Chapter 1470 - 756: Pursuit
Wen Xi hesitated for a moment and said, "Actually, there are quite a few people like that."
"I know." Zhou Yun nodded, "I’m not saying such people can’t talk, I just don’t like them."
Wen Xi: "Actually, compared to William Stanthorpe’s wealth, these character flaws of his are nothing."
"I can’t." Zhou Yun shook her head, "No matter his wealth, I can’t accept him."
Wen Xi said, "I know, you’re different from them. You’re certainly unable to accept it, but many people can."
"Wen Xi, would you accept it?" Zhou Yun asked.
Wen Xi shook her head.
"I don’t know. I never assume such scenarios for myself. I’ve done many things in the past I thought I’d never do, so pondering if I would accept it is meaningless now."
Zhou Yun: "I really wish I could think like you. But I always can’t help but put myself in such situations and consider what choices I would make."
"It’s the same for everyone," Wen Xi said, "But no matter what, William Stanthorpe has nothing to do with us."
"Yes." Zhou Yun nodded with a smile.
Wen Xi added, "But still, be careful yourself. I noticed those media from the Outer Island love to stir things up and dare to say anything. Don’t let them keep writing stories about you and William Stanthorpe. Even though there’s no truth to it, rumours spread long enough will always find believers."
Zhou Yun: "Indeed. But I really don’t know what to do with such rumors. They’re false, so how do I even prove they’re false?"
"That’s the nature of rumors. If you don’t want to give them room to play, you should try to keep some distance from William Stanthorpe."
"Yes, that’s why when I saw him earlier, all I felt was bad luck."
Wen Xi laughed.
"That’s a bit harsh, feeling unlucky when you see him."
"It’s not directed at him, but those gossip-spreading media." Zhou Yun sighed, "I rarely operate at the Outer Island, no idea why they’re so interested in me and fabricate such rumors."
Wen Xi: "Now the Outer Island can’t really promote their own celebrities, and you’ve been the most prominent artist internationally these past two years. Naturally, they’re paying attention to you; your fame is money for them."
...
Zhou Yun and Wen Xi wandered through the art exhibition and were about to say goodbye to Daniel Lee when they suddenly heard a round of exclamations coming from the front.
Zhou Yun and Wen Xi were startled and looked toward the sound, soon realizing that William Stanthorpe had spent two hundred thousand US dollars to buy one of Daniel Lee’s paintings.
Daniel Lee was saying something to William Stanthorpe, both surrounded by a crowd, with everyone clapping.
Daniel Lee had a grateful smile on his face.
William Stanthorpe patted Daniel Lee’s shoulder, saying something unknown.
Wen Xi came back to her senses and said to Zhou Yun, "That’s quite the spending."
Zhou Yun said, "Indeed."
"How about you? Do you want to buy one?"
"Forget it, I’m not particularly interested in these paintings, and I don’t understand them," Zhou Yun said, "If this were Joanna’s exhibition, buying a painting wouldn’t matter as a token of appreciation. But since this isn’t her own exhibition, I won’t join the crowded scene."
"Haha." This was precisely what Wen Xi liked about Zhou Yun - her candidness, without holding back or pretending.
Mingling in the entertainment industry, you’d meet too many people like that. Whether by nature or necessity, it has become a place where speaking the truth is difficult. Greetings are exchanged, everyone appears cordial, but no genuine words are heard - nor does anyone want to hear them. At times, those who speak the truth can embarrass those who hear it. Yet, a person would choose to hear a bit of truth sometimes rather than fake pleasantries all the time.
Just like now.
To say they are friends who can share their innermost thoughts, neither Zhou Yun nor Wen Xi would claim to be such.
However, there’s a bit more emotion than a usual acquaintanceship.
That’s enough.
Familiar with each other, caring for one another, in this line of work, having a few friends with whom you can speak honestly about things, even if not fully open, at least supporting each other along a road few can truly understand.
That’s enough.
The two walked out of Daniel Lee’s exhibition.
Wen Xi asked, "Do you have any plans later?"
"No, I’m planning to do some exploring around, what about you?"
"I need to meet a brand representative with my agent," Wen Xi said, "But I have some time, shall I accompany you to stroll around?"
"Sure."
The city of Paris always holds a unique attraction for women.
Yet Zhou Yun and Wen Xi, having seen much, rarely swiped their cards.
They had experienced numerous good things, average ones failed to move them.
Instead, at one store, the attendant recognized Wen Xi and was elated.
Indeed, working in the fashion industry pays attention to supermodels too.
The shop assistant enthusiastically requested a photo with Wen Xi, which she graciously agreed to.
Zhou Yun acted as the photographer.
After visiting that store, Wen Xi had to leave.
She had work to attend.
After Wen Xi left, Zhou Yun didn’t feel like shopping anymore and returned to the hotel.
Upon entering her room, she received a call.
It was an unfamiliar number.
Zhou Yun was quite puzzled.
As she connected the call, she asked, "May I know who this is?"
To her surprise, the voice on the other end spoke in English: "Hi, my scandalous girlfriend."
Zhou Yun’s eyes widened instantly, looking at the city’s landscape outside with astonishment, momentarily speechless.
The only one who’d speak to her like that would be William Stanthorpe.
Zhou Yun had no idea how he got her phone number, though it wasn’t the main concern. The point was, why was he calling her?
Feeling bewildered, Zhou Yun furrowed her brows and said, "Mr. Stantu?"
"Just call me William," William Stanthorpe chuckled, "Were you surprised to receive this call?"
"Yes." Zhou Yun admitted frankly, "I really didn’t expect it."
"I wonder if I might have the chance to invite you for dinner tonight?" William Stanthorpe asked directly.
Zhou Yun was startled.
At this moment, she understood very well what William Stanthorpe was thinking.
"Sorry, I already have plans tonight," Zhou Yun said.
She hoped to discourage William Stanthorpe with such a response.
However, someone like William Stanthorpe wouldn’t give up easily.
"That’s too bad, what about tomorrow?" William Stanthorpe chuckled, "Ms. Zhou, I’ve never been turned down twice by a girl. You’re not busy again, are you?"
Zhou Yun didn’t hesitate, using an apologetic tone: "Ah, I’m really sorry, tomorrow I’m busy with work all day and have no time."
William Stanthorpe was caught off guard, genuinely surprised.
He took a moment to process, seemingly unable to accept this reality.
"Really?"
"Yes." Zhou Yun said, "I’m in France for work."
"Then when will Miss Zhou be available?"
"Mr. Stantu, we’ve just had a scandal, we should avoid further suspicion," Zhou Yun realized William Stanthorpe ignored the subtext, so she directly said, "I’m already married, and don’t want any unpleasant rumors."
William Stanthorpe stayed silent for several seconds before asking, "You’re married?"
He was very surprised.
Clearly, William Stanthorpe didn’t know this previously.
This was understandable, as Zhou Yun and Song Chi hadn’t publicized the news, so William Stanthorpe was unaware.
But now that Zhou Yun had stated it outright, she hoped William Stanthorpe would wisely retreat.
"Yes, I’m married," Zhou Yun said, "I see you and Gilan Stuer seem quite close; she appears to like you, doesn’t she?"
She refrained from directly voicing a certain thought.
Considering you already have a beautiful lady like Gilan Stuer, why are you still thinking about others?
William Stanthorpe said, "Oh well, looks like I’m not lucky enough, bye-bye."
After speaking, he hung up.
Zhou Yun was a bit taken aback but then chuckled, promptly sharing the incident with Song Chi.
"Thankfully, he didn’t continue to pester."