In no time, all the players in the game had assembled for the grand audition, and the process of cherry-picking commenced.
The stage saw contestants making their entrances, one after the other.
The program itself hadnât set any specific performance category, leaving the door open for talents of all hues, from comedy to balletic feats, to take center stage.
As each contender unveiled their unique flair, the talent agencies had the green light to give a nod of interest by pressing a button.
In cases of mutual interest, marked by both the agency and the artist, a light above the table would illuminate.
After a series of audition rounds, Ariana had identified a few potential gems, but they either got snapped up by other agencies or were already betrothed to their preferred patrons.
An hour swept by, and Arianaâs table hadnât pressed on a Light.
She remained unruffled as she awaited the next contender despite that.
Being a live broadcast, eagle-eyed viewers in the online chat room couldnât help but notice the lights emanating from other tables, while Arianaâs hadnât.
They could only sympathize through comments.
âThis is a bitter pill to swallow.
Was she dragged here as mere fill -up?â
âEven as a fill-up, there usually should be people with her.
Sheâs standing solo in this ordeal.
â
In addition to the sympathy, some viewers directed their criticism her way.
âWhich bigwig would let a minnow enterprise like hers join them?
Everyone else here is a major-league player.
How dare she, a nobody in the business, even think of contending? Itâs sheer folly for her to join the race.
Sheâs practically asking for the gallows!â
âAbsolutely, which of these industry giants doesnât flaunt a noteworthy figure? Why would they need an insignificant person to pad the numbers?â
Some viewers went a step further, embarking on an expedition to delve into Arianaâs corporate roots, using that information as ammunition to taunt her in the chat.
âHer company seems freshly minted, likely conjured just for this show, right?â
âSheâs probably got money on her mind, but Iâm dying to know where she snagged that golden invitation from.
â
âWhat a squandered slot.
Letting her company jostle in this contest was a total frittering away.
Itâs bordering on deceit, and who in their right mind would step onto her ship?â
âThe contestants arenât greenhorns.
Outfits without skin in the game will be weeded out in the opening round, anyhow!â
Yet, some observant viewers zeroed in on Arianaâs tranquil disposition and posted praises in her recognition.
âBut this lady exudes a certain aura, like a potential star in her own right.
â
âTrue, her poise is impeccable.
Throughout, sheâs been cool as a cucumber, never showing the whites of her eyes.
She looks remarkably cultured and sophisticated.
â
âIâve got a hunch that Iâve seen her in the headlines somewhere.
â
âI doubt it; my memoryâs drawing blanks.
Maybe itâs just that her aesthetics are easy on the eye, hence the resonance.
â