Penny was sitting by the balcony, accompanying Wayn,e who was diligently learning his script. She was trying hard to hide her uneasy feelings by randomly asking a question. "So, Pei Li finished her exams?" Penny casually asked, noticing the dessert wine content today was slightly higher than usual.
Wayne put down his script and enveloped her in his arms. She stared at him with a frown before he stole a kiss on her forehead, which softened her facial expression. "Yes. And she met with my colleague. It's easy to spot him since he is known as the King of Mystery Drama." Wayne explained as Penny frowned again, unable to hide her worries a little.
"His name is Sebastian Lu. He is a respectable senior who, unfortunately, got entangled in his divorce saga lately. In terms of work-wise, he is brilliant." He tried to comfort Penny, only to add more worries to her. He tried to kiss her stubborn frown away before she pushed him slightly.
"I know… You don't have to worry. At most, I will make do without an assistant till you're awake late evening." Wayne suggested as she shook her head.
"I would rather not sleep in that case." She protested unexpectedly, which made him grin. "Are you sure you're Penny?" He tried stealing a kiss, only to be pushed away by Penny again.
"I don't want you to fall sick while I work. We will keep things discreet. I will ensure Pei Li writes everything in your little notebook, and you could refer there while you write to her too." He finally saw her facial expression relax as he embraced her for a snuggle.
"Wayne…" Her sudden change of name startled him as their gaze met. "I think someone must have been tailgating us, or rather Pei Li, in daylight." Penny's revelation made Wayne worried as she took out the notebook and showed him what Pei Li wrote.
Today, there was a brother who told me that Little Cloud's family is not his family. This brother said he was one of the workers in his company. I don't believe him since Little Cloud is so famous. Everyone wants to hurt him.
He checked the date to see that it was two days ago. It was definitely during the script reading day. The terror did not leave Wayne's eyes as Penny held his hand. "Do you know who he is?" Penny asked gently as Wayne remained speechless.
"Could it be Sebastian?" She asked as he shook his head. "No… That's not possible. It can't be him…" Though Wayne was confident but he could not put any doubt on his belief.
"We will get to the bottom of this." Penny comforted him as she held him tightly.
On the other hand, Maliwei was very curious about whose house they were heading to with Violet. The moment they arrived, Maliwei was on cloud nine while the oblivious Violet was still unsure which rich guy his brother had set them up for dinner with. All she expected were boring conversations over dinner out of formality. It had happened several times where she had to sit out of courtesy.
"Vi, this is where the richest live. Who on earth invited us?" Maliwei questioned when a maid, who came courteously, escorted them into the house.
"I have no idea…" Violet whispered as they heard men's laughter from the living room.
"Master Lu, your guests have arrived." The maid informed as Sam stepped out and waved at the lost look duo.
"Where are we, bro?" Maliwei asked when Sebastian stepped out and took Violet's breath away for a moment.
She blinked in confusion. "Hello, Violet. Welcome to my home." Sebastian smiled as Violet continued blinking in confusion, trying to find her voice.
"Sebastian Lu?" Maliwei was shocked.
"Yes, you must be Maliwei, the comic artist?" Sebastian asked as Maliwei nodded.
"Nice to meet you. Welcome to my home." Sebastian shook Maliwei's hand.
"Nice to meet you too…" Maliwei mumbled as Sam went to hold Violet by her arm.
"It's rude not to greet others, especially in their home." Sam reminded Violet as she regained her composure. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Violet asked Sam while gritting her teeth.
"Thanks for the invite." She managed to say to Sebastian formally.
"We are here not just for dinner but on business," Sam announced as he led his lost-looking sister to sit beside him.
"What do you mean?" Violet questioned Sam.
"We are going to run a new agency for new artists, but that's the long-term goal. Practically, it's more for him when he leaves his current agency." Sam explained.
"Alright. Then what does it have to do with me or even Maliwei?" Violet questioned as Sebastian watched her being serious.
"Your vlogs and publishers like him will be our alternative source of income. For a start, both of you will be pioneers." Sam updated as Violet's gaze turned to Sebastian.
"And why didn't you speak with me first?" She directed her question sharply at Sebastian.
"Cause I had to seek permission from your guardian. He is, after all, the director of the company." Sebastian answered nonchalantly.
"And if I disagree?" Violet challenged, leaving Sam and Sebastian a little taken aback.
"Why would you?" Maliwei questioned innocently. "It's a very good chance!" Maliwei smacked her lightly.
"Indeed, a very good chance. You cannot disagree cause you're also one of the directors filling in on behalf of Sebastian's investments. His mother is sitting in as a non-executive director cause the rules required a local director for incorporation." Sam explained as Violet sighed.
"You didn't need me here for a discussion since everything is planned," Violet mumbled in agitation while rolling her eyes in annoyance with her brother.
"For a start, there's a charity gala dinner over two days. A good chance to head there and socialise while incorporation takes place tomorrow." Sebastian suggested to divert Violet's anger.
"The same day as my talk, but it's in the afternoon." Maliwei updated.
"I'm not needed anyway…" Violet shrugged.
"Sorry, you do. As a director, you should be there. To put a face to your name." Sebastian insisted as Violet squinted her eyes trying to guess their plot, but nodded reluctantly instead cause she knew there was no point in rejecting plans Sam had made for her meticulously.
"And as discussed, I will hand over the empty unit beside my condominium to you…" Sebastian was directing Sam.
Violet stared at Sam, questioning how many surprises were in store.
"What a coincidence!" She sarcastically asked Sam.
"I bought the whole floor, which has two units. It was an investment, but also for privacy." Sebastian explained as Violet looked, half satisfied.
"Great! Now, let's have dinner!" Sebastian quickly invited. Sam and Maliwei caught up while Sebastian held Violet for a moment in the living room.
"I'm sorry for the abrupt arrangements…" Sebastian said gently as Violet shrugged.
"It's fine. You have spoken to my guardian." She said as though she did not mind, but Sebastian could sense something was not right.
"Actually, my ex will be there as well. Well, she came almost daily too. I might need some help to ward her off." Sebastian said skeptically.
"Does my guardian know about this, too?" She folded her arms and raised an eyebrow as though mocking him.
"No, he doesn't…" Sebastian said, feeling embarrassed.
"Deal. I will see you after the event." Violet smiled at his devious plans, and Sebastian knew she did not like it when everything needed her brother's approval.
As he led her to the dining hall and dined with his mother, who was curious about Violet after hearing news about her from Carissa in Phut Bi, Mrs. Lu was indeed very happy with Violet, who was accommodating and cheery.
It did not take the siblings long to move into the same floor as Sebastian the next day, since the unit was furnished. The only thing bothering them was Sebastian beginning to treat that house like he lived in it. He walked into the siblings who were busy preparing dinner after knowing their passcode.
"Yo, bro smells good! What's cooking?" Sebastian asked while sitting on the countertop.
"Just some stir-fry noodles…" Sam said casually while Violet snarled at Sebastian.
"One small portion, please!" Sebastian drummed on the table.
"I'm beginning to wonder whose house this is and who lives here." Violet raised an eyebrow while serving him, who ignored her sarcasm and gobbled down the noodles.
"Chew your food!" Violet reprimanded him as the siblings sat in front of him.
"How's the script reading doing?" Sam asked casually as Sebastian put his thumb up.
"Very well! We are filming next month. Having said so, Ms. Director, have you thought about my offer of being my assistant while filming?" Sebastian reminded Violet as she shrugged.
"Thought you had to speak with my manager…" She retaliated, clearly showing her agitation.
"Vi, that was only a one-time off. Stop reprimanding me over it or harping about it. It's a nuisance!" Sam scolded.
"Done deal!" Violet agreed as Sebastian chuckled, watching Sam walk into her trap as revenge.
"You…" Sam was speechless. "What? Didn't you say it was up to me?" Violet nonchalantly retaliated.
"The journey might not be easy cause there will be shooting in rural areas, and you might need to be prepared for road sickness due to mountain roads…" Sebastian explained as Violet nodded enthusiastically.
"Do you have any events after this weekend? There's a cooking show I have to attend to boost my popularity… Perhaps for a start, we can start working on that show first?" Sebastian asked as Violet nodded excitedly. She was suppressing her excitement as Sam was clearly upset with her as he squinted his eyes at her.
It was not till Sebastian held Sam's arm to assure him. "Yo, bro, I'm counting on you with my new company set up!" Sebastian purposely changed the topic to lessen the tension as Sam hummed in acknowledgement.