Chapter 16: The First Handheld Moment—Entertainment Reporter’s Candid Shot Succeeds

Chapter 16: The First Hand-Holding, Paparazzi Capture Success

Hearing those words, Qin Feng’s heart stirred as he looked up at her.

Scarlett gazed at him expectantly, her eyes clear and captivatingly beautiful.

Without hesitation, he said, “Alright! The time is set, I’ll come over.”

“Wonderful!” Scarlett raised her wine glass. “Qin Feng, cheers!”

“Cheers!”

The sweet, smooth red wine slid down Qin Feng’s throat in one gulp.

Scarlett also drained her glass at once, her cheeks flushed with a rosy glow.

By sheer coincidence, this moment was snapped by a nearby entertainment reporter.

The journalist’s company was just around the corner. After work, he had come out to meet a friend and had just ordered food when Scarlett walked in.

He immediately recognized her.

He then saw her sitting with an Asian man of similar age — truly a handsome couple.

Could this be Scarlett’s new romance?

And with an Asian gentleman, no less?

Wow—this was explosive material!

Such a golden opportunity could not be missed.

He quickly pulled out his camera, adjusted the angle, and took photos discreetly.

Qin Feng and Scarlett were completely unaware.

They looked at each other and chatted.

After the meal, they stepped out of the restaurant and strolled along the street.

“Scarlett, in a little while, we’ll be shooting on location in Hawaii.”

“Oh, really...” Scarlett looked at him.

Their hands brushed casually.

Qin Feng’s heart stirred again, and naturally, he gently took hold of her hand.

Her hand was delicate, soft as if without bones.

Scarlett went with the flow, a faint smile curving her lips.

They felt the warmth emanating from each other’s palms, falling into a silent moment.

The bright moon hung high above.

The two walked quietly forward.

Unbeknownst to them, the paparazzo followed closely behind, capturing several more shots.

A cool evening breeze blew, and ahead lay the Walk of Fame.

“Qin Feng,” Scarlett whispered softly, “I’ve heard that people from China express their feelings more reservedly—is that true?”

Qin Feng nodded. “Yes, compared to Westerners, we are indeed much more reserved.”

“Then... I want to ask you something now.”

Scarlett stopped and looked at him.

“Hmm, go ahead.”

“Do you like me?” Scarlett asked earnestly.

Qin Feng was stunned; he hadn’t expected her to ask so soon.

He looked at her, his heart pounding wildly.

Scarlett’s large eyes locked onto his, filled with anticipation.

The surrounding lights and scenery blurred away.

Sounds seemed to vanish.

Though this was only their third meeting, it felt as if many years had passed.

At this moment, in his eyes, Scarlett was stunningly beautiful, striking straight to his heart.

Gently lifting her hand, Qin Feng kissed the back of it deeply.

Two words escaped his lips: “I do.”

Scarlett watched him; his long hair swayed, his gaze profound, stirring her deeply.

“I like you too.”

They smiled at each other.

This beautiful moment was also captured in photographs.

...

The paparazzo acted swiftly, rushing to write a piece overnight.

The headline was provocative: [Scarlett Johnson’s New Romance Revealed: Boyfriend is an Asian Pretty Boy!]

Accompanied by three clear photos:

One of Scarlett and Qin Feng clinking glasses; one of them walking side by side; one of Qin Feng kissing the back of her hand.

No mistake—it was definitely a romantic relationship.

He quickly posted it on his website.

By the next morning, entertainment sections across various media outlets had rapidly shared it, and it exploded in popularity.

Although Scarlett was not a top-tier star at the moment, the public’s interest in celebrity gossip far outpaced their interest in the stars’ work.

Scarlett’s Facebook page gained tens of thousands of new followers that morning.

She was still unaware of the situation until a fellow actress on set forwarded the news to her, and then she understood what had happened.

At the same time, on Twitter, discussions about her surged.

“Shocking! North America’s little princess spotted shopping with a boyfriend!”

“The most beautiful woman throws herself at a Chinese man; North American men, where are you?”

“Scarlett’s new romance exposed—she’s apparently supporting a pretty boy!”

Exaggerated headlines accompanied by photos drove American netizens wild.

“WTF! I can’t accept this; Scarlett is the love of my youth!”

“My youth! My love! My beauty!”

“Scarlett, I don’t want to work anymore; please support me!”

“Ha! Anyone daring enough to pursue Scarlett? Just a bunch of keyboard warriors.”

“I totally adore this Asian guy; he’s my type! So handsome! Can someone tell me who he is?”

“Yeah! Who exactly is this guy? Anyone know?”

“Maybe... just a nobody.”

“...”

For a time, the internet buzzed with campaigns and discussions trying to identify Scarlett’s boyfriend.

Meanwhile, Qin Feng was filming on location.

During breaks, he noticed his colleagues looking at him differently.

Curious, amused, yet hesitant to speak.

As if something amusing was going on about him.

He checked himself in the mirror but found nothing unusual.

“What’s going on?” he asked an assistant from the photography team.

“What’s going on... Qin, you don’t know yet?”

Qin Feng shook his head.

“Oh man,” the assistant laughed, “haven’t you been online today?”

Still shaking his head.

“Well, you’ve made the entertainment headlines today. We saw the news and recognized you immediately.”

“Huh? Entertainment section?”

“See for yourself.”

Qin Feng quickly opened his phone’s browser. The screen was small, so he tapped through a few times.

Soon, he saw the headline at the top of the entertainment news, the lengthy title, and the accompanying photos.

His eyes widened.

He was utterly shocked.

“Supporting a pretty boy?!”

“Damn! Are they talking about me? How did I become a pretty boy?”

“If someone’s supporting me, I’ve been working so hard for nothing.”

He was speechless, then browsed some of the comments and news.

They were distasteful and sensational.

He quickly shut off his phone.

What the hell was going on?

It must have been yesterday when he and Scarlett were dining; they were followed and photographed without noticing.

Headache!

He wondered what impact this would have on her...

Finding a quiet spot, he called Scarlett.

“Hello?” her voice came through.

“Hey, I need to tell you something, don’t worry first.”

“Okay.”

“I just saw online—we were followed and photographed yesterday while eating and walking...”

“I know, I’ve already seen it.”

“Uh... you saw it?”

“Yes, but the photos don’t look good at all.”

“...”

Qin Feng was a bit bewildered by her calm reaction.

Scarlett laughed softly. “Just get used to it. Nothing serious on my end. It won’t affect you, right?”

“Oh, that’s good. It won’t affect me. Being supported is fine by me—I wouldn’t mind at all.”

“Hehe... sometimes it’s best not to pay attention to these rumors.”

“Got it.”

After hanging up, Qin Feng breathed a sigh of relief.

Indeed, Western actors had a bigger heart when it came to gossip.

As long as she was okay with it.

In this regard, he still had much to learn.

(End of Chapter)