Romance
The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 93: Accompany
Ethan stood off to the side, watching Victoria and Leon chat. She seemed to know him and was particularly enthusiastic.
If it weren't for Leon's white beard, Ethan might have felt a twinge of jealousy. He was still a bit curious—was she more interested in an old man than him?
Leon, satisfied after petting Flora, finally looked up at Victoria. "Thanks, it's really well taken care of."
He had been so focused on Flora that he only now noticed how striking Ethan and Victoria were. They looked like they had stepped out of a high-budget TV show.
Even with his many years in the entertainment industry, he couldn't find any flaws in them.
Ethan nodded slightly out of politeness.
Leon hesitated before asking, "Is he your boyfriend?"
Victoria's cheeks turned a bit red, and she waved her hands. "No, we're just friends." She glanced at Ethan as she spoke.
Leon apologized, "Sorry, you two look so good together, walking the dog and all. I misunderstood."
Victoria shook her head and tentatively asked, "It's okay. Are you Mr. Schmidt?"
Leon's eyes widened slightly in surprise before he asked, "You know me?"
Victoria's smile was radiant. "Of course, you're the best fantasy screenwriter in the country! I grew up watching your shows. I've seen many of your interviews. You looked familiar, but I didn't dare to ask."
Leon stroked his beard and nodded, clearly pleased with Victoria's politeness and her genuine praise.
He chuckled modestly, "Oh, I'm not that great. I'm old now; it's the young people's world."
As they walked together, Leon learned that Victoria and Ethan were both students at Nexus College, with Victoria majoring in acting.
Leon was already considering a role in his upcoming project that might suit her.
Victoria talked about many fantasy shows she had watched and her understanding of the female characters, admiring Leon's ability to write strong, resilient heroines. Leon appreciated her insights.
Just as their conversation was getting lively, Leon received a call from his wife, reminding him to water the plants. He chuckled and said goodbye to Victoria.
After Leon left, Ethan and Victoria were alone. Ethan asked coolly, "Thirsty after all that talking?"
His tone was indifferent, but he handed her a thermos cup with his left hand. She hadn't even noticed when he brought it.
Victoria coughed lightly, embarrassed, and took the cup. "Thanks."
She sipped it slowly. The morning air was a bit chilly, and the warm drink felt comforting.
Her brows relaxed, and she sighed contentedly after a sip. "This is good!"
After a few more sips, she noticed Ethan's empty hands and asked, puzzled, "What about you? I didn't bring anything for you."
Ethan pressed his lips together and said flatly, "You talked a lot, so you should drink."
He meant that she had been so engrossed in talking to Leon that she had neglected him, even though today was supposed to be her way of repaying him.
Victoria sensed his slight annoyance. Despite being ignored, he still thoughtfully cared if she was thirsty.
She pouted awkwardly and said, "Today was unexpected. How about we come again tomorrow?"
Ethan looked at her steadily, silent for several seconds before smiling. "Sure."
Even though he knew she had other motives for coming here, he was willing to be the one to accompany her.
They agreed to walk the dogs together on mornings when they didn't have classes.
Because Victoria managed their time carefully, they often ran into Leon.
Leon liked Flora and Meteor, so he frequently chatted with Victoria, and they became somewhat friends.
Ethan was considerate, never interrupting their conversations, always showing care and thoughtfulness.
He didn't talk much to Victoria, preferring to watch her quietly, which even Leon noticed.
Despite their limited communication, they developed a certain understanding. For instance, when playing fetch with the dogs, they coordinated well, often sharing a smile and tiring out Meteor and Flora.
Rumors started circulating at Nexus College: a production crew was coming to cast actors, and it was a big deal. However, they were mainly looking at juniors, leaving freshmen envious.
Hearing the chatter, Mira nudged Victoria and asked, "How many do you think they'll pick? The juniors are so lucky. Do you think Dennis will get chosen? He's so handsome and top of the class; the teachers will definitely recommend him."
Victoria nodded confidently. "He will."
She recalled her memories from the past life; Dennis did get chosen, and he was even the male lead.
The show was about a young man who, after many struggles and setbacks, grew into a hero who saved the nation.
Dennis' natural acting and good looks made him an instant hit among young girls, propelling him to stardom. He soon received numerous offers and eventually won the Best Actor award.
Someone nearby commented, "I heard it's a fantasy series. I don't want to do action scenes; they're too tough and risky. Fantasy shows aren't even popular anymore. I'd rather do a drama, something easy where I can look pretty and not worry about my acting skills."
Victoria thought about her experiences as a stunt double in her previous life. Her waist, back, and arms were never without bruises.
She would be suspended on wires for hours, performing various actions to support the main actors, yet she never showed her face.
Despite this, she cherished every opportunity, unlike her current classmates who wanted fame without the hard work.
She smiled and asked, "Mira, if the crew picked you for an action role, and it was really tough, would you do it?"
Mira nodded earnestly. "Of course! If the director gives me a chance, I'll do my best. We haven't learned many fantasy techniques yet, so I'm worried I won't get picked. But even if I'm just an extra, I'd be happy! Learning on the job is the best way to grow."
Victoria smiled warmly at her. "You're more talented than you think. Your grades are excellent, and you have a unique look. You might get a major role. Being an extra would be a waste."
Mira blushed and laughed, covering her face. "Victoria, you're too good at compliments. You're making me feel proud."