Demi listed the names of several universities and art schools: "All are reputedly well-known institutions."
Laila nodded; these were indeed familiar names, indicating that Yao Yingxia's decision wasn't hasty or based on personal connections. Choosing any of these schools blindly wouldn't pose a problem.
"No need for too many arrangements, at most two events. As for the location, decide after communicating with the people from the East." It didn't matter to her; anywhere would suffice.
"Understood." Demi earnestly noted her words in her notebook.
The sound of scribbling filled the air, momentarily transporting Laila back to the past.
"Demi, you've been with me for a long time, haven't you?"
"Yes, BOSS. I've been by your side since you joined the company."
"Yeah, time flies. It's been so many years." Laila chuckled. "Back then, you were like a startled rabbit. There were many times I wanted to tease you."
Demi pushed her glasses up. "BOSS, you shouldn't say that; it might affect my loyalty to you."
"Haha." Laila laughed. "Really?"
"...No." Demi, even without knowing the boss's eccentricities at first, had learned over the years.
She was the type who enjoyed scaring those she liked. Of course, the condition was that she had to like you; if she didn't, she wouldn't even bother teasing. It was a pattern Demi had figured out over the years working with the boss. Sometimes, though, she wasn't sure if she should be happy about it.
But one thing was certain; the boss had given her a new life and turned her world around. Now, she had a job and salary to envy, a work capability admired by subordinates, and, most importantly, the boss's trust and support.
No longer treated as a predecessor's plaything, she wasn't someone the boss played with when in the mood and discarded when not. Though she wasn't lacking materially, she knew what kind of looks people gave her.
She was satisfied with her current life and grateful for it. If possible, she hoped this life could continue until the end.
Demi's transformation had quietly taken place. It was hard to sense it in her presence, but comparing the past to the present one made Laila realize how significant the change was.
It wasn't just her; not just Roy. Laila's presence had altered the destinies of many.
Perhaps there were two kinds of people in this world: those destined to be influenced by others and those destined to influence others.
In 2003, the Eastern Capital still had a clear sky. At the airport, planes of various sizes could be seen taking off and landing. Today, however, many entering and exiting noticed a tenser atmosphere. Officials and uniformed police officers were stationed at the airport, seemingly awaiting something important.
Was someone important arriving? Curious onlookers stopped to see what was happening.
"Here they come!" The waiting officials, receiving the notification, started moving. Police officers escorted cars to a certain location.
Ordinarily, such vehicles weren't allowed inside the airport. If they were allowed, it meant either the owner was powerful, or the person to be picked up had considerable status. This made the curious onlookers even more eager to know who the significant person was.
Before long, a plane appeared in the sky.
The aircraft was large, bearing an "MORAN" English logo in the middle and the Moran family crest on the tail. Those familiar with it could tell it was the Moran family's private plane.
The plane landed steadily, and the cabin door opened. Out walked... a young girl.
Onlookers were stunned. They expected someone important, but they didn't anticipate a girl who looked like a college student. She was too far to see clearly, but the only thing they could ascertain was her youth.
"Laila, welcome back to the Eastern Kingdom." Yao Yingxia, in charge of this exchange, warmly greeted her upon descent.
"Hello, Ms. Yao." Laila smiled and hugged her.
Before they could speak further, a group of people streamed out of the plane. Aside from Demi and her assistant, twelve bodyguards were protecting her.
Since the last dangerous encounter, Grandpa Oswald insisted on having all the bodyguards accompany her. If Laila didn't want to attract too much attention, she might have rejected some, and the entire plane would be filled with bodyguards.
Yao Yingxia and those behind her didn't expect Laila to bring so many bodyguards, momentarily dumbfounded. Usually, people of their level are associated with figures from the literary and artistic world, and bringing a few assistants was considered quite grand. They never thought they'd see the day someone arrived with such a large entourage of bodyguards.
Seeing their surprise, Laila explained, "I had a near-death experience before. My family was too worried, so they arranged for so many people to accompany me. But rest assured, they are all professionals and won't cause you any trouble."
"No problem, it's understandable." Yao Yingxia had naturally learned about Laila's experience when gathering information about her. They didn't care about the specifics; knowing there was a real danger that almost took her life was enough.
Under Yao Yingxia's lead, Laila and her entourage finally left the airport under the curious gaze of onlookers.
"Gee, who was that just now? Such a grand entrance." A college-looking male student marveled.
"Yeah, all foreign bodyguards. Could it be a second-generation returning?"
"Come on, what kind of eyes do you have? The leader is also a foreign girl, right? She looks quite familiar; maybe she's a big Hollywood star?"
"You guys are so uncultured. Hasn't that person been here before? The Hollywood director who swept the Oscars and even appeared on the Spring Festival Gala?"
Onlookers were stunned.
"Damn! From this far, you can't even see what she looks like, and you can tell who she is?"
The guy casually spread the newspaper in his hands, and there, in bold letters, was the headline—"Hollywood Director Laila Moran, Who Swept the Oscars, Invited to Exchange in the East."
"Moran, do you understand? Couldn't you see the big letters on the plane?"
"..."