The big screen suddenly lit up with a video, showing two people who had clearly taken a payoff—exactly the two judges who’d refused to turn on their lights for Amelia Johnson.
The one handing out the cash was Sophia Lee’s assistant, Li Xiao, though most people didn’t recognize her on camera.
Their conversation was even more explosive.
“Relax. Since we took the money, there’s no way we’re letting contestant No. 8 move on.”
“But you’d better keep it flawless. Don’t let anyone notice you’re being paid off.”
“Hah, we’re pros. How could anyone possibly catch us?”
In an instant, the audience erupted—shouting, booing, furious.
The livestream chat went nuclear, cursing the two judges so hard it practically scorched the screen.
“This is the truth.”
The chief director to
