Our Love Story: Hard to Guard Against the Sudden Love Strike-Chapter 252 - 249: The Big Tree (Second Update)

Sienna Thornton thought Maeve’s career had hit a snag, and the milk with bird’s nest she’d just sipped went forgotten. She quickly asked, "What’s wrong with Maeve? Did something happen?"

"That movie she’s been auditioning for," Ingrid couldn’t hide her excitement, "She was originally going for a tiny role without even a name, but the crew called a few days ago and said they want her for the second female lead, and she’s scheduled for costume fitting next week!"

Sienna paused, then smiled: "That’s great! Landing the second female lead in her first movie is really amazing. Maeve is definitely going to make it big."

This reaction was textbook; one couldn’t tell any genuine joy at hearing about a childhood friend’s impending career breakthrough. Ingrid knew well that Sienna and Maeve were unusually close, and it certainly wasn’t as polite as it seemed.

The only possibility was that Sienna had guessed there were other factors at play in Maeve suddenly landing the role of the second female lead, and these events transpired after their meal with Simon Forrester at The Imperial Court Club.

Sienna must have figured it out.

She cleverly didn’t ask further, just remained polite. It wasn’t just because she and Ingrid weren’t familiar with each other, but also to avoid discussing these connections in front of Ingrid, and certainly not making any specific promises.

But Ingrid, having spent long enough in the entertainment industry, would obviously seize any opportunity for her artist when a sponsor was on the table.

So Ingrid did not hold back, frankly saying, "This matter still needs to thank you and Mr. Forrester. After Mr. Forrester sent us the ’Imperial Court Club’ gift box and membership card last time, I posted on Weibo that very night, and the next day Maeve was trending."

Sienna feigned surprise: "I didn’t know a membership gift had such influence."

Ingrid said, "The ’Imperial Court Club’ is one of the top clubs in the country, not just due to its exclusivity but also because its membership criteria are extremely rigorous – you can’t join just by having some money. No one in the entertainment industry can get in, and I’ve heard the Forrester Family hates everything about the entertainment industry. Some domestic top stars have made it to Hollywood, yet have repeatedly failed to secure membership. Sometimes when paparazzi spot them going in and out of the ’Imperial Court Club,’ they’re actually just there to accompany someone."

Sienna wasn’t aware of these details, but the statement "The Forrester Family hates everything about the entertainment industry" was something she believed. Simon Forrester had told her the same.

Though she acted indifferent at the time, she actually took it to heart and kept reminding herself to be discreet, even when she appeared on the program ’Lawyer’s Word.’ So when the director asked if she was willing to hype a CP (celebrity pairing), she immediately refused.

She wasn’t foolish enough to challenge the bottom line of the Forrester Family with this kind of matter.

Ingrid noticed Sienna seemed lost in thought, unsure of her thoughts, but continued with the script she had prepared: "Now, people in the circle are all saying Maeve has powerful and influential backers, which is why she got the ’Imperial Court Club’ membership. Although that’s not true, we didn’t bother to clarify, as it helps Maeve’s acting career. Look, her minor role turned into a second female lead."

Sienna snapped back, fully understanding Ingrid’s worries, and nodded, saying, "Don’t worry, I won’t mention it. If this is good for Maeve, I’m happy too."

Ingrid thanked her continuously, still not forgetting to plead: "Can you ask Mr. Forrester and other Forrester Family members not to clarify the rumors about Maeve having influential backers?"

That was something Sienna really couldn’t promise.

Without hesitation, she truthfully replied, "If these rumors affect the Forrester Group, it’s not just up to the Forrester Family to decide. The group has a legal department, a PR department, a strategic department, and if any rumors damaging the Forrester Group arise, these departments will surely handle it. All I can say is I’ll try, but if it comes to that point, I’ll do my best to ensure it doesn’t affect Maeve’s career."

She spoke sincerely, so she did not offend Ingrid. On the contrary, Ingrid was still grateful, saying, "Really, thank you so much. People in the entertainment industry are sued every day, so we’re scared."

Sienna reassured, "If there’s a lawsuit, there has to be a target. Usually, topics and trending related things that netizens spontaneously initiate online are difficult to sue. At most, the Forrester Group would issue a statement to inform the public that Maeve’s membership in the ’Imperial Court Club’ wasn’t because of her influential backers but due to other reasons. As for what those reasons are, I can’t say now, but regardless, even if a statement is issued, it won’t affect Maeve. Rest assured."

Upon hearing this, Ingrid knew Maeve had firmly secured the Forrester Family’s backing. Although Sienna hadn’t mentioned managing the Forrester Group’s legal department, Ingrid had heard it from Maeve earlier. With Sienna and Maeve’s close relationship, the Forrester Group would never sue Maeve.

Ingrid was relieved; today’s visit had indeed not been in vain, and the bird’s nest had been braised for a good reason.

Thinking this, she quickly replaced her expression with a warm smile and urged Sienna, "Lawyer Thornton, eat your bird’s nest quickly, or it’ll get cold!"

"Alright." Sienna courteously smiled and took small bites. Midway through eating, looking at the milky bird’s nest, she suddenly thought of the habit Simon Forrester had of drinking milk before bed and asked, "Ingrid, is milked bird’s nest good for men?"

"Of course! Bird’s nest boiled with milk has properties to nourish yin, boost yang, moisturize, and slow aging. It’s definitely good for men!" And with that, she gave Sienna a knowing look.

Sienna pressed her lips and murmured "Mm," planning to make some milk bird’s nest for Simon Forrester that night.

-

Guided by Ingrid, Sienna quickly found the meeting room for ’Lawyer’s Word.’ It was still in the same building from her last visit, only this time on a higher floor.

Riding the elevator up, Sienna looked at the dark sky outside and curiously asked, "Why are we having the meeting at night?"

Ingrid replied, "This program is globally auditioned, with lawyers coming from different places and even overseas. So, to save time, meetings are scheduled at night, and recordings during the day."

Sienna nodded in agreement: "Indeed, it should be this way. Lawyers are very busy, juggling work and show is not easy."

Ingrid: "This situation highlights the convenience of living in the country’s heart city! Otherwise, why would so many people live in the north?"

Sienna was also one of those people. She still didn’t have a Brimfield residence permit. A few years ago, after graduating from Braden University, because she went straight to the United States for her Ph.D., she didn’t seek employment in Brimfield, so she moved her residence registration back home. And when she bought that small apartment three years ago, she couldn’t get a residence permit linked to the purchase anymore.

Apart from the management staff at Vantage, not many knew she didn’t hold a Brimfield residence permit. If those women who envied her being with Simon Forrester found out she was just a non-resident striving in the north, they’d probably feel superior.