18. Gala Premier

Today there was a press conference at the movie premiere invitation. Axel was also invited to the movie premiere. There will be a lot of media coming as invitees too. Something normal for Axel actually, but what Axel was wary of was the questions from the media later. Now Axel's car had arrived in front of the building where the movie premiere was held. There was a red carpet stretching from the curb to the stage. There was a few minutes' pause before Axel got out of the car. As soon as Axel set foot, he was immediately greeted by camera flashes from the cameramen. Two bodyguards along with Jonathan - his manager - followed around Axel. Axel's feet slowly walked along the red carpet. With a faint smile, Jungkook waved briefly. There were a number of cameraman's faces that looked excited or eager to get Axel's portrait. Soon Axel arrived at the end of the red carpet. There is a background photo of a movie that will air three days later. Jungkook stopped in front of the background with the two leads of the movie. "Woah, Axel! Finally came too. Hello, nice to see you at the movie premiere," the MC welcomed Axel. Axel gave a bow, a gesture of respect. Then Axel chuckled as he took the microphone offered by one of the staff. "Hello, thank you very much. Especially to Jonathan and Brian Mcdee for inviting me," Axel said, bowing twice. Jonathan and Brian Mcdee nodded their heads in response. They were also polite. "We're also happy that you came to this event. Ahh... you're so busy, but you made time to come. I think you're really warm-hearted," Brian Mceee replied which provoked a small laugh from Axel. Jonathan nodded his head. "Right, I agree with what you said. Axel really is a warm-hearted person for taking the time to come." Axel laughed mischievously for a moment. "Well, thank you, but how could I not come? I've been looking forward to this movie." The MC, Jonathan, and Brian Mcdee had surprised looks on their faces. "Oh, yeah? Have you seen the trailer, Axel?" the MC asked, looking at Axel curiously. "Of course I have. I watched it over and over again," Axel replied with equal enthusiasm. "Then, can I ask you about something?" "Of course," Axel replied happily, "feel free to ask anything." "Even though you haven't watched the movie all the way through, you must already have a judgment in terms of the trailer. I'll ask you... what do you think about the story idea of this movie?" Axel thought for a moment to organize the words in his head. After that, he spoke his answer softly and smoothly. Giving positive comments for the movie, occasionally chuckling at his own words. Moreover, Brian Mcdee and Jonathan seemed so friendly. The three of them, in between talking, had time to throw laughter and brief jokes at each other. "You know, after hearing your comment, my heart felt touched. How can you say such beautiful words?" The MC gave Axel an unreceptive look but couldn't help but laugh in jest. A laugh escaped Axel, as did Jonathan who put his arm around him. "Okay, now we'll let the media ask three questions." The media people in front of the three of them raised their hands. The MC let Axel choose. Axel's choice fell on a woman journalist. The journalist woman was carrying a notebook, apparently filled with questions. "Alright, please ask," the MC invited. The journalist woman immediately impatiently asked a question. "I want to ask, regarding what's been circulating lately, you as someone who is very much in the spotlight, is it true that you are in a relationship?" Hearing the question, not only Axel was surprised, but also the MC, Joanthan, and Brian Mcdee. The friendly smile on Axel's face unconsciously faded. The MC glanced at Axel with bad taste. He had not expected it to be like this before. "Ah, isn't that a question that doesn't fit the movie?" asked the MC, his tone sounding awkward. Axel quickly normalized his facial expression again. He didn't want to take the question seriously. "It's okay, I'm fine. That question is not related to this movie, you can ask my agency for confirmation. So, I'm sorry I can't provide any further information." Axel's answer actually provoked questions and confusion from other journalists. Axel's words sounded ambiguous. Now, they seemed to want to ask further questions about the same thing. But the MC deftly said, "Okay. It looks like the movie screening hour will start soon. Axel, Jonathan, and Brian Mcdee should go inside and leave the reporters." Despite the awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere, the three men immediately gave a bowing gesture. A gesture of respect to the reporters. Axel could only breathe a sigh of relief when he entered the theater. He didn't expect to get questions like that. The only thing Axel could think of was Hyun-a. That's why his answer was not one-sided. He didn't want Olivia to do anything wrong. *** "Axel, you saw it yourself, right? The reporters are very curious about your relationship with that woman. How could you not make it clear to them?" The Chief Director called. Axel had just arrived at his car for the trip home. He had just slumped down and sighed. But the chairman was already on the phone. As if he was already prepared to grill Axel. As he had just done. "Chairman, that's the safest sentence for me to say," Axel replied. "If I say yes, they'll attack Olivia, and maybe some of my fans won't idolize me anymore. If I deny it, they'll find out more, Chairman." The chairman sighed. Axel glanced to the side, seeing Jonathan looking at him questioningly. As if he wanted to know. Axel signaled Jonathan not to ask any questions. As a result, Jonathan just sat a little closer, intending to listen in. "Then how are we going to confirm?" The chairman was a bit annoyed. "The Chairman can refuse. A statement from the agency is more official, Chairman. That's what my fans are waiting for." "And what about your relationship with that woman?" Axel instantly flinched. Even though he had heard it more than once, the question still made him feel awkward. "My relationship?" Trying not to sound nervous, Axel forced himself to chuckle. "I don't have any relationship, Chief. We're close because we see each other every day at work." "You didn't persuade her to come back?" The Chairman's tone was lower now. "He didn't come and even apologize. Although I'm annoyed by your negligence, Olivia is a talented make-up artist." Hearing that provoked Axel's feelings to warm up. At least the worry that had struck him for fear Olivia would be fired subsided. Axel smiled a little. "I'll contact her later." "But remember, I don't want anything harmful to happen." Axel chuckled. Why was the chairman being possessive like this all of a sudden? He had sounded irritated with her earlier. "Okay, Chairwoman." The chairman didn't know. Axel would never stay away from Olivia, ever.