Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

Joanna Kennedy was the one who had almost been hurt, but she turned around and comforted them. Her fans were incredibly moved, and they all insisted they weren’t scared.

While waiting for the security check, Joanna’s Fans formed a line, and Joanna Kennedy signed autographs for them as quickly as possible. It wasn’t until she heard the boarding announcement that she stopped. ”Well, I have to go now. See you all next time,”

She waved to her fans as she spoke, then added after a moment’s thought, ”Please don’t wait at the airport next time. It gets too crowded and can block the walkways. It would be terrible if another accident happened...”

Stampedes weren’t uncommon, both domestically and internationally. Most were caused by large crowds unable to disperse. Once one person falls, the people behind are pushed forward and end up trampling them. Joanna Kennedy didn’t want to see something like that happen.

Acting was her job, but she hoped for a more friend-like relationship with Joanna’s Fans. If they happened to meet on the street, a simple greeting would be enough; there was no need for them to chase after her.

”Okay, we’ll listen to Joanna!” a fan shouted.

The other fans quickly chimed in, and the conversation soon turned to: ”Since we’re being so obedient, shouldn’t Joanna give us a little reward?”

”Yeah, yeah! We’re not greedy, so just post a dance video!”

”A singing video would be fine too, just sing ’Big Pixiu, Big Pixiu...!’”

Joanna Kennedy: ”...” ’That familiar, cursed melody...’

It was no wonder her fans were asking for a reward. The main reason was that, aside from necessary promotions for her projects, Joanna Kennedy rarely posted on her social media. She was the type of celebrity whose account was basically gathering weeds.

Other actors posted glamorous photos and videos of their talents every day, which naturally made Joanna’s Fans incredibly envious.

’Whatever other fanbases had, they had to have too!’

The fans chimed in one after another and finally reached a consensus: she had to post a nine-photo grid with no duplicate photos, and she had to be more active on her social media from now on.

Joanna Kennedy gritted her teeth and agreed. As soon as she was on the plane, she started to feel miserable. ’Nine photos a day? What a headache.’ She pulled out her phone and took a photo of the clouds outside. CLICK.

Well, one photo down.

Parix is world-renowned for its romance and elegance, and the magazine’s style reflected the city’s overall tone.

The interview went smoothly. Walter Young showcased his professional competence as her agent, and Joanna Kennedy held her own, handling the reporter’s questions adeptly.

Since she was doing a shoot for this magazine, she had naturally done her homework on its style and preferences.

The reporter asked, ”Is this your first time in Parix, Joanna? How does it compare to what you imagined?”

”This is indeed my first time in Parix. Before this, I had only ever seen beautiful pictures of Parix that other people posted online,” Joanna Kennedy said. ”My impression of Parix was that it was fashionable and romantic, but now that I’m actually here, I feel that underneath the romance, the city’s essence is relaxed and languid. Everyone seems so free.”

”Freedom itself is romantic,” Joanna Kennedy said with a smile.

The reporter was very satisfied with her answer. After asking a few more questions, she stood up and extended her hand. ”Thank you for your answers, Joanna. I hope the shoot goes well.”

Joanna Kennedy stood up at almost the same time as the reporter and politely shook her hand. ”Thank you.”

They started with the indoor scenes. Upon entering the studio, she saw a young man in an extravagant, brightly-colored outfit, adjusting a camera.

”Ms. Joanna, this is our magazine’s resident photographer, Mr. Thorne,” a staff member explained.

Joanna Kennedy walked over, preparing to offer a polite greeting. The young man turned around slowly, a large gold chain on his neck flashing under the studio lights.

Joanna Kennedy: ”...”

The young man grinned with wild abandon. Noticing her sour expression, he raised an eyebrow. ”What, has Miss Kennedy forgotten me *again*?”

He deliberately emphasized the word ”again,” making himself look completely punchable.

In front of all the magazine staff, Joanna Kennedy forced a stiff smile. ”Ah... haha, how could I? You’re joking, Mr. Warren...”

’Joanna Kennedy never would have imagined that this famous magazine’s go-to photographer was actually Thomas Warren!’

’This guy’s taste is so warped, did he really shoot all those beautiful covers? That’s just unbelievable!!’

The frustration on her face was impossible to hide, yet she still had to force a smile. Thomas Warren’s wicked sense of humor flared up, and he said obnoxiously, ”So if you didn’t forget me, does that mean you’ve been thinking about me all this time?”

Joanna Kennedy: ”...”

Joanna Kennedy could barely maintain her smile and said through gritted teeth, ”You’re thinking too much.”

For some reason, that comment struck him as hilarious. Thomas Warren burst out laughing, doubling over. ”HAHAHAHA...”

Joanna Kennedy: ”...” ’Can someone please drag this lunatic away?’

Thomas Warren’s mental state was questionable, but thankfully, his photography skills were legit. The whole photoshoot took less than half an hour. At times, Joanna Kennedy hadn’t even struck a pose and was still adjusting her clothes when he announced he was done with the shot.

???

’Is it really finished?’

Joanna Kennedy eyed the young man behind the camera with suspicion. Suddenly, there was a CLICK. Joanna Kennedy was stunned for a moment, and then came another CLICK.

Joanna Kennedy: ”...”

”OK, that’s a wrap!” Thomas Warren made an OK sign. The other staff members didn’t seem the least bit surprised; they were clearly accustomed to his efficiency and didn’t doubt his process at all.

”Miss Kennedy, want to grab lunch together?” Thomas Warren sauntered over. Before Joanna Kennedy could refuse, he added in a low, singsong voice, ”I’m still your photographer this afternoon, you know~”

Joanna Kennedy: ”...”

’When you’re under someone else’s roof, you have to bow your head.’

Inside the restaurant, melodious music filled the air. Joanna Kennedy found herself lost in thought as she stared at the centerpiece on their table—a rose, still glistening with dew and exuding a faint, sweet fragrance.

’Are all the roses in Francia this fragrant? The scent was so rich it almost made her want to sneeze.’

A sharp snap of the fingers pulled Joanna Kennedy from her reverie. Thomas Warren slid a menu toward her and drawled, ”Getting lost in thought when you’re out with me? Am I not interesting enough for you?”

As he spoke, he clutched his chest in mock heartbreak, putting on the perfect air of a pretentious, melancholy youth.

”...You’re interesting. You’re just *so* interesting.”

She would endure.

Joanna Kennedy’s tone was clearly perfunctory. Thomas Warren ”tsked,” a little displeased. Then, an idea seemed to strike him. He leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially, ”I heard a terrifying gang has appeared in Parix. They only go after good-looking people at night. You’d better be careful.”

Joanna Kennedy: ”...”

Joanna Kennedy slowly raised her eyes to stare at him, her face deadpan. ”Then how come you haven’t been taken yet?”

Thomas Warren’s eyes lit up. ”Are you saying I’m good-looking?”

’Is that really the point?’ Speechless, Joanna Kennedy pinched the bridge of her nose. She didn’t want to speak to him anymore.

Unfortunately for her, Thomas Warren was more than willing to talk. He took a moment to smugly admire his own ”unrivaled beauty,” then let out a sigh. ”Who says they haven’t tried to grab me...”

Joanna Kennedy: ”?”