From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 193

“Ann, where did you get that evening gown? It’s absolutely stunning! Looks like a couture piece, doesn’t it?”

Anthea replied with a smile, “Not only is this gown a head–turner, but it also has a unique feature.”

“What feature?”

“It’s temperature–regulated,” Anthea added with a hint of pride.

“Temperature–regulated?” The skepticism was clear on everyone’s faces.

Anthea nodded slightly and proceeded to evangelize the virtues of her high–tech gown to the intrigued crowd.

The idea of a dress that could defy the elements seemed almost too good to be true.

Seeing the doubt in their eyes, Anthea lifted the hem of her gown, revealing a stretch of her fair, elegant calf. “Just feel this fabric, and you’ll understand.”

With a mix of curiosity and skepticism, the others reached out and touched the hem.

The gala was held in a semi–open venue.

In December, Capital City was gripped by the chill of winter.

All the female celebs were dressed in thin, fashionable gowns, shivering in the cold, but from Anthea’s dress emanated a continuous source of warmth. It was especially cozy.

“Ann, may I touch your hand?” asked a long–haired woman, eyeing Anthea cautiously.

“Of course,” Anthea responded, nodding.

The woman grasped Anthea’s hand, finding it pleasantly warm.

Compared to Anthea, the difference was stark: while they were freezing in their flimsy gowns, Anthea’s hand was a cocoon of warmth. It was then that the women started to believe that her dress truly could regulate its temperature.

Such an invention was nothing short of a miracle for female streamers who were constantly in the spotlight at red carpet events and international functions.

“Ann, where can I buy a dress like yours?”

“I want one too!”

“Count me in.”

“We should start a group chat. I’ll send you the boutique’s website later, but you need to order their gowns in advance,” Anthea suggested.

After the red carpet segment, Anthea made her way to the audience seats.

Upon seeing Anthea, Sarah was beside herself with excitement. “Ann, you were so cool, so sleek, and so gorgeous just now!” Sarah had been worried for Anthea at first, but the turnaround had been spectacular!

Anthea had completely outshone Rebecca, igniting Sarah’s passion so much that even chess seemed appealing now.

“Ann, how do you manage to be so amazing?”

Anthea touched her chin thoughtfully and replied with a serious tone, “Maybe it’s because I’m so attractive?”

Sarah enthusiastically agreed, “Absolutely! I mean, none of the women here can hold a candle to you! And Rebecca, I don’t know what happened to her. She used to be quite pretty, but now, looking at her again, she seems… well, kind of dull in comparison…”

Anthea had only meant to indulge in a bit of self–flattery, but Sarah’s praise was unexpectedly generous.

Still, something about Rebecca seemed off, especially during their recent encounter.

Anthea squinted her eyes thoughtfully. There was something glitchy about Rebecca. How could someone so radiant suddenly lose all their luster?

“Ann, what’s on your mind?” Sarah waved her hand in front of Anthea, snapping her out of her reverie.

“Nothing much,” Anthea replied, shaking off her thoughts.

Sarah continued, “I just saw my celebrity crush, Mr. Aiken, here too! I would love to get his autograph, but there are so many people, and I’m just too shy…”

“Mr. Aiken? Who is he?” Anthea asked, puzzled.

“Aiken! Look, there he is!” Sarah pointed at the man seated in the front row.

The man was dressed in a sharp suit and looked vaguely familiar.

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Then it hit Anthea. If she was not mistaken, that man was the leading actor from a hit TV series currently airing.

“If you like him, go for it. Don’t worry about it! Sarah, what are you afraid of? It’s not like he’s going to bite,” Anthea encouraged.

“I’m just… nervous.” said Sarah.

This was Sarah’s first time at such a high–profile event. Everywhere she looked, there were influential figures she had only seen on TV or in newspapers. She felt utterly insignificant.

“It’s alright,” Anthea reassured her with a smile. “Sarah, we’re all human. He’s just a person with the added layer of fame. There’s no need to be afraid.”

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