Chapter 143 Not Everyone Willing to Take Shortcuts
This intimate behavior was enough to satisfy everyone, so there was no need for food anymore.
The elders present couldn't think of any more probing methods for a moment. Even if there were other ways, Michael was still sitting at the head of the dining table, his eyes full of spirit, constantly watching them.
Clearly, if anyone dared to bring up any topic to embarrass his granddaughter-in-law, Michael would really get angry.
However, Ms. Collins, at the next table, asked, "Miss Jessica looks very familiar. Is she from the entertainment industry?"
The term 'industry' instantly made everyone in the main hall perk up their ears.
In high society, the most taboo thing was to have a woman from the entertainment industry. Those female stars who appeared glamorous in the eyes of fans led scandalous private lives, flirted in front of the camera, lived extravagantly, and, in their eyes, couldn't possibly be respectable.
Upon hearing this, Michael couldn't possibly still be so satisfied with Jessica.
But Michael, following the conversation, looked at Jessica brightly. "Jessica looks just like those movie stars I saw when I was young. If Jessica is really from the industry, she truly exudes the same aura as those reputable actors from the past."
Jessica was about to put down Ms. Collins's utensils to round off the conversation, but Michael's words instantly elevated her status. She felt a bit embarrassed, a genuine kind of embarrassment. "Grandfather, you flatter me. Nowadays, there are countless industries, and the entertainment industry is just a job. How an actor approaches this job depends on his own perspective. In this diverse circle, with what kind of eyes one has, one sees corresponding things."
Michael nodded in agreement. "The cultural circle, which used to be good, has been disrupted by those entertainment agencies focusing on traffic. The entire market environment has also become chaotic, but there are still a few purification companies existing. We, as businessmen with sharp instincts, cannot ignore this easily overlooked part."
At this point, Michael suddenly looked at Nicholas, who was stuffing peanuts into his mouth. "Don't you think so?"
Nicholas choked a bit, raised his eyes in extreme surprise, and asked him what he meant.
It was only a moment later that he remembered he was currently in charge of Harriman Entertainment, and the company had indeed been collaborating with many film industries recently. After clearing his throat with a couple of coughs and taking a sip of water, he said, "Ah, yes, the country has been advocating for the purification of all cultural output circles, including the entertainment industry. People like my sister-in-law, who rely on acting skills, will definitely thrive in the industry. The future is bright for her, and she is undoubtedly a treasure of our country's artists!"
After speaking, Nicholas, without feeling too awkward or contrived, took the lead in applauding Jessica's bright future.
The surrounding guests fell silent.
Jessica also fell silent.
Michael, on the other hand, nodded very satisfactorily.
There was a moment of quiet in the main hall. Jessica forced herself to conceal her embarrassment and turned her eyes to Gabriel. She found that he seemed accustomed to the way Michael and Nicholas praised others, showing no surprise at all, even watching with great interest.
It seemed as if as long as he didn't feel embarrassed, no one else in the room would either.
So Jessica no longer felt embarrassed; she just picked up her glass and took a small sip, calming herself down.
The future's top artist—she had never dared to imagine that, it scared her!
Ms. Collins, at the next table, who had asked if Jessica was from the industry, originally had her back to Jessica but now turned to look at her, smiling. "Mr. Michael Harriman has a discerning eye. It seems the younger generation lacks insight, unthinkingly following others without understanding. I didn't realize Miss Jessica had such a promising future."
Michael directly replied, "Indeed, not everyone can see the brilliance of a pearl. Young people, it's not your fault."
Ms. Collins's previously composed expression changed slightly, but her gaze still remained on Jessica as she continued, "However, our company has good relations with the heads of several major domestic film industries. Whether it's at business summits or occasional private gatherings, we are frequent visitors. Miss Jessica is new to the industry and not very well-known. If needed, I can introduce you to several heads of film groups. Perhaps they can arrange more roles for you, help you produce more works, and strive to become a renowned artist in the future."
Jessica realized the difference between the Harriman family and her own family might lie here.
Anyone who could appear at Michael's birthday banquet, even if they were the daughters of major groups, young as they were, would still use those clichés, each sentence dripping with sarcasm yet seemingly supportive on the surface.
Jessica was not one to back down. Her usual silence on set was just a survival instinct within the industry. But now, as Gabriel's girlfriend, being ridiculed in this manner didn't seem quite appropriate.
However, considering that Ms. Collins was also one of Michael's birthday guests, Jessica tactfully smiled and said, "Thank you. If I wanted to climb the ladder through connections, I would have been an award-winning actress long ago. With Gabriel by my side, why would I need to mingle with unfamiliar people?"
Gabriel heard her mention his name, glanced over, and his clear eyes fell on her profile. He calmly remarked, "Indeed, Jessica's choice is evidently not the shortcut. Not everyone is willing to take shortcuts."
Mrs. Collins, at the neighboring table, hearing Gabriel, who was usually sparing with his words, spoke up for Jessica for the second time that evening, looked directly at him, her displeasure evident.
Jessica accidentally met Gabriel's gaze.
Had she not just seen Gabriel's astounding performance, she might have been unnerved. He acted so convincingly, oblivious to the crowded hall, as if she were the only one in his sight. Nicholas suddenly chimed in from afar, "Ms. Collins followed Gabriel for so many years, chasing after him, both in business and personally, only to be rejected. A fine lady from a prestigious family, cried downstairs at the Harriman Group. It was truly heartbreaking to hear and see."
After a pause, he added with a smile. "My brother could easily solve the problems for my sister-in-law in minutes, so why bother Ms. Collins?"
