Between Clouds and Waters.
Since sitting down, Quiana Sutton had only taken a sip of wine, not touching the food at all, which made Alexander Skylane frown:
"Quiana, are these dishes not to your taste?"
Quiana swirled her wine glass, a hint of subtle irritation spilling from her eyes: "No, just not much of an appetite today."
"Even if you don't have an appetite, you should eat something. Don't just drink; it'll hurt your stomach."
With that, he looked around, used a tool to clean a crab, separated the meat from the shell, and placed it in front of Quiana.
"Try it, your favorite crab."
Listening to Alexander's constant chatter, Quiana shook her head helplessly:
"You're becoming more and more like my uncle, starting to nag?"
Alexander chuckled softly: "Perhaps it's being influenced by those around me?"
Seeing that Quiana had finished the crab meat, he continued:
"Quiana, the domestic branch of Aisha Group is preparing to launch a brand-new series, focusing on a younger audience. The materials won't be that expensive, with greater emphasis on design."
She lounged lazily on the chair, listening nonchalantly: "That's a good thing."
Alexander had the ability to definitely push Aisha Group to a new level.
She poured herself another glass of wine, just about to drink it when Alexander said:
"Quiana, be the spokesperson for the new series."
"Cough, cough, cough..."
She choked directly, looking at him incredulously: "Are you crazy?"
Her reputation online wasn't so bad but not so good either; she was definitely the type to cause a storm.
The incident of her killing a wild boar with her bare hands was still fermenting online, yet Alexander wanted her to be the spokesperson. The new company might just face backlash from netizens because of her.
"There are plenty of more suitable celebrities in the entertainment industry; why insist on me as the spokesperson?"
Alexander pressed his restless heart; he even reserved the Winston endorsement for her, let alone a new series.
"You're the most suitable choice for this series' style."
"What's the style of the new series then?"
Alexander blinked:
"It's a secret! Wait for the banquet for the official announcement!"
It was rare to see Alexander keeping a secret like this. Quiana smiled and shook her head. His talent in design was unmatched. Since he said she was the best fit, she must really be the best fit.
"If you lose money, don't blame me."
From this, Alexander knew she agreed, his smile deepening: "Don't worry, I won't blame you."
...
When Quiana Sutton left Between Clouds and Waters, she unexpectedly ran into Joseph Grant. His eyes lit up the moment he saw her.
It was like a lighthouse suddenly guiding direction on a dark sea.
He hurried over, his mouth curving into an involuntary smile: "What brings you here?"
Quiana gave Joseph a suspicious look. His enthusiasm towards her seemed a bit inexplicable, but she still casually replied:
"This is a place for dining, of course, I'm here to eat."
"You saved me last time, and I haven't properly thanked you. Can I have the chance to invite you?"
She directly refused him.
"No need, I've already eaten."
Joseph couldn't give up, "Then can I have your WeChat ID? We can plan something another time."
Joseph's partner, James Xavier, looked at Joseph in shock. When had he ever seen Joseph insistently asking a girl for her WeChat? Usually, it was the girls who proactively added him.
Joseph had a prestigious background, not as famously handsome as Durrell Landon, but even in the entertainment world, he was top-tier.
Spoiled since childhood, constantly pursued by girls, he changed girlfriends every few months, but he was generous, so even after breakups, no girl spoke badly of him publicly.
Joseph was obviously a player, yet despite knowing this, girls couldn't resist flocking to him, believing they were the one to reform him.
Now seeing this somewhat pleasing side of Joseph seemed a bit shocking, wondering if he was possessed.
Quiana frowned slightly, seemingly unaccustomed to Joseph's attitude.
"Mr. Grant, it was just a small favor, no need to thank me."
At this time, a deep voice came from not far away, seeming to carry strong displeasure:
"Quiana, is this guy bothering you?"
Joseph looked at Alexander Skylane standing not far away. The rare gentleness vanished, replaced by his usual indifference:
"Who are you?"
"Alexander Skylane."
Alexander was about three centimeters taller than Joseph, looking down without an air of superiority, yet Joseph felt annoyed.
"You're Alexander Skylane? From the Skylane Estate?"
"Yes." After speaking, Alexander glanced at Quiana, his temper restrained, but his dark eyes still showed surging emotion: "This lady is my guest. Mr. Grant, if you're thinking of hitting on girls, you've got the wrong person. She's not someone you can handle."
After saying that, he protected Quiana and left, personally escorting her to the underground parking lot.
As she was about to get in the car, he suddenly stopped her: "Wait..."
She turned to look at him: "What?"
Alexander smiled and shook his head: "Nothing, just be careful on the road."
Some words he was afraid to say, fearing he'd never stand by her side again.
Joseph watched Alexander and Quiana leave, a trace of barely-contained agitation on his face.
"You'll accompany me to the Skylane Estate party."
James Xavier was taken aback:
"Weren't you uninterested?"
Joseph's lips curled into a frosty smile: "Who said I wasn't interested?" He's changed his mind now.
James Xavier had never seen Joseph like this before, chills running down his spine.
Unable to hold back, he curiously asked: "Who was that girl just now, to make you, the great Mr. Grant, so proactive?"
"She's the girl who saved me on the show."
"..."
James Xavier was speechless for a moment. Joseph's family—both grandmother and mother—were strong and independent women. He'd grown up surrounded by them, preferring gentle, delicate flowers in adulthood. It was obvious he held different feelings for Quiana, so was it that he hadn't awakened before?
He inherently preferred this type?
Patting Joseph's shoulder, he spoke quite meaningfully: "I still suggest you give up. After all, your performance on the show was really..."
Before he could finish, Joseph angrily shouted: "Get out——"
...