Several days later, when she was deep in a dream after a long day of work, Chang'an called in a frantic voice. 

“Why call in this ungodly hour of the night?” She grumbled scratching her stomach irritably. “If you wet the bed and wanted to confess, let’s postpone it for tomorrow.”

Chang’an choked and regretted waking the demoness. 

“You will thank me later!” He retorted.

Sena leaned on the headboard. “So, what is it?”

“I got an email from a friend working at Entrepreneur Society that their sister magazine is going to do an ambush interview with you and it seems a big shot is going to host it. You should be prepared.” His news was followed by a hearty chewing sound. 

“Oh, I see. Thanks for the info— wait, are you eating?!”

“I warmed up the pizza this afternoon.” Chang’an swallowed. “I didn’t know old pizza would taste good. The crust was a little burnt but it turned crispier and the cheese completely melted.” 

The image of pepperoni, cheese and green peppers floated in her peripheral vision. She even began to hallucinate the scent. Sena’s face crumpled as she looked at the wall clock displaying eleven fifteen in the evening. 

“Go to bed Chang’an. Stop eating greasy foods.” She snarled. 

“Hehe, I just know you’re going to be jealous. With Apple and April staring at you, you can’t even eat a slice, tsk tsk.” 

“I was never on a diet. Your taunts won’t work.” She snorted then stabbed him cruelly next. “What about you? You eat a lot of greasy and salty foods. Are you not scared to grow bald at this age? And be careful of lard blocking your arteries!”

Chang’an froze while looking at the pizza in his hand. It suddenly did not feel as delicious as before. “Why do you have to do this to me?”

“Just saying…” 

“Erm, I’m done eating.” 

Perhaps the hair loss thing really frightened him. Sena did not hear him talk back for several seconds before hearing a beep. 

“Serves you right.” Sena put her phone down then laid there like a dead fish. 

Interview, huh? She groaned.

Is being an entrepreneur not busy enough? Why on earth are these things hounding her? She wished she could just keep her circles purely in business, in fact Apple had already trimmed down plenty of offers to lighten her schedule  but that’s not how the world works apparently.

Even if she shied away from the entertainment industry, she still had to cross paths with it one way or another. Sena flailed on the bed angrily, throwing away the beautiful image everyone had on her. Anyway she’s frustrated right now, what’s the use of looking pretty? Minutes later, she buried herself back under the quilt and tried to think positively. 

Maybe the interview wouldn’t be so bad… 

In fact, her worry was unnecessary. It was nothing big, just for the follow up on Entrepreneur's Society’s entertainment section. Sena appeared in their issue a few months back along with the other young entrepreneurs but the details were too little to feast on. Since sales was up, the executives decided to put up a poll on which guest their readers wanted to be interviewed. Sena’s name came unexpectedly.  

Sometimes, the renowned business magazine would invite subjects and put interesting bits of their personal life in their affiliated fashion and lifestyle magazine that is La Bella. 

Sena slept soundly after sorting out her thoughts. However, she had no idea that a large pie suddenly fell from heaven. 

The next morning, she woke up without any burdens aside from ocassional laziness. She was still a bit sleepy when Nicholas arrived at the door.  

“Good morning.” He greeted softly and pinched her nose. 

The man looked all refreshed and ready to face the day while she was still looking like she just got out of the grave. 

Sena groaned. “What are the chances of me begging you to let me go back to bed?” 

“Zero.” He said mischievously then added, “Unless you invite me with you.” 

“You!” Her sleepiness suddenly disappeared and glared at him reproachfully. 

Ever since they came back from abroad, he began to stick to her more and more. The little bits of sweet and intimate gestures always leaves her embarrassed and faintly… excited. Sena’s chest jumped. 

Ah stop! What were you thinking so early in the morning?! 

Nicholas laughed out seeing her ever-changing expressions. She really couldn’t hide her emotions so well. 

“Alright, don’t be lazy.” He said with a gentle smile. 

Ten minutes later the two of them in their training clothes went to jog in the park. On the first, second and third turn Sena could still keep up with Nicholas but she began to slow down at the fourth. 

But in order not to appear like a weakling she gritted her teeth and chased after his butt.

“Damn you Nicholas, are your legs made of iron?” She grumbled unhappily. 

She refused to admit she was jealous of his stamina. He still looked so at ease while she was about to bust her lungs.  

The guy just wickedly laughed and kept urging her, “We need to fix that poor physique of yours so keep up.” 

“I agreed to jog and workout, not to die.” 

Seeing her flushed face, he felt a rush of pity and jogged to her side. “Alright, we will walk slowly for five minutes.” 

He pulled out a towel and wiped her drenched face. The poor girl was panting heavily. She looked like a dying fish. A cute fish. Her milky white face is now pink, so is the tip of her nose. Then his eyes fell on her pouty lips. 

“I’m thirsty.” Sena said.

“Me too.” He pulled her close, angled his head and gave her a short but deep kiss. 

“Um—!” 

Angry cat eyes zeroed at him but being stared at by that pair of seductive eyes did nothing to scare him at all. Poor baby, she was trying to appear mad but the blush all over her face defeated the purpose. In the end she could only tuck her head like a turtle. She burrowed deep into his chest trying to hide her embarrassment. 

Nicholas was helpless against this soft attack. He circled his arm around her thin waist and hugged her gently. 

~Hmm, Baby is so soft and fragrant. 

Just when he thought she would stay still, Sena stretched her hand out and gave him a two-finger kung fu on his waist.

The pinch was too strong; it made him yelp, calling the attention of other joggers. Sena was so nervous she hurried to muffled his mouth with her hands. 

“You hurt me…” Nicholas pouted aggrievedly. 

He looked so sad she almost believed him. Bah! Who told him to act like a rogue in broad daylight? 

Two hours passed and they sweated enough. When it was time to return to their street they ran into a group of girls armed with different kinds of mobile phones. Among them is a man in a hoodie smiling suspiciously. 

Sena already sensed something was wrong. 

“Be careful they are—”

Before Nicholas could finish his words, the slender shadow already walked past him towards the crowd. Sena pulled the man hiding between two girls and slammed him to the ground facedown. 

“Ahhh, she’s beating someone!” The girl screamed. 

“My gosh, Sena is so ruthless!” 

“Hurry, record it. It’s a good scoop. Let’s show her true face.” 

While everyone was scrambling to focus their lenses, Sena kicked the man hard. “This person is a thief! Call the police.”  

The crowd quieted. 

Nicholas ran over to protect his angry little girlfriend. 

The thief tried to get up and run but Sena seemed to know his intentions and stepped on his back. “You dare to steal with so many people around? Do you think we are blind?”

“Steal, what steal? You little bitch, you’re making that up!” The man spat ferociously and moved his hand away. “This woman is lying.”

Nicholas found an odd thing about it.  

“Let’s see which one of us lied. Look at his hands!” 

“You have no right— shit, don't touch me!”

Nicholas bent down, pried open his left fist. “Let go.” 

“No! You’re accusing me. I can sue you for this.” The man glared resentfully then turned to the girls and shouted. “Look, look at how they harass people. Didn’t you say you came here to record, go ahead and take a closer look at how they harass me!”

Sena rolled her eyes and twisted his right arm backwards making the man howl in pain. 

“— motherfucker ah! Miss, madam, it hurts! It hurts! Have mercy.” 

The girls who hadn’t seen a scene of beating before felt frightened but their phones still kept recording. Nicholas lost patience and moved his wrist. The man felt weak for a scant second and finally released his fist.

“Now tell me you are not a thief.” Sena said coldly. 

The man shivered, he gritted his teeth and looked at her sharply.

“Look again and I’ll poke your eyes out.” Nicholas whispered. 

Sena picked a gold chain necklace with a pea-sized sapphire on it then turned to the girls. “Whose?”

“Eh? That looks like my—” A girl in a pink cardigan exclaimed. She touched her neck and couldn't find her jewelry. She turned pale. “I think that’s mine.” 

When Nicholas frisked the man he found two more wallets inside his hoodie and a small switchblade. All of which from this group of girls except for the blade. 

“He’s got a knife!”

The girls backed away and looked at each other with fear in their eyes. 

“Be careful next time.” Sena handed the necklace and the wallets back to the owners before dialing the police hotline. 

Five minutes later a patrol car came to pick up the pickpocket. The girl said she will file a formal complaint because the necklace was a memento of her aunt and is worth quite a sum. The girls who owned the wallets also followed suit. If Sena did not take the shot, they would lose their entire month’s allowance. He was armed with a harmful weapon plus the contents of the wallets stolen were no pocket change either. The man would surely sit a few years behind bars. 

With this incident the girls no longer felt inclined to stalk Sena. On the contrary they felt it was quite embarrassing to be rescued by the one they were targeting. 

“With your tiny courage you dare go out on this bright day to imitate paparazzi?” Sena reprimanded harshly. “Instead of wasting your time on the internet following some hate train, why don’t you honestly go to class and supplement your brains with something meaningful?”

All the while she was spewing out verbal whiplashes, Nicholas could only stand aside and smile quietly.  

“Aiy, brats these days…” she muttered under her breath. 

The girls shrunk like shriveled mushrooms: S-Sorry for making trouble. 

Sena: If you know then don’t do it again. 

Before they knew it, Sena and Nicholas were already a few meters away jogging towards Paragon. The girls could only stomp their feet in frustration after realizing that they had been scolded bloody and hadn’t let a single word of protest. 

“Forget it.” Lucy, the girl who lost the necklace waved her hand off. “We can still do this some other time.” 

“But, she doesn’t seem bad. She saved us.”

“Yeah.” the rest nodded. 

Lucy clicked her tongue. She stared at the backs of two people who were going farther and farther away with a thoughtful frown. 

  

At home Nicholas took over her kitchen to make breakfast. The big guy did not flinch while wearing her orange apron and holding a pink spatula. She was still giggling at his silly outfit when she received a call from Apple informing her that she was included in this year’s Street Style collection and the photographer was Andy Zhang! 

“Did you hear what I said?” Apple prompted. “The photos are going to be displayed in the LCD screens downtown along with the launch of Alpha Tech’s new mobile application.” 

Sena squeezed her eyes shut. “Oh no…”

“It’s too late for regret now. Didn’t you know that Andy Zhang is the sister of Alpha Tech’s chairman of the board?”

No. She did not know!   

“I’ll hang up for now, we’ll talk about this later in your office.” 

Sena bit her thumbnail in a fluster then a big hand came to stop her. 

“What’s the matter?” Nicholas asked, pulling her to the couch. 

She told him about the new investment she had with Alpha Tech which are mobile applications. The Koala live streaming and Hello movie subscription service, Penguin short video application and a multiplayer mobile game. 

Nicholas raised an eyebrow. The things she mentioned, he also invested in them but he was most optimistic about the mobile game. These apps are going to be released next year except for the Penguin Shorts scheduled today. 

“So Andy Zhang wanted to conduct an interview while at the same time using her brother’s new technology? Aren’t you curious how a famous photographer would use the app to attract customers?” He teased pinching her cheeks. 

“Well…” 

Of course she is curious. She had seen the popularity of Penguin Shorts sweeping the entire world like a storm. From ages five to adults above seventy everyone who has a phone knows how to use it. It was also from there that a new batch of celebrities emerged and became famous. 

Half an hour later, Andy Zhang posted some photos on her page causing an online explosion. 

These were her random street style shots collected while the subjects walked around the Capital City. From the ghettos to the most fashionable 4th Street, Andy posted more than a hundred faces that captured her eyes and a very familiar face is one of them. Under Andy’s meticulous handling of the lens, the seemingly ordinary stolen shots looked full of vitality. 

[OMG it’s here and it came so quietly! Asia’s annual street style!]

[Wow, my master Andy Zhang finally posted. I’ve been waiting for this. I'm so hyped!] 

Fashionistas and those who love clothes alike came to flock on Andy's page. There are different kinds of styles from her shots. The elegant and timeless outfits, the modern chic, the bold new generation to high-end fashion enthusiasts. 

Andy then wrote to invite everyone to view her short videos at twelve o’clock sharp. 

[Ahhhhh! Why am I not included? I was always dressed to the nines hoping I would get recorded!]

[Better luck next time buddy.] 

[I see a lot of familiar faces here.]

[So beautiful. Have you seen the one wearing the McQueen military jacket?] 

[She looks a bit like Sena.]

Sena’s dedicated trolls who saw the comment quickly fired in anger. 

[You make me laugh to death. Having a pretty face is not enough. You have to look at the person’s character. With her rotten personality, is she worthy of Andy’s lens?]

[Andy does not recruit plastic surgery monsters. Thank you very much!]

[A vicious spoiled brat like her doesn’t deserve to be mentioned here.]

But then a reversal quickly came. 

As Andy’s solid fans boiled and haters mocked she confirmed their guesses by tagging the person in the photo.

andydandy: looking forward to working with @senaerde. Let’s create beautiful images together! 

[Wipe your eyes and see. It’s really Sena Erde.]

[Ah! You’re right. Did Andy Zhang choose Sena as one of her subjects?!]

[You have to ask Andy herself.]

[Shit! I’m not dreaming. It’s really her!]

[Hahaha those who said Sena doesn’t deserve this, are you worthy?]

[Oh my goodness, no wonder she wasn’t scared of denying La Bella. It was because the master herself chose her.]

The haters who were feasting on all kinds of insults miraculously turned silent after Andy’s post. Then a new topic emerged:

#annualstreetstyle #penguinshorts #andy

At home, Sena put down her phone after receiving Andy’s call. A stiff smile pulled the corner of her lips. 

Can someone please explain to her what is going on???

When Andy asked for her permission, she thought it was for an interview. But what is this all of a sudden? Sena sighed as she absently harassed Dumpling’s ears. 

Imagine her surprise when she found out Andy wanted to meet her. She did not quite understand why she was chosen out of nowhere. The only reason she got was that Andy found her life interesting and she feels that working with her is worthwhile. 

She brushed through comments.

[This year’s annual street style event is going to be spectacular. Photos and videos are going to be played at the launching of Alpha Tech’s newest mobile features. This time they are going to release Penguin Short video application.]

[Buddy, I heard there is a new mobile game too. The one endorsed by the cosplay goddess Nancy?!]

[Yes.]

[Tha annual street style is going to be hosted by Penguin and played on the screens downtown. I can’t wait to see it!]

The news shocked plenty of people in both the business and entertainment industry. Alpha Technologies who is said to have exhausted their generations of good luck and is about to decline resurrected with vengeance. They not only held the contract for the light rail project, they suddenly announced their newest technological innovation.

But there are those who were skeptical of the sudden rise such as Albert Luz and other business rivals thinking it might be just hype. Who knows if these new applications will be received positively by the public. 

However, those executives of Alpha Tech feel no burden. Aside from the mobile game, Ms Erde provided them with several ideas on how to properly market Koala Live Stream and Penguin Shorts. She said they must emphasize their strongest selling point which is instant access. You can watch live streams whether at home or on your mobile phone. You can create short and amazing videos of your own without the help of a professional crew. Simply saying: the world at your fingertips. 

Looking at the feasibility study she submitted, they could not wait for the launching to arrive soon.   

How would Sena know that aside from providing help in the shadows she would also get dragged out in the open to be a model? 

Sena: Am I not overworked enough??? 

While she lamented at the fact of getting involved, some were shaking with anger at the unprecedented news and her way to work was destined to be a little rough today.

An army of reporters and paparazzi were waiting for her in the vicinity of Diamond Realtor building. The long cannons, tripods and microphones were set up ready for battle. It looks comparable to a film festival. 

“There was nothing like this before.” April gulped. Her hands on the steering wheel tightened. “Boss, if they find out you are inside this car I’m sure they will attack. I don’t want to see you getting smashed.”  

Sena didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. 

“It’s alright, uncle Jess is at the back. He’s good with crowd control.” 

Soon four tall men in black suits stepped out of a G-wagon behind. The reporters with a sharp keen of smell swarmed the car in no time thinking that their target was inside. While everyone was busy, a yellow 918 Porsche Spyder smoothly drove down the underground parking lot. 

April was sweating buckets until they walked inside the elevator. It wasn’t until she saw the group of reporters that it finally sank into her that her boss is now a very popular figure! 

In fact, no one could blame April. Her complacency came from the fact that Sena herself doesn't seem to be aware of her own status. She had no image to maintain nor was she afraid to break character in front of the people. She just… she lives her life that way it pleases her. 

April: The most eccentric girl there is. ╮(╯_╰)╭

Later when the reporters could not find someone to interview, they turned to Sena’s page to ask questions as to how she managed to capture Andy Zhang’s eyes. 

Did she know that the award-winning photographer/director was after her?

Was the dispute with Cassandra Liu a calculated plan?

Some even maliciously speculated that maybe she used Cassandra as a raft while pretending to be a victim. Then, more outrageous statements followed questioning how Andy could be so blind by including her. 

She was mean and a bully. To prove their point, someone leaked the news of her so-called bullying in the set of Fleur and there are netizens who were bold enough to post on Fleur's official page! 

[Anon]: Hey Fleur, I’ve been using the brand for so many years but I heard such disappointing news regarding your global ambassador. It was about an alleged bullying on the set. Please clarify.

[Anon]: A witness confessed that this wealthy model threw her weight around the shooting scene and attacked a newcomer. How could you allow this? 

[Anon]: This is outrageous. We do not tolerate bullying!    

The person behind this post was smiling from ear to ear hoping for a bigger fire to burn but not a few minutes passed Fleur issued a clarification statement denying the floating articles about Sena playing a big attitude on set. 

fleurofficial: 

The brand strongly denies such claims. The growing news about our ambassador is absolutely absurd and unfounded. As one of the youngest faces to represent the brand @senaerde is not only enthusiastic. Her dedication and hardwork is also outstanding making her a favorite among many professionals and the very reason she was chosen. 

Looking forward to many more years of working together. 

Then to counter the gossip, Fluer posted a few clips of her and April sitting on aluminum chairs minding their own business while waiting for the director’s call. 

[Ms Erde came here without a big team following behind her. There was only one secretary to assist her all throughout.] 

The comments went crazy and the staff who were present at the shoot felt inclined to reply: 

[Those saying she was difficult to work should look at their conscience. You’re obviously paid.] 

Another photo of Sena talking and laughing with the staff was shown and lastly when she took off her skates with a painful look on her face.  

[She was quick to interpret the scenes and friendly. The crew also liked her easygoing attitude. She even booked a restaurant in advance knowing how cold and hungry we were after the shoot.]

[The skates she used were tight but despite that we did not hear her complain until all shots were finished.]

Those who saw the post finally knew the whole story and realized they were quick to jump into conclusion. 

[May I ask those who judged her without factual basis: How does it feel to be slapped in the face?]

[Those haters and anti-fans can jump anywhere. Fortunately big sister works honestly unlike some people who are always seeking hype!]

 

Imagine Talent Agency.

Aera who read Fleur’s clarification felt bitterness swept over her taste buds. She thought they would stay neutral about this but she did not expect they would come out swiftly and deal with the issue by defending Sena. 

What would happen if it were her? They would most definitely kick her out on the spot to preserve the brand image. A treatment of polar opposites. 

“You didn’t see that coming did you?” Cassandra’s mocking voice came from behind. 

Aera looked at her sharply. The two women found each other at the lobby of the agency and exchanged sneers. 

“Relax. I’m not your enemy right now. If you want to get even, I suggest you keep your cards for the time being.”

“You…” Aera frowned. “Do you have something?” 

Cassandra snorted. “Good thing I’m wiser than you.” 

Going home after, Cassandra poured herself a drink. The spicy taste of whiskey quickly numbed her tongue. Facing the mirror, she assessed her features carefully. She is nearing thirty this year and she began to notice the changes in her body. The accumulation of stress, cigarettes and make up showed its vengeance on her skin. Dark marks and fine lines begin to appear despite her rigorous use of high-end beauty products. She also easily gains weight now unlike before. 

She knew several celebrities who were already in their thirties but still had the skin of teenage girls. But to achieve that, she has to sacrifice drinking and smoking. Two of the things she found hard to give up. It was her only vent to this stressful career. 

La Bella did not work. Soon her career will be over. Fortunately, her boyfriend will bring her to the benefit ball and Lynx promised to design a dress for her. Just this one night, she hopes everything goes right on track and her career will bounce back.   

Cassandra kicked her shoes off, lit a stick of smoke and slipped into the soft cushion of the sofa. A little while later her phone rang. 

“You were looking for dirt to throw on Sena Erde, correct?”

“It took you a while to contact me.” There was a quick sound of Cassandra taking a drag on a cigarette. Her exhalation sounded soft yet bitter. 

“Sorry, I had other jobs.” 

“About Sena, have you found any? If not, I will hang up.”

“I told you, even the cleanest celebrity in this industry has been investigated by me so rest assured I finished your request. You will be delighted by this discovery.”

Cassandra’s rueful laughter turned somber, “Make it especially noisy.”