The Rise of the White Lotus

Seeing their stupid stare, Lexi was not bothered as she retouched her makeup, since she didn't have her own glam team or rather, she didn't ask for it even though Abigail Fan proposed to send a whole team to help her doll up.

Granted that Lexi was curious about Morris Liu's action, she didn't overlook the fact that the Liu Empire said a few good words hence, she must take advantage of it while it's fresh. 

After retouching her makeup, Lexi glanced down on her lap where Churu was looking up at her with an 'O' shaped lips. She then shifted her gaze to her side where Abigail Fan had the same expression as the little dumpling that made Lexi roll her eyes. 

"Stop looking at me like that, this is business— nothing personal." With those short remarks, the van slowly moved forward and stopped when the van's side sliding door was in front of the red carpet.

"Snap out of it— it's my turn." Lexi snapped her fingers in front of Abigail Fan that effectively brought her back to reality. 

*****

Several minutes before Lexi arrived, Rika with her escort Gael Zhang and Director Arnold Shen walked the red carpet. She was linking arms with them: Arnold Shen on her right while Gael Zhang on her left. 

Undoubtedly, with her champagne, sparkling mermaid gown, long sleeve with a neckline collar that embossed her sexy curves and only revealed her collarbones, yet, it could only tease the bystander on what's hidden beneath it. 

The three posed before the countless flashing lights of the camera while screams and shouts rung out from the fan's section.

"Miss Rika, Miss Rika! Please look here!" One photographer giddily shouted still rapping incessantly on the click button of his camera. 

"Kyaah~! Gael my love~!! So handsome~!" 

"My Goddess Rika!!"

"Waah~! They really look good together~! I shippp!" 

Similar screams of fans were heard along with the resounding click of the cameras at them. As usual, Rika excitedly waved her hands to her fans as she unlinked her arms from Gael. 

On the other hand, Gael Zhang cooly smiled, revealing his even white teeth that made his fans go nuts! He modestly waved his hands to the screaming fans before the three of them headed to the host that was currently announcing, and complimenting the three of them. He was also in charge to interview them at the end of the red carpet. 

"Director Shen, since this was your last movie to direct before retiring, how was your experience throughout the months of filming and what do you feel about it?" Sounding amused yet professional at the same time, the host discreetly asked. 

"Well, I must say it was one of the most memorable movies I had worked on with all of the talented artists that gave their best to vividly portray their characters. I can say that I feel emotional and fulfilled with it." Smiling from ear to ear, Arnold Shen answered the question given with all his honesty. The host nodded in understanding as he asked a few more questions before moving onto Rika. 

"Miss Rika, I see you're as dazzling as ever!" The host casually praised Rika that made her chuckle and everyone near them. "What are the things to look forward to from the movie Taming Hearts?"

"Well, actually, when I read the script, I said that instant 'I will audition in this movie— any role is fine just to be a part of it.' that's how great this movie is." Rika smoothly promoted with a dazzling smile on her glossy lips.

"Woah! Indeed, I must agree because when I watched the trailer, it was truly a masterpiece of Director Shen." The host professionally agreed and exchanged good words with Rika Song regarding the movie and then moved on to Gael. 

"Mr. Gael Zhang—" Just as the host uttered Gael Zhang's name over the microphone, he was interrupted when the fans screaming intensified. 

Unconsciously, the host, Rika, Arnold Shen, and Gael Zhang turned to see the cause of the uproar. There, at the other end of the red carpet, a black van that Elliot Gong always used to arrived in before Elliot Gong himself hitched out from the vehicle— causing a very boisterous commotion.

Elliot Gong's crazy fans tried to get a closer look at him which made the marshal present raise their guards afraid that it would be a disaster if not prevented. 

"Kyah! Eli! Eli!" 

"Brother Eli!!!"

"Mr. Elliot Gong please look here!" Again, a sequence of wails from the journalists and Elliot Gong's terrifying fans filled the air. It was as if his presence alone made them forget about Rika and Gael Zhang. 

"He's such a diva." Murmuring that was audible only for the three to hear, Rika dissed. Still, her smiling pretty front didn't change. On the other hand, Gael Zhang's countenance didn't have a slight change as he remained composed and undisturbed.

Meanwhile, Arnold Shen was more satisfied because having Elliot Gong in his cast was one of the strongest points to promote the movie with his popularity. He didn't mind Rika's diss as he already knew their frenemy relationship.

Upon hearing Rika's unreserved insult, the host awkwardly smiled as he didn't see that coming. After all, Rika's image was the type that depicted her big heart as she allowed a small percent of her income to go to charity. She was also known as a humble person even after gaining riches. Nevertheless, the host composed his momentarily distraught mind to continue the interview. 

"As I was saying, Mr. Gael Zhang, what can you say about working with the beautiful Miss Rika Song?"

"Since it was my first time working with Miss Song, I was really anxious at first. But, she did guide me very well and it was much easier to work with her around— she's a great actress to work with, yeah." Smile still intact, Gael Zhang responded casually.

"Hehe, Mr. Zhang many were asking after the trailer was revealed, a love team between you and Miss Song was created—are you willing to film another movie with Miss Song if ever?"

"Haha! Of course, I am! That's Rika Song— who wouldn't want that?" The interview didn't last long as the three of them entered the theater after a few more questions and promotions of the movie.

This time, Elliot Gong was done posing and making his fans faint from his killer smile and winks. As he reached the other end of the carpet, he was welcomed by the host of the night. The host complimented him from head to toe and mentioned his recent awards and everything before he proceeded to interview him. 

"Mr. Elliot Gong, since this was the first movie that you're not the male lead, what can you say about your experience?" 

"It was fun and a refreshing experience. Although I have already worked with some of the cast and Director Shen in the past— still, that's probably the best part; working a masterpiece with friends." Without leaving his smile, Elliot Gong cooly responded. 

"Hehe, there had been a heated discussion online about your pairing with Miss Yang— what do you think about it?"

Just as the host delivered his question, a white van slowly approached the red carpet entrance, unlike Elliot Gong's entrance, this time, Lexi's arrival momentarily silenced the crowd and made others pause from clicking their cameras.