"Damn it! Those damn reporters are so annoying, I really want to throw them into the Pacific to feed the fish."
On the second-floor staircase, Kate scowled and cursed in frustration.
"Kate, you can't do that," Luca said seriously. "As an environmentalist, how could you just toss garbage into the Pacific? That's extremely un-eco-friendly."
"Garbage?" Kate paused, then laughed. "Hmph~ you jerk, I'm the one being bullied by the trash, and you still have the nerve to joke around."
Luca smiled slightly, "Of course. I'm an environmentalist too, so I absolutely can't tolerate you feeding fish with trash. What if the fish get sick? They're so cute, how could you let that happen?"
"Haha~ are sharks cute too? You really are a kind-hearted jerk!" Kate pressed her hands against his cheeks, rubbing them back and forth.
"Kate, don't do that. We still have to attend the banquet later," Luca said, pulling her hands away.
"So what if we're going to the banquet?" Kate snorted, pointing at him. "Look at you, all slicked up in that blue suit. Why are you dressing up so handsomely for a party? Are you trying to make Lima jealous?"
"Uh~ wasn't it you who told me to dress like this?"
"Did I?"
"╮(—︿—)╭"
"The more I look at you, the more annoyed I get. I should make you change. Hmm, how about women's clothes?"
"Noooooooo~"
"Enough, you two!" Just as Kate was about to act, Ms. Nina, along with Emily and Gina, arrived.
Ms. Nina sighed, glancing at the pair. Kate had just been cursing angrily, and now she was laughing uncontrollably—not at all like the ice queen writer she appeared to be. And Luca? Well, without him, none of this chaos would've happened.
Nina sighed quietly and said slowly, "Kate, you don't need to curse at those reporters. They were just doing their job—they were sent by someone to stir up trouble at the press conference."
"Paid to do it?" Kate's eyes lit up as she clenched her fist. "Bündchen! It must be Bündchen. That b*tch knows me too well. She knew my temper would flare, so she set them up to ask those questions. She knows my weakness is Luca—that's why they kept bringing him up. It has to be her!"
"Kate!" Ms. Nina shook her head. "Bündchen is busy walking in Paris fashion shows. She doesn't have time to care about a press conference."
"Emmm~" Kate raised her eyebrows. "If not her, then maybe one of her friends. Doesn't matter—it's all the same."
"Haha, Kate, that might not be the case," Emily smiled. "You know, the publishing industry is just like fashion. Every year, people's purchasing power is about the same.
"When readers choose 'Twilight,' they inevitably give up other books.
"As a result, the success of 'Twilight' is impacting book sales across the board.
"For example, Professor Pallard, whom the reporter mentioned, is also a writer. Your book became a bestseller, but his book, well, I heard he spent ten years writing it and has sold fewer than 800 copies in a month."
"Ten years, and only 800 books sold?" Kate's face lit up with glee.
"Yes, yes! The reporter didn't even finish the story," Emily said, stifling a laugh. "Professor Pallard said sourly that it's too bad Britney doesn't fancy him; otherwise, he'd be willing to sacrifice for literature too."
"Hahaha~" A burst of laughter echoed from the upstairs hall.
Ms. Nina pursed her lips, watching as Kate collapsed laughing onto Luca's shoulder, completely losing her composure.
With a helpless shake of her head, Nina said, "Kate, the reason we're telling you this is that you're no longer just Kate the supermodel from the fashion world. You're now Kate, the bestselling author from the literary world.
"Similarly, your competition isn't just other models anymore; now you're also facing a crowd of writers who make a living through their books.
"You need to expand your vision beyond the fashion world. The broader your perspective, the farther you'll go."
Kate nodded seriously. "Nina, you're right. It might not be Bündchen. Hmm, it could be Annie Ness.
"Her books are in the same genre as 'Twilight,' and ever since 'Twilight' became a hit, her sales have plummeted. Haha, last week she even dropped off the bestseller list.
"I'm taking her cheese away—she definitely won't let that slide. Nina, am I right?"
"Not exactly," Nina shook her head slightly. "You're affecting more than just her cheese. There's also her publisher, her distributor, and more.
"It's just like your competition with Bündchen—your opponent isn't just her. It includes her agent, her assistant, and even the marketing VP above them.
"Kate, the stronger you get, the stronger your enemies become. But their strength also reflects your own. So don't focus on Bündchen, Annie Ness, or any single person—it could lead to misjudgment."
"I see. My opponent is a group, a force, or even more forces," Kate said thoughtfully.
"Yes, every successful person inevitably disrupts someone else's interests on their way to success, and in doing so, you'll inevitably gain more enemies. But that's why you need to push forward without hesitation."
"Yes! I will!" Kate said excitedly, squeezing someone's hand tightly.
"Hiss~" Luca sucked in a breath, wincing. "Nina, can't we rise to power peacefully?"
Ms. Nina glanced at him. "You wish."
"Luca, you idiot! You don't understand anything. Stop talking and just listen," Kate said, squeezing his fingers harder.
Luca covered his face and didn't dare speak again.
Once he quieted down, Ms. Nina continued, "Kate, now that you're a famous author, you need to be more careful with your language in public. Avoid swearing or insulting others—it will affect your public image."
"Yes, Nina, I understand. I'll be more mindful from now on," Kate said solemnly.
Clap, clap~
"Nina, that was great!" Han Li and Felix lightly applauded.
"Kate, just like Nina said, the road to success is full of obstacles. Along the way, you'll face many enemies, but equally, you'll find more friends and partners!"
Han Li gestured to herself, then to the people around her. "We're all in this together!"
"Wow~ Yes, yes! We're a team," Kate said, even more excited, squeezing someone's fingers again.
Someone: "╥﹏╥"
As they chatted, the group arrived at an Oriental restaurant called "Three Birds Island."
With its paper sliding doors, ancient vases with flower arrangements, and hardwood floors, the place had a classic oriental style. It was a secluded, elegant spot tucked into the eastern corner of a building, away from the shopping mall and supermarket—a quiet retreat amidst the bustle.
The oriental décor was combined with the luxurious, sophisticated ambiance of a Western restaurant.
"Everyone, we're here!" Felix called out.
Whoosh~
Two waiters in white gloves opened the large double doors.
As the doors swung open, the restaurant was lit up brightly inside.
A red carpet stretched from the entrance to the center.
In the center stood a tall champagne tower, shimmering under the lights, filling the air with a rich aroma of wine.
Around the hall, more than a hundred well-dressed guests sat chatting.
As soon as Kate led the way into the hall, the conversations stopped, and all eyes turned to the door.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
Everyone applauded in unison, welcoming the newly minted bestselling author, Kate Kelly.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Thirty-five bottles of champagne were opened in succession, creating a rain of champagne along the red carpet. The crowd cheered loudly as the atmosphere in the restaurant reached a fever pitch.
"Thank you, darling," Kate whispered, gazing at the cheering crowd on the red carpet.
"You're welcome," Luca replied with a smirk.
(End of Chapter)