Chapter 293 Copycat Tilda
Can Tilda really have the guts to defend herself on a global livestream? With such solid evidence against her, it would have been understandable if she had just run away in fear! Erica was eager to see what kind of excuses Tilda would come up with!
“Let’s go!”
At that moment, many people in the audience were buzzing about the trending search of “Copycat Tilda.” Crowds began to buzz with chatter.
“I can’t believe the representative from Cetherland is actually a copycat…”
“Yeah, I thought this work had a real shot at winning the world championship.”
“Now forget the championship, making a mistake this big shames her entire country!”
“Do you think when she goes home, people will throw rotten eggs at her? Maybe even toss her in jail?”
“With a scandal this huge, she’ll probably end up in an international lawsuit.”
Professor Linscott clenched his fists as he listened. “I believe in Tilda! She couldn’t have plagiarized! There must be a reason behind this!” But even as he spoke, his voice wavered. Tilda’s style was too similar to X’s work. Even though he wanted to support his student, the overwhelming evidence left him at a loss.
At that moment, Andy squinted his green eyes, as if he were deep in thought. Suddenly, a possibility struck him, and a small smile appeared on his lips. “Professor Linscott, don’t worry. Once you hear Tilda’s explanation, you’ll understand.”
“Mr. Saville, do you know something…?” Seeing Andy’s confidence, Linscott started to press him for more details…
Just then, the announcement came over the loudspeaker. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an urgent announcement regarding the trending topic online about Tilda’s plagiarism. Our committee has taken notice. After consulting with Tilda, she has decided to take the stage and clarify the situation.”
The announcement was translated into various languages. Then, Tilda stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.
Originally, the global livestream for this competition had only attracted a few comments. After all, most people weren’t that interested in “art.” The real draw had been the legendary Myst making a public appearance. But now, “Copycat Tilda” shot up the trendy search, with piles of solid evidence to back it up. And the worst part–Tilda had stolen from X. The long–vanished artist was still treated like a legend on overseas anime forums. Anime fans packed a serious punch.
Suddenly, the comments flooded the screen.
[Trash from Cetherland, get out of the competition!]
[Copycat Tilda, shameless!]
[How dare you steal from my idol X, total crap!]
[Demanding a harsher punishment–lock her up for life!]
Countless insults and attacks on Tilda streamed by at lightning speed. Even though the administrators tried desperately to block users and filter sensitive words, it was useless. They eventually gave up trying to manage it. Back in Cetherland, Jude and the others did their best to clean up Tilda’s image, and it looked like people were finally starting to cool off. But it didn’t seem to affect Tilda much in the international forums; the comments were overwhelming.
The five judges also stepped forward onto the stage.
“Tilda, why did you do this? Don’t you realize that in such a major global competition, plagiarism can’t be hidden? You’re not just ruining your own reputation, but also your country’s!” Erica was the first to attack. The other three judges looked at Tilda with disdain. With such solid evidence, how could Tilda still have the guts to stand there and defend herself on a global livestream? Tilda might not give a damn about her own name, but everyone else sure did. This global event was now tainted because of Tilda’s actions! If they had known, they wouldn’t have taken on this judging role!
Myst interjected, “Shut up, Erica. Listen to her first.” His voice carried a hint of anger.
Erica was furious, nearly grinding her teeth to dust. The evidence is so clear-cut. Tilda’s plagiarism is undeniable. Yet Myst is still defending this copycat! Could it be… Myst really doesn’t care? Does he really have feelings for Tilda? What’s so special about her, really? She’s childish, her attitude’s all over the place, and next to someone polished like Erica, she doesn’t even come close. How could Myst not notice that?
Tilda glanced gratefully at Myst.
Initially, she hadn’t been interested in this legendary genius. But after meeting Myst in person and feeling that familiar connection, along with his support… Tilda knew she’d made a true friend!
Kyla watched all of this, smugly sipping her yogurt. Even though Myst was still defending Tilda, which annoyed Kyla, it didn’t matter. Sure, it irritated her that Myst was still defending Tilda. But it didn’t matter. She was just looking forward to seeing Tilda crawling on the ground, crying and begging for forgiveness.