Chapter 189

The night before the third episode of the show was due to air, Winnie received news from the EU Supernatural Department.

Due to the Department’s physical training requirements, all new students were to report to the academy two weeks early for a rigorous, closed–door boot camp.

In simpler terms: military training.

Upon receiving the message, Winnie immediately discussed it with Baily and Bagot at the production team’s office.

“I won’t be able to participate in the next two episodes,” she said bluntly, dropping the bombshell that left Baily and Bagot’s faces drained of color.

After the revelation last episode that Winnie was the heiress to the Bright Group, her online popularity had skyrocketed.

Not to mention that over the course of the show, Winnie had consistently topped the charts in personal popularity and discussion – even outshining the fan–favorite, Kane.

Hearing that Winnie would miss the next two episodes was something the production team just couldn’t accept.

“Look, we can shuffle the shooting schedule around, don’t just bail on us,” Baily tried to persuade her.

“And what about your academy? Can’t you get out of boot camp with a doctor’s note or something? We can pull some strings if that’s what it takes,” Bagot chimed in, suggesting that no girl, especially in the sweltering summer heat, would be keen on military training.

Winnie listened to their pleas, her expression unfazed as she replied, “I can’t miss the academy’s early reporting.”

She pondered for a moment and then offered seriously, “If taking leave is difficult for the show, I can step down and recommend another talented supernatural expert to take my place.”

Baily and Bagot looked even more horrified at the prospect of her leaving the show for good than they were about her missing two episodes.

“No way!” Baily declared without hesitation, “I’ll talk to the showrunners. School comes first – we’ll fit in as best we can with your schedule!”

Winnie eyed Baily, then Bagot, uncertain, “Are you sure this won’t give you trouble?”

Both shook their heads in unison, “No trouble at all. It’s common for celebs to take a break from shows for schools. Starting university is not something to take lightly.”

Despite their words, Baily and Bagot could barely muster a forced smile.

12.21 This tension lingered until the arrival of the other guests and the imminent start of the live broadcast.

The new quest for this episode wasn’t kept under wraps by the production team; he was Introduced openly among the other guests as they awaited the live broadcast.

To everyone’s surprise, after previous guest debacles, this episode’s stand–in, Joseph, was a well–

known figure in the industry.

A child actor, Joseph, now just nineteen and with fifteen years in the business, was a familiar face, having played the younger versions of lead characters in numerous films and TV shows.

In short, he had a fantastic reputation with the general public.

With his youthful good looks and an air of boyish charm, Joseph quickly drew the live audience’s attention.

“Hi everyone, I’m Joseph, thrilled to be here on ‘Ghostly Guidance. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the guests on the show,” he said with a candid smile that sent the viewers into a frenzy.

The comments section exploded with reactions:

“Long time no see, Joseph!”

–

*Joseph’s all grown up they say boys change so much at eighteen, and my first love is now a campus heartthrob!”

“Baby, I love you!”

“I like Joseph, but I’m a bit worried about him, given the ‘curse‘ of being the sixth guest on this show.”

“What curse? The previous guests were just reckless, let’s not start rumors, okay?”

“Our Joseph has been in the spotlight since he was a kid, he won’t fall because of some curse screenshot this for proof!”

–

“I retract my earlier comment; standing up against the curse is risky.”

“Are all the new guests greeted with such hostility here? I just want to quietly watch Joseph.”

“Can someone tell me who’s older, Joseph or Winnie?”

The last comment drew the viewers‘ attention, and on the other side of the live broadcast, Joseph seemed to realize his oversight.

He turned and flashed a smile at Winnie, saying, “Almost forgot, this one’s for you.”

He reached out his hand, like a scene from a teen drama depicting a fresh encounter between young stars, “Nice to meet you, Winnie. I’m Joseph,”

The morning light bathed them both, casting an almost magical glow around them.

The other guests watched in surprise, while the audience went wild online:

–

“Oh my god, Joseph’s intro is like a scene from a romantic drama is this actually a dating show?”

“This is a supernatural adventure show, let’s not jump to conclusions.”

“Even so, I’m kind of shipping this. Producers, please, can we switch to a dating format?”

Behind the monitoring screen, Bagot was fuming at the fans‘ wild suggestions.

It was a supernatural adventure show, changing it to a romance was out of the question!

Already irked by the possibility of Winnie missing future recordings, Bagot’s mood worsened.

Meanwhile, Winnie regarded Joseph’s extended hand without a hint of emotional turmoil, maintaining the same poise and composure as when she shook hands with Naylor in the first episode. She greeted him with a light handshake and then let go.

“Nice to meet you,” Winnie said politely, then turned to Candace, “What were you asking me earlier?”

referring to a question Candace had posed just before the show went live.

Candace caught sight of Winnie, who appeared unfazed by the live camera rolling in front. of them.

With the casual air of someone starting small talk, Candace inquired, “Hey Winnie, what were you chatting about with Bagot just now? He seemed a bit down in the dumps.”

With that single comment, Candace shifted the attention of the others from the newcomer straight to Winnie.

Kane couldn’t resist chiming in with a playful tone, “What’s got Bagot feeling blue? Spill the beans, I wanna hear this.”

His comment was obviously in jest, but it left Bagot feeling a bit speechless.

Winnie glanced towards Bagot off–camera, then back at the other guests, and simply said, “Oh, nothing major. Just mentioned that I’ll be taking a leave of absence and skipping the next episode’s shoot.”

The moment Winnie’s words hit the air, the atmosphere in the live stream shifted. dramatically. The audience, who had been cheerfully engaging with Winnie and the new guest, suddenly had a change of heart.

The chat exploded with emotive messages.

“What?! Winnie’s not gonna be on the next show?! WHY?!”