Recruited by a Villainess System - Chapter 20

It was a big hit. 

The combinations of fans of various big shot actors and actresses and casual moviegoers broke the record for the biggest opening weekend ever. 

Before this massive success, The Fall of Eden already raked in high ratings from respected movie critics during the review embargo. 

With this adding to the heat, the people were pretty hyped up. And it didn’t disappoint. Not one bit. 

The cast further fanned it by grouping together and guesting in different talk shows, promoting it on full blast. 

Ollie Warner was a famous talk show host with every episode of his airing at 11:30 pm. Today, his distinguished guests were Lilian and Max. 

On the right of the screen was Ollie, sitting behind a brown mahogany desk. To his left were Lilian and Max on the same sofa. “Congratulations on the success of ‘The Fall of Eden’. How is it being part of a blockbuster hit?”

As a veteran of talk shows, Max answered with ease. “I mean, it’s directed by Vince. I pulled all the strings that I could pull to get a spot.” He had his left arm on the backrest and shot a mischievous smirk to the camera. His jesting tone was met with an amused laughter from the audience. 

Ollie supported Max, saying, “You’re already a geriatric actor in the industry. I’m sure those strings weren’t hard to pull.” Another round of chuckle was heard. “And Lilian? From a small screen straight to a big screen success, how was your experience?”

Lilian adjusted her posture before answering. Her light voice transverse from her lips to the microphone hidden in her clothes. “This all feels like a dream. It’s surreal when I think about it. Working with top actors and actresses is a dream come true.” 

Ollie noticed how soft-spoken Lilian was. Still, it didn’t stop him from stirring the water a little bit. “We all know how notorious Director Vince is. How was it working with him? Too uptight?”

Before the show began, in the backstage, Lilian’s stomach already started churning in tension. Not to mention this being her first time in Ollie’s talk show, Max’s courting became more blatant. The last day of shooting “The Fall of Eden” flipped the switch on him. 

Lilian saw herself walking on a tightrope. She didn’t need to make a mistake right now. She tightly crossed her fingers behind her back before entering the stage, hoping that everything would go well. 

Lilian felt the warmth from Max’s arms crawling on her back, then slowly enclosing her neck. She gripped the corner of her dress and scooted forward. “Directing a movie is no joke. I think Director Vince’s attitude is justified.”

Ollie still to egged her on. He lowered his head and decreased his volume, pretending to whisper. “Come on, it’s just us. No one will know.”

Ollie gave Lilian a sly look. “Ummm… umm.. umm, that’s…,” her mind was in a disarray. 

“Now hold on, you can’t just bully my junior in front of me and expect me to stay silent.” Max unhesitatingly wrapped his arms around Lilian’s shoulder and drew her closer to him. His deadpan face turned to Ollie. He was intending to add a glare, but this was aired on television… Gotta make things civil. 

“We’re all just having fun here. No harm done.” Ollie raised both of his hands up while his eyes reflected a glint in them. His sight traveled from Max’s arms to Lilian’s shoulders and had his intrigue hidden. This is enough for now. He went on and diverted the topic. 

For the rest of the show, Ollie didn’t try to pull any more stunts. 

Everything went well, except for Lilian. After being pulled to Max’s side, Lilian quickly pushed herself against the sofa and sat diagonally. She straightened her dress subconsciously and continued with a smile. 

Inside the edifice of Big Star Entertainment, Adrian was watching the highlight of the interview. He intentionally didn’t wear an earphone, letting the audio be audible in the room. 

Together with him was Sophie, who was reading her lines for an upcoming tv show. “Your phone’s too loud.” 

“Don’t call me unless you can’t hear what I’m watching.” Adrian continued on, not minding Sophie’s irate tone. 

Sophie grumbled as she turned her back to him. 

“You should congratulate Lilian.” Adrian didn’t bother to raise his head to look at her. 

Sophie played deaf. No matter what he or anyone else said, she would just play dead. Over time, she understood in herself that her and Lilian’s relationship couldn’t be saved. 

She just couldn’t bear to talk to Lilian anymore. Her heart burned with jealousy as she looked at Lilian. She knew it was her problem. But knowing was different from acknowledging it. 

This was a hard pill to swallow.

Back to the talk show. After the filming wrapped up, Max grabbed Lilian by the arm and forced her to look at him. “Can you at least consider me?” 

After shooting “The Fall of Eden”, Max’s courting became unhinged. 

Max realized that his previous soft approach didn’t make a dent on Lilian’s defenses as she continued to ignore his advances. Comprehending this, he changed his style and became more assertive. I don’t believe I couldn’t get her. She just needs a little more coaxing. 

“I’m serious Max, I don’t like you, plus I have no intention of being in a relationship right now.” Lilian stayed firm in her response. This good boy facade he was enacting couldn’t fool her. 

To be honest, it would be a lie if she said that his words and actions did not move her. But still… She needed to be level headed. There’s no smoke without a fire. “No matter what you say or do, I won’t change my answer. It would still be a no.”

“No.” Max’s grip on her arm tightened. “You can’t do that. You’re not allowed to do that.” His clear gaze camouflaged a scorching heat rivaling that of the Sahara desert. “Let me pursue you until you say yes.” You want me to shower you with affection, don’t you. Fine. I’ll do just that. 

I always get what I want. 

The novelty of being rejected countless times by someone he took fancy to made Max’s blood boil with excitement and a hint of obsession. 

Lilian observed his expression and sharply shook his hands off of her. She hurriedly left the place. Her heart drummed in panic. He’s insane. 

***

As the lead of “The Fall of Eden”, Irene’s schedule was packed with promotion activities. Besides the raving reviews, she could not be busier than ever. 

As Irene stepped on the stage, the audience shrieked in anticipation as they flailed their hand made fan sign up for Irene to see. 

It filled her heart with great joy whenever she saw people appreciating her existence. Acting has always been her sense of purpose from the very beginning. Even though she was in a different world, the entertainment industry’s environment still enveloped her heart with that home-like warmth. 

She couldn’t get enough of it. 

This pleasure was clearly mirrored in crescent-like eyes and a wide smile. Her stunning beauty upped the loudness in the room a few decibels more.

Irene’s fans’ ear deafening chant coating the walls of the space. 

Hidden behind the cheers of the fans was Alex. 

He sat in the front row, looking at Irene’s jolly countenance with a proud gaze. 

Irene sat snug in a chair in her element, not a bit out of place. 

Host: “As we’re speaking ‘The Fall of Eden’ is raking in millions around the world. What would you like to say to the young aspiring actors and actresses?” 

Irene: “Don’t ever let anything hold you back from reaching your dreams. But even if life can’t be helped, don’t lose that spark. It isn’t over until you say so.”

The audience cheered for Irene and stood in ovation. 

Irene sat on the sofa dauntlessly. She oozed the conviction of a regal tigress, seducing all eyes that befall on her. Especially that of a cerulean eyed man in the audience whose heart quaked in realization.

*Flashback*

A young boy was nestled in the arms of a delicate woman. 

Time didn’t do damage to her beauty and still was the top beauty in the entertainment industry after having a kid. Unfortunately, the media has forgotten this renowned actress withdrawing from the industry for years. 

Her beauty may have lived on, but she was gradually erased in the memory of the audience, replaced by fresh faces that were constantly on the rise. 

Now, she could only be called “the beautiful auntie” while walking her child to the door of his classroom. Gone was the limelight she once enjoyed. 

For a ten year old boy, Alex was already wise beyond his age. He held his book with his two hands as he leaned on his mother’s embrace. 

It was the usual weekend morning wherein he and his mother got to spend together basking in the sun and relishing their bonding time. 

Little Alex was bored of the book he was reading and sighed. He closed the book and put it down on the table. He wasn’t keen on playing, nor was he willing to leave his mom’s lap. 

His eyes wandered to the magazine his mom was holding. From his vantage point, he could read the bold print in it. It was a well-known entertainment magazine. 

He didn’t have an interest in the happenings of the entertainment circle, but if his mom likes it, he does too. 

Little Alex stretched his neck to gaze at his mother. His mother’s sight focused on the writings on the paper, but he noticed her hazy look. 

He could see that her mind wasn’t in the present. Her misty eyes were looking back in the past, in the past where he wasn’t yet conceived. 

A lump got stuck in little Alex’s throat. His voice quivered as he asked, “Do you regret falling in love with dad?” Do you regret having me? 

His little blue eyes grew moist the longer her silence continued. 

On the verge of tears, a melodious voice echoed in his ears. “I don’t regret it. Not one bit. And I especially do not regret having you.”

She pinched his cheeks and a dazzling smile.

***End of Flashback***

Alex joined the crowd and gave Irene a standing ovation. 

Throughout the years, Alex learned to discern a lie from the truth. There were only a handful of moments where he was wrong, and it was mostly because of his poor control of his emotions. But now, he could confidently say that everything was under his control. 

No matter what his mom said, he knew that she regretted not becoming the best actress she wanted to be, and it was all because of him. 

His presence tied his mother to a miserable life. 

Because of this, he vowed to help someone reach the pinnacle of acting. It just so happened that Irene caught his eye.

And it was one of the best decisions of his life. Even if that meant burying his dream to start a business. 

At first, everything was because of past regret, self deprecation, and self loathing. It wasn’t until he spent time with Irene did things change.

His heart was originally calm at the start of this journey and no ripples could be seen. Alex operated and ran things like a programmed machine. 

And he was stellar at it. The original Irene’s rise to fame was under his calculation. 

The system was running smoothly until a few months ago. 

His petrified heart started to form cracks. Slowly, bits and pieces chipped off from it. Something changed in Irene, but it was a change that his heart beats for. 

The euphoria he once thought was due to stepping closer to his goal… Perhaps that emotion was mixed with something else and he may not have realized it. 

This feeling was so subtle that it caught him today by surprise. 

Hearing Irene utter those words in front of him made Alex reminisce about the past—the could have and would have. 

Yet, as he looked back, those bitter emotions began to change.

The pent up sadness was still there. What changed was the added color of this current path he was tracking in. 

He was not a fortune teller, but no matter what happened, he was glad he met Irene.

A drop of tear escaped from Alex’s eyes as he lamented. 

How ironic. 

In his journey of fulfilling his mother’s dream. In his journey of righting the wrong of the past….. He himself stumbled upon the root cause of all his problems. 

Is the world mocking him? 

Love painted his mother bright red, but it also scarred her deeply. That same cherry red color was ruthless in extracting its price from its victim. It was agonizing. 

Now that same cascade of emotions has coated his whole body anew. 

He locked in Irene’s eyes. 

Her bright and shimmering amber pupils enraptured him. His simmering dark thoughts reverted back as the fire was put out. 

A picture of Irene calling out his name while the city was hugged by the setting sun as her background flashed past his eyes. 

Her lovely voice echoed inside his head, making it buzz.

Her lovely lips, her charming tone, and the way his name rolled out of her tongue… He sighed in joyful recognition. I guess there is no turning back. Thanks, Mom.

Irene couldn’t help but turn her attention to the source of the scorching gaze landing on her. 

What she saw was Alex’s ever firm and encouraging eyes. As though tainted by such enthusiasm, she merrily waved at him from the stage.

Irene was walking down the parking lot after the shoot together with Alex. 

Out of the blue, she felt her left hand become light. She stared down at her hand and gone was the bag she was carrying. 

Caught in surprise, she looked at the only person she trusted in the vicinity. 

Alex smiled at her and raised her handbag, shaking it. 

Irene tilted her head and gifted Alex with a grin. 

After a long day at work, Irene’s energy for the day was thoroughly depleted. A quiet walk like this was just perfect. Plus, with Alex accompanying her, there was an inexplicable feeling that had secretly sprouted in the corner of her beating heat. 

The backs that radiated authority at normal time were now leisurely strolling in a parking lot, away from the prying eyes of third parties. 

The success of “The Fall of Eden”, started a lot of things for the people involved. 

Sophie became more distant from Lilian. She barely chatted in their group chat and had rarely answered Lilian’s call or text. 

Max went full blast in his courting to Lilian. For him, this situation became his new thrilling adventure. 

For Alex, his monotone world was now tainted with paint. 

As for Irene and Lilian’s relationship, it has been going strong ever since. 

Lilian came to learn how to depend more on Irene but also become independent in her own right. 

This was a balance that Irene had been hoping for.

***

Irene sat on the chair facing the skyline from her apartment. Her eyes were set on the bluish transparent panel in front of her. 

[Progress: 15%]

[1st Mission: In progress]

Her brow scrunched up looking at the data. “How come I still haven’t completed the first mission?”

002: [The system has evaluated your current relationship with Lilian and judged that it is still far from the expected outcome. Work hard, host.]

Irene’s temple twitched upon hearing the words “work hard”. She lifted her fork and took a chunk out of the blueberry cheesecake.

Her gaze was fixed on the setting sun. The orange tint of the sky danced inside her iris like a flame frolicking in a forest, unhinged and eye-catching.

Irene’s attention was snatched by the smooth, tangy, and sweet flavors coating her palate to the fullest, filling her heart with warmth. 

“I’ve spent months with Lilian and helped her in every way I can. What more does the system want?” 

002 was a beat late before saying, “You’re doing well, host. You just have to keep it up.” 

002’s words were filled with a touch of comfort that made Irene’s heart grow fonder. 

An upturned curve slipped through Irene’s lips as she closed her eyes as she nodded her head softly. 

This day ended in a good note for Irene. 

***

“Make yourself feel at home. Let me grab the popcorn in the kitchen, then we can start the movie.” 

While the outside world was still buzzing their name, the subject of all the news was here at Irene’s apartment. 

This movie marathon wasn’t planned at all. 

At first, it was just Alex who came to Irene’s house to discuss some things. 

It has been a couple of minutes since Irene grasped the paper in her hands, and not a word was read. No matter what she did, her mind and body weren’t interested in a piece of paper. 

Instead, what she found herself doing was immersing on the scenery in front of her. 

Something changed. She sneakily took a peek at Alex. 

Noticing him move in her peripheral view, Irene’s head snapped back to its previous lowered and tucked pose. Sh*t sh*t sh*t sh*t sh*t. She felt like being transported back to the height of her puberty. What the f**ks wrong with me. 

“What do you think?”

“Huh? Oh! Right, right, right… I think it’s good.” Irene fumbled as she continued to bury her head in the papers.

Alex let out an involuntary laugh. He couldn’t comprehend what could be good reading the upside down letters. “Well, I hope that it meets your expectations.” 

Irene’s befuddled face met Alex’s amused eyes. She didn’t know what he was laughing at.

Alex found her questioning look cute and went near her. 

Irene observed as he reached out his hand to the document she was reading, took it, and rotated it counterclockwise. 

Her eyes grew wide. Irene’s cheeks grew hot, and a blush creeped up from her neck going upwards. F*ckkkkkkkkkk….. Huhuhuhuhuhu…. What was that!!!!!!! That was so embarrassing!!!!!!!!

She replayed their conversation up until now, and wished that the floor would swallow her whole. Sh*ttttttttttttt, I’ll never out live this embarrassment. 

Another laugh escaped Alex’s lips. As Irene’s face continued to grow red, his stomach started to cramp and his cheeks hurt from all that smiling. 

Irene just wanted to hide. And so she did. 

She jumped into the couch and laid there, using the document in her hand to cover her face. Out of sight, out of mind. 

Alex muffled his laughter and controlled his unbridled amusement upon seeing Irene’s reaction.

A soft upturned lips were glued in his face as he approached his hiding muse. He sat next to her shoulders and gently caressed her head. “You’re so cute.” 

Irene, who was cemented on the sofa, grew more red, turning maroon. F*ck, f*ck, f*ck… What’s happening?! Her heart was running a hundred miles per hour right now. 

She swiftly sat up and glared at Alex. But what Alex just saw was an adorable, teary eyed woman, and gave her his most charming smile.

Irene couldn’t stand it and walked straight to the kitchen and made a call. 

And that was how the three of them, Irene, Lilian, and Alex, started off their movie marathon.

Lilian took the center position and nestled herself on Irene’s shoulders quite contently. 

She was surprised to receive a call from Irene. 

Before the call, Lilian found staring mindlessly at her phone. She couldn’t help but grasp the single grain of hope in her heart. Maybe, just maybe.. 

That small episode was now gone from her mind as she watched the movie in front of her with her new-found friends. 

She could still look forward to tomorrow.