Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Naomi Kenway Takes the Center Position

Jeanette Kensington was slightly taken aback, giving Renee Jennings a complicated look.

Intimidated by the stare, Renee Jennings felt a sudden chill. She coughed lightly into her hand, feeling awkward. “I really didn’t mean anything by it. You’re not mad, are you?”

Just as Ruby Preston was about to step in and smooth things over, Jeanette Kensington smiled. She leaned in toward the camera, studying it intently for a few seconds. “That’s true. Nicole has always been very photogenic, but…” Her tone shifted, and her gaze settled back on Naomi Kenway. “Our task this time is to dance. Nicole can learn a thing or two from me.”

Naomi Kenway gave a noncommittal hum. ’If it weren’t for the show’s rules, I wouldn’t want anything to do with Jeanette Kensington.’

Renee Jennings sullenly looked away. ’I thought that would set them off for sure, but who knew Jeanette would defuse it so easily? She didn’t deny Naomi’s beauty and even managed to highlight her own strength in the process.’

When it came to dancing, Naomi Kenway was indeed no match for Jeanette Kensington.

[Who is this Renee Jennings? Some no-name influencer? Does she have any taste at all? Our Jeanette is an idol with goddess-level visuals, praised in both Celestia and Hansea!]

[Get lost, Naomi Kenway, you plastic surgery monster. I guess any old freak can be called beautiful these days?]

[Naomi Kenway looks so aggressive. Her face just isn’t my type. Our Jeanette is still the most beautiful.]

[Jeanette Kensington’s fans are so stubborn. As a neutral observer, even I can’t stand it. Anyone with eyes can see who’s prettier, can’t they? Say what you will about Naomi Kenway, but her looks haven’t faltered one bit since her debut. She’s as stunning as ever. I didn’t want to say anything, but Jeanette’s fans are a real turn-off.]

[Are Jeanette Kensington’s fans some kind of cult?]

[For your information, Renee is a famous short-video blogger and an actress. She’s not as awful as you all are making her out to be, okay?]

[Why does Renee act without thinking nowadays? Is she okay? Does she have any emotional intelligence?]

[Renee already apologized! Everyone has a slip of the tongue now and then, and this is the first time for our Renee.]

…

While the guests appeared harmonious on screen, the livestream chat was endlessly debating “Who is prettier: Naomi Kenway or Jeanette Kensington?” Jeanette Kensington’s massive fanbase dissed every netizen who held a different opinion, turning off many neutral viewers in the process.

Upbeat, rhythmic music began to play, and Jeanette Kensington started her demonstration. Her movements were as fluid as running water, the gardenias on her skirt swaying gracefully.

When the music stopped, Jeanette Kensington bowed slightly. “Please excuse my clumsy performance.”

“That was wonderful,” Ruby Preston praised, starting to applaud.

Applause soon filled the room.

A dazed look came over Naomi Kenway’s face. She remembered her ninth birthday. Her mother had taken her to find Jackson Kensington at a café. He had rented out the entire place to celebrate Jeanette Kensington’s birthday with his first love. The staff clapped along as they sang “Happy Birthday,” while Jeanette, in a princess dress and birthday hat, danced. They looked like one big, disgusting family.

Even after so many years, the shock of that scene was still seared into Naomi Kenway’s mind, impossible to forget.

Afterward, Rose Kenway had a huge fight with Jackson Kensington. ’I don’t know what kind of excuse Jackson fabricated, but he somehow managed to fool Mom into believing him again.’

’Jeanette and I share the same birthday, but she’s a year older. Father’s affair must have started a long time ago—maybe even before he married Mom.’

Gazing at the gardenias on Jeanette Kensington’s skirt, a vicious glint appeared in Naomi Kenway’s eyes.

Few people knew that gardenias had been Rose Kenway’s favorite flower.

Ian Shaw ran over to Naomi Kenway, quickly sensing that something was wrong with his mother’s mood. He called out anxiously, “Mom! Mom!”

Naomi Kenway snapped out of her daze and lifted Ian into her arms.

As Ian’s cool, soft cheek pressed against hers, the anger in Naomi’s heart suddenly subsided.

“Mom…” Ian kept calling to her, rubbing his small face against hers in his own way of comforting her.

Naomi Kenway hugged Ian tighter. ’I’m not alone anymore.’

Margaret Jennings glanced over, asking with concern, “Nicole, you look a bit pale. Is something wrong?”

Naomi Kenway shook her head. “I’m fine. It’s probably just a little hot.”

Margaret Jennings agreed. “It is a bit warmer today. Strange, considering how cool it was the past couple of days.”

Jeanette Kensington walked over. “I’ll sort out the positions for everyone.” A smile flickered in her eyes. “Everyone is so talented, let me think about the best arrangement…”

Not wanting to miss a chance to shine, Renee Jennings quickly raised her hand. “Me! I’ve been dancing since I was a kid, and I think I’m pretty good. I’d like to…”

Jeanette Kensington cut her off before she could finish. “I don’t think you’re the right fit.” Her gaze shifted, sweeping over the group before finally landing on Naomi Kenway. “I think Nicole is more suitable. Why don’t you take the center position?”

Renee Jennings gritted her teeth in frustration. ’So Naomi has a good relative after all. I thought they didn’t get along, but Jeanette is still showing her favoritism.’

Naomi Kenway narrowed her eyes. She didn’t see this as a “good opportunity” at all. A slight smirk played on her crimson lips. “Is that really appropriate? I can’t dance. With so many senior performers here, should I really be in the center position?”

Jeanette Kensington’s smile never wavered. “I’m just arranging by height to create the best visual effect. After training for so many years in Hansea, I’d like to think I have some experience in this.” She added humbly, “But what do our senior members think?”

Since Jeanette had put it that way, the other guests naturally had no objections.

Ruby Preston said, “I think it’s a great idea. Nicole is beautiful and young; she’s perfect for the center position.”

Renee Jennings still couldn’t let it go. “But Nina has never learned to dance, right? I don’t think she’s suited for the center position…”

An unreadable smile played on Jeanette Kensington’s lips. Of course, she knew Naomi Kenway was completely clueless when it came to dancing.

“The dance I’ve chosen isn’t very difficult. It’s not a problem to master it in a day.” She paused. “As long as you’re not too slow.”

Renee Jennings opened her mouth to argue, but then closed it. She couldn’t just call Naomi Kenway stupid in front of all these cameras.

Chelsea Raines, however, had no such scruples. She sneered, “In that case, I suggest we pick someone else. We can’t have one person dragging down the entire team.”

Her resentment toward Naomi Kenway had only grown since their last encounter.

Margaret Jennings couldn’t stand it any longer and spoke up for Naomi. “That’s a nasty thing to say. It’s not like you’re a world-class dancer yourself, are you? And even if you were, does that give you the right to mock others?”

Ruby Preston added, “This is Nicole’s first time trying something like this. What she needs most is encouragement. I don’t think we need to be so harsh.”

“I…” Chelsea Raines didn’t dare say another word.

Jeanette Kensington lowered her eyes, a thoughtful expression on her face as she sized up Naomi Kenway. ’It seems my dear little sister’s social skills have improved quite a bit. Look at all these people protecting her.’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep