The StarForge production team didn't address the rumors.
They didn't have to.
By the time the third challenge aired—"Impromptu Impressions"—Lina had already been typecast by the online world as "cold," "calculating," and "Kael Marlowe's mysterious muse."
Producers leaned into it.
So did her rivals.
When her name flashed on the screen for the live improv skit rotation, the crowd buzzed with something close to bloodlust.
"She's too pretty to be funny."
"Watch her choke."
"Bet she won't even smile."
Lina stepped onto the stage anyway.
Eyes sharp. Shoulders straight.
The challenge?
Improvise a scene based on one random prop.
Her prop?
A torn umbrella.
Great.
The host grinned. "Your scene prompt is… first heartbreak under a storm. Go."
---
She didn't speak at first.
Just stood center stage, holding the ruined umbrella like a corpse.
The lights dimmed. Rain sounds cued.
Then—she moved.
No monologue. No dramatic outburst.
Just small, precise movements.
She walked. Slipped. Laughed at herself. Paused.
Then bent to fix the broken umbrella.
It wouldn't open.
She tried again.
Still wouldn't.
She stopped.
And whispered, "It's okay. I still have hands."
Then walked off-stage, umbrella dragging behind her like a broken memory.
Silence.
Then applause.
Then—roaring, standing ovation applause.
---
Backstage, one of the veteran actors clapped her on the back. "That was art."
Riven handed her a bottle of water. "Didn't think you had humor in you."
She smirked. "I didn't. I had grief."
> [System Notification: Emotional Resonance Achieved – Viral Clip Confirmed]
Global Share Rate: +370% | Subscriber Growth Surge
Passive Skill Unlocked: "Stage Presence – Tier 2"
You are now being followed by: Yūki Sato, Director of Flesh and Fog*
---
But not everyone clapped.
Later, in her dressing room, her phone buzzed with a private message.
From an unknown number.
> "You stole the light again. So we're stealing your air time."
—M
And just like that, the teaser trailer for the next episode had been edited.
Her scene was gone.
Kyra stormed in moments later, phone in hand. "They cut your moment!"
"I know."
"You going to let them?"
Lina closed her eyes, then opened them slow.
"No."
> [System Override Request: Activate 'Public Redirect Protocol'?]
Estimated Reach: 4.8 million | Influence Surge: High
"Yes."
Confirmed. Uploading alternate scene via secure verified channel.
---
An hour later, #BrokenUmbrellaScene trended in six countries.
The unedited version.
Posted from Lina's verified account with the caption:
> "If you're going to erase me, at least be honest about it."
Kael reposted it with a single word:
> "Unstoppable."
And beneath it, one comment that stood out:
> "The moment she opened her mouth, I forgot every rumor I heard."