Unbeknownst to anyone else, Laila's thoughts had drifted far away. But to outsiders, all they saw was Laila and Roy gazing deeply into each other's eyes, their gazes locked in a loving embrace.
If this wasn't love, then what was it?
Although Oprah didn't want to interrupt their affectionate moment, she reluctantly interjected for the sake of the show. "As we all know, you both went through a difficult time not too long ago. I've always wondered if it weren't for that incident that exposed your relationship, would you have kept it a secret for the next century? Could you tell us why you chose to keep it hidden instead of sharing it with everyone?"
Roy chuckled, "It wasn't exactly intentional secrecy; we just didn't actively publicize it. We felt that our way of being together was good and easygoing, so it naturally continued."
Laila nodded in agreement. "Yes, and I prefer to be behind the camera, creating worlds with film. I'd like people to get to know me through the world I create. Too many headlines and flashbulbs aren't what I'm after."
Oprah laughed warmly. "I think your wish will come true. Many people already love your movies, including me." She then steered the conversation toward a more audience-friendly topic. "By the way, Laila, when do you think Roy attracted you the most? Was it when he saved you?"
Laila thought for a moment. "It was probably during the filming of 'Kill Bill.' At that time, he expressed a desire to cameo in the film and wanted to have a proper fight scene. I initially thought he was joking, but when he performed the martial arts moves taught by the instructor, I was surprised to discover his exceptional skills." Of course, this was a method they used for promoting the movie. After all, their task was to promote the film.
Oprah, intrigued, continued, "So you're saying his performances in the movie were all real?"
Laila confirmed, "Yes, they were real. All the action sequences were performed by him, with no special effects or stunt doubles. I think when the audience sees his performance in the movie, they'll understand why I was so amazed back then."
"Well, that sounds exciting. I'm definitely going to watch it!" Oprah responded with enthusiasm, fulfilling her role as a grateful host for having Laila on her show. She then turned her attention to Roy. "Roy, when do you think Laila attracted you the most?"
Roy looked at Laila and flashed a radiant smile. "Everything."
That answer could easily melt the hearts of any young girls, and even women in their forties and fifties couldn't resist being charmed by him. The audience's enthusiastic applause and screams were the perfect confirmation.
Time passed quickly in the joyful atmosphere, and Oprah's talk show came to an end amidst laughter. Both the audience and the host felt like they could have continued the conversation. Through the show, Laila and Roy's "relationship" spread to a wider audience faster than they had planned.
As Laila had anticipated, most people were moved by their words on the show and accepted their explanation. Their interactions during the interview also piqued the audience's interest. Some viewers even commented that they could feel the love between them in their gazes.
"Phew, it seems like we did well," Laila sighed, putting down the latest newspaper. It was the first time in two lifetimes that she had embarked on a "relationship," and she was worried she might mess it up due to her lack of experience. Fortunately, Roy's performance had been impressive, and she had been able to play along.
"Yeah," Roy looked at her strangely, then quickly averted his gaze.
"What? Is there something on my face?" Laila touched her face and didn't feel anything out of the ordinary.
Roy cleared his throat, "If it's okay, I'll go prepare for the shoot."
"Sure, go ahead," Laila waved him off and picked up another newspaper to read more reports.
Demi glanced at Roy, who had left after closing the door, and then at her boss, who was smiling at the newspaper in a somewhat eerie manner. She had a feeling that there was something unusual between the two of them, but what exactly was it? She tilted her head but couldn't come up with an answer.
In the days that followed, Roy and Laila continued to appear on various TV shows and interviews. During these interviews, they would "casually" mention their upcoming movie, "Kill Bill." As a result, the movie's exposure increased with each passing day.
However, one thing worried Laila. According to their plan, they were supposed to start appearing in public together as a couple more often to fuel the rumors. But whether it was going to a restaurant, a movie theater, or shopping, she couldn't decide on the best course of action.
"Should we show affection openly or stage a love triangle drama?" Laila pondered aloud, tapping her fingers on the table.
At that moment, Roy came in and solved her dilemma. "How about going to a basketball game?"
"Huh?" Laila had no interest in sports. She had even left the Super Bowl, the American event that everyone was crazy about, after the halftime show, completely ignoring the heated game below.
Roy excitedly explained, "I got two of the best seats for an NBA game: the Los Angeles Lakers versus the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers are the best team this year; they won the championship last year and are sure to win it again this year! Besides, you're half an Angeleno; how can you not support the Lakers at their home game?"
"Lakers? Kings?" What were those? Laila was completely bewildered. To be honest, the only NBA team she knew about was the Rockets, who were trying to prevent the world from being destroyed and maintain world peace. But okay, she was joking; of course, it wasn't the Rocket team from Pokemon but the one Yao Ming had played for. That was only because of Yao Ming, the Chinese basketball star who had played for them
Thanks to Yao Ming's presence, countless people in the Eastern world had heard about the NBA and the Rockets. Laila had been one of them in her past life. As for other teams? She didn't even know which team Michael Jordan, revered as the basketball god, had played for!
Roy looked at her in amazement. "Seriously, you don't even know about the Lakers?"
Laila felt like she was being treated as a fool, her irritation showing in her response. "Who says I don't know? They're a team from Los Angeles, right?"
"Alright, I won't say anything." Roy wisely refrained from pointing out that aside from the Lakers, there was also the Clippers in Los Angeles. "So, what do you think? Are you interested in going to the game tomorrow night?"
"Is it highly publicized?" Laila was only concerned about one thing. They were trying to create rumors, and if they appeared in a place with low public attention, how would the media notice them?