Chapter 341 Who Knows If You'll Have any Sense of Proportion Today?
Mackenzie walked beside Jessica, seeing everything Jessica saw.
When she spotted Gabriel's name tag, Mackenzie almost asked why he was here. But seeing Jessica's blank face, she held back, not wanting to upset her.
Jessica hadn't mentioned Gabriel's name in the past year.
But everyone knew that when she locked herself in that old house, only Danielle saw her cry or feel miserable. A week later, Jessica threw herself into work, sold the house, and invested the money into her studio.
For the past year and a half, Jessica stayed focused on her work, ignoring rumors and avoiding romantic entanglements.. Even when fans paired her with someone, she ignored it. She looked like a glamorous top-tier actress but lived like someone detached from worldly desires.
She made a lot of money but still rented an apartment. Danielle would start elementary school in a year, and seeing Jessica's current state, Mackenzie wondered if she planned to settle down somewhere. Houses near schools in Xyleria weren't cheap, but given Jessica's situation, Mackenzie even suspected she might take the money and move back to Country M with her child.
"You recently suggested signing two more artists for the studio. Are you planning to focus on being a boss after a few more films?" Mackenzie asked.
Jessica took a sip of champagne, checked the rim, and was pleased to see no lipstick marks, satisfied with today's makeup artist.
She smiled faintly. "It the norm in the entertainment industry that stars don't stay famous for long, even the most famous stars fade after two or three years. While I can still mentor newcomers, why not sign a couple of artists?"
The scripts Jessica chose now were very traditional, clearly trying to shift the focus from being a traffic star to a serious actress, which had always been her original intention.
"Let's talk about it next year. The studio's resources are stable now, and Lynn can manage you. If we bring in two more artists, she'll have to split her attention," Mackenzie said, glancing at the crowd in the exhibition hall and lowering her voice, "Do you see that man in the iron-gray suit?"
Jessica looked in that direction. "Yep, sure."
"That's Mr. Clark from PureClean Group, just back from Country U. This company specializes in cleaning and skincare products and paper goods. You should have heard of them. PureClean Group has surpassed TreasureClear Group in revenue and boasts a stable online sales platform. Their top-in-the-nation sales solidify their position as the industry leader.""
Jessica glanced again. "I saw PureClean Group's endorsement contract a few days ago."
"Yeah, their last spokesperson's contract ends in two months, and they want you to take over. But since you worked with TreasureClear Group before, Mr. Clark's a bit hesitant. The fee's decent but not great. We haven't signed yet. If you want a better deal, you should talk to him today."
"Me?"
Mackenzie rolled her eyes. "Of course, you. What's the point if I or Lynn talk to him? You're the boss and the artist. The money's going into your pocket. Don't you want to negotiate a higher fee?"
Jessica swirled her champagne, glanced at Mr. Clark, and was about to approach when Mackenzie suddenly pulled her back.
She turned to Mackenzie, puzzled, and whispered, "What's wrong?"
Mackenzie gave her a meaningful look, glancing towards the crowd.
Seeing Mackenzie's startled expression, Jessica turned in that direction.
In the crowd, Wayne, whom she hadn't seen in ages, had just entered the exhibition hall, chatting politely with several enthusiastic executives.
At the end of the red carpet, tall and handsome Gabriel, radiating a cool aura in his black suit, Wayne. The hosts, all smiles, rushed over to greet him.
The hall was filled with Xyleria's elite, including many business moguls. Despite the similar suits, Gabriel stood out, making him easily recognizable in the crowd.
There were too many people here. Upon hearing about Mr. Harriman's arrival, the crowd visibly shifted towards the entrance.
Jessica, holding her champagne flute, stood still, her gaze fixed on Gabriel for a moment before looking away. She took another sip and said, "Mr. Clark went over there. He probably doesn't have time to talk to me now. Let's schedule a meeting later."
Mackenzie glanced at her and whispered, "Not even a greeting?"
"Who? Mr. Clark?" Jessica finished her champagne, her tone still indifferent.
Mackenzie understood her attitude and didn't insist on whether she should greet Mr. Clark or Gabriel.
Jessica seemed easygoing, but she was stubborn about certain things. If she believed something was wrong, no one could change her mind.
A waiter passed by, and Jessica placed her empty glass on the tray, picking up another one.
"Your drinking capacity hasn't improved in the past two years. The champagne here is top-notch, much better than at regular events, and has a strong aftereffect. Drink less," Mackenzie advised, staying close to Jessica.
"This is only my second glass. If it's good, I should drink more," Jessica said, swirling the liquid in her glass, watching the light color swirl around, "I can handle about ten glasses of this champagne. I know my limits."
"Usually, you do, but who knows about today," Mackenzie said, glancing towards the distance.
Gabriel, who always seemed to bring light with him, hadn't moved inside. The executives talking to him wore polite smiles.
