Chapter 88

After hearing about the trending topic, Winnie wasn't as nervous as she had imagined. Once she hung up, she took a deep breath and began scrolling through X. #BeccaWinnie# quickly rose to the trending list. Although it wasn't entirely unexpected, it still stirred up a complex mix of emotions inside her. "The fashion industry is collaborating with the film industry." "Here's a quick introduction: Becca is a legendary figure in the global supermodel world. Although retired, she still wields significant influence. Earlier this year, she married a media mogul overseas, and his magazine, Vibe, is an authority in the fashion industry. Almost every rising star dreams of appearing on its cover." "The yacht in the photo—Watson had previously shown it on his social media. Turns out, he's not just a media mogul, but a super-rich tycoon. You didn't hear wrong; the latest issue of Vibe for September, which is their big 'Golden September' edition, just featured a global theme—'Fashion and Sustainability." This one's got people so riled up, they've closed the comments section." "Honestly, I think there's a story behind how Winnie got onto that yacht. After all, you don't just casually crash events like that." "It couldn't be Wyatt who took her up there, right?" "lol, now Wyatt's probably begging her to take him on the yacht, but he might not even have time." Winnie read through the discussions on X, feeling a sense of confusion. She had asked Van about Watson before, and he had casually brushed it off as 'just a newspaper seller." But now, this 'newspaper seller" turned out to be a major player behind a media empire? She was a little stunned. At the same time, fashion bloggers started commenting on Winnie's outfit. Unlike in the past, where they'd been sarcastic, they were now full of praise. "I'm not sure how Winnie and Becca know each other, but her look this time is absolutely stunning! She looks like an elegant ancient Greek goddess in that outfit!" "Her Joysilly cocktail dress is perfection! The pearl straps, the flowing pleats, and that bold, yet graceful backless design—it's elegant, poised, and yet boldly sexy. The back lines are flawless. No female star in the domestic entertainment industry can compare." It was 8 p.m. in France, but it was already 2 a.m. back home. Winnie put her phone away, took a moment to compose herself, and then put on a gentle smile as she walked over to Watson and Becca to hug them goodbye. Once the two of them walked away, Van turned to leave. Winnie quietly asked, 'You already knew this would happen, didn't you? That's why you had me go back early, right?" 'What's happened?" Van asked, looking at her slowly, then taking her hand and walking toward the boarding gate. His hand was still warm and dry, with slightly roughened palms. Holding hers gave her an inexplicable sense of calm. Winnie followed him up the plane stairs, feeling a strange electric current pass from his hand to hers, the slight tingling making her almost lose her awareness of it. 'Becca posted our photo together, and the fans shared it on Tiktok and X, which then made it to the trending topics. Now everyone's guessing how I ended up on this yacht," she whispered. Van nodded slightly, as if he had anticipated something like this happening. 'And also, the studio that terminated my contract with me has clearly changed their attitude." 'That's to be expected," Van replied calmly. Winnie met his gaze, her tone growing serious. 'Mr. Marlowe, is this the real reason you brought me to Europe? Not to attend your meetings, not for me to wear haute couture, but to give me some kind of endorsement, to give me a background that no one else can reach?" Van chuckled softly, still showing little reaction. 'It's not as complicated as you think. It was just a side effect." 'But you've been really tired lately," Winnie lowered her head and sighed quietly. 'Actually, the trivial matters in the fashion world aren't a big deal. After all, I'm a movie actor, and directors don't care how many magazines you've appeared in or what brands you wear." Winnie lightly hooked her arm with his, still keeping her head down. 'Every time there's an event, I'll get mocked, but if I don't care about it, it's fine. Fashion endorsements are more for the company to make money, and as for me…" 'Are you happy?" Van suddenly interrupted her, asking.