Chapter 150 What's Gotten Into You?
Oliver was about to get up and find a quiet spot to take the call when Leopold and Simon both pressed down on his shoulders at the same time.
Leopold signaled for everyone to hush, and Simon quickly turned off the music.
Their moves were quick and in sync.
Oliver gulped, feeling the pressure.
On the other end, Camilla had spent a long time deciding to make this call.
Bella's contract was about to expire, and if they didn't renew with Debra, they'd need a new editor. And this editor had to be reliable, preferably with experience in publishing suspense and thriller books.
Of course, it would be even better if they had promotional resources.
After much thought, the only person Camilla could think of in the media and publishing industry was Oliver.
Camilla's hesitation wasn't about whether to ask Oliver for help because she knew that if Oliver had the resources, he would definitely introduce them to her.
Even though she and Leopold had broken up, her relationship with Oliver had already developed its own distinct dynamic.
The only thing Camilla hesitated about was whether she should make this decision for Bella or talk to her first.
But then she remembered that when she called home this morning, Alistair said, "Bella has been on a creative streak, staying up late for a week and still full of energy. I even have to be careful when digging and fertilizing in the backyard, afraid of disturbing her."
If she brought it up to Bella now, it would definitely interrupt her creative process.
So, after much thought, Camilla decided to make the decision herself.
After all, she was just looking for an editor first; whether to accept or not would still be up to Bella.
Besides, there was no guarantee she would find one.
Camilla asked, "Oliver, are you busy right now?"
Oliver replied, "Not busy at all. Even if I were, I'd make time to take your call, Camilla!"
"I have something important to ask for your help with."
Oliver immediately sat up straight. "Go ahead, Camilla, I'll do whatever it takes!"
"Here's the thing..."
Camilla briefly explained Bella's situation. Oliver listened attentively, nodding occasionally and softly responding.
Leopold watched Oliver and suddenly felt he was a bit unfamiliar.
Oliver's attitude towards Camilla wasn't like treating a friend's ex-girlfriend, but rather a friend on equal footing.
But why?
Camilla and Oliver met through him, and now that Camilla and he had broken up, she could still keep in touch with Oliver?
And Oliver treated Camilla with genuine sincerity.
Although Oliver always seemed friendly and easygoing, deep down, every one of them was arrogant and proud.
The so-called "friendliness" was often just for show, discarded as soon as they turned around.
Thinking of this, Leopold's gaze towards Oliver sharpened.
With Marcus as a precedent, it was hard not to think in that direction.
Oliver said, "Camilla, I understand what you mean. However, although I have investments in the cultural sector, they are mostly in new media and online short dramas. As for publishing..."
He scratched his head in frustration and suddenly looked up at Simon.
"Camilla, Simon recently invested in a publishing house, which I heard ranks in the top three in the domestic publishing industry. Their focus is mainly on textbooks and traditional novels, which perfectly fits your criteria. How about I ask him for you?"
Camilla thought for a moment but didn't say anything right away.
Oliver didn't push her. "Camilla, how about I ask him for you first? It might not work out, but it's worth a shot."
He knew she didn't want to owe Simon a favor, so he decided to take the initiative.
"Camilla, have a good night. I'll hang up now," Oliver said, ending the call.
Simon couldn't help but sneer, "Look at you, what did Camilla give you to make you so eager to help?"
Oliver shot back, "You don't get it. I treat my friends with sincerity. If it's not your scene, don't play judge."
"Friends?" Simon raised an eyebrow. "She broke up with Leopold, so where does this deep friendship come from?"
Leopold glanced at Oliver, curious.
Oliver sat up straight, his expression serious. "That's not how it is. Camilla helped me before. Even though she's not with Leopold anymore, it doesn't affect my friendship with her."
"Helped you?" Simon's eyes flashed with curiosity. "Helped you with what?"
Oliver cleared his throat, "It's a long story. Let's not get into it now. Let's drink. By the way, Simon, I need your help with something."
"Hey, I need to use the restroom first," Simon said, quickly slipping away.
Oliver was puzzled, feeling like Simon did it on purpose.
Simon really did do it on purpose. He walked out of the private room, didn't go to the restroom, but headed to the terrace and lit a cigarette.
Simon frowned, clearly troubled, pacing back and forth occasionally.
His frustration was obvious.
After finishing one cigarette, he lit another, occasionally taking a puff, but mostly letting it burn.
Suddenly, Simon stubbed out the cigarette, as if he had made a decision, and took out his phone to dial a number.
On the other end, after hanging up with Oliver, Camilla had put her phone on the coffee table and went to take a shower.
When she came out and dried her hair, she noticed two missed calls.
The number was unfamiliar, from Imperial City.
She thought for a moment and called back. The other end picked up quickly.
"Hello, who is this?"
Simon was speechless.
He chuckled lightly, "Camilla, we've known each other for years, and you don't have my number saved?"
The most annoying part was that she had Oliver's number saved but not his! Playing favorites, huh?
Hearing Simon's voice, Camilla was first stunned, then puzzled, "Simon, you..." She couldn't figure out why he called to say these. 'What's gotten into you?' she wondered.
"I was there when you called Oliver."
Camilla said, "So?"
"Oliver said I have the resources and can help. Why didn't you call me? I have tons of editor resources!"
Camilla replied, "I didn't have your number. And Oliver said he would ask you for me."
Simon was at a loss for words.
"Camilla, do you know the most important thing when asking for help?"
"What?"
Simon said, "The most important thing is to find the right person! Having Oliver ask me is fundamentally different from you asking me directly, understand?"
Camilla said, "Honestly, not really. So, you're calling to remind me to ask you directly?"
Simon raised his chin slightly, "Of course! I don't like owing favors. You helped me before, and I haven't repaid you."
Camilla was momentarily dazed.
If Simon hadn't brought it up, she would have forgotten.
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