Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Naomi Kenway Snatched Renee Jennings’s Role

Ian Shaw lay on his little bed, covered by a thin blanket. All sorts of stuffed animals were arranged beside his pillow.

Hearing his mother’s gentle voice, Ian Shaw slowly closed his eyes.

’He didn’t actually like childish fairy tales. He just wanted to hear the love in his mother’s voice. He really wanted his mom to stay with him forever.’

Hearing Ian Shaw’s shallow breathing, Naomi Kenway knew he had fallen asleep. She put down the storybook and pressed a light kiss to Ian’s cheek. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

Naomi Kenway turned off the light and was about to push the door open to leave when she heard Ian’s faint, sleep-talking voice:

“Mommy… Ian is going to learn how to protect you…”

*

Back in the bedroom, Naomi Kenway thanked Ethan Shaw. “They say you can’t see the forest for the trees. I really should teach Ian to grow up slowly.”

Ethan Shaw put down the document in his hands. “Naomi, I’m Ian’s father.”

“So, you don’t need to thank me. I know picking up our son and reading him bedtime stories is tiring. It’s been hard on you.”

His tone was earnest.

Naomi Kenway was taken aback. Suddenly, she felt that Ethan Shaw’s usually expressionless face had softened considerably.

“You’re going to film the variety show the day after tomorrow, right?”

Naomi snapped back to reality. “Yes.”

Ethan Shaw considered for a moment, then finally said, “Get some rest.”

*

「The next day」

Naomi Kenway received a call from Ruby Preston. Her voice was full of joy. “Congratulations, Nicole! You passed the audition!”

Although she had a feeling she might get it, Naomi was still uncontrollably excited when she actually received the good news. “I… I don’t know how to describe how thrilled I am. I have to thank you, Ruby, for recommending me.”

’The feeling of getting a script through connections couldn’t compare to this sense of accomplishment.’

Ruby Preston said, “This wasn’t my doing. This is the result of your own hard work, day and night. Nicole, you really didn’t disappoint me. I’m very much looking forward to your performance.”

“Honestly, your audition was brilliant. It was such a vibrant performance; it truly took me by surprise. If you want to make a name for yourself in the acting world, this could be an excellent springboard. Seize this opportunity to shatter the public’s perception of you. Shock them all, just like you surprised me on the day of your audition!”

Naomi Kenway’s heart was also filled with hope for the future.

“I’ll send you the date to join the production team later. You have the variety show taping tomorrow, so I won’t disturb your rest. Nicole, see you tomorrow!”

“See you tomorrow, Ruby.”

Laura Grant’s call came through next. “You must have heard already, right? You passed the audition! Congratulations, Naomi! We’ve taken a huge step forward. I heard from the teachers at your acting classes that you’re very talented and hardworking. Your efforts weren’t in vain.”

*

Youth (Official Movie Account): After a rigorous selection process, we have finally found our destined “Hugh Chandler” @NaomiKenway. Looking forward to working with you! (handshake)(handshake)

The moment the official announcement of Naomi Kenway’s successful audition was made, it instantly sparked a massive debate.

[Naomi Kenway? That pretty face who just counts “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6” for her lines? I must have woken up too fast. I’m going back to sleep.]

[For real? Did Naomi Kenway’s team hack the account? Today’s not April Fool’s Day, don’t make jokes like this. I have a weak heart.]

[Naomi Kenway…? It’s… hard to know what to say about this.]

[Since you bought the rights, can you please just film it properly? Stop pulling these kinds of stunts! Why are you using Naomi Kenway to ruin the original novel?!]

[I was originally going to watch this for Cade Preston and Luke Lowell, but how did this piece of crap Naomi Kenway suddenly get added?! I’m out!]

[Didn’t Director Preston say it would be absolutely fair and just? I can’t believe money still talked in the end. Hugh Chandler isn’t a minor role. This movie is doomed!]

[I was just starting to become a fan of Naomi Kenway, why is she back to her old tricks of stealing roles from other people?]

[Director Ruby Preston, be honest, did Naomi Kenway kidnap Sean to force you to agree to this?]

…

Naomi Kenway’s Weibo comments section was flooded. A horde of original novel fans dissed her, telling her not to force herself to act when she had no talent. Some extremists even directly threatened to throw red paint on her house if she actually took the role.

Regarding the latter threat, Naomi Kenway wasn’t scared in the slightest. After all, the security here was exceptionally good.

Laura Grant called her to confirm once again how she got the role.

Naomi Kenway answered with certainty. This was a role she had earned through her own ability. A clear conscience fears no accusation.

Receiving a firm answer, Laura Grant reassured her and told her to stay off social media for a while, adding that she would resolve the matter quickly.

Naomi Kenway trusted Laura Grant’s efficiency and didn’t bother to worry about the issue any further.

Ruby Preston wasn’t spared either. A mob of self-proclaimed “crusaders for justice” accused her of taking bribes to make a terrible movie.

A flock of clickbait marketing accounts started stirring up drama over the incident. The gist of their articles was that Naomi Kenway and Ruby Preston had gotten along well on the parenting variety show, so Naomi must have used her connection to get the role.

Besides this theory, the marketing accounts also fabricated another “cause and effect” that netizens would find more believable: the powerful backers behind Naomi Kenway had made a move again, helping her snatch an opportunity that wasn’t hers to begin with. And that opportunity was originally supposed to belong to—Renee Jennings.

*

Renee Jennings had noticed the official announcement from the ’Youth’ production team early that morning. She never would have dreamed that Naomi Kenway would get the role.

After a brief moment of shock and disappointment, a tremendous rage surged within her.

’Ruby Preston and Naomi Kenway got along so well on the variety show. They had most likely struck some kind of shady deal.’

The reaction from netizens online was intense, especially from the original novel’s fans. Renee Jennings seized the opportunity, working with marketing accounts to publish numerous posts.

After doing all this, Renee Jennings breathed a sigh of relief.

’If Naomi Kenway wanted to use such disgraceful means to get the role, she’d have to see if public opinion would allow it.’

As the posts spread, many people flooded Renee Jennings’s comment section to “seek confirmation.” Renee’s replies were vague but dripping with a sense of being wronged, which undoubtedly solidified Naomi Kenway’s “guilt” in their eyes.

Just as the matter reached its peak, a set of audition videos was released by the official ’Youth’ production team account. It was the two clips from Naomi Kenway’s audition. In response to the accusations of replacing an actor, the account also released Renee Jennings’s audition clips. The public’s eyes are sharp; with the two side-by-side, netizens quickly made up their own minds.

[Is this really Naomi Kenway’s audition tape? Hiss… No way. When did her acting get this good? It’s not an exaggeration to say she’s completely transformed…]

[Naomi Kenway’s performance clearly has more presence than Renee Jennings’s. There’s no way you can say Naomi stole the role from Renee…]

[You really can’t blame everyone for reacting that way. Who could have guessed Naomi Kenway’s acting would change this much? It’s unbelievable…]

[Naomi Kenway’s expressiveness is really good! I’m already starting to look forward to it. Hope the movie comes out soon!]

[Wow, Naomi Kenway acted really well. I admit I was too quick to flame her. I’m really sorry…]

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep