''That is the point. Josh is like wine fine. He just gets better every time and that is the problem. How do I put it? He is perfect. Too perfect. I still haven't seen anything that I don't like about him and that is not good. Those were the same things I saw in Harry Winchester, but this time around, JSC is even way up here. I am just a small time actress who recently got recognition. I can't afford to get into scandals right now''
''Josh is a good man. I know this because he is my friend''
''Yes, and because he is good, I don't dare to covet him. For now, I am just going to observe the fine wine and when it's time to let go, it won't be hard''
''Yes, yes. Whatever you say''
''Let's go to the spa. I need to get myself ready for tomorrow''
''5. 4. 3. 2. 1 and action!'' the director shouted and a slender figure emerged from the pool filled with rose flower petals. Today was the day they were going to film the main commercial for Black Horse hotel. The venue was the resort's multipurpose pool plus spa centre.
Since Alice was the main ambassador, she had practised continuously the previous day with Xia at the pool.
The cameras followed her through as she swam slowly towards the direction of the director. When she emerged half of her body out, she smiled. Her smile made her look so pretty and delicate, drawing attention to her flawless skin.
Alice smiled at the camera and spoke. 'Just like the horse, when I start my day I hardly stop to rest but when I finally do. there is just one place that I go to and that is Black Horse. Black Horse, the perfect place for a good stress free relaxation'' she said and opened her palm, blowing a kiss into the camera.
''Cut!'' the director said and stood up, clapping hands for Alice. Niania hurried over with a big towel and covered her body up as soon as she got out of the water.
''That was splendid, Alice. It was even more better than I expected''
''Thanks director Zou''
''You must be feeling cold, go ahead and rest''
''Yes, director'' Allice walked with Niania to one of the huts and sat down.
''Alice, here is hot coffee. You must be feelings cold''
''I am dying of cold''
''You don't have anything doing again, I will go and make a hot tub bath for you right away''
''Thanks Niania'' Alice said and yawned. When Niania left, Josh walked to her.
''Can I join you?'' he asked.
''Oh, yes. Go ahead'' Alice said and sat up.
''You've worked hard. I bought this when I went out to the country side''
''What is this?'' Alice took the bag from him and opened it, she smiled and looked at Josh, ''roasted potatoes. Whoa, I really like eating this''
''I'm going to talk to the director''
''Okay'' Alice smiled and took out the hot roasted potato. She broke it into two pieces and unwrapped it.
''Hi, Alice'' a junior director walked over. His eyes sized Alice up.
''Hi, director An'' Alice immediately covered her neck with the robe Niania had given her. she didn't look so pleased to be alone with the junior director''
''Your schedule is quite packed. I called your company today to request for your appearance in my debut movie, but I was informed you were looking to take up any offers for now. That is what Lylia told me. she is now your manager, right?''
''Yes. Director An, I am sorry that I won't be able to appear in your debut movie. I hope we can get another opportunity to work again soon'' Alice said politely and ate the potato.
''Alice…'' Director An sat on the lazy chair beside Alice. He shifted closer to her and placed his hand over her chair while speaking, ''I really want you to appear in my debut movie. This is a story I took five years to write and I wrote it having you in mind. Apart from you, no one else can play this role''
Alice looked at him and asked, ''so, what are you going to do now? I am busy till next year. I heard the movie is set to hit the theatre early summer next year. I will be busy filming Writer Zoey's drama''
''That is why I decided to postpone my debut movie until after your last filming. You can take a month rest then we will begin filming so that the movie can hit cinemas early fall''
''What?''
''You see Alice. The main character that I envisioned can only be completed by you…'' he looked at Alice suggestively and Alice chuckled. ''I made her to fit you'' he added and his figures brushed against Alice's legs.
''I'm sorry, but I intend to spend the entire fall with my sister and my boyfriend'' Alice said and stood up immediately.
''You have a boyfriend?'' Director An asked and his voice turned a little louder in the process. A few of the crew members heard him and turned towards them.
Alice cussed and frowned. ''This is going to be such a headache''
''Alice has a boyfriend?'' the crew members started murmuring amongst themselves.
''Who is your boyfriend?'' Director An asked, his anger clearly showing. He seemed extremely angered by the fact that Alice had a boyfriend. he clenched his fists tightly.
Everyone suddenly turned to look at Alice. This was probably the most awkward and embarrassing moment in her entire career.
Alice lifted her eyes and met with Josh's gaze. Her heartbeat increased and she sighed.
''I didn't know Alice had a boyfriend?'' Director Zou asked curiously as he started walking towards her and everyone also followed.
''Director Zou, it's nothing much. We just got together recently so I would rather not talk about it'' Alice said and chuckled awkwardly.
''Having a boyfriend isn't a bad thing. In fact, anyone would be surprised if you didn't have a boyfriend'' Director Zou said and they laughed. 'What matters is that he makes you happy''
''But, I think everyone is also curious to know who her boyfriend is. She can't tell us she has a boyfriend without telling us who that person is, right?'' Director An said. He smirked and turned to look at Alice. He was purposefully pushing her to the wall. He had done his research and he knew she didn't have a boyfriend. even if she had, he needed to know who that man was in order to know how to deal with him.
''He is my boyfriend'' Alice said and pointed her hand at Josh. She bit her lips, giving him a pleading gaze.
''Josh Cobbs is your boyfriend?'' Director An asked as if he didn't hear her the first time.
''Yes, that's right'' Josh walked towards them with his hands in his pocket. He looked carefree with a warm aura around him. he stood next to Alice and held her hand adding, 'we got together not too long ago so we didn't want others knowing''
Director An had a funny smile on his face. It didn't reach his heart because he was unhappy. He chuckled as he looked at the two of them. he didn't believe their relationship was real. He had clearly seen how Alice looked at Josh with a pleading gaze.
''I hope that everyone can give us privacy. We are still getting to know each other'' Josh said.
''Alice, congratulations. Josh, Alice is like a child to me. I've watched her grow in this industry. Please take care of her'' Director Zou said with sincerity.
''I will do that. Alice, you still have to film later in the day. I will take you in to rest'' Josh said and walked away with Alice.
Like wildfire, the news begun to spread.
When they got to Alice's room, Josh let go of her hand and said to her, ''you must be tired, go in and rest''
''Why are you not asking me anything?'' Alice asked him. she was feeling rather uncomfortable.
''I am not asking because I know you did that because of the situation. Since we arrived here, you've been avoiding me. I figured if it wasn't extremely unfavourable as it was, you wouldn't have used me''
''I'm sorry'' Alice bowed.
''It's okay. I am happy that at that moment, I was the first person you thought of. But, can you handle the pressure? A lot of reporters are now going to follow us around. That pervert director didn't seem convinced either''
''This is all his fault. I don't know what his deal is. Why is he doing this to me?'' Alice became furious.
''What did he do?''
''He is a pervert who tries to take advantage of me at the less opportunity. He wants me to appear in his debut movie but my manager already informed him that my schedule is full until late summer next year but he insisted on waiting till then. He was going on about how he made the character just for me. in anyway case, he is the last person I want to work with. He looks at me in a creepy way. I can never work with someone who looks at me like I am a piece of meat''