165: School Anniversary Dance

An email arrived on Carter's phone, notifying her that she had been shortlisted for the in-person audition for the female lead.

Anna's expression changed drastically as she thought, *How is that possible? Someone like Carter actually got shortlisted.*

Anna opened her own phone to check her emails; an email from the audition team of Magic Paradise Film and Television Company had already been sent.

Anna's heart raced when she saw it. Taking a deep breath, she opened the email.

"We regret to inform you that you have not been selected this time."

Anna felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Someone like Carter was chosen, while she had been rejected.

A sense of humiliation surged in her heart instantly.

Jenny added fuel to the fire from the side: "Anna, you actually weren't selected."

Watching Carter's table celebrating, Anna couldn't bear the thought of losing to someone like her.

Anna charged fiercely toward Carter, giving her a fright. Seeing this, Roy immediately pulled Carter aside; Anna looked like she was about to hit someone, and Roy was afraid she would get physical with Carter.

Anna: "Carter, are you only capable of hiding behind men?"

Carter usually had no interaction with Anna, so she didn't understand why Anna was suddenly looking for trouble. "What exactly do you want?"

Anna glared at Carter. Her pride told her that she had to defeat this person and trample her underfoot to prove her own excellence.

"Carter, how about we make a bet for the school's anniversary party the night after tomorrow? Let's see which one of us can win the title of campus queen."

The school held an Anniversary Ball every year on the date of its founding, which happened to be the night after tomorrow.

The title of campus queen represented the most popular and charming person in the school. Last year's campus queen was Jenny.

Unlike other schools, those who had been nominated for campus queen could not participate again, as the focus was on giving others a chance. Since Jenny couldn't participate, it should be her turn this year.

This kind of anniversary required formal attire and dancing. Carter disliked such occasions; she didn't have many friends, and most of them were introverts who didn't like joining in on crowded events.

Carter didn't want to compete with Anna, but seeing her hesitation, Anna deliberately provoked her:

"What, too scared to compete? You must know that you're essentially just an ugly, cowardly person with no taste or talent."

No one would be happy being talked to like that, and Carter was instantly stung by Anna's words.

"There's nothing to be afraid of. If you want to compete, let's compete."

At those words, a smug smile appeared on Anna's face. "Good. In that case, if you lose, you'll admit you're ugly and vulgar, and then you'll quit the cast of avatar."

Carter's expression shifted. She had worked so hard to get this opportunity; whether the audition was successful or not, she had to give it her all. How could she quit?

Anna was clearly digging a pit for her, and the worst part was that she had already fallen into it.

Carter: "I... this..."

Anna: "Scared? Aren't you supposed to be so great? You don't even dare to take a bet of this level?"

Roy wanted to advise Carter not to be impulsive, as this was a hard-won opportunity. Carter lowered her head in thought. She had never been competitive growing up, but when had she become someone who could be bullied like this, someone so weak?

Looking at Anna's overbearing face, Carter suddenly felt a surge of explosive energy.

"Fine, I'll compete with you. But if I win the title of campus queen, you have to apologize to me in front of everyone and admit that you're inferior to me."

Anna sneered. Her, inferior to Carter? She was certainly a dreamer.

"Fine, it's a deal."

Lu Qingyu was thoroughly enjoying the drama from the side. A plot from a foreign campus movie was playing out right before his eyes—how exciting!

Wouldn't it be a waste of hype if this wasn't promoted a bit?

Lu Qingyu ate his meal with great enthusiasm. After Anna left, Carter felt as if all the strength had drained from her body. Once she calmed down, she suddenly felt a bit of regret.

"Roy, was I too impulsive just now?"

Roy: "Yes."

Hans: "But you were so cool just now."

Hans's eyes held a hint of admiration and worship, but Carter felt like crying.

"The Anniversary Ball is the day after tomorrow, so what should I do?"

Roy: "Anna has always been second on the school's Popularity Rankings. First place is Jenny, and since Jenny isn't attending the ball this year..."

Lu Qingyu: "Then where does Carter rank in popularity?"

Carter's expression turned bitter. "I'm not on the list!"

Hans gasped. He hadn't paid attention to this list, but supposedly there were a hundred names on it. That would mean Carter was..."

In that case, Carter really had been impulsive.

Hans: "Carter, what gave you the courage?"

Carter wanted to die. "My wardrobe only has pants, no dresses!"

"And one more important thing, Carter—do you have a date?"

Carter was suddenly struck with fear. She instinctively looked at Roy, who jumped in surprise.

"Even though I'm a guy, you know we're like sisters, right?"

Carter turned her gaze to Hans, who looked apologetic. "Sorry, Carter. I have work and can't attend the anniversary."

Carter's gaze shifted to Lu Qingyu. Aside from the two friends she knew, he was the only one left at the table.

Carter looked at Hans, signaling for him to introduce them. Hans understood and immediately introduced the two.

Although Carter wasn't familiar with Lu Qingyu, she had gossiped about him with Roy. Especially since the video of Lu Qingyu fighting Stan had spread around campus, everyone was very curious about him.

Carter tentatively asked Lu Qingyu, "Lu, do you have time? Could you be my date?"

Lu Qingyu just liked watching the drama, but he had no interest in getting involved.

"I'm not attending the anniversary."

Carter lowered her head in disappointment. It was over—she had failed before she even started!

Now she couldn't even find a date. How was she supposed to win the title of campus queen?

There's a saying: 'If you don't seek death, you won't die,' and she was feeling the truth of it now.

Roy patted Carter's shoulder. "It's okay. I'll go with you to pick out a dress this afternoon and make sure you look absolutely beautiful."

Less than five minutes after Anna left, the news that she was competing with Carter for the title of campus queen was known by everyone.

The level of attention this matter received exceeded their expectations. This school was already quite famous, and besides the school clubs reporting news for the anniversary, a few social reporters would also pay attention. However, someone had posted: 'Campus Fashion Blonde vs. avatar female lead Candidate: Who will win the title of campus queen?'

Below were two photos: one was a beautiful shot of Anna, and the other was a disheveled image of Carter in a plaid shirt and black pants, wearing thick-framed glasses and heavy bangs while carrying a stack of books.