"Ahem," Elena cleared her throat, attempting to regain composure over her racing heart. "You look handsome too," she managed to utter, her tone clipped as she reciprocated the compliment.
"Ah, yes," Yuchen responded, the realization of his own behavior dawning on him. He couldn't fathom why he had acted so uncharacteristically, but it was undeniable – Elena looked exceptionally stunning right now.
An awkward silence settled between them, both avoiding each other's gaze, their own discomfort palpable. The air was thick with a strange tension, as if they were both unsure of how to navigate this unexpected shift in dynamics.
"Shall we go then?" Yuchen broke the silence, striving to restore a sense of normalcy to their interaction.
"Just a moment, our ride hasn't arrived yet," Elena explained briefly, her attention on her phone's screen.to see what time it is right now.
Yuchen furrowed his brows in confusion. "Ride? What's wrong with your car?" he queried, bewildered. They had just used Elena's car to travel from the salon to her boutique.
"If you're tired of driving, I can take the wheel. I have an international driving permit," Yuchen offered
Yuchen knew that the driver's seat in China was on the left side, while in London it was on the right side, and maybe that was the reason why Elena didn't want him to drive, thinking he couldn't do it.
Although it had been a long time since he had driven on the left, at least this was not his first experience and he was confident he could manage.
"No, we're not using my car," Elena replied tersely.
Yuchen looked even more confused when he heard Elena's explanation. They didn't go there by Elena's car, so what would they go there with?
As if reading Yuchen's thoughts, Elena opened her mouth again.
"We'll be taking a limousine. My driver is on his way here."
Yuchen tried not to let his surprise show too overtly when he heard how Elena casually talked about the vehicle they would be riding in.
Even though it wasn't the first time he had ridden in a limousine since his boss also had one, this revelation caught him off guard.
It seemed he had completely forgotten that the woman he was working with was extremely rich.
"Then, while waiting for the ride, how about we take a photo?" Yuchen suggested suddenly, hoping to diffuse the awkwardness and engage in a more lighthearted activity.
Since the beginning he has been committed to carry out this job properly. He wouldn't let Elena suspect him of being a man who was used to shooting people cold hearted..
"Ah, you're right! We should practice for the cameras!" Elena responded enthusiastically, her focus shifting entirely. The impending public appearance had momentarily slipped her mind.
After all, standing before a multitude of cameras required a level of finesse. So they have to practice the poses they will do in front of the camera.
While Elena was well-acquainted with the red carpet and had even come in a pair before, Yuchen's relative inexperience might lead to a somewhat awkward pose.
"Eh?" Yuchen's surprise was evident. He hadn't meant to suggest a full practice session; he merely wanted a picture to commemorate the moment.
Elena, however, interpreted his words differently. She approached Yuchen, leading him to a large mirror. "Imagine there are dozens of cameras in front of you right now," she instructed.
Yuchen complied, studying his reflection in the mirror as he attempted to embody the image Elena described.
"You look great, but there's something missing. Try putting your hands in your trouser pockets," Elena suggested, tilting her head in assessment.
"Yes, that's it. This pose works better than having your hands on the outside," she approved, satisfied with the result.
"Let's take a photo together," Yuchen proposed, retrieving his cellphone from his pocket and opening the camera app. He directed Elena to stand beside him in front of the mirror for a selfie.
Elena couldn't help but ponder Yuchen's penchant for photography. Was it his awareness of his own handsomeness that drove this urge?
Even though it wasn't like Elena hated it, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was more enthusiastic about taking photos than she was.
As they snapped a few shots, looking undeniably good in the process, a man approached them. It was Elena's driver, signaling their vehicle had arrived.
***
As the limousine glided closer to their destination, Elena reached for a wine glass from within the car, poured a small amount of wine, and took a sip. The familiar taste was meant to steady her nerves as the anticipation grew.
She was undeniably anxious, her hopes hinging on the smooth execution of their relationship announcement tonight. The stakes were high, and she wished fervently that everything would unfold without any hitches.
"Oh, and make sure you don't embarrass me. Just stand still and pose for the photos," Elena interjected, turning her attention to Yuchen, who was engrossed with his cellphone.
Despite their several interactions since she proposed the contract to him, Yuchen always seemed to add an unexpected twist to the situation.
Take their lunch at her company canteen, for instance. She had invited him there to give her employees a glimpse of their "relationship."
She had anticipated Yuchen to play his role quietly, yet he had managed to surprise her again.
While they were waiting in line to get their food, Yuchen had casually referred to her as "Babe."
Elena knew it was all part of the act, but Yuchen's ability to improvise never failed to catch her off guard. She had nearly choked at the unexpected endearment.
With this impending public appearance, Elena wanted to emphasize that Yuchen should just stay quiet and do nothing.
"Yes, ma'am!" Yuchen responded nonchalantly, giving a nod of understanding.
***
The area in front of the theater building, which was the designated venue for the film premiere, buzzed with a throng of people.
Cameras adorned with various news logos were held aloft, while banners featuring the faces of beloved actors and artists flapped in the air. Although not all of these enthusiasts had received invitations to the event, their fervor was evident as they gathered to show support for their idols and catch a glimpse of them in the flesh.
Hopeful fans waited, yearning for their beloved idols to emerge from the cars that pulled up to the red carpet. However, anticipation sometimes gave way to disappointment as the exiting figures were not always the ones they had been hoping for. They craned their necks, scanning for the next vehicle with bated breath.
As a few cars came and went, a black limousine arrived and parked gracefully in front of the red carpet. Expectant fans readied their voices to shout the names of their adored stars, while reporters poised their cameras, ready to capture the much-awaited moments.
When the limousine door swung open, a man emerged, his stunning features capturing attention. Yet, a sense of unfamiliarity rippled through the crowd. Whispers filled the air, the curiosity palpable.
"Is he a new actor? I've never seen him before!"
"Who is he? He's unbelievably handsome!"
Reporters, uncertain of this new face, hesitated to photograph him since they really not know that man..
Confusion once again marked the expressions of the onlookers as they witnessed the man's unconventional actions. Instead of proceeding directly down the red carpet, he remained stationed by the open door, as though anticipating something.
Abruptly, the man extended his hand, and within moments, another hand intertwined with his, followed by the graceful descent of a woman.
"It's Elena Nam!"
A cry erupted as someone recognized the descending figure as Elena. In an instant, the reporters who had lowered their cameras immediately raised them again to take pictures.
"Over here, Elena Nam!"
"Please, look this way!"
"Elena! You are so beautiful!"
"You really are like a goddess!"
With a sweet smile, Elena graciously acknowledged the attention, her arm linked with Yuchen's as they walked side by side.
Yuchen, fully embracing his role as her supposed boyfriend, mirrored Elena's every movement with precision. Whenever she turned left, he matched her, when she glanced to the right, he followed suit.
As they made their way along the red carpet, they finally reached the designated stage, framed by a magnificent backdrop.
Yet, Elena's concern was soon confirmed as Yuchen, once again, allowed his enthusiasm for his role as her fake boyfriend got the better of him yet again, leading him to make a move – a move that left Elena seething with frustration.
Why didn't he just stand still and do nothing like what he was told to do!