Victoria is absent-minded, but Sebastian Vanderbilt isn't in much better shape. He tries to convince himself that what happened was just a one-night accident between adults, not something he needs to feel responsible for. Yet, the more he tries not to think about it, the clearer the memory becomes.
In the office, Sebastian rests his face on one arm, idly twirling a pen with the other. He doesn't even notice the ink splattering everywhere.
"With just a month left until college starts, have you thought about how you want to embrace university life?" Patrick Anchor pushes the door open and walks in, but his expression grows serious upon seeing Sebastian's state.
"What's there to think about—" Sebastian instinctively replies, but seeing Patrick's stern face, he quickly asks, "Is there a problem with the presale channels?"
Patrick, who is in charge of sales and publicity at KG, is known for his thoroughness. Generally, only major issues would warrant such a serious demeanor.
Upon reflection, the upcoming November Fashion Week in New York seems like a plausible concern. Getting their products on the runway is crucial for KG Studio's transformation into a high-end fashion brand.
Suddenly becoming serious, Sebastian's thoughts race. However, Patrick places his hand on Sebastian's forehead and says, "You aren't getting dumped by some girl, are you?"
Sebastian raises his head, noticing the playful glint in Patrick's eyes. Despite the serious mask, Patrick's eyes are brimming with suppressed laughter.
While Sebastian excels in both emotional intelligence and business, this excellence means his friends have to constantly improve themselves to keep up.
"That's not funny," Sebastian mutters, realizing Patrick is messing with him.
Patrick, however, seems genuinely pleased to have caught Sebastian off guard. "You're always so perfect. It's exhausting trying to keep up," he says, satisfaction evident in his eyes. After all, being able to tease someone as composed as Sebastian is a rare victory.
Sebastian opens his mouth to retort but then simply says, "Boring," before returning to his pensiveness.
"Seriously, are you sick? You don't look like yourself today." Patrick pulls up a chair and sits down.
"Dear Head of Publicity, haven't you finished your work already?" Sebastian's face shows a hint of a threat.
"Which girl are you thinking about?" Patrick asks, feigning deep thought.
"Is it that obvious?" Sebastian is momentarily startled.
Patrick is equally surprised. He has assumed Sebastian is preoccupied with some business issue and had tried to lighten the mood. "Wait, it's really a girl?" Patrick's eyes light up with curiosity.
Sebastian falls silent.
"Is it a Cinderella situation?" Patrick speculates. "Are you going for the classic prince and commoner storyline? But at your level, shouldn't your family be planning an arranged marriage?"
"Arranged marriage? Do you think we're in a soap opera?" Sebastian rolls his eyes.
"Come on, who is she? What does she do? How old is she? Got any photos?" Patrick leans in, eager.
"You sound like a gossiping aunt," Sebastian complains.
"Wait, is it Jessica?" Patrick continues guessing, ignoring Sebastian's reaction.
"Not Jessica," Sebastian tries to clarify.
"Then who?" Patrick's attention sharpens.
Sebastian realizes he might as well talk about it. "So, here's the thing," he begins, carefully recounting the story but referring to himself as 'a friend.'
"So, what do you think my friend should do?" Sebastian asks earnestly. He really can't be as carefree as a fictional character.
Patrick stares at him for a moment before his laugher bursting out, "So, you had a one-night stand and got rejected by the girl afterwards?"
Sebastian's forehead veins bulge. "I told you, it's my friend!"
"Alright, alright, your friend," Patrick says, trying to suppress a laugh. "So, what's the plan now?"
"Do you have any solutions or not?" Sebastian asks, frustrated. He feels like he is facing a problem more difficult than any business challenge.
Patrick thinks for a moment. "So, you're torn between not really feeling love for her and yet wanting to take responsibility because you feel it's the right thing to do?"
"Exactly," Sebastian says, forgetting to deny it, eyes hopeful for an answer.
"Then just go for it," Patrick says sincerely. "Whether it's love or guilt, if you like her, go for it. Getting to know each other might lead to something real. Love isn't always about initial sparks; in many cases, it takes time to grow."
"But she doesn't seem to be interested," Sebastian recalls Victoria's decisive expression that morning, feeling uncertain.
"You won't know unless you try," Patrick says confidently. "Girls can be complicated; they might say one thing but feel another. She might be thinking you're a fool for not pursuing her."
"Really?" Sebastian is impressed. "Patrick, how do you know so much about relationships?"
"It's a talent, like your business acumen," Patrick says, pleased with himself.
"Then I should chase after her?" Sebastian feels a surge of determination.
"Go for it. You've got my support," Patrick says, patting Sebastian on the shoulder.
Seb feels touched, or perhaps he just needs an excuse to act. Patrick's encouragement gives him that excuse.
The two friends discuss the plan in detail in the office. After a while, Patrick leaves, satisfied with the outcome.
Back at his desk, Patrick opens his computer and stares resolutely at a web novel titled "I'm Just a Fan." He doesn't know much about relationships, and all his advice has come from the novel. For his friend, he decides to read the entire thing to gather more insights.
Meanwhile, on the set of "You Are My Destiny," Victoria occasionally glances around, her eyes filled with longing. After a while, she pouts and thinks to herself, "He's really not coming to find me? Really?"