Chapter 11 Strange Jokes

This program had three hosts. The older one was a famous host in the industry, highly regarded and the backbone of this television station.
Given the limited design aspects of this segment, there wasn't much novelty to attract viewers. It relied solely on the fame and personal charm of the hosts to survive in a fiercely competitive environment.
Moreover, it was an established variety show.
Looking at the dressing styles of the female celebrities sitting across from me, I could tell how popular this show was. Everyone put a lot of effort into their outfits.
Especially Lena, who was already beautiful. Today, she wore a light pink lace dress, a popular fashion brand and the latest season's collection. She managed to showcase the outfit perfectly and appeared calm, elegant, and outstanding among the other stars.
Evelyn wore clothes prepared by Antonio today, the works of a domestically renowned designer. The dress was in a minimalist style, a simple but chic light gray dress. The cut and design showed the designer's dedication, and Evelyn really liked the brand's clothing.
In a program like this, there had to be a protagonist paired with a few supporting roles to set the atmosphere. The focus of the hosts naturally remained on the protagonist. That's how the entertainment industry worked, unconsciously creating a hierarchy based on popularity and seniority.
The topics were almost all about Evelyn. As soon as she took her seat, she stood up numerous times, feeling that she was more suitable for runway modeling and photoshoots. Recording this kind of program truly exhausted her mentally.
After the interview segment was almost complete, the hosts began asking slightly controversial questions. Evelyn could reveal some spicy details without crossing the line, as she knew the hosts wouldn't dig too deep.
Antonio, who was offstage, didn't expect Evelyn to handle herself so well in the variety show. From their first meeting until now, it had been a long time, and he had witnessed her progress all along. Some people are just born to be stars, and Evelyn was definitely one of them.
"Now that we have discussed many career-related matters, everyone is curious to know about your personal life, particularly your love life. Is it going as smoothly as your work?"
"Work keeps me busy, and I hardly have any free time for my personal life. Let's go with the flow."
Lena looked at Evelyn on the stage, feeling a pang of sourness in her heart. Who would have expected that the film she fought so hard for would be destroyed by this woman...
Her greatest opportunity now lost to her.
Since her debut as an actress, her popularity has always been low. How she hoped to prove herself with "The Arrow," and now, all because of Evelyn, she felt all hope was lost.
Cancelled movies blocking her path, stealing her limelight on the variety shows, Lena couldn't help but feel resentful.
After the show, Evelyn waited for Antonio in the green room. Lena burst in, not knowing why she came to find Evelyn but feeling too stifled and needing to vent.
"Aren't you feeling proud?!" Lena said in a mysterious tone, Evelyn only giving a glance and not wanting to pay attention. Lena saw this action, which only angered her further.
"What gives you the audacity? People like you who climb to the top by illicit means, how could you possibly understand how difficult it is for us who work so hard?! You casually spill a drink, and someone picks up the mess for you. But what about us? We only know the rules behind the scenes. I'd like to see how long you can remain arrogant?! So many people are waiting to see you embarrassed; you better be careful."
"Are you finished?"
"What... What did you say..."
"If you're finished, then leave. The door is right there."
"You, you wretch!! All you know is selling yourself, truly shameless."
Evelyn stood up, walked to Lena, and the height difference was evident. She placed her hand on Lena's head as she approached, gently stroking her hair and leaned in closer. "They say I have a bad temper. Let me tell you, it's not just a rumor; it's true."
"When you're done, just leave." She took a step back while speaking. Lena froze, not understanding what was happening.
Antonio happened to return, "Lena is here too?"
Seeing the peculiar atmosphere between the two, he was unsure how to approach. "Just bumped into your manager outside, seemed like they were looking for you?"
Lena quickly rushed out. Antonio looked at Evelyn, who had a smile that seemed both smiling and not. "What did you say again? You scared her."
"It's nothing." She just thought of her past, charging forward with all her might, thinking that this was a job where effort would be rewarded. When she realized that certain unknown rules could be easily manipulated, she felt angry, powerless, and helpless.
"Just joking." Evelyn smiled charmingly, playing with the oversized black sunglasses in her hand.
Antonio was extremely surprised to see her smile so genuinely, "Are you possessed or something?"
"Why are you saying that?"
"Do you know how long it's been since I've seen you smile like this? You're only in your twenties, yet you always had a gloomy face with no energy. It seems like this assistant of yours is really a good choice."
"You're overthinking. If there are good opportunities in the future, introduce them to Lena."
Antonio understood Evelyn's intentions and didn't say much, nodding in agreement. "Alright, we're done. Let's go, I'll take you home."
As soon as the door opened, a fragrance aroma embraced her senses. Evelyn suddenly remembered what Antonio said and surprisingly found herself agreeing. This assistant is indeed quite good.
"Home already? Let's eat." William rushed over still wearing an apron. Evelyn was truly amazed by this strange painting.
This man, in all his strange demeanor, was quite a sight to behold. "I say, who are you...?"
William stared at the person across from him, who had a peculiar expression while holding chopsticks. "What are you trying to say?"
"Well..." Evelyn attempted to signal with her eyes.
"What is it?!" William exclaimed.
"...gay?" Evelyn abruptly blurted out, realizing immediately how impolite she sounded, and proceeded to lower her head and continue eating. William was taken aback by her accusation. How could she suspect him of being gay? He couldn't tolerate such an assumption.
Seeing that he remained silent, Evelyn assumed he had accepted it, so she comforted him unashamedly, "It's alright, it's not a big deal. It just means that the person you like is the same as you. It's like how the person I like is different from me. It's the same principle. Moreover, when it comes to love, one must be brave enough to speak up. There's really nothing wrong with it. If you meet someone suitable, I can introduce you to them. I know a lot of people. What type of person do you like?"
William was speechless. This was the first time they had such a lengthy conversation, and it was all about this absurd matter. "You'd better keep quiet."
Evelyn assumed he was just shy and didn't say anything further.
After tidying up and returning to his room, William couldn't help but feel speechless. What was going on? He must have been treating her too well recently. He only wanted to take care of her and never expected her to have such a misunderstanding.
The timing wasn't right, otherwise, he should find a way to make her realize how ludicrous she was.
The phone rang, and just by looking at the number, William knew it wasn't good news. They probably wanted him to come back, but the matter at hand wasn't finished, so he couldn't go back.
"Sir, your father is in the operating room, undergoing emergency surgery. You should come back!" the voice on the phone pleaded.
"What happened?"
"Old enemies. He was shot near the heart, and the situation is really critical. They are causing a fuss and trying to seize power. This really isn't the time to be stubborn, Sir. Madam didn't want to worry you, so she specifically instructed us not to tell you, but you have the right to know."
"Enough, I don't need to hear anymore."
"Alright, understood. Odile misses you, and a private jet is ready. Can you make it tomorrow at 3 p.m.? We'll be waiting for you here."
William hung up the phone, repeatedly contemplating the words spoken by the caller. He had to go back.
In the morning, Evelyn emerged from her room as usual, following the scent of breakfast. "What's all this?" she asked.
Looking at the table full of food, overflowing with dishes, and the small bar not far away also filled up. Was her so moved by their conversation last night that he expressed his gratitude in this way?
"I have something I need to attend to at home," William replied.
"Oh, what about all this food?"
"Takeout isn't good for the health. Pack these up and put them in the refrigerator. You can microwave them to eat later."
"Don't we have a cook?"
"Don't you want to eat what I made?" William playfully pointed at the dishes on the table, looking innocent.
Evelyn picked up her chopsticks and tasted one of the dishes, "Hmm, you're naturally talented at cooking."
William felt warmth fill his heart.
In the bloody world, he was the young master of the Chevalier family, but someone said he could be a chef. But only because she was his goddess would it be acceptable.
"How long will it take?"
"You can't bear to part with me, right? But I have a lot of things to do this time, so it should take some time." When he comes back, he may have to tell her the truth. His true identity is just an identity, it shouldn't affect anything. "Take care of yourself."
"Okay."
There wasn't much work in the morning, so Evelyn found a movie and curled up on the sofa to watch it.
It was a love story with an unremarkable plot, but the entanglement of the characters stirred the emotions. Evelyn was getting drowsy, while William had finished packing all the food and sat down beside Evelyn.
They watched silently for a while. William reached out and touched her face. Being together like this every day felt wonderful.
"What are you doing?!" Evelyn opened her eyes and saw William in a daze. "Take your hand off."
William withdrew his hand but continued to gaze at Evelyn. "Goddess, take care of yourself while I'm not by your side."
Evelyn was startled, finding this overly cheesy line unsuitable for William. But his serious expression and tone didn't seem like a joke. She felt that there were too many things about him that she didn't understand. "Who are you really?"
"Somebody who likes you." William watched as Evelyn was stunned and added, "Evelyn, I have to deal with a difficult problem. If I don't handle it well, I might not be able to see you again. I'm not sure if a month will be enough. Before that, can you hug me?"
This was the first time he called her by her name.
Looking at the person in front of her, Evelyn suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity after spending a month together. However, the person who was carefree every day now had eyes filled with unease, as well as pleas. She didn't hesitate and leaned over to hug him.
"You have to walk your own path. Don't be too afraid, especially of things that haven't happened yet. Problems arise so they can be solved. There's nothing to worry about." These words were whispered into his ear, and after saying them, Evelyn returned to her original seat.
William smiled like a child, unaware that these simple words of comfort would encourage him in many difficult moments in the future.
After having lunch together, Evelyn saw William off at the door. She waved goodbye, while William smiled bitterly. He hoped to solve the problem quickly, and then he thought of something else. "Which company will you sign with next?"
"I'll decide after a month."
"Okay. Call me if you need anything, especially when you encounter a problem. Once the issue is resolved, I'll come find you."
Evelyn found his words strange, but she nodded anyway.