Laila responded to Oprah's suggestion with a smile. She sincerely believed that she wasn't cut out for romantic movies. The pink, the softness, the kind of... sleep-inducing emotional exchanges—they made her feel like she could fall asleep just by watching them, let alone acting them out for others.
In her past life, she hadn't been in many romantic relationships, so how could anyone expect her to have a deep understanding of love?
"My grandmother was of Eastern descent, and she used to tell me about a bond between people called 'destiny,'" Laila said with a gentle smile, appearing on screens in thousands of households. "I think it must be the force of destiny called 'fate' that brought us together at that particular time and place."
Oprah responded with a knowing and warm smile, "That's true. God must have had a purpose in bringing us together. So, to our friends here in the audience and those watching at home, cherish the connections you have, as they might be the most precious bonds you'll have in the future."
As the audience's applause resounded, Oprah rose from her seat once more. "After all that talking, I think it's time to invite another guest. That's right, friends, he is Roy Seasonstar!"
"Wow!" The audience erupted in excitement, and the applause intensified. Most of them had come to the show for Laila, only learning about her appearance beforehand. No one had expected Oprah to bring Roy as well.
When Roy stepped onto the stage, the applause reached new heights, demonstrating the astonishing level of his current popularity.
Starting from his modeling days in Burberry to the series of movies he had starred in for Laila, and then performing at the Super Bowl, he had become widely known and acclaimed. While the movies he acted in weren't particularly demanding of acting skills and didn't belong to the kind that could make or break an actor's career, his consecutive box office hits with over three billion in revenue each had made him one of the hottest male stars in Hollywood.
His performance at the Super Bowl, especially, had captivated audiences worldwide with his lively and hot song. In terms of international recognition alone, he had already surpassed the majority of Hollywood stars.
This was why Laila had agreed to capitalize on their rumored relationship for a movie. In the past, associating Roy with her might have created negative impressions, with people thinking he was a freeloader relying on a wealthy heiress.
Now it was different. Roy had already built a high level of fame for himself, even surpassing Laila's in some places. This made their relationship appear harmonious, and the impression of "not being a match" wouldn't become the main theme of the rumors, as long as they didn't let those voices become the dominant narrative.
Of course, there would still be fans of both of them criticizing their pairing for various reasons, but that was something they couldn't avoid. Laila wasn't money; she couldn't make every one like her. As long as those voices didn't become the prevailing tone, she considered it a success.
After all, Roy was an important piece on her chessboard in the future. She had put so much effort into grooming him to his current state, and she didn't want him to ruin his reputation over a publicity stunt. That wouldn't be worth it.
Oprah had Roy sit next to Laila, and she stood with her arms crossed, staring at the two of them as if pondering something. Then she put on an intentionally distressed expression and said to the audience, "These two are incredibly well-matched. How do I break it to my neighbor's daughter that she has no chance left?"
"Ha-ha." Knowing she was joking, the audience laughed together, but some genuinely sighed in disappointment. Oprah always delivered what they wanted to hear. Even the viewers watching at home turned up the volume, afraid of missing a single word.
Roy chuckled, "Of course, if that's what everyone wants, why not?"
Oprah laughed heartily, "That's great to hear. I think what everyone is most interested in is your relationship. So, Roy, who fell in love with the other first?"
Her question sent the audience into applause and excitement. Yes, that was what they wanted to know, and Oprah never failed to deliver. Even viewers at home turned up the volume, making sure they didn't miss a word.
Roy grinned and pointed at Laila, "It was her, for sure. She fell in love with me at first sight and brought me to Hollywood."
"Ha-ha." The audience took his words as a joke, but there was no denying that this explanation was one of the most popular ones and also the most romantic.
Oprah playfully turned to Laila, seeking confirmation. "Is that really how it happened?"
Laila shook her head helplessly. "You know, he's a great actor. I used to doubt that explanation because I didn't feel that way while we were filming. But now I believe him."
The audience erupted in laughter again. Her words were essentially saying that he was acting, which showed them a different side of Laila. It was unexpected and endearing.
Roy, feigning innocence, spread his hands wide, eliciting even more laughter.
"Alright," Roy looked at Laila and spoke sincerely, "I think there was no first or last, it just started suddenly and felt like it had been there from the beginning. I feel very happy when I'm with her as if I have the whole world."
Laila blushed under his gaze. She had to admit that his acting had indeed improved, and now she felt deeply in love with him. Perhaps in the future, she should arrange for him to star in a movie that truly tests his acting skills. Who knows, he might even bring home an Oscar.