CH-01

One the night of the much anticipated film release, the red carpet shimmered under the bright lights, welcoming stars from all corners of the industry. Among them, Lingling Kwong made her entrance with a radiant smile that captivated everyone present. As she stepped onto the carpet, her presence was undeniable, with her smile alone leaving the crowd and photographers in awe. The cameras buzzed with activity, eager to capture every moment of her arrival.

This film marked Lingling's second appearance on the big screen, but what set this night apart was her role as the leading actress—a new beginning for her career. It was a momentous occasion, signaling her transition from a rising star to a prominent figure in the industry. As she walked gracefully along the carpet, Lingling took her time to pose for the cameras and wave to her fans, acknowledging the cheers and admiration that surrounded her.

As the evening unfolded, the red carpet's glamorous atmosphere gave way to a more intense and bustling scene—the interview session. Journalists from various media outlets, eager to capture the essence of the night, gathered in tight clusters, their microphones and cameras at the ready. Amidst this lively crowd, all eyes were on Lingling Kwong, the leading lady whose performance had been eagerly anticipated.

Lingling, poised and elegant, stood at the center of the media frenzy, exuding a calm confidence. As the star of the film, she naturally attracted the most attention. Reporters jostled for position, each eager to ask the questions that would make the headlines. Lingling handled the onslaught with grace, her warm smile never wavering as she responded to queries about the film, her character, and her experience working on the project.

Then, one journalist, with a mischievous grin, broke through the formalities with a more personal question. "Khun Ling, is your boyfriend not attending the premiere tonight?" The question, tinged with curiosity and a hint of playful intrigue, caused a brief ripple of silence among the gathered press, all waiting to see how she would respond.

Lingling didn't miss a beat. With a soft, knowing smile, she replied, "He said he would come, but he's probably still on his way, caught in traffic." Her voice was light and easy, betraying no hint of annoyance or discomfort. Instead, she delivered her answer with the same charm that had endeared her to fans and colleagues alike.

Her response, accompanied by that signature smile, elicited a wave of laughter and nods from the assembled journalists.

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After concluding the interview, Lingling made her way back to the backstage area. The moment she stepped behind the curtains, the weight of the evening settled in, and she sank into the nearest chair, releasing a deep, weary sigh. The glamour and excitement of the spotlight, though dazzling, had left her feeling drained.

Namtan, who had just finished her own round of interviews, noticed Lingling's tired demeanor and couldn't help but ask, "Was it really that exhausting?" Her voice was laced with a mix of concern and curiosity as she approached her friend.

Lingling glanced up, her expression a mixture of exhaustion and resignation. "Of course it was. I feel like every ounce of energy I had was drained out there on stage," she replied, her tone revealing just how taxing the experience had been. For Lingling, who was naturally more introverted, the constant attention and need to present herself perfectly in public was often overwhelming.

Namtan, who had known Lingling for over four years now, understood her friend's temperament all too well. She chuckled softly, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Classic introvert," she teased, nudging Lingling playfully as she took a seat beside her. It was a light-hearted jab, one that had become a running joke between them over the years.

Lingling, too tired to muster a sharp retort, merely rolled her eyes in response, the gesture lazy and unbothered. She knew Namtan meant no harm; it was just part of their banter. The two had shared countless moments like this, balancing each other out perfectly—Namtan's outgoing nature contrasting with Lingling's quiet strength.

"Oh, right!"

"Khun Kwang... hand me my phone."

Lingling's voice, usually calm and composed, carried a hint of urgency as she addressed her assistant. She had suddenly remembered something and felt the familiar pang of anxiety in her chest. Her assistant, ever efficient, quickly handed over the device. Lingling's eyes scanned the screen, her heart sinking as she realized there were no messages, no missed calls. Nothing from Mean.

Mean Phiravich, her boyfriend had promised he would be there tonight—at the most significant event of her career, the release of her new film. But the empty notifications left her feeling hollow. She had hoped, perhaps too much, that he would surprise her, even if he hadn't said he would make it. Maybe a message, a call, anything to show that he was thinking of her on this important night. But there was only silence.

Namtan, who had been quietly observing her friend's demeanor, noticed the sudden change in Lingling's expression. Concern etched on her face, she leaned in slightly and asked, "What's wrong?"

Lingling quickly masked her disappointment, forcing a smile. "Oh, it's nothing," she replied, her voice betraying the calm exterior she was trying to maintain. With a soft sigh, she placed the phone back on the table, its weight suddenly feeling much heavier. She leaned back against the sofa and close her eyes, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in her heart.

****

Lingling sat in the chair, staring at the man in front of her with a blank expression, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She felt exhausted, having just finished shooting a commercial, but her assistant had insisted on discussing something that seemed important.

"What do you want to talk about, Khun Kwang?" Lingling asked, her tone neutral.

"I just wanted to inform you that in a few days, my contract will be up, and Khun Lingling will need to find a new assistant."

"Huh?" Lingling raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Is it really that soon? I thought we still had a few more months."

"We discussed this before, but perhaps Khun Lingling forgot because of the film release promotions," Kwang replied, his face turned toward her, though his eyes were averted, hesitant to meet his boss's gaze.

"Sigh..." Lingling let out a deep breath, massaging her temples. She couldn't believe she had forgotten something as crucial as this.

"Can't Khun Kwang extend the contract with me? It's too difficult for me to start over with a new assistant again," Lingling asked, her expression still calm, though there was a hint of pleading in her voice.

"I'm sorry, but I can't," Kwang responded, bowing his head slightly.

As confusion and seriousness hung in the air, a man approached, carrying a bouquet of flowers.

"Mean..." Lingling murmured, recognizing her boyfriend. Lingling still felt a bit upset, remembering how he hadn't shown up for her important event last night.

Mean sat beside Lingling, handing her the bouquet. "Congratulations on the release of your new film, my love. I'm sorry I couldn't make it; my shooting schedule got an unexpected additional scene last night."

Lingling remained silent, not responding, but still accepted the bouquet of flowers her boyfriend had given her.

"Please don't be mad at me for this, it wasn't planned," Mean said, his voice pleading, as he gave Lingling a kiss on the cheek. "Once your schedule is done, let's go on a date because I've cleared my schedule to be with you."

Lingling turned to look at her boyfriend, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll forgive you, but you have to help me find a new assistant," Lingling said.

"Huh? Isn't Khun Kwang still your assistant?" Mean asked, now looking toward Kwang.

"In a few days, my contract with Khun Lingling will end, and I want to try something new, so I can't extend the contract," Kwang explained.

Mean appeared to think for a moment. "Alright then, I'll help my girlfriend find a new personal assistant."

"Thank you. I'll talk to P'Saint about it after this to discuss it," Lingling said, smiling at Mean. At times like this, only Mean could be truly relied upon.

••••

"Orm Kornnaphat~"

A woman turned her head upon hearing her name called. A smile, brighter than the morning sun, adorned her lips, radiating warmth and kindness.

She was Orm Kornnaphat, a 23-year-old young woman who had just embarked on her journey toward a Master's degree in Management. Orm had always been known for her dedication and ambition, qualities that had guided her through the challenges of her life.

"Kwang!" Orm exclaimed enthusiastically upon seeing Kwang, immediately running over to him. "How have you been? It's been so long since we last met," Orm asked Kwang, who had been her close friend during middle school.

"I've been doing well," Kwang replied, his eyes scanning Orm from head to toe. "We haven't seen each other in ages, and look at you now—you're even more beautiful. When I first saw you, I almost didn't recognize you," Kwang said, complimenting her.

"Oh, stop it! You're looking cooler yourself!" Orm replied, returning the compliment. "I'm still the same Orm you knew back then, though I might have become a bit more beautiful," she added with a laugh.

Orm and Kwang had lost contact with each other ever since they entered high school. Orm had tried to find a way to reconnect with her old friend, but her efforts were in vain. Kwang was never one to engage much with social media, making it almost impossible for Orm to track him down.

Then, as if by some twist of fate, Orm unexpectedly crossed paths with Kwang. The moment was surreal, filling Orm with a deep sense of happiness at reuniting with her long-lost friend.

"Are you busy? Let's go to the café across the street and catch up. I have so much to tell you."

"Sure! I've just finished my class," Orm responded, accepting Kwang's invitation.

The two of them walked to the café across from Orm's campus. Once they arrived, they found a place to sit and ordered drinks to accompany what was sure to be a long conversation.

Kwang looked intently at Orm, who was seated across from him, a curious expression playing on his face as he asked, "So, how's life treating you these days?"

Orm took a moment before replying, a small smile appearing on her lips. "I'm continuing my Master's degree because my parents insisted I should cut back on gaming," she said, lifting her coffee cup and taking a slow sip.

A soft chuckle escaped Kwang as he heard this. "So, you're still addicted to games, I see."

"Of course!" Orm responded enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up with passion. "It's been my dream to become a professional gamer, but I'm majoring in management now, and I've learned to balance my time. What about you?" she asked in return, placing her hands on the table, ready to listen attentively to Kwang.

Kwang sighed before beginning his story. "I've been working as a celebrity assistant for the past two years, taking over for my sister," he said, a hint of resignation in his voice. "You know me—I've never really liked that kind of world. It's too complicated."

Orm nodded in agreement, recalling the challenges she'd heard about in such a job. "Most of the time, being a personal assistant to a celebrity is tough, especially if the celebrity is too demanding. Oh... I really hope I never have to do that kind of work."

Kwang managed a bitter smile, nodding as he continued. "Exactly! The celebrity I work for can be quite demanding at times. And now, she won't let me end my contract until she finds a new assistant," he lamented, his face clearly showing signs of stress and frustration.

Orm took another sip of her coffee, her eyes never leaving Kwang. "Ohoo... You really do look stressed out. Who is this boss of yours, anyway?"

Kwang took a brief pause, drinking his coffee slowly and allowing the suspense to build. After placing the cup back on the table, he met Orm's gaze and finally answered in a slightly subdued tone.

"Lingling Sirilak Kwong..."