Chapter 231: Chapter 231: Keep Your Distance
He wasn’t really interested in these talent shows himself; the only reason he paid attention was because his niece was participating.
Talent shows always have some insider dealings. If these dealings were truly and fully exposed, they’d probably trend online for several days.
He’d agreed to let his niece try to carve out a path of her own, yet he was always worrying and couldn’t completely let go.
He had read many online posts and comments supporting his niece. He had been worried that she, still so young, wouldn’t handle the criticism well. But now it seemed that he’d been too concerned.
Hannah’s voice was soft, becoming even happier after Arnold responded, "I also think I’m the best, but the producers and Jackie Qualls have poor judgment. I’m so good, yet they didn’t give me an A. Mr. Simmons, please make sure to get more people for me during the public performance. They can hold signs that say ’Hannah A+++++’. If they won’t give me an A, then I’ll rate myself."
"Okay," he said.
Whatever she said, the man agreed, his voice full of tolerance and indulgence.
Toward the end, Hannah figured it was about time. "Mr. Simmons, I have to hang up now. I borrowed this phone and I need to return it. It will be a while before I can contact you again. Don’t forget to think about me."
She sounded reluctant. Arnold, however, focused on another aspect, "Whose phone did you borrow?"
"James Landon’s," Hannah answered without thinking, explaining, "He’s the vocal coach brought in by the program. He complimented me on the initial stage, so I think he has the best judgment."
Arnold asked, "A guy?"
Hannah nodded, "Yeah."
On the other end of the line, President Simmons fell silent for a moment, his voice chilling slightly and carrying a heavier tone, "Keep your distance."
"No way," Hannah said, her voice full of delight, "He said he was going to write a song for me. I really like him."
That chirping glee seemed to be right in front of Arnold, even if he couldn’t see her.
Her voice was soft and sweet, a clear indicator of her euphoria.
She loved being complimented, able to stay cheerful for days from a single word of praise. He had always known this.
Now, he seemed to have forgotten that fact.
He felt somewhat helpless, yet there was nothing he could do. All he could do was instruct her, "Take care of yourself."
She laughed, "Mr. Simmons, are you jealous?"
"No."
Hannah responded with a significant, "Okay, then. I’m hanging up now~"
The sound of his niece’s pleasant laughter tickled his ear as if a gentle feather were teasing it.
He wished he could grab her and hold her in his arms right now.
The man couldn’t stand it anymore; he suddenly lost his composure, gritting his teeth, "Hannah Winter, if you dare to flirt around, I will lock you up."
Hannah didn’t seem to care, "Okay, okay, make sure it’s made of pure gold and encrusted with diamonds. I’d love that."
She hung up the phone, leaving the man on the other end feeling frustrated, darkness deepening in his eyes.
He looked at his phone for a while before laughing softly, "I’ll deal with you once you’re out."
Hannah put away the phone and, figuring the time was right, started heading out.
She ran into Louis Snyder after just a few steps.
First, she was stunned, but then quickly stepped back from Louis’s arms. Her eyes widened in surprise, "Louis? Why are you here?"
Louis had not expected to see Hannah here. Originally, he was just a bit curious and wanted to take a look, but now...
