C14 Director Edwards, Do You Want Some Milk Tea Too?

In my memory, Diantha was far more attractive than she appears now. When did she master the art of disguise?

If it weren't for her slight resemblance to the Diantha I remember, and the fact that Mr. Fisher brought her in, not to mention the wink she gave me, I would have never recognized her!

As the makeup artists' assistants buzzed with wild gossip about Diantha, Anthea, and Cassius, Hollis cleared his throat and glanced at Sabino, who was engrossed in his phone, not yet made up. "Sabino, feel like some milk tea?" Sabino's fingers danced across the screen, his character having just scored a double kill. Before he could reply, Hollis's voice boomed, "Ladies, Sabino's offering to buy us all milk tea."

The assistants, previously absorbed in their chatter, now eagerly discussed their milk tea preferences, with a few even exclaiming, "Sabino, baby, I love you!"

Sabino just blinked in response.

Looking up, Sabino caught Glean's reflection in the makeup mirror. Before he could utter a word, Glean dramatically gasped, "Oh—My—God! What did I just hear? Hollis, Sabino, you're craving milk tea this early? My dears, take a good look in the mirror. See that flesh on your arms, those abs? Do you really want to end up looking like a 'double pork duo' on camera? Forget the milk tea—stick to water!"

Sabino was at a loss for words. "I... I didn't say that!"

Unlike Hollis, the campus heartthrob, Sabino had the quintessential 'good boy' look: milky-white skin, large, doe-like eyes, and soft pink lips. When confused, his gaze could appear so innocent and bewildered that it stirred a protective instinct in others.

An assistant, cheeks flushed, sneakily snapped a photo of Sabino and shared it in their group chat, eliciting a chorus of squeals.

Diantha caught a glimpse of her brother's bewildered expression and shot Hollis a warning glare through the mirror.

Hollis touched his nose, chuckling, "I was just kidding. Sabino and I won't be partaking. We wanted to treat the hardworking ladies to a drink."

"That's more like it. You nearly gave me a heart attack," Glean said, hand on hip and the other fluttering dramatically over his chest. He glanced at the mirror, noticing Diantha standing quietly. He beckoned her over and said to Hollis, "You've got your assistant, though he seems a bit clueless. The company's arranged for him and Sabino to have an assistant for the next shoot. Since he's from your family, make do for now."

Hollis internally groaned. Mr. Fisher, you don't get it. As long as she stays out of trouble, she's not just my sister—she's practically a saint!

With a sly grin, Hollis reassured, "Mr. Fisher, rest easy. Sister Shi can handle anything. At home, Mom always says we'd be lost without her."

Diantha joined in with a chuckle, looking the picture of innocence. "I'm very capable. Whatever the young master needs, I'm at your service!"

Sabino thought Diantha's voice sounded familiar. He glanced at her, but the sight of her thick bangs made him look away.

"Is that so?" Glean mused, sizing up Diantha before handing her a phone with the food delivery app open. "Well then, the task of ordering milk tea falls to you. Take note of everyone's preferences. Since outsiders can't enter, just collect the milk tea from the delivery guy outside."

Diantha accepted the phone, and Glean specified, "Order three large cups of Pu'er tea for Hollis, Sabino, and me—no ice, no sugar."

Diantha cheerfully agreed, and after polling the room, she checked with Glean, "Mr. Fisher, should I include the whole team in the order?"

Glean gave her an exasperated look. "Of course. We can't be selfish, can we?"

Hollis nodded, preparing to step out and ask the others. But the thought of including everyone—Anthea and possibly Cassius, who might still be visiting—gave him a headache. He was about to intervene when the makeup artist instructed him to close his eyes for a touch-up. By the time he opened them again, Diantha had vanished.

Hollis was speechless. Please, no drama!

Sabino glanced at the distracted Hollis and sent him a text.

"Hollis, you seem so tense. Is the girl who came by today your secret girlfriend?"

Hollis checked his phone and inwardly scoffed. Secret girlfriend? Sabino, that's your own sister in disguise—do you even realize it?

Despite Hollis's inner grumbling, his fingers flew across the keyboard as he began to spout nonsense. "Sabino, don't you know how deeply I care for you? And I'm aware Sister Shi is just your type, but she's married now. You've got to keep yourself in check."

Keeping his distance from Diantha meant a lower risk of his true identity being discovered. Helping Diantha maintain her cover was proving to be quite the challenge.

Sabino just stared blankly.

'I swear, if I fuss over you any more, I might as well be a pig!'

After trying to distract Sabino, Hollis nervously sent a message to Diantha. "Sis, everything okay?"

Silence.

Five minutes later, he tried again. "…Is it all smooth sailing?"

"Sis?"

"Sis?"

"Hey! Auntie! Boss! If you're there, give me a sign! No funny business, please!!"

Diantha responded with a smiley face and a teasing message, "You hoping I'll stir up trouble?"

"...My bad."

"Step back."

"Roger that."

Hollis rolled out of the conversation, a wave of relief washing over him. This didn't seem like the precursor to any mischief. If Diantha were up to something, she wouldn't have time to text back!

After her brief exchange with Hollis, Diantha put her phone away.

The assistant director, a chubby guy with glasses, looked at her with curiosity. "Why did Sabino and Hollis suddenly offer to treat everyone to milk tea?" She answered with a grin, "Hollis and Sabino were trying to sneak a milk tea treat behind Mr. Fisher's back, but he caught them. To avoid a lecture on fitness and dieting from him, they claimed they intended to buy milk tea for the whole crew, not just for themselves. Mr. Fisher agreed, on the condition they drink two unsweetened Pu-erh teas themselves."

The assistant director chuckled at the story, and soon the rumor spread like wildfire: Sabino and Hollis had been caught indulging in milk tea by their manager and were now forced to order milk tea for the whole crew, while they could only look on, sipping their bitter Pu-erh.

Glean heard the gossip too. Such positive buzz could only enhance a celebrity's image. His opinion of Diantha improved significantly; she might seem a bit naive, but she was a Hicks family placement and Hollis's protégé, proving to be quite astute.

Diantha entered Anthea's makeup room. As a newcomer under the Edwards Group's wing, Anthea enjoyed the luxury of a private space.

Inside, Anthea's manager, Layla, was inquiring about her foot injury. Anthea's voice was frail as she explained, "I was chatting with Sister Diantha and wasn't paying attention when I tripped and hurt my foot. It was entirely my fault, and it has nothing to do with Sister Diantha. Besides, Elder Brother Cassius took care of it yesterday. I can walk just fine; it won't affect the shoot."

Layla's brow furrowed. "Try standing up for me."

Anthea pushed herself up, only to collapse back into her chair a second later, her face ghostly pale and beaded with sweat. The pain was evident.

"This won't do. We should have Director Edwards speak with the director..."

"No, the shoot's already been delayed because of me. I can't hold it up any longer. It wouldn't be fair to Elder Brother Cassius. Trust me, Layla, I can push through."

Layla sighed, her heart going out to Anthea. Such strength of character paired with innocence and kindness was rare. "I've warned you to steer clear of Diantha, but you never listen."

Anthea hung her head. "It's not Diantha's fault. She didn't mean it…"

"How can you be so naive? It's always 'not intentional' with you. Was she right there when you fell?"

Diantha internally rolled her eyes; she had been with Cassius when Anthea had her fall.

Anthea bit her lip, staying silent.

Layla mistook her silence for agreement. "You better wise up! Next time, keep your distance from Diantha."

Anthea remained silent, her expression a mix of hurt and belief that Diantha's actions were accidental, despite the consequences.

Her demeanor seemed to validate the rumors that Diantha was to blame for her injury.

Diantha caught her assistant and the makeup artist's assistant exchanging looks and typing away on their phones. A smirk played on her lips; she knew it wouldn't be long before they started spreading tales of her being cruel and intolerant, repeatedly harming the innocent Anthea.

She cleared her throat to interrupt Layla, who was ready to go on. Diantha was aware that Layla intended for her to overhear and spread Anthea's supposed kindness, but the conversation had dragged on long enough. Rather than waste more time, she decided it was best to return to Sabino, whom she hadn't seen in a while.

When Layla heard the cough, she turned to Diantha with a look of fresh surprise. Diantha, phone in hand, approached and explained her presence. Having taken their orders, she was ready to depart when, unexpectedly, Cassius' black-clad bodyguard entered, followed closely by Cassius himself.

Diantha stepped aside to let Cassius and his entourage in, then made to leave but was called back by Cassius.

Standing at the doorway of the dressing room, Diantha glanced downward, a discreet eye roll hidden beneath her thick bangs as she offered her phone to Cassius. In a hushed, tentative voice, she asked, "Would you like some milk tea as well?"