Chapter 120

Regarding relying on connections... "You started donating before you returned to China. I'll have someone coordinate with Aria's cousin. If anyone accuses you of relying on connections, don't worry, there's evidence to prove them wrong."

Lily felt a bit embarrassed seeing him peeling continuously while she kept eating, so she picked up a spoon and fed him a bite.

"I don't have any issues with it, but Aria is my manager. I need to discuss it with her."

Edmond held her hand, taking the crab meat into his mouth, "Okay."

In the afternoon, Edmond received an urgent call from Alistair and had to leave. Lily then went to the studio to find Aria.

This year's Mid-Autumn Festival was a three-day holiday, and the Meng family came to Jiangyu for the celebration. Aria spent the entire day with them yesterday, went shopping with them in the morning, and now needed a break in the afternoon. She hadn't decided on Lily's next project yet and was just lounging at home, so she decided to head to the studio.

She had a few minor projects on hand. Although Lily faced a lot of criticism on Weibo, her collaboration with "Win" and Michelle had garnered significant attention. Regardless of the nature of the collaboration or the quality of the magazine shoot, there was a steady stream of cooperative projects riding on the hype. However, none of these projects were particularly outstanding.

After all, Lily had previously been in the international circle, specifically the animal advocacy community, and lacked domestic fame until November. People were coming to leverage her popularity, not to ruin good projects.

Aria had been meticulously selecting but couldn't find a satisfactory project. Frustrated, she listened as Lily mentioned a charity project.

Upon hearing this, Aria slapped the table in excitement. "This is exactly what I needed! Edmond is truly a blessing in disguise. Lily, ever since you married Edmond, your luck has improved!"

The main reason Aria had been so picky about the projects was the lack of a meaningful aspect. She couldn't quite pinpoint it but felt something was missing. Lily's suggestion made her realize what it was: charity! With the November issue of "Win" set to release, Lily, riding the wave of Selena's previous momentum and Michelle's strong influence, was bound to become a hit.

Having just transitioned, Lily was a newcomer, a young one at that, and was sure to face a wave of rumors and malicious speculations. In this circle, regardless of who you are, as long as you pose a threat, people will try to bring you down.

Once Lily's popularity surged, good projects would follow. She didn't need to rush for resources. What she needed was a reputation that would withstand the storm. How to stand firm? Charity projects and philanthropy.

Charity and philanthropy are double-edged swords for celebrities. Over the years, Lily's donations were genuine and well-documented, so charity was not a double-edged sword for her but a protective shield.

Aria decided that Lily would pursue two directions in the future: dabbling in the fashion industry and focusing on charity projects, balancing both.

Lily shared Aria's thoughts but considered Edmond more. As Edmond's wife, she represented him and Jingshu when she went out. She couldn't help him in other ways, but taking on charity projects and doing more philanthropy to bring positive topics and a good image was something she could and should do. She didn't want to embarrass him. Even if she couldn't stand shoulder to shoulder with him, she at least had to be the best version of Lily.

With work matters resolved, Aria urged Lily to hurry home. "Although Edmond doesn't celebrate his birthday, today is his birthday. Isn't he off today? Go home and accompany him."

Lily replied, "He was called away by Alistair, who said it was urgent."

Mentioning Alistair, Lily suddenly remembered something and looked at Aria with a playful smile, "I went to the airport to pick up Edmond the other day. I didn't see much excitement, but Little Ding told me it was quite the scene. Lin Ye sent you roses, Alistair asked you out for dinner, and in the end, you ignored both and left. After you left, Lin Ye and Alistair almost got into a fight."

Aria did indeed leave that day. "My parents suddenly showed up to surprise my sister-in-law and me. They only called when they arrived, and I rushed to the airport to pick them up."

Aria didn't want to talk about Lin Ye because he was too annoying. Hundreds of messages a day, from waking up to sleeping, like writing a diary, sharing everything with her, even a chipped nail, which drove her crazy. She didn't want to talk about Alistair either because he had run off again, saying there was an urgent matter at the company and he'd be busy for a few days, promising to contact her when he was free.

Not wanting to discuss men, they switched to women. "Selena is back in the country. Did you see the news?"

Lily replied, "Of course, it's all over the hot searches, all about her."

She had seen the interview yesterday, which was still trending. She was curious about the person Selena mentioned who was celebrating a birthday.

Aria was curious too. "Director Mei's shoots usually don't allow leaves except for special circumstances. This is Selena's first time acting in a Director Mei's film, and she took leave. That's really bold. The person she mentioned must be very important."

The clock on the wall ticked past four o'clock. Lily stood up. "Coincidentally, I also have someone celebrating their birthday today, someone quite important. I need to head back and prepare a candlelight dinner for my husband."

Aria: "..."

No public displays of affection in the office.

At Jiangyu Harbor.

The sky was nearing dusk, turning the sea surface into a dazzling golden hue as a white yacht cut through the waves, leaving splashes in its wake.

Today was supposed to be Alistair's yacht party. Due to unforeseen events, it ended early before nightfall, and the guests, who were not done drinking, were all sent away by Alistair.

Now, there was no more ostentatious luxury, no revelry. The inner cabin was void of champagne cheers, only Alistair and Octavian remained on the deck, enjoying the breeze.

Alistair gazed into the distance, worriedly taking a sip of champagne. "Octavian, do you think I'll get beaten up later?"

Octavian's response was firm, "Probably."

Alistair grew more anxious. "Then maybe I should run? Can you cover for me?"

Octavian replied, "You can run, but you can't hide. I suggest you stay and face the music."

Alistair said, "I'm not good at taking a beating. Can you shield me a bit?"

Octavian: "I'm not good at it either. Maybe I should call Mrs. Zhou. When Mr. Zhou loses his temper, only Mrs. Zhou can calm him down."

Alistair: "Do you want me dead faster?"

Octavian thought to himself, indeed, who told you to be so treacherous? Dragging your assistant into trouble, ruining his perfectly good holiday.

In the sunken lounge area of the yacht, a round coffee table held a plate of fresh fruit and an opened bottle of red wine.

Crash! A wine glass hit the ground, accompanied by a trembling voice filled with disbelief.

"So, Octavian didn't lie to me. You... you're really married?"

With her emotions barely contained, Selena's slender fingers clenched, nearly digging into her flesh. Her tear-filled eyes were fixed on the man across from her, hoping he would deny it.

She hoped he would say, "No, I'm not married."

She hoped he would say, "Selena, I'm still waiting for you."

Her chaotic thoughts were suffocating, and she couldn't even wait the one or two short seconds.

"You lied to me, Edmond. You lied to me, didn't you? You..."

"I didn't lie to you. I am indeed married."

Edmond interrupted her, raising his hand with the wedding ring, watching her tear roll down to her lips, his tone extremely calm.

Despite her tears, he remained unmoved.

Selena stared blankly at the man before her. The golden twilight framed his stern features, as captivatingly calm and steady as the man she remembered.

However, Selena's gaze shifted from Edmond's handsome face to the ring on his hand, staring at it blankly.

"Married? You're married? How can you? How can you marry someone else?"

Tears streamed down her face, her voice filled with anguish.

"Weren't you waiting for me? Edmond, weren't you always waiting for me?"

Edmond frowned slightly, questioning her statement.

"When did I ever say I was waiting for you?"

Selena's voice involuntarily rose, "I told you my wish was to retire at thirty and marry at thirty. You said you'd wait for me until I was thirty."

Edmond remembered her wish but did not recall making any marriage promises to her.