Rebecca was shocked after hearing Alex's words. She had thought of Alex's intentions before, but she always dismissed them as his mischievous sense of humor. After all, Alex’s personality was completely different from Caleb's. He appeared carefree and easygoing, much like Sam. Besides, the age gap between them was just over a year. Joking among peers wasn't a big deal, and Rebecca's earlier complaints were meant in jest; she never intended to get angry. Now, hearing Alex speak so earnestly, Rebecca suddenly realized how presumptuous she had been toward him. At the same time, she felt ashamed of her own shortsightedness, as she had judged him with a narrow perspective. Upon closer reflection, she should have realized that Alex, who enjoyed gaming, wasn't merely someone who knew how to have fun. While others played games for leisure, he had truly delved into gaming and taken it to extreme lengths. Not everyone could turn their hobbies into a profession and maintain passio
So, did he unintentionally arrange an ostentatiously luxurious seat for Rebecca to watch the match? Alex found himself momentarily at a loss for words. Meanwhile, a new round of the match had begun. Rebecca shot a quick glance at Alex. She noticed he was distracted with his phone. Rebecca couldn't help but ask, "Alex, the game has started. What are you looking at on your phone?" It was quite unusual for the former gaming prodigy to be more intrigued by his phone than the match. Instead of keeping an eye on the match, he absentmindedly stared at his phone. It was a sight that left anyone surprised. Rebecca refrained from peeking at Alex's phone. She playfully swung her head toward him, raised her hand, and asked softly, "Do I officially have a sister-in-law now?" This unexpected question left Alex speechless. It must be noted that the guest seat turned out to be nothing more than a show of pretense. Compared to the comfort of watching the match in the preparation room,
After going through the messages on Alex's phone, Rebecca seized the opportunity during halftime to change her seat. Spending the entire afternoon on the couch would undoubtedly be uncomfortable for her neck. After all, just tilting her head to watch the first half had given her a feeling of being buried alive. Fortunately, the event organizers were considerate and promptly led them to the actual guest seats. In significant offline events like this, event organizers usually set aside seats either as giveaways to fans through a lottery or reserved for the families and friends of the players. Regardless of the reason, pre-reserving certain seats was necessary. It was akin to how some celebrities, even if they didn't collaborate with scalpers, would reserve seats for their friends and family during concerts. It was all about social courtesy. Previously, the unallocated seats for giveaways were reserved for some game streamers. Besides, the event would feature a small award
The two protagonists remained oblivious to the online buzz at the moment. As both teams navigated through the pick-and-ban phase, Rebecca seized the opportunity to continue needling Alex. Regarding the incident where Alex led her to the wrong guest seat, she felt like she could rib him about it for the rest of her life. Even in their seventies or eighties, she imagined herself still ribbing him in front of their children and grandchildren. After all, it was truly ... embarrassing. In fact, Rebecca wasn't the only one who felt this way. Even Alex, who was accustomed to the camera, found it a bit embarrassing. However, his expression remained much calmer than Rebecca's. He stoically endured occasional teasing remarks from Rebecca beside him. Fortunately, the pick-and-ban phase of the match wasn't too lengthy. As the players entered the stage, Rebecca ceased her incessant chatter and immersed herself in watching the match along with the surrounding audience. Alex final
In Fairport, when the online buzz about Rebecca started to circulate, David caught wind of the news. It wasn't that David had a particular interest in gossip or constantly followed online entertainment news. It was more a consequence of Ellen being bored while lying in the hospital with a broken leg. Ellen was passing the time by playing with his phone and checking out some entertainment gossip.During these days, Ellen felt the need to share everything happening online with David, from significant news to the smallest commotions. He even went as far as sending him videos of cats fighting. David found it somewhat annoying. If it weren't for the fear of missing out on important information, he would have likely blocked Ellen already. However, not blocking him meant facing the consequence of having his phone flooded with dozens of unread messages after every meeting. David was afraid of missing any critical information from Seardale, so he usually scanned through Ellen's mes
Back in Crechester, during their drive earlier, Rebecca didn't bring up the online buzz to Alex. Now, seated in the restaurant, the rich aroma of hotpot wafted through the air, and the rumbling in their stomachs prompted them to momentarily set aside everything and focus on ordering their meal. Fruits and beverages were laid out for self-service. With the broth selected and the menu placed, Rebecca efficiently made her way to the self-service area to grab some food and drinks and left Alex alone at the table. As Alex looked up, a desire to express something flickered across his face, though he hesitated. His expression bore a subtle amusement. However, it was destined that he would have to wait until she returned, especially when fans from the nearby table recognized him and eagerly approached him for autographs and photos. Alex didn't decline and courteously responded to each fan. It wasn't until he noticed Rebecca approaching with fruits in one hand and a tray with two drin
"What?" Alex set down his chopsticks and calmly observed Rebecca across from him. He was curious to hear what she would come up with. However, instead of continuing, Rebecca paused for a moment. She propped up her chin and asked with a grin, "Alex, what are your thoughts on these online misunderstandings?" Alex countered, "What do you feel?" After a moment of thought, Rebecca furrowed her brows and tentatively replied, "I want to vomit?" Alex responded, "Same!" Rebecca was left speechless. Honestly, when she first saw the online speculation pairing her up with Alex, she did feel that way. It was like being forced to dine in a restroom. However, hearing Alex put it so bluntly didn't sit well with her. "What do you mean? Aren't you happy being 'shipped' with me? Let me tell you, so many people want to pursue me but can't." After all, she was quite a beauty. If not for David keeping a close eye on her overseas, she could date many handsome guys. Alex couldn't be bo
After ending the call, David stood up from his chair and gazed out of the window at the night view. Although the president's office of the Winston Group wasn't on the top floor, the height still offered a decent view of Fairport as the city lights illuminated the night. David's mind drifted back to a night many years ago. Once, deep in the mountains, he had stargazed with Rebecca. Like tonight, a bright crescent moon adorned the sky, with only a distant star visible while others hid in the darkness. However, his current state of mind starkly contrasted with that serene night. Back then, the more he gazed, the calmer he felt. Now, without Rebecca by his side, the more he gazed, the more disturbed and uneasy he became. Especially when his thoughts delved into the contents of that email, he felt a sense of things slipping beyond his control. It was like trying to grasp sand; the harder he squeezed, the more slipped through his fingers. Regrettably, he had never taken a mom
Penny didn't have much free time over the past three years.As she had envisioned, during the first year, she honed her acting skills amidst criticism while also working as a translator.Later on, she felt that acting didn't hold much appeal anymore. Moreover, realizing that there weren't any roles left for her, she gradually gave up and moved toward working behind the scenes.She had some work during this period.It seemed that a daring reality show, not caring about potential risks, decided to capitalize on her controversial popularity and invited her to participate in one of their programs.The reason Penny agreed to participate was because the show's first season had a good reputation, and the payment offered was reasonable.Continuously doing translations could be quite tiring. After discussing with Cecilia and weighing the pros and cons, she eventually signed up for this TV show.Unfortunately, she had underestimated the darker side of human nature.The show's production
"Really?" Zane blurted out, staring incredulously at Sam, who nodded calmly. His unruly and carefree demeanor was restrained, and his composed attitude showed that he wasn't joking.Zane fell silent again, furrowing his brow as he intently observed Sam.It was as if he thought everything through in an instant, giving up without hesitation. He didn't even remind Zane of the request from years ago to take care of Penny. Instead, he said this would be the last time he would help out.Logically speaking, this should be a satisfactory outcome for Zane. After all, from any perspective, the Lowe family's scion would only be a burden to Sam.Looking again at Sam's attitude, it seemed he didn't want Penny to know he was the one quietly spending money to handle things behind the scenes.Since there was no plan to meet her, he didn't need to worry about anything after that. If that was the case, it would be better to just end it early.That way, if Sam saw Penny falling in love, getting mar
All those old scoundrels from the Lowe family undoubtedly ranked the highest. Then there was Jessica, the entertainment industry's national goddess, who also played a significant role.Besides them, there were a few minor celebrities who didn't really make the cut.However, as Sam's partner and someone who watched him grow up, Zane privately hoped Sam could find a better girl.So, he advised, "There are plenty of socialites in Riverwood, and Amdale has no shortage of beautiful young ladies, either, and Rookfort isn't much different."You and the Lowe family's daughter haven't even officially met…""Who said I haven't met her?" Sam interrupted him without a second thought.He had even seen her twice. How could Zane say they hadn't even met yet?The first time, she gave him all the money she had. The second time, he spoke up to help her get that role.After these interactions, they could be considered acquaintances.Zane choked up and couldn't find the words to refute.He was s
Because Penny declined his offer, Zane didn't insist. After a bit of small talk, he ended the call.He politely mentioned that if she needed any help, she could call this number again. If he could assist in any way, he certainly would.However, Zanw knew very well that, given Penny's temperament, she would rather give up what she had than actively seek help from a stranger.Yes, to Penny, Zane was just a stranger. He was a person she had met once but didn't really know.This time, Penny didn't respond as coldly as she did when she was 18. Instead, she exchanged a couple of polite pleasantries, mentioned that she would reach out if needed, and then hung up the phone.After that, she let out a long sigh of relief and lay on the lounge chair on the balcony, gazing at the view outside the window.There were fluffy white clouds in the azure sky and the greenery visible in the neighborhood. Sparrows were chirping persistently as they darted through the forest, and the cicadas loudly bu
Although the other person said only one word, Penny could still tell he didn't have any ill intentions.Because of that faint sense of familiarity, Penny didn't hang up the phone immediately. "Hello? May I ask what this is about?"The unfamiliar and distant tone probably made the man on the other end of the phone pause for a moment. It was only after a brief silence that he responded."Young lady, don't you remember me? It's Zane Moran."His voice carried a laugh, with a hint of teasing.Only then did Penny remember who he was, but she wasn't happy at all.Zane meant no harm when that incident happened back then. But despite that, over the years that had passed, he became one of the people and things Penny would rather not recall.Whether it was the exam she missed, the incident where Spencer took her to the hotel against her will, or Zane, who gave her 30 dollars for a taxi ride.She just wanted to hide all of them deep in her memories.The recent events had particularly made
"I'm fine. You all don't have to look so worried. You're making it seem as if something bad is going to happen to me."Penny looked at the two people at the door who were showing a range of expressions, feeling speechless.Cecilia was provoked by her words, and her eyes turned red."We're worried about you. You have no idea what you look like right now. You're almost like one of those disheartened protagonists in novels who hated the world."Penny clicked her tongue twice and said, "Aren't you exaggerating?"She didn't believe it. She was just worried about money. It wasn't like she had become disillusioned with life.Besides, she didn't dislike this world at all. On the contrary, she really liked it.Whenever Penny came across posts online suggesting that all humans should just die, she always felt like rolling her eyes. If they wanted to die, they shouldn't drag others with them.When searching for her own role in movies, TV dramas, and novels, Penny particularly preferred re
Penny's way of clarifying things was to simply tell the truth.Sometimes, trying to cover things up would just lead to needing 100 more lies to continue the cover-up. That would often end up making things worse and more ridiculous.It was better to tell the truth about the situation.To answer the question of why she lashed out at the Lowe family, she briefly explained her experiences over the years.Why didn't she attend the final paper of the college entrance examinations? She personally reopened that old wound.As for that man in the hotel, Penny didn't have much of an impression of him anymore. She only remembered not taking his business card and accepting 30 dollars from him.Why did she show up at that man's hotel room? She wrote it down truthfully—it was her father who personally took her and left her at the hotel, wanting to trade her like a commodity.Every single word was carefully considered and written by Penny.She didn't share much of these things with Cecilia. Th
Once the official statements were released, Penny's career being ruined became a certainty.The only surprising thing was probably that after the film crew issued their statement, the largest investor also requested to withdraw.The film crew was completely shocked, but there was nothing they could do. The scion was willing to lose money just to withdraw his investment, so what could they do?The amount of money in the compensation was nothing compared to the amount that the scion planned to invest. The production team would incur a significant loss.With one less investor, the project's status was essentially downgraded. They had much less room to manipulate their gains now, too.One would understand why the scion was doing this if they used their brain a little.However, the protests from the audience couldn't be ignored, and compared to the investors, it was clearly more important to keep the show going.After all, they could always attract more sponsors, even if the amount o
In addition to the widespread backlash caused by the phone recording, Penny's academic credentials were also scrutinized and exposed.Before the college entrance exam, she had always been the top student in her school and had never ranked anything else.However, in the college entrance exam, she barely passed the minimum mark for key institutions, far below her usual performance.Some people speculated that she had been cheating during regular exams and that her actual abilities were much worse.However, the exam results could be checked online, and the fact that Penny scored zero on the last exam was surprising.It was even more shocking that she was admitted to a top-tier university despite missing an exam. It was truly exceptional.But few people paid attention to this information.After all, the achievements attained through hard work couldn't be faked. Even if the results weren't as expected, it was undeniable that she was stronger than many others.Regarding this topic, t