The Greatest Showman #734 - Taigong Fishing

Andre smiled at Renly, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. He didn't need words for Renly to understand. It was a code, a silent question: Are you out? If not, I'll make my move. Or shall we compete fairly?

Renly, ever the gentleman, wasn't interested in taking advantage of someone's favor, least of all when it came to Ji Li. So, he simply played along. "Miss Hazel arrived too late and missed the afternoon tea at the Ritz. Looks like luck isn't on your side today."

This single sentence left Ji Li utterly captivated, not because of the Ritz tea, but because Renly had somehow managed to bring that lavish experience to a barren mountain. It was an impressive feat, one that could send 99% of London into a frenzy.

Her gaze shifted back to Andre, who stood smiling with hands behind his back, exuding confidence. "If you miss this time, there's always next time," he said with charm. The underlying arrogance in his words was palpable—his male energy oozed from every movement.

The thought peacock display flickered in Renly's mind. The Andre he remembered from their time at Eton seemed like a different person now. The years of separation had shifted the image of Andre in Renly's mind, but now he was back—stronger, more refined, and carrying an undeniable allure.

A fleeting thought of hunting crossed Andre's mind, a predatory gleam shining in his eyes.

Ji Li, trying to refocus, finally turned back to Renly. "I missed the afternoon tea... I wonder if I'll miss this afternoon's tour as well. Do you have time to show me around this photography base, or have I disturbed your work?" Her words were polite, but the boldness in her gaze couldn't be ignored.

Renly didn't respond immediately but glanced at Andre, their eyes locking in what seemed like a silent contest of charm. But this time, Andre lost. It was clear in the way Andre rolled his eyes in frustration.

"Sorry, I still have work to do," Renly said, cutting to the chase. He wasn't going to play along, and it was evident. Ji Li's expression shifted from disappointment to a touch of astonishment. She hadn't expected such a blunt rejection. "However, Andre can give you a tour if you'd like. He's quite knowledgeable in this area."

Andre silently clenched his fist, cursing Renly inwardly. I don't need your charity, he thought. But on the surface, he smiled with a charming air. "Of course. It's my pleasure."

Although Andre knew nothing about the photography base, he would play the role of a gracious host. He had confidence that charm could win over anyone, especially women. In his mind, women would always choose him over Renly if given the chance.

"Miss Keeley," Andre said smoothly. "Would you like to come on a sightseeing tour with me?"

Ji Li, clearly flustered by Renly's rejection, didn't let it show. Her plans were disrupted, but she quickly adjusted. She had come prepared, and with three paparazzi waiting in the wings, the stage was set for her to create some headlines. She had already paid a hefty price to get them involved—nothing could stop her now.

The paparazzi from News of the World, The Sun, and Daily Mirror were known for their ruthless pursuit of scandal. News of the World had been at the center of the notorious phone hacking scandal, even compromising investigations for exclusive stories. The British paparazzi were feared worldwide, their ability to track down stories unmatched.

But even with the paparazzi following her, Ji Li's plan was thrown off course. Renly's refusal left her unsure of how to proceed. Her usual tricks, like playing coy or pretending to be injured for sympathy, wouldn't work this time.

She turned her attention back to Andre, pushing her uncertainty aside. "Of course," she smiled brightly, looking at Andre with renewed interest. "It would be my pleasure."

Andre, oblivious to the subtle shift in her demeanor, led the way, offering his arm. Ji Li took it, and the two walked toward the door, engaged in lighthearted conversation.

"Renly?" Nathan, standing beside him, raised an eyebrow. "They just came to visit, right? Why does it feel so odd that they're off on a tour together?"

Renly chuckled, turning to Nathan. "If it were me, I wouldn't worry."

Deep down, Renly knew what Ji Li was up to—this was just another attempt to create headlines. Andre, however, was more than equipped to handle it. He was a seasoned player in this game. The paparazzi didn't faze him.

After the day's filming wrapped, Renly didn't see Andre or Keeley. The two seemed to have disappeared from the photography base. Three days later, Renly was at Heathrow Airport, preparing to board a flight, when he saw the headline on the cover of The Sun: "Andre Hamilton's new love at the helm of Dalmore: Keeley Hazell! Listen to the heartbroken voices of British men."

The accompanying photo showed Andre and Keeley looking cozy, with the headline claiming they'd spent "forty-eight fantastic hours" together at Andre's flat.

Renly immediately understood. The paparazzi had been waiting outside the photography base, setting a trap for whoever was involved. Ji Li didn't care whether it was Renly or Andre; as long as she got the photos, the rest didn't matter. To the public, these photos were nothing more than another piece of gossip—no different from the countless rumors that surrounded actors like Renly.

But Ji Li's plan was a bit naïve. The upper class didn't care about these fleeting photos unless they were scandalous in nature—like an affair or cheating. Andre was known for his flirtations, and Renly was a Hollywood actor with rumors constantly swirling about him. It didn't matter who was in the picture.

Renly smiled wryly. Andre probably didn't even care about the photos Keeley had deliberately orchestrated.

"Oh, God," Jennifer's voice broke his thoughts, pretending to lower her tone to sound like a man. "So, if you were the one giving her the tour, it would have been you in the newspaper, huh?"

Renly shrugged, about to respond, but Donald jumped in. "Why, Renly, are you jealous?"

Before Renly could answer, Jennifer smacked Donald's arm, making him exclaim in exaggerated pain. "Jesus, are you even a man?"

"If you were a woman," Jennifer teased as she turned back.

Donald, bewildered, turned to Renly. "You're seriously still hanging out with her?"

"Didn't Jennifer choose you?" Renly shot back, leaving Donald speechless.