Being a live broadcast, eagle-eyed viewers in the online chat room couldn't help but notice the lights emanating from other tables, while Ariana's hadn't. They could only sympathize through comments.

"This is a bitter pill to swallow. Was she dragged here as mere fill -up?"

“Even as a fill-up, there usually should be people with her. She's standing solo in this ordeal."

In addition to the sympathy, some viewers directed their criticism her way.

“Which bigwig would let a minnow enterprise like hers join them?

Everyone else here is a major-league player. How dare she, a nobody in the business, even think of contending? It's sheer folly for her to join the race. She's practically asking for the gallows!"

"Absolutely, which of these industry giants doesn't flaunt a noteworthy figure? Why would they need an insignificant person to pad the numbers?"

Some viewers went a step further, embarking on an expedition to delve into Ariana's corporate roots, using that information as ammunition to taunt her in the chat.

“Her company seems freshly minted, likely conjured just for this show, right?"

“She's probably got money on her mind, but I'm dying to know where she snagged that golden invitation from."

“What a squandered slot. Letting her company jostle in this contest was a total frittering away. It's bordering on deceit, and who in their right mind would step onto her ship?"

"The contestants aren't greenhorns. Outfits without skin in the game will be weeded out in the opening round, anyhow!"

Yet, some observant viewers zeroed in on Ariana's tranquil disposition and posted praises in her recognition.

“But this lady exudes a certain aura, like a potential star in her own right."

"True, her poise is impeccable. Throughout, she's been cool as a cucumber, never showing the whites of her eyes. She looks remarkably cultured and sophisticated."

"I've got a hunch that I've seen her in the headlines somewhere."

"I doubt it; my memory's drawing blanks. Maybe it's just that her aesthetics are easy on the eye, hence the resonance."

Amid the tumultuous sea of judgments, Ariana maintained her seat with composed detachment. Even as her marked choices drifted away into other people's arms, she donned a smile, keeping an eagle eye on the candidates in the room.

At that juncture, two young men sauntered to the stage. They stood tall, bearing strapping physiques, but their faces were a canvas of heavy makeup, and their hair cascaded in natural curls. With a striking resemblance, it was evident they were twins.

After exchanging pleasantries with the assembly, the duo unfurled their act.