcome but had merely delayed the process.

Chapter 418

Usually, following the proper procedures would ensure a show’s approval.

If it didn’t pass, there would be no valid justification for it.

Lydia had asked her boyfriend to help delay the process.

Without Violeta’s connections, the show could have been held up for a considerable time.

However, Violeta’s ability to speed things up indicated that she had substantial support.

The assistant asked, “Lydia, what should we do now? Should we consider organizing some online campaigns to boost our show’s visibility?”

Lydia blinked, studying her reflection in the mirror. She replied slowly, “There’s no need for that. It would be a waste of money.”

The assistant pressed further, “So, what’s the plan, then?”

Lydia responded, “We can’t control the promotional process. It’s pointless to spend our own money at this stage.”

It wasn’t the right moment to invest in such tactics.

With ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ now approved, they had no choice but to confront the situation directly.

They could only hope that the ratings would remain strong.

“When is their release?” Lydia inquired.

“I saw on their official page that it’s scheduled for next month,” the assistant replied.

Lydia asked, “Who invested in this drama? And who is the production company?”

The assistant checked and said, “It looks like White Group is behind it. Does this mean Violeta funded it herself? No wonder.”

At that time, no one had high expectations for Danielle.

Only Violeta had faith in the show, investing family funds into its production, with Niall also contributing some money.

Violeta was essentially the main financier and held complete control over the project.

If the ratings soared, Violeta would gain both fame and fortune.

If it failed, she would face a loss of both.

It all depended on the outcome.

Nirvana and Rebirth’ had successfully passed the review and started its promotional campaign.

Zelena was a bit surprised by the approval.

Did my complaint have no impact?

Violeta certainly knows how to get things done.

That evening, the official account released a promotional trailer for ‘Nirvana and Rebirth’ on a short video platform.

Excitement quickly escalated.

The edited trailer had everyone eagerly awaiting what was to come.

There were two teaser trailers.

When watched together, they showcased elements of humanity, darkness, revenge, and class.

Even before airing, the show had generated considerable buzz.

For example, this was Violeta’s second drama since winning the Best Supporting Actress Award, and among the main cast, she was the only Chesian actor.

A decade ago, Glorialand TV dramas were highly popular domestically.

The melodramatic love, hate, and intrigue in these shows were intense but compelling, with dramatic twists and gripping storylines.

This drama was also the first in the domestic entertainment industry to market itself as a dark, revenge-driven thriller.

From the trailers, it was clear that the cast consisted entirely of morally ambiguous characters.

The audience had grown weary of romantic dramas.

Nirvana and Rebirth’ was making a dramatic debut, promising to stir up significant excitement in the industry.

Interestingly, the script was penned by a newcomer.

However, Wendy had also incorporated some of her own ideas and made minor adjustments during filming.

Due to differences in episode length between the domestic and international versions, the international version would air one episode per day, for a total of 16 episodes, completed in 16 days.

The domestic version would air two episodes per day for a total of 12 episodes, finishing in one week.

Thus, the domestic version had four fewer episodes than the international one.

The domestic version would end sooner, but both versions would broadcast during the same period.

Before the promotional build-up began, ‘As Soon As We Meet’ didn’t feel the pressure, as there were no competing shows at the same time.

But with ‘Nirvana and Rebirth making a strong entrance, ‘As Soon As We Meet’ quickly began buying trending searches and ramping up its own promotional efforts.

Both shows were set to air next month.

As a newcomer, Violeta had already achieved the title of Best Supporting Actress after just one show, placing her among the top actresses.

Meanwhile, Lydia was a seasoned queen of viewership ratings, with a perfect track record. Could Violeta break Lydia’s unbeaten streak?

The competition was heating up online, with fans passionately debating.

Some even unearthed Violeta’s award-winning video for Best Supporting Actress during the Skyward Awards.

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Chapter 419

During the ceremony, a brief camera shot caught Lydia’s expression turning stiff and displeased when Violeta was announced as the winner. Her subsequent applause seemed forced and insincere.

Online rumours suggested a rivalry between Lydia and Violeta’s teams, though this was never confirmed.

However, this video revealed that Lydia’s loss of the Best Supporting Actress Award was undoubtedly a blow to her.

Being surpassed by a newcomer was something Lydia found hard to accept.

Lydia’s fans cried foul on the internet, claiming the awards were rigged, but their accusations gained little traction.

“The Quiet Ode’s” popularity and critical acclaim were undeniable.

The show sparked widespread discussion and revolutionized the web drama genre, establishing itself as a groundbreaking production.

While some questioned Violeta’s lack of experience, no one disputed the show’s deserving recognition.

However, Lydia’s fans attributed Violeta’s win solely to screenwriter Wade Howell.

Whenever Wade won the Best Screenwriter award, he always brought his lead actors to success with him.

This time, Violeta was merely benefiting from Wade’s glory!

This notion stirred up debates on certain forums, where many so-called “industry insiders” claimed that Wade was considered a lucky charm in the industry. As long as it was his drama, it would not only guarantee viewership but also elevate the lead actors’ status.

Even a piece of trash could win the Best Supporting Actress award under Wade’s guidance.

This sentiment became a rallying cry for Violeta’s online critics, who firmly believed her Best Supporting Actress win was solely due to Wade’s influence.

It was unclear whether Violeta was aware of this mockery, but her choice of a newcomer screenwriter for her latest drama, “Nirvana and Rebirth,” seemed like a deliberate response.

Could this be Violeta’s silent rebuttal to some of the online doubts?

This decision ignited further online discussions, with rumours circulating that Violeta privately criticized Wade’s scripts as overly rigid and had voiced her complaints to her assistant.

The veracity of these claims remained uncertain, but they certainly created a buzz.

A few days later, Violeta returned from a promotional shoot in Pherances, greeted by a throng of fans and media at the airport.

They had eagerly awaited her arrival, and a frenzy erupted as she emerged.

“Violeta, over here!”

“Care to comment on the online rumours?”

“Do you really dislike screenwriter Wade?”

“Was your Best Supporting Actress win rigged?”

“Your drama is airing alongside Lydia’s. Are you confident in beating her ratings?”

“Is it true that the international version of ‘Rebirth’ has a different plot?”

The voices around Violeta were chaotic. At that moment, it seemed like countless people were asking her questions, and she couldn’t tell who was calling her name.

Her bodyguards formed a protective circle around her, urging her to move quickly through the chaos.

Amidst the flurry of voices, Violeta honed in on the reporter who had mentioned Wade.

Fixing her gaze on them, she responded, “I hold screenwriter Wade in high regard. Please refrain from spreading baseless rumors. I will not tolerate those who attempt to tarnish reputations online.”

Violeta was baffled by the origins of such rumours, especially after she had publicly expressed her gratitude to Wade during the awards ceremony.

It was clear that someone was intentionally trying to sow discord between them.

After getting into the car, Aster closed the door.

The car sped away from everyone’s sight.

Violeta then instructed Aster, “Contact Eugene and identify those responsible for spreading these rumours. I’m taking legal action.”

“Understood,” Aster confirmed.

The following day, those who had propagated the rumours received warning letters from Violeta’s team, with the most egregious offenders facing legal notices.

Later that month, Violeta attended a promotional event for her drama.

The highly anticipated “As Soon As We Meet” premiered early the following month, followed closely by “Rebirth and Survival” just two days later.

Chapter 420

“As Soon As We Meet” debuted with an impressive 190 million views in its first 24 hours.

This view count was already very impressive, and it dominated the Facebook trending topics that day. The official Facebook of “As Soon As We Meet” also continuously posted celebration announcements on Facebook.

Fans of Lydia, the lead actress, were elated, celebrating her as the queen of ratings!

However, the premiere of “Nirvana and Rebirth” two days later changed everything.

The official Facebook for the show remained silent for a full day, leading to online mockery and speculation of a poor performance.

“They must be hiding terrible numbers.”

“Who would even watch that show?” another chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.

“This is hilarious. If they had beaten ‘As Soon As We Meet,’ they would have released the data immediately. Why haven’t they reacted yet?”

“Is the staff at the official Facebook still asleep? Haha.”

The silence from the official Facebook account was deafening, and the online mockery intensified.

Violeta’s fans were anxious, urging the official Facebook for updates.

By 2 PM, with no news in sight, the criticism had reached a fever pitch.

Finally, at 8 PM, the official Facebook account made a move- but not with the expected polished announcement.

Instead, a simple phone screenshot of the backstage viewership data was posted, revealing an astounding truth.

The screenshot clearly displayed a long string of numbers.

Hundreds, thousands, millions.

Gosh!

The 24-hour cumulative view count for the premiere of “Nirvana and Rebirth” was 300 million!

Three! Hundred! Million! Views!

Facebook erupted in disbelief and excitement as the news spread like wildfire.

Lydia’s fans, who had been so quick to criticize, were now speechless.

The raw screenshot, devoid of any fanfare, spoke volumes about the confidence of the “Nirvana and Rebirth” team.

The unfiltered screenshot of the viewership data revealed that the “Nirvana and Rebirth” team hadn’t planned on releasing it until they were repeatedly pressured.

They hadn’t even bothered to create a promotional poster, simply posting the raw data.

The Facebook post was flooded with tens of thousands of comments within a short time, silencing those who had predicted the show’s failure.

Lydia’s initial strategy to outshine Violeta’s new drama had backfired spectacularly.

“Nirvana and Rebirth’s” premiere view count dwarfed all other dramas airing concurrently, including “As Soon As We Meet,” with a staggering 110 million view difference.

The show’s unexpected success was a harsh blow to Lydia’s camp!

Initially, “Nirvana and Rebirth’s” official Facebook hadn’t intended to release the data.

But after so much urging and fanning the flames, now that the data was out, it was clear who got the short end of the stick.

Lydia’s fans were no longer boastful.

Trending topics like “Nirvana and Rebirth’s premiere view count exceeds 300 million!” quickly dominated social media.

While the public reveled in the excitement, industry insiders recognized the irony of the situation.

The highly anticipated showdown between Violeta and Lydia had ended in a decisive victory.

Lydia had lost.

The theme of “As Soon As We Meet” was an old one. Although the lead had a certain draw, the fresh theme of “Nirvana and Rebirth” was more stimulating to the current audience’s senses and more in line with their tastes.

The times had changed.

If there were no other dramas airing at the same time, “As Soon As We Meet” could have been the number one in ratings.

But now, second place is a certainty.

Violeta’s commercial value soared with two hit dramas under her belt.

The official Facebook page of “Nirvana and Rebirth” gained 5 million new followers, and director Wendy’s personal Facebook page also saw a surge in popularity.

Violeta’s personal Facebook account skyrocketed to 40 million followers, solidifying her position as the most followed artist of her generation.

Despite the overwhelming success, the slow release pace of one episode per day left the audience craving more.

They soon discovered that the overseas version of the first episode was longer than the domestic one.

It prompted many to seek out the international version, inadvertently boosting its viewership.

“Nirvana and Rebirth” made waves not only in Chesia but also in Glorialand, where it achieved high ratings.

Wendy, the director, had strategically organized a promotional event with the mainly Glorialand cast before the drama aired, further fuelling its popularity.

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