Roy nodded. The design drafts indeed centered around teardrop-shaped diamonds, with various materials adorning the edges. Rubies, sapphires, and some gold and platinum were used, making the designs very beautiful. Just imagining them on a finger hinted at how dazzling they would be.
After searching for so long, he finally found such a blue diamond. The reason he immediately chose it was because its icy blue color matched Laila's eye color. Seeing it felt like seeing her eyes.
Bernie's idea of designing the diamond into a teardrop shape based on its color and shape was excellent. It not only enhanced the color but also preserved its shape to the maximum, without cutting away too much.
His thinking was simple: spending millions on a diamond, no one wants to cut it into small pieces, right? Of course, bigger is better.
Everyone knows that the price difference between one-carat and two-carat diamonds isn't just double. The larger the diamond, the more valuable it is.
Bernie continued, "You mentioned Laila doesn't like intricate designs or very bright colors. That might be why you feel the designs aren't perfect." He smiled bitterly, realizing he shouldn't have asked Monica. Monica had said all women liked bright, luxurious, and as many accessories as possible, which wasn't accurate.
It made sense; what was Laila's status? She was a top director and heir to a large group, making millions at any time. If she liked what Monica said, she should be adorned with all kinds of jewels. Yet, in the reports he read about Laila, she wore very few accessories.
Bernie had talent but lacked experience in custom designing for someone. Many details he should have considered were overlooked. He decided to collect more information about Laila from her photos and reports, to understand what kind of person she really was.
When Roy returned from Bernie's, he saw his brother Abel talking to Laila in the living room.
"What are you discussing?" He walked over, kissed Laila, and patted Abel's head.
Abel wasn't surprised to be second to Laila and didn't feel jealous, knowing he'd place his brother second if roles were reversed (╮(╯﹏╰)╭).
"I was asking Laila about the East. My friends are planning a trip abroad during summer vacation, and I suggested the East."
"The East?" Roy glanced at Laila. Even without hearing, he knew she must have described many enticing places. "Isn't it too far? Abel is still young."
Abel adjusted his glasses, "Brother, I'm in college now."
Roy laughed, tapping his brother's forehead, "You skipped grades." Having a genius brother who skipped middle school and high school to be accepted early by MIT was astonishing. But it also meant his classmates were at least two or three years older. How could Roy not worry about Abel traveling across the globe?
Laila was unhappy, "What's wrong with the East? They won't jail him for being young!"
"I didn't mean that..." Roy sighed, forgetting Laila couldn't tolerate any negative comments about that country in the East. It was just a brotherly concern.
Laila knew this but felt the country in the East was the same as her alma mater and deserved her defense. She could criticize it, but others couldn't.
"Abel, go if you want. Don't worry too much. Don't be misled by the media here; the East is much safer. No one will suddenly pull a gun on you there. People are kind and might even take extra care of you as a foreigner. I have a company there. From the moment you land until you leave, everything can be arranged. Enjoy and see the scenery across the Atlantic. You'll gain much from the experience!"
Simply put: Go have fun, I've got it covered.
Seeing his brother's bright eyes, Roy had no objections. Laila was right; she had many contacts there, with cinemas in almost every major city. Finding someone to guide a few students around was easy.
Abel, having achieved his goal with Laila's help, quietly returned to his room, leaving the couple alone.
Roy asked about recent public opinions, wanting to know any new developments.
"Nothing significant," Laila shrugged, "The award season is six months away, and the Oscars are next year. Let's discuss it then; doing too much now might not help."
She knew impressions were powerful. The first impression is crucial as changing how others perceive you later is difficult. If Oscar judges developed a poor impression of "The Lord of the Rings," it would be hard to change that by the award ceremony.
She didn't share these worries with Roy, preferring to handle them alone.
Changing the subject, Laila asked, "Where did you go earlier?"
"Uh?" Roy felt guilty, his eyes darting before he answered, "Just met a friend."
Laila raised an eyebrow, "Are you hiding something from me?" Trying to act in front of a top Hollywood director? He thought she wouldn't notice?
"Ahem." Roy cleared his throat, "Just a little matter."
An Oscar-winning actor couldn't deceive his fiancée. Admitting it was better than denying, as continued denial was pointless once seen through.
"Do you need my help?" Laila didn't press for details, only wanting to know if he needed help.
"Thanks, no need. I'll ask if I do." Roy felt relieved she didn't push further. He hated lying to her, and if she continued questioning, he would have to reveal the truth, ruining the surprise.