Chapter 200: Lin's Relationship Revealed, Is His Girlfriend...?
October 12, 6:30 p.m., Electric Cinema in London.
The director of Shadowhunters, Harold, and the lead actors arrived early at the cinema to welcome guests to the premiere.
There were many guests at the premiere, including not only movie stars but also some figures from the world of sports. David Beckham, who had recently retired, attended the event with his wife Victoria.
Taking advantage of the director going to greet the couple, the lead actor Jamie Campbell stealthily approached the lead actress, Lily Collins, and said:
"Lily, do you want to hang out with us after the premiere?"
He gestured to other cast members. Many of them were British, and some were even natives of London.
Lily Collins stepped aside cautiously and declined the invitation:
"No, I have things to do."
Jamie Campbell felt a bit annoyed. He was a known Hollywood actor, having starred in major productions like Twilight and Harry Potter. Being rejected by someone new irritated him.
"What could be more important than socializing in the circle? Let me tell you, there will be many important directors tonight. It's a big opportunity for you."
Lily Collins remained unfazed, clearly not believing his words. Jamie Campbell was about to say more when he saw Lily quickly heading towards the guest aisle.
Following the direction Lily was moving in, Jamie Campbell saw an attractive Asian face.
Lin Quan had just entered the cinema when he saw Lily Collins approaching quickly. Before he could greet her, Lily took his hand and led him inside the cinema.
As they walked, she watched the director and producer's reaction, evidently not wanting them to notice. To her, Lin was just an ordinary spectator, not a guest.
At that moment, only invited guests were allowed in, and any uninvited spectators would be ejected by the director.
Lily inwardly scolded herself for not telling Lin it was the premiere and he didn't need to arrive so early.
"Why did you come so early?"
Finally, after leading Lin to a hidden corner at the back of the cinema, Lily sighed in relief and asked him, with a touch of surprise in her voice.
"I thought it was our first date, so I came early," said Lin, waving the two tickets he had.
"Tch, who wants to have a date with you! We've known each other for less than a week," Lily replied with a slight blush on her cheeks, unsure if it was from the effort or Lin's words.
"I just saw the poster outside and found out you're the lead. Aren't you going to tell me anything about that?" Lin looked around, admiring the cinema.
The Electric Cinema is the oldest in the UK, opened in 1910. The interior decoration is of the Edwardian Baroque style, with some modernizations that blend the old with the new.
The front rows have double beds with red velvet and cashmere blankets, where viewers can watch the movie sitting or lying down. At the back, where Lin and Lily were, there were small double sofas, perfect for couples, and very comfortable. Each seat had a footrest with snacks and drinks, including high-end wines.
"I thought by telling you my name, you'd know who I am. But I see you don't..."
"Well, now I do."
Their smooth conversation irritated Jamie Campbell even more. He approached with a forced smile:
"Lily, is this your friend?"
Lily changed her expression upon seeing him. She knew Jamie would probably complain to the director and producer.
"Yes, he's my boyfriend," Lin said, observing both their reactions. Lily looked at him in surprise, while Jamie froze, his hand still extended in the air.
Lin shook Jamie's hand: "I've seen your movies. Would you give me an autograph?"
He acted like an excited fan, which infuriated Lily.
Jamie Campbell was disgusted. Seeing Lin's reaction, he realized he was nothing more than an ordinary person.
"Lily Collins! Now is the time for the guests' entrance. What are you doing here with your boyfriend?" Jamie raised his voice, attracting everyone's attention.
"What's going on?" asked director Harold and the producer, who were chatting with the Beckhams and approached upon hearing the commotion.
"Director, Lily Collins isn't receiving guests. She's here with her boyfriend. Is this appropriate?" Jamie was indignant.
Director Harold frowned. Revealing a relationship of the lead actress was not always good for the movie. Although it could be useful for publicity, only if the other party was someone famous. But this man didn't seem to be anyone well-known.
"Sir, who are you?" asked the director.
"I came to see the movie," said Lin, showing his tickets.
"Could you wait outside until all the guests have entered?" The director, seeing Lin had no invitation, lost his patience and asked him to leave.
Lily tried to ask for help from the producer, but he ignored her request.
"Lin, what are you doing here?" A surprised voice echoed.
Everyone turned and saw David Beckham and his wife approaching. They had heard the argument and recognized Lin.
"Mr. Beckham, do you know this gentleman?" asked the director.
The director was surprised by Beckham's reaction, quickly realizing the young man in front of him might not be just an ordinary person.
"Of course! He's one of the most prominent football stars right now!"
Beckham gave Lin Quan a very high rating.
Upon hearing these words, everyone present was amazed. They looked incredulously at Lin Quan:
This is a football star? Apart from being handsome, how could he be a football star?
"Mr. Beckham, it's a pleasure to see you here, but I think your words are a bit exaggerated for me."
"Hehe, I'm not exaggerating, that's the opinion of many people!"
Lily Collins, upon hearing Beckham, looked at Lin Quan with wide eyes.
Lin Quan, you're a good actor! I thought I was the only one hiding my identity, but it turns out you did too, and even more effectively.
Lily Collins didn't follow football and knew very little about that world. Besides, Lin Quan had only become famous in the last year, so compared to veteran stars, his global influence wasn't as significant, and many people didn't know him.
"And so what if he's a football star? He doesn't have an invitation and shouldn't be here," said Jamie Campbell, attempting one last resistance. What did it matter if Lin Quan was a football star? It had nothing to do with the entertainment world, so they had no reason to fear him.
"Oh, really? Then can I give him my invitation?" At that moment, an authoritative voice was heard behind them.
Everyone turned and saw that Prince William had arrived.
"In the UK, you can do without the cinema, but not football," said Prince William, offering his invitation to Lin Quan. "Lin, I've seen your games. Your performance is astounding. Keep it up, and I'm sure you'll become the best in football."
Regardless, he was only there for the journalists to take some photos, and he wouldn't stay long, so his invitation wasn't necessary.
"Thank you very much, Your Highness, but it's not necessary. I have my own invitation," said Lin Quan, pulling out his invitation and politely declining the Prince's offer.
Jamie Campbell realized that even Prince William was supporting Lin Quan and quickly realized that this was someone he couldn't oppose.
Director Harold also realized that Lin Quan was not an ordinary person, so he quickly changed his attitude and tried to accommodate him in the VIP seating section.
"No need, I'm fine back here," said Lin Quan, recalling the director's previous attitude and not showing him much kindness. If it weren't for Lily Collins, he would have left already.
"Alright, alright. Lily, please take good care of our distinguished guest," said Harold, realizing that Lin Quan was upset. Then, he left Lily in charge of Lin Quan and went to attend to other matters.
The journalists also noticed Lin Quan and began taking pictures of him, ignoring the director and lead actors. They had caught wind of the gossip and were ready to write a big article.
Lily Collins, with her arms crossed, watched Lin Quan from the sofa, waiting for an explanation.
"We're even, right?" said Lin Quan, referring to both of them hiding their identities.
"So, you're a football star?"
"We don't call it that."
"Then what do you call it?"
"Footballer."
Lily Collins was speechless for a moment before asking:
"Did you say that intentionally?"
"Say what intentionally?"
"Those three words, did you do it on purpose, or was it a mistake?"
"Yes, it was an... intentional mistake."
"You!"
What an annoying person!
Despite knowing each other for a short time and not really being boyfriend and girlfriend, after today, when the journalists published the news, no one would believe any other explanation.
"Lily Collins, can I be your boyfriend? If not, I'll ask you again tomorrow."
Lily Collins, who had been keeping a serious face, couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, then ask me again tomorrow."
Lily Collins smiled mischievously, not giving a direct answer.
But Lin Quan knew that by not rejecting him at that moment, she had already given her implicit consent. After all, the next day, all of England would know about their relationship.
Indeed, the next day, all the newspapers on Fleet Street reported on the relationship between Lin Quan and Lily Collins.
However, many internet users were skeptical about the news.
"It's fake, they've never been seen interacting before. The journalists are just making up stories."
"That's right, the producers want to use Lin's influence to promote their movie."
"I swear, Lin spends all his time on the field and training, how could he have time for a relationship?"
But soon, paparazzi published photos of Lin Quan and Lily Collins walking and eating together in Liverpool.
"Uhm... I take back what I said before."
"Wow! Lin has such a beautiful girlfriend. I'm jealous!"
"Envy! Is that what winning at life looks like or what?"
Thanks for all the support.