"(⊙ｏ⊙)" Jia Xiaoming almost collapsed to the ground, feeling like he wanted to shout "hero" to Roy. Even their incredibly powerful boss was daring to flirt with him. Was this level of madness necessary?
Laila was also stunned. She hadn't expected to hear such words from Roy. Rumors were usually stirred up by A-list actors themselves, so what was the point for her, a director who stayed behind the camera, to get involved in such antics?
"I'm a director, I've always been behind the camera. Why would anyone be interested in me..." She paused, realizing with embarrassment that the public's attention on her was even stronger than that on some celebrities. How troublesome! Why couldn't she just be a quiet and unassuming beauty?
After Louise's initial surprise, she began to consider the feasibility of the situation. "I think Roy has a point. From what I can see, generating rumors between you and Roy would indeed create more buzz than between him and Theron."
Jia Xiaoming, enjoying the situation, chimed in, "Yeah, isn't there already speculation that you're into lace? Stirring up rumors with Roy might even help clear your name."
While Jia Xiaoming was just adding fuel to the fire, his words made Laila think. She didn't care about the speculation that she was into lace or not, as it had no impact on her. What she considered was the level of attention that was currently focused on her because of it. If she didn't utilize this heightened interest for the movie's promotion, it would be a waste.
"That doesn't sound too bad," she pondered, touching her chin. In her mind, she was already calculating the benefits this situation might bring.
"Huh?" Jia Xiaoming was dumbfounded. Roy was equally surprised. It was Laila's unexpected reaction that left them speechless. She didn't need to worry about being seen as into lace or not, so why did she seem to be taking this idea seriously?
Laila realized that the situation could indeed be advantageous for her and the company. Since the opportunity was there, why not seize it? After considering the potential benefits, she nodded. "Louise, I think it's a good idea. Jia Xiaoming is right. My current level of attention could be beneficial for our publicity. Let's do it."
Louise was surprised by Laila's agreement. She had expected Laila to dismiss the idea. "Are you sure about this, Laila?"
Laila confirmed, "Yes, let's go with this plan."
Roy couldn't believe his ears. "Do you really think it's possible?" He asked, his heart pounding as if it wanted to break out of his chest. He couldn't believe what he was hearing and at the same time was hopeful that he hadn't misheard.
Laila didn't notice Roy's astonishment. She was focused on the potential benefits of this plan for the movie's promotion.
She called Louise over and together they started making changes to the existing plan. Since they were going to create rumors between her and Roy, it would require some adjustments from the original plan focused on Roy and Theron.
"That's no problem," Louise said as she listened to Laila's instructions and made notes.
As she looked at Laila enthusiastically planning the new approach, Jia Xiaoming couldn't help but tease, "Boss, now you are known as the Lesbian, right? Maybe this will help clean up your image."
Laila hadn't been concerned about her image regarding the lace speculation, but as she thought about it, she realized that her heightened level of attention could indeed be leveraged for the movie's promotion.
And on the second day after finalizing her plans, the reporters gathered outside the company "luckily" intercepted Laila's car.
"Director Moran, there have been widespread criticisms of you in the media, with some labeling you as a lace advocate. Do you have anything to say?"
Through the car window, Laila could feel the reporters' enthusiasm, and the microphones that seemed like they were about to pierce the glass.
She slowly lowered the car window and revealed her young, composed face to the reporters and cameras. "I'll make two points. Firstly, I don't believe that homosexual individuals should apologize for their sexual orientation. Whether someone prefers the same sex or the opposite sex is their personal choice. America is a land of freedom, and everyone has the right to live freely. Secondly, The New York Post has already issued an apology for their false reporting. I believe there's nothing more to explain. That's all."
She didn't say anything more, closed the car window, and instructed the driver to move the reporters away from the company.
The reporters couldn't catch up anymore, but they were delighted to have received a response from Laila. As for how to interpret her words, that was up to them to figure out and write.
Later in the evening, Laila's words were prominently featured on various major media outlets, and some news channels even aired segments about it.
In front of countless television screens, cameras faithfully recorded Laila, who looked no different from before. Her response sparked even more heated discussions among her supporters and critics.
"Renowned director publicly scolds and believes that homosexual individuals deserve enough freedom," "Laila Moran: Everyone has the right to live freely!" "My freedom, my choice, it's none of anyone else's business! Hollywood's top director reveals her true colors."
One sensational headline after another appeared on the websites of major media outlets. With the prevalence of the internet, the fastest way to disseminate information is through various websites.
Unsurprisingly, the reporters took Laila's words out of context, selecting and publishing the parts that suited their narratives. Implicitly or explicitly, they all conveyed the same message: Moran stood with homosexual individuals because she was one herself.
Laila had long witnessed the reporters' unethical practices. So when she saw those news headlines, she didn't get angry. Instead, she eagerly treated the content as a joke.
However, the people in the company's public relations department weren't as relaxed. They needed to do some damage control to minimize the company's losses in the face of external doubts and criticism. What was even more infuriating was that some rival film production companies and individuals were secretly fanning the flames, seemingly intent on burying her deep in the ground, ensuring she would never recover.