Chapter 924 The Photo of the Person I Like
Phoebe looked at Cindy in surprise.
She remembered that when she was in Canada, Cindy had stayed with her for a while, and during that time, Cindy had been down.
Thinking back now, it must have been when she and Patrick broke up.
At the time, Phoebe was too wrapped up in her issues to pay much attention to Cindy.
Now, hearing that their breakup had something to do with Laura, Phoebe instinctively thought Laura must have interfered in their relationship.
But then again, Laura was five years older than Patrick.
Their relationship was more like siblings, so it didn't seem likely.
"Why?" Phoebe asked.
Cindy glanced at the remaining food in her bowl. "Let me finish eating first, and then I'll tell you."
Phoebe had no choice but to sit across from her, watching her finish her meal.
She handed Cindy a napkin, ready to listen to the story.
Cindy burped and got to the point. "I never told you, but Patrick and I were together because of a contract."
Phoebe had never heard such a private detail from Cindy before.
She only knew that Cindy and Patrick were together because Patrick had received a cornea donation from Caleb.
"And then?" Phoebe prompted.
"I always thought I was using him as a substitute, but it turns out he was using me as a substitute, too. When he was young, he had someone he liked who later died of leukemia. I saw her photo; she did look a bit like me."
Phoebe immediately caught on. "Laura showed you the photo?"
"Yes, it was her. And Laura is the cousin of the girl Patrick liked. I couldn't accept it. Even though I initially approached Patrick with an agenda, we were about to get married when I found out I was just a substitute for his first love."
Phoebe couldn't blame her.
Some things you only understand when they happen to you.
"Why did Laura suddenly tell you that Patrick saw you as a substitute?" Phoebe wondered.
Laura was too shrewd to do something that wouldn't benefit her.
"Because Patrick was planning to retire from the entertainment industry."
Phoebe thought so.
Cindy had threatened Laura's interests, so Laura couldn't tolerate it any longer and decided to burn bridges.
Phoebe sighed softly. "So what are you going to do now? You and Patrick have gone public, and there will be a lot of shows wanting to invite you. Laura won't give up this money-making opportunity."
After all, Laura's interference in Cindy and Patrick's relationship back then was probably because she thought Cindy was encouraging Patrick to leave the industry, ruining her money-making plans.
"I don't want to give in to her. Why should she treat Patrick like her cash cow? She's made enough money over the years," Cindy said angrily.
Phoebe gave her a stern look. "Who ever thinks they have enough money? I decided to start my own company for the money too. Cindy, you have to understand, when you mess with someone's livelihood, it's a fight to the death."
Cindy slumped on the couch, feeling aggrieved. "So what should I do? Agree to go on that reality show and expose everything to the public?"
"This situation has its pros and cons. It depends on how you look at it. But in my opinion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. After you do the show, Laura might finally let go of Patrick."
Cindy frowned. "I'm not a celebrity, and I have a bad temper. If I go on a reality show and get filmed all day, I'm bound to slip up."
"No worries, just think of it as showing your true self," Phoebe said with a smile.
Cindy glared at her. "You just want to see me make a fool of myself."
Phoebe shook her head. "Cindy, when you were a beauty blogger, you worked solo with your team. If you take on a reality show, there will be a lot more to handle. Your team might not be able to manage it all. Why not sign a management contract with Superstar Entertainment? I'll assign the most experienced agent to you. What do you think?"
Cindy narrowed her eyes. "I haven't agreed to go yet."
Phoebe smiled. "Yes, Patrick is retiring, so he won't be in the industry anymore, but you're still half in. Take this opportunity to build some popularity and later launch your brand. What do you think?"
Cindy had always wanted to create her beauty brand, but the market was saturated, and her current popularity wasn't enough to support a brand's visibility.
Phoebe's words hit home.
Cindy thought for a moment. "I'll consider it."
"Good, think it over. From my perspective, going on a reality show is all gain and no loss for you," Phoebe said, thinking like a businesswoman.
If it were a few years ago, when she was younger and more impulsive, she might have supported Cindy in going head-to-head with Laura.
But now, she was more mature and pragmatic, weighing the pros and cons rather than acting on impulse.
Cindy didn't say anything.
She knew Phoebe was right.
They weren't young girls anymore; they had to consider more than just their feelings.
Phoebe stayed with Cindy until the evening when Laura called again.
This time, Cindy answered herself. Laura's voice was cheerful. "Cindy, have you thought about what I discussed with Ms. Ziegler?"
"Laura, did you ask Patrick? I remember he never does reality shows," Cindy threw the question back at Laura.
Laura laughed. "Patrick told me that as long as you agree, he has no objections."
"Really?" Cindy was still skeptical.
"Of course. You know Patrick's temperament. If he didn't agree, I wouldn't dare bring it up. So, what's your decision?"
Cindy pressed her lips together. "Okay, I agree."
Laura had expected to have to persuade Cindy more, but she agreed so easily.
Laura was momentarily stunned, then laughed. "Cindy, I'm sorry about what happened three years ago. I didn't mean to target you. I just thought it was a shame for Patrick to retire when his career was on the rise. Now that you two are public, we're all in this together. I hope we can get along well."
Cindy smiled politely but insincerely. "Laura, I never told you, but whether Patrick retires or not isn't something I can control. Don't give me too much credit."
Laura sensed the lingering resentment in Cindy's tone but didn't press the issue. "Well, here's to a successful collaboration."
After hanging up, Cindy tossed her phone aside and let out a cold laugh.
Phoebe noticed her expression and said, "Since you're going to do the reality show with Patrick, you'll have to deal with Laura often. Don't make things too tense. She's still Patrick's agent."
Cindy looked at her steadily. "Phoebe, you've become a lot more pragmatic lately. Your sharp edges have been smoothed by reality."
"Yes, reality is harsh. If you're not pragmatic, how can you survive?" Phoebe understood her point.
Cindy looked at the smile on Phoebe's face, feeling a bit dazed. She said Phoebe had changed, but hadn't she changed too?