Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

Two million. At a small auction like this, that price was no longer low. Some people hesitated, debating whether to continue bidding.

A beautiful, middle-aged woman raised her paddle. "Three million."

Whoa. A bracelet—no matter how beautiful, how much could it really be worth? At that, many people gave up. Just as the woman felt victory was within her grasp,

a paddle in the front row was raised, and a cool, detached voice rang out in the auction hall. "Five million."

"..."

"..."

This time, it wasn’t just the middle-aged woman who was stunned; even the auctioneer on stage was shocked. Snapping back to his senses and fearing the bidder would change his mind, he immediately blurted out, "Anyone else? Five million going once, five million going twice, five million going three times! Sold! Congratulations to the gentleman!"

They went backstage to pay and collect the item.

Sean Grant still hadn’t snapped out of it. ’Wait, what’s going on? Didn’t he just come to keep me company?! Didn’t he say he wasn’t interested?’

’How did it suddenly jump to five million?!’

Sean Grant asked, bewildered, "What are you buying a bracelet for? You gonna wear it yourself?"

He asked with a perfectly straight face. Simon Lockwood shot him a cool glance and said nothing.

Sean Grant: "..."

’Why do I feel like he’s looking down on me?’

Before they had even left the auction house, the event manager rushed over in a panic, sweat beading on his forehead. He bowed, extending a hand, his attitude reverent. "It really is you, Mr. Lockwood! I couldn’t believe it when my staff told me. Please forgive us for this oversight; we’ve been terribly neglectful..."

The manager’s face was stiff from smiling. He snuck a glance at the man before him and was left speechless.

Simon Lockwood was exceptionally handsome—no one ever disputed that. At the same time, however, his overwhelmingly powerful and cold aura made it difficult for anyone to look him directly in the eye.

The manager sighed to himself. ’Truly, the new generation surpasses the old. This is one extraordinary young man.’

He was also filled with regret. ’If only I’d known, I would have stayed and supervised the auction myself!’

’Who would have thought that the distinguished president of Southland would show up at such a small auction?!’

"Our boss is on his way now. Would we perhaps have the honor of treating you to dinner tonight?" the manager asked tentatively.

Simon Lockwood’s expression remained unchanged, his tone flat. "Thank you, but that won’t be necessary."

His reply was so brief yet polite that it left the manager stunned. Not daring to say more, he just stood there, at a complete loss.

Sean Grant sighed under his breath and stepped in. "Mr. Lockwood has plans tonight, so we won’t be able to stay for dinner."

The manager acted as if he was just now noticing him, showing a slight surprise. "Junior Mr. Grant, you’re here as well!"

Sean Grant: "..."

’How come I’m just "Junior Mr. Grant"?!’

’And another thing, am I really that unnoticeable?!’

As they left under the manager’s earnest gaze, Sean Grant was still fuming. He stared at the gift box in Simon Lockwood’s hand and said sullenly, "If you gave that to me, I’d be willing to forgive you."

...

Simon Lockwood’s brow furrowed, his tone icy. "Sean Grant, are you crazy?"

"How am I crazy?!" Sean Grant shot back indignantly. "That’s discrimination! Guys can wear bracelets too!"

Simon Lockwood replied without a change in expression, "If you want one, go ask Jack Warren for it."

Sean Grant: "..."

A sudden realization dawned on him. "So, you bought this bracelet for Joanna Kennedy?"

Simon Lockwood ignored him.

Sean Grant knew he’d guessed right. ’I really am a genius,’ he thought with satisfaction. Then he remembered something else and asked nosily, "Did you two... make up?"

This time, Simon Lockwood acknowledged him. He gave a barely perceptible nod, the corner of his lip twitching into a slight smile that dispelled some of his usual coldness.

*

「The Film Set」

Joanna Kennedy had more scenes in the early part of the story, most of them opposite the young general, the male lead.

The male lead was played by Owen Jennings, a former child star who was now a popular young actor. Though only twenty-two, his acting skills were remarkably mature, and his looks fit the script’s description of a dashing, high-spirited young general perfectly.

In this scene, the young general climbs an Orchid tree to pick an Orchid for Princess Cheryl. The young man’s smile is free and unrestrained as he carefully cradles the white Orchid in his palm, oblivious to the scratches on his arm.

"Cheryl, look! This is the Orchid from the very highest branch! Do you like it?"

A gentle breeze stirred, and the Orchid swayed in the young man’s broad, calloused palm.

The girl’s pale, delicate features softened, her voice filled with emotion. "I love it..."

"Cut! That’s a wrap!"

With the director’s call, the afternoon’s filming came to an end. Owen Jennings let out a huge sigh of relief. "Man, we’re finally done!"

Perhaps because he’d grown up in the spotlight, he was a total social butterfly. His people skills were astonishing; in just two days, he’d already befriended everyone on the cast and crew.

Even Joanna Kennedy had to admit he had a great personality; she couldn’t find a single fault with him.

But the more flawless someone seemed, the less Joanna wanted to get close. ’There’s no such thing as a perfect person in this world.’

’If someone is so perfect you can’t find a single flaw, it only proves they’re very good at hiding who they really are.’

"Jojo, your acting just now was amazing," he said, leaning in with a playful grin. "No wonder Leon Sheffield likes you. If I were him, I’d like you too."

Leon Sheffield was the name of the male lead in the script—the young general played by Owen Jennings.

She could almost feel his breath on her face. Joanna Kennedy’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and she discreetly shifted to the side,

putting some distance between herself and Owen Jennings. She smiled and replied, "I have no choice. Cheryl is supposed to be that unforgettable, idealized love. If I mess this up, I’d be letting down the original novel and the entire audience."

Owen Jennings nodded in agreement.

Just then, the director announced that the big sponsor was coming to visit the set that evening, and everyone would be going out to dinner together.

They couldn’t go looking like that, so the two of them headed to the dressing rooms together.

When they reached the dressing rooms, the lead actress was already taking off her makeup. Seeing them, she gave a polite yet warm smile in greeting.

Joanna Kennedy returned the polite smile.

Owen Jennings was friendlier with the lead actress. He laid on the compliments, making her laugh.

Joanna Kennedy’s princess costume was elaborate. By the time Owen Jennings had finished changing, Joanna was only halfway done.

He sat down behind her, popped a lollipop in his mouth, and watched her with keen interest.

Hidden from her view by the makeup artist, his gaze roamed up and down her figure, brazen and unrestrained.

’His cousin has terrible taste,’ he thought. ’Passing up a stunning beauty like this for some plain Jane.’

That evening, Julie drove Joanna Kennedy to the restaurant. On the way, she reminded her, "Someone at the table might try to pressure you to drink later. Just take a small sip; you don’t have to actually drink it."

She knew Joanna couldn’t hold her liquor.

Joanna Kennedy nodded, letting her know she understood.

’This dinner isn’t a big deal,’ she thought. ’The investor is here for the leads. I’m just a supporting character. I’ll just eat and keep a low profile.’

When they arrived at the restaurant, cars were already pulling up. Joanna Kennedy followed the main group into a private room. The investor hadn’t arrived yet. A few of the other actors were chatting with the director, occasionally pulling Joanna into the conversation for a moment.

Outside the restaurant, a black Maybach pulled to a smooth stop, and a valet immediately rushed over.

Sean Grant got out and started walking toward the restaurant, but he suddenly stopped. He tapped on the car window and asked the man still inside, "You sure you’re not coming in?"

Sean Grant added tauntingly, "You know, I just might have to make her drink~~"