Chapter 23 Half for You, Half for Me

The press conference proceeded on schedule. It was held in a private resort, and the number of attending media outlets was not small. Evelyn appeared with Adrian, who was already considered a young talent, and the scene seemed harmonious.
Next was the ceremony of signing the contract, followed by the media Q&A session. Several media outlets asked about the previous scandal, and Evelyn no longer evaded the issue. She stood up directly and explained the matter.
"I am old friends with the gentleman in the photos. When I met him, I only knew that he was establishing his own company and was very enthusiastic and hardworking. As a newcomer who had just debuted, we encouraged each other. The photos misled everyone greatly, and I'm truly sorry. From now on, I will always remember that I am a public figure and will not allow such misunderstandings to happen again, causing embarrassment for both parties. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for joining us today."
Adrian also immediately stood up, "Evelyn is already an artist under Silver Media. We will only answer questions related to the development of Silver Media and Evelyn in the future. Please understand."
After dealing with all the media, there was a mistake during the group photo session. Someone suddenly rushed onto the stage and headed straight towards Evelyn. Before anyone could react, a man in a black hoodie was about to reach Evelyn. At that moment, another figure swiftly rushed forward and tackled the man to the ground, subduing him.
Amidst the chaos, Evelyn stared at the man who handed the hoodie-covered man over to the security guards. It was William. How did he come here?
The scene became restless, and Adrian immediately apologized to the media before leaving with Evelyn.
Evelyn turned her head and looked at William standing among the crowd. He smiled calmly, as if telling her not to worry.
William found Evelyn's phone number but didn't make a call. Instead, he composed a text message but ended up deleting it.
She clearly saw the injury on his right shoulder. Is he okay?
Adrian informed Evelyn that it was an obsessed fan and that they had already handed him over to the police. He reassured Evelyn repeatedly, telling her not to worry too much and that everything was fine now. He promised to be more cautious in the future.
Evelyn simply nodded and didn't say anything. She had thought she would anger William, but it seemed like she was mistaken.
Adrian didn't expect it to turn out this way. He had always heard rumors that Evelyn was difficult to serve and had a bad temper, but after getting to know her, Adrian didn't feel that way. She was easy to talk to, it's just that she didn't like it when others made mistakes at work. Privately, she was casual about big and small things, but she spoke very little and had a decisive manner when asked for her opinion.
The moment the phone rang, Evelyn couldn't ignore the anticipation in his heart. She picked it up and saw that it was Vivian.
"Troublemaker, what's up?"
"You can't even call to show concern," Vivian huffed. "I saw the news, are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?"
"I'm fine, unharmed."
"That handsome guy from the hospital, right? See, I have a good memory!" Vivian asked.
"Yeah, you have a good memory," Evelyn slouched on the couch.
"What's wrong with you? Are you bothered by something?" Vivian could tell from her tone that something was not right.
"It's okay, nothing bothersome."
"You're lying. Is it about that handsome guy? Actually, you're just overthinking, you know? You have too many concerns, so when something happens, it seems like you're strong-willed but you actually easily retreat. Sometimes, you're always making subjective assumptions and worrying about things that haven't even happened yet. It's just needless worrying." Vivian said.
Evelyn carefully pondered Vivian's words and found her words undeniable.
"We're still young, why do we have to live in such an old-fashioned way? Isn't it better to live happily, just for ourselves? And besides, what about the next life? It's too far away. The most incredible thing is to live this present life to the fullest." Vivian spoke passionately.
"I wish I could be more like you." Evelyn couldn't help but sigh.
"Evelyn! That's your biggest problem. You always think you're different from others, but where are we different? Those things are in the past, why can't you let go? Torturing yourself like this, it's exhausting for you and for others. Let it go! Okay?" Vivian said.
"What should I do then?"
This was the first time Vivian heard Evelyn ask for advice, and it secretly made her happy. Finally, she was willing to listen to someone else's opinion.
"I don't know what's causing you to be so conflicted, but from childhood until now, I've never seen you like this, so I'm really happy. You should be daring, let go without considering the consequences. Once you take that step, you'll realize how beautiful the world can be. Don't confine yourself!" Vivian said.
Suddenly, Evelyn heard another voice on the other end, "Alright then! You're still here lecturing others. I can see that you haven't had enough beating. If you corrupt someone else's child, come over here!"
In no time, Evelyn heard her best friend's scream. "Mrs. Garcia, I'm sorry."
"What did you call me? You little brat!" Vivian's mother's voice boomed.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I won't do it again."
The sound of Vivian's voice drifted in and out. Evelyn smiled, observing that her aunt hadn't changed at all in these past few years. She quietly hung up the phone, mourning for Vivian in her heart. She pondered the words Vivian had said, wondering if she truly worried too much.
William also dialed Odile's number. "When a girl misunderstands a guy while they're dating, how should the guy explain things?" Odile knew the girl being referred to was Evelyn, yet she was reluctant to treat William with harsh words. "Well, in my opinion, when a girl asks a guy to explain, it's not about the perfect explanation, just about the attitude. During an argument, treat each question as if it's asking, 'Do you still love me?' and answer accordingly. What do you think?"
"I don't know, that's why I'm asking you. Women are troublesome," William jokingly replied.
"I also wish to trouble you like that, but will you give me the chance?" Odile silently asked in her heart, knowing she could never say it out loud. "Do you love her?"
"I believe so," William said.
"That's great," Odile sighed.
"What?" William asked.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just think it's really nice to have someone you like," Odile casually answered, evading the question.
"You will also meet someone," William comforted her.
"I already have," Odile said.
"Hmm? You have someone you like and you didn't even let me know," William remarked.
"You'll find out," sometimes Odile also wanted to ask him why everyone else could, but she couldn't.
William hung up the phone, still feeling gloomy. So many things happened to Evelyn in such a short period of time, all because of Jovan? He wanted to do something, but he was afraid that intervening now would only push Evelyn further away, just when they were finally getting closer.
Work gradually became busier. Evelyn's statement at the press conference about wanting to try making movies drew the attention of many directors and producers. Recently, she received several invitations. Evelyn picked a script that wasn't bad but had a small role. She had never received any formal training in acting and didn't want to harm others in vain.
For such a small production, in case the outcome wasn't good, the damage caused would be relatively small. That's what she had in mind.
"This afternoon, you have the costume fitting for the movie role," Adrian held the schedule and reported to Evelyn, who was getting ready for makeup. After scolding off her third assistant, Adrian had no choice but to take matters into his own hands. "I'm trying to find you a new assistant, but with your notorious reputation, it's really difficult for me!"
"That's your problem."
"I have something I'm particularly curious about. Can you tell me?" Adrian disregarded Evelyn's response and asked directly, "It's been rumored that you and Lena don't get along. So how did you manage to bring her on board?"
"I've fulfilled all the requirements in your contract. What more do you want?"
"Just forget it then." She continued.
"Please answer my question and satisfy my curiosity!" Adrian blinked at Evelyn.
Evelyn ignored him and went straight to the shooting location. Adrian watched her graceful figure in a long dress and couldn't help but sigh; this woman was truly beautiful, almost too beautiful to handle. But then he realized, handle her? That was just wishful thinking.
The shoot progressed quickly. Evelyn, under the flashlights, had a unique charm that captivated Adrian. He couldn't help but wonder, what kind of man could match a woman like her? He felt an inexplicable curiosity.
Before going to the makeup room, Evelyn rested in the lounge. Adrian walked in with William and introduced him as the new assistant they had hired. Evelyn was taken aback by the scene. After Adrian left, William approached with a smile, saying, "Hello, let's get to know each other again."
Evelyn brushed off his extended hand dismissively, "Someone like you, I can't afford."
William smiled wryly and took a seat nearby, "I am your biggest fan. Adrian assigned me as your personal assistant. My name is William!"
Through the mirror, Evelyn looked at him, and their eyes met. After a moment, Evelyn lowered her gaze and stopped looking at him, reminded of Vivian's words.
After a busy evening, Evelyn dozed off in the back seat. When she woke up, she noticed that William was driving on an unfamiliar road. She asked, "Where are we going?"
"You're awake? Go back to sleep a little longer," William said.
"I'm asking where we're going now?"
"I'm taking you somewhere, just up ahead," William replied.
"I'm tired, I want to go back!"
"It won't take long, look!" William pointed to the amusement park on the side of the road. Then he opened the car door and got out.
Evelyn felt puzzled and remained seated in the car without any intention of getting out.
William opened Evelyn's door, "Come out and take a look. I have something to tell you." Seeing that she didn't move, he added, "Everything you want to know."
Evelyn raised her head and met William's eyes, trying to discern the truth in his words. It was the same calm, deep eyes that Evelyn found mysterious. How could a person be so vivid in personality yet have eyes that remained so calm and unchanged?
But deep down, quietly, it made it impossible to see through. Such a person was perfectly suited for lying.
Yet she found herself willing to believe him.
William led Evelyn, each step slow and steady, as if telling a story in the way he spoke, "Actually, we've known each other for a long time. No! You don't know me." He spoke in a storytelling tone, as if recounting someone else's story.