Chapter 24 The Carousel of Life

Every day, I would come here and see you wearing a doll costume, handing out flyers. The weather was so hot, yet you didn't take a break. There were so many times I thought you would collapse, but you refused others' help and persisted. I thought you were so stubborn! After observing you for a while, I didn't think my heartbreak was such a big deal anymore. Everyone was living their lives so diligently and positively, so how could I be so depressed?
William continued, "Actually, you don't know that by persisting and doing your best like this, you bring infinite courage and energy to others. So back then, coming here every day to see you was like charging my own life with electricity. We even talked before. That day was my last day before returning to France, and I wanted to come and see you again. However, it rained suddenly, and you were still handing out flyers. You stood alone under the eaves, giving one out whenever someone passed by."
William looked at her and said, "I walked up to you and asked for one when you gave one to me. I told you to give me some more and go home quickly. But you insisted on giving me only one, saying it was your job. At that time, I was idle all day, squandering my family's money. But after seeing you, I suddenly felt like I had been wrong. When I went to France, my attitude changed a lot, and I wanted to come and find you again. However, I always felt that hope was too slim. Then, I saw you in the news and realized that you had grown up. After that, I became your super fan. Seeing you in the news, I only saw you as an idol, a goddess. But when I got close to you, I realized how fragile and in need of protection you were. I really want to protect you."
Evelyn listened attentively, although she had long forgotten these things, only knowing that there was a period in her life when she desperately needed money, so she worked so hard.
It's hard not to be moved by such a confession. Evelyn thought that her past and future were hers alone, but at this moment, it felt different.
William stopped walking, turned Evelyn to face him, and said, "Evelyn, I did have feelings for Sophie, but that's in the past. Can you not sentence me to death just because of that? Give me a chance to defend myself."
"I hate deception and concealment."
"I know, I should have told you earlier, I was wrong. Can you forgive me now?" William looked at her earnestly. "I've already thrown away that wallet. And I won't buy anything from that brand again in the future, will that do?"
Evelyn couldn't remain angry and couldn't help but smile.
William felt slightly relieved. Does this mean she forgave him?
When Evelyn turned her head, she noticed that the entire amusement park was in darkness, except for the lights on the carousel.
William held Evelyn's hand and walked towards it. "I knew you liked this. But the park has been renovated many times, and this carousel is no longer the same as before."
"It's still beautiful," Evelyn stared at the carousel and exclaimed sincerely. She had loved it since she was a child. Every girl has a dream about carousels.
They say carousels witness lovers' games, as long as they sit on it together.
The carousel, when ridden on, would take them to a perfect paradise where their love would last forever.
However, it was only after a long time that Evelyn realized how cruel love on the carousel could be: we chase after each other, yet forever remain at the same distance. Close enough to touch, yet still far apart. If people had the ability to foresee the future, would they be willing to give up present pleasure?
Even if knowing it's wrong, still wanting to persist. Is such courage really possible?
"Shall we give it a try?" William stood in front, and turned back to extend a hand to Evelyn. In that moment, William's smile was deeply engraved in Evelyn's heart. She didn't hesitate, just like Vivian said, bold and reckless, without considering the consequences.
They returned very late, and Evelyn stood at the door, raised her hand to bid farewell, then turned to dig for the key to open the door.
William watched Evelyn go in before leaving.
In the following days, Evelyn began to immerse herself in the life of the film crew. The most unbearable part of a period drama was the intricate hairstyles and makeup. Evelyn instantly regretted her decision on choosing this script.
Looking at how William revolved around her every day, he seemed to have lost his previous busy demeanor, as if everything before was just her imagination.
Evelyn woke up two hours earlier, took care of her hair and clothes. It was the first time William saw Evelyn in period costume, and he was genuinely amazed. Previously, he didn't understand the culture of ancient Europe and thought the ancients were too troublesome!
Now, seeing Evelyn in front of him, he realized that the aesthetics of the ancients could not be underestimated.
The dim orange-red dress was woven intricately, with a dark belt tied around her waist. The clothes had no intricate patterns, only subtle lines visible up close. Evelyn was naturally slender, but at this moment, her waist appeared even more delicate.
For the role, Evelyn dyed her chestnut hair gold, paired it with red lips and light makeup. Her hair was twisted up with simple accessories, and her lowered gaze made her flawlessly beautiful. Although her attire was simple, it accentuated her like a fallen fairy in the mortal world. A second glance felt like sacrilege.
William was captivated.
When Evelyn received the script and read it for the first time, she was attracted to the story and couldn't help but read it again, feeling a sense of sadness in her heart that was difficult to let go of.
The story was about a strong-willed girl seeking revenge for her father, who unexpectedly meets Carter, a poor but talented scholar. The screenwriter named the girl Diana, a name Evelyn liked very much. Carter was knowledgeable and talented but came from a humble background. Diana's entire family was framed, and she lived in hiding with her elderly mother next door to the Carter family. Carter's mother initially found this woman intelligent and hardworking, and she deliberately tried to matchmake them.
After getting to know each other, feelings began to develop, but Diana, unable to forget her unfinished revenge, couldn't love freely. When Diana's mother passed away, she no longer had any concerns and was ready to give birth to Carter's child...
She killed her enemy after giving birth to her son. She knew Carter was unfortunate and left their child with Carter's elderly mother before saying goodbye to him, disappearing like a bolt of lightning, without a trace.
When she first read this story, it felt incomplete. Staying together, even if the time is short, would have been good since they loved each other. But later, she realized that in this story, the girl was already not an ordinary woman. Perhaps she was a fairy, perhaps a ghost, but in any case, she did not belong to the mortal world.
Today, they were filming the scene where the two of them meet. The male lead, Aron, whom she met at last night's gathering, was a talented young actor who was not good at publicity or public relations. He had always been low-key, but when Evelyn saw him for the first time, she knew he was the perfect fit for this role.
It was a strange intuition.
After meeting today, the two of them didn't talk much. Evelyn had always been cold and aloof, while Aron was introverted and shy. In the few scenes they had filmed together, they didn't communicate much.
The director stood beside them and glanced at the monitor, saying, "The next scene involves more emotional interaction between you two. You need to become more familiar with each other and not appear too unfamiliar. It's easy to see insincerity and lack of liveliness. The feeling is not right."
During the break, Evelyn was pondering the director's words while the crew touched up her makeup. William approached her and said, "You did great for your first time shooting."
Knowing it was consoling words, Evelyn just listened.
"This is different from catwalks and cover shoots. In your previous work, you might have had to match your emotions and expressions with the clothes, showcasing their characteristics through makeup, hair, and clothing. But now, it's the opposite. You need to integrate yourself into the script, experience how the character would act in this event. Maybe you haven't fully adapted yet."
Evelyn suddenly understood her own problem. When the camera was on, she had been too concerned about external factors, focusing on her lines and movements, but neglecting the truly important things. Now, with William's explanation, it all became clear. "I understand now!"
Aron also walked over with a drink, handing it to Evelyn. When he saw William standing nearby, he gave the other bottle in his hand to him. To outsiders, he was just an assistant, so Evelyn was surprised by his gesture. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Take care of each other in the months to come," Aron said with a smile.
"I'm a newcomer, so I'll be troubling you," Evelyn replied with a smile.
"Let's learn from each other. You did great today; it was me who wasn't in the right mood," Aron said, smiling again.
Evelyn shook her head, and the two of them chatted for a while before their manager called Aron away.
"That's it, more communication," William said, opening his drink and handing it to Evelyn, maintaining his usual smile. "But don't let him charm you too much; this kind of man is very calculating."
"Do you think you're calculating?"
"Do I have a calculating nature towards you?" William felt unfairly accused.
The production staff called out that everything was ready, and they resumed filming.
Evelyn got herself ready and stood up. She waved her hand at William, who was blocking her way, indicating him to move aside. William shrugged and stepped aside.
During the next shooting, Evelyn made a great effort to blend into her role and showed significant improvement compared to before.
On their way back, Evelyn remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Sign me up for a dance or fitness class, and also a swordsmanship lesson." She believed there would be fight scenes in the later stages, and her physical posture in costume dramas might be a bit odd. It would be better to correct it early on.
William nodded, sensing that she wasn't as resistant to the idea of being an actress anymore, thinking it might be a good thing. "Who is Charles? He called today and asked you to call back."
"When?" Evelyn asked.
"This morning," William reluctantly replied.
Evelyn gave William an accusatory look. "You're telling me now?!"
"Oh, look at those eyes! They're about to pop out," William said, extending his hand and placing it under Evelyn's face. "Big eyes aren't for glaring at people. They're meant to be used when scrutinizing a man. That way, you can see a good man." He retracted his hand and pointed at himself.
"Shut up! You're so annoying," Evelyn sighed in exasperation.
"With the work going smoothly, want to have a drink?" William attempted to invite her.
"No, thanks."
Although she claimed not to drink, as they passed by a supermarket, Evelyn still let William buy some alcohol.
Upon reaching the door, Evelyn directly took the alcohol from William's hand. "You can go now."
William smoothly slipped in through the door, dodging Evelyn. "I bought the alcohol, so you should at least share some with me."