The Duke’s Affair – Part Two [Complited]

Two months later, on November 5th – “Dear viewers, I am XXX from XX radio station, reporting live from the entrance of the Imperial Theater, where we eagerly await this thrilling moment… The much-anticipated global premiere of ‘Seeking the Dragon’ is happening today!” A blonde beauty in a cocktail dress excitedly conducted a live broadcast at one end of the red carpet… On both sides were black-clad bodyguards maintaining order, and crowds holding signs like “Andy, I love you” and “Ouyang, our most beautiful Duchess”… “Soon, all the cast and crew of ‘Dragon Quest’ along with the top artists from Peak Entertainment will walk down this red carpet, and together we’ll witness this grand screen banquet…” “It’s worth mentioning that a month ago, ‘Dragon Quest’ released the theme song ‘Battle of the Dragon’ sung by the superstar Andy, which received an enthusiastic response and has remained at the top of various charts until today… However, the much-anticipated theme song of ‘Dragon Quest’ remains unheard… Let’s see if we can hear this song tonight, as eagerly awaited as the movie itself. Let’s wait and see… Oh my! Ladies and gentlemen, I can now clearly see our leading lady and leading man approaching us hand in hand!” The entire venue erupted in noise with the interlude “Battle of the Dragon” playing and the roar of excited fans and media… The red carpet, edged with gold… At intervals, there’s the black logo of the Empire Group… Solemn and sacred… Ouyang, with her hair styled in a slightly retro updo, adorned with black pearl hair ornaments in a wispy design… She wore a black sleeveless short cheongsam with a silver-gray fur shawl… Elegant and majestic… The high collar accentuated Ouyang’s graceful and slender neck… Intricate silver-gray buttons… Large peonies were inlaid with dark silk threads and rhinestones, subtly and tastefully presented on the front and back of the dress… A slit neither too high nor too low showcased Ouyang’s long, strong legs… A light smoky eye makeup… The only accessory was the ring on her finger, matching the one worn by Le Jie… “Ouyang, Ouyang!…” “Andy, Andy…” the fans shouted in unison. Ouyang smiled faintly, waving in greeting… Andy, in a black tailcoat with a wide silver belt and a slender bow tie, looked handsome and tall… He walked beside Ouyang, also waving to the media and fans… Following them were the supporting actors and both the positive and negative directors… Then came the screenwriters, cinematographers, producers, and other key personnel… After them, numerous well-known actors and directors from Peak Entertainment arrived to bolster the event… Nearly dozens of people arrived in succession… They all signed their names on the massive backdrop of ‘Dragon Quest’… —————— Ouyang was led by an usher to sit in the frontmost and center seat of the screening room, with the seat to her left vacant, Andy to her right, then members of the ‘Dragon Quest’ team on one side and artists from Peak Entertainment on the other… Behind them was a row for assistants, occupied by those of Ouyang, Andy, and the directors… Further back were media from various regions, film critics, and fan representatives, filling up the screening room with over a thousand people… Flashes from cameras were going off incessantly… — “Everyone, please be quiet! Quiet!” The host stepped onto the stage, smiling. The audience quieted down… “The much-anticipated ‘Dragon Quest’ from Empire-Peak Entertainment will unveil its mystery tonight… First, let’s welcome the creators of this film to the stage to meet everyone!” The audience burst into applause… Ouyang Jin, with a look of triumph, led the creators onto the stage… The host approached with a smile: “Director Ouyang, today is a good day for ‘Dragon Quest’, and as the leader of the entire project, having worked so hard, do you have anything to say?” Ouyang Jin took the microphone with a smile: “I’m very pleased that ‘Dragon Quest’ has been perfectly completed amidst great anticipation… When I say perfect, I mean it because this is truly the best epic I’ve ever directed, with excellent actors, scriptwriters, crew, and the utmost support… Here, I want to thank all the friends both on and off the stage, as well as everyone from Empire-Peak Entertainment, for your support and cooperation, which have made ‘Dragon Quest’ what it is today… I won’t bore you with more self-praise… Just watch the movie, and it will speak more than I ever could! Thank you!” “Thank you, Director Ouyang, for your speech. Now, let’s have Mr. Andy say a few words on behalf of all the male cast members of ‘Dragon Quest’, shall we?” The host skillfully stirred up the atmosphere… “Yes, yes, yes… Andy, Andy!” The audience cheered… Andy smiled slightly, taking the microphone: “I also want to express my gratitude. Thanks to Empire-Peak Entertainment for their trust and attention, for allowing me to star in ‘Dragon Quest’, and to all the crew for their help and care, making the hard work of filming feel like being with friends and family… I can say that ‘Dragon Quest’ is a milestone in my acting career… because this team, my colleagues, are truly exceptional!” “Clap, clap, clap… Clap, clap, clap…” The audience responded with enthusiastic applause and whistles… “Is there anyone else you’d like to hear from?” The host, smiling, continued to boost the atmosphere… “Ouyang, Ouyang…” The fans called out in unison… “Oh, you want to hear from our future Duchess…” The host walked over to Ouyang with a chuckle, bending slightly in a courtly bow: “Would the lady be so kind as to fulfill everyone’s wish!” Ouyang smiled awkwardly, taking the microphone: “Hello, everyone… Actually, what I want to say has already been said by the director and Andy… From America to Egypt, then Tibet, Myanmar, and back to America, we’ve almost circled the globe… It was tough, with many challenges along the way… But everyone has remained committed to making the best film, being the best actors, without slackening their efforts… If ‘Dragon Quest’ or I personally achieve good results or honors in the future, I can only say, all achievements belong to everyone involved in ‘Dragon Quest’… Thank you!” “Clap, clap, clap… Clap, clap, clap…” Applause filled the room. “Well said! Thank you, our beautiful lady… Does anyone have any questions?” The host, still beaming, suggested. “Miss Ouyang, you and Le Jie have only announced your wedding date but not your engagement day… Does that mean you’ll go straight to the wedding?” A reporter asked with a laugh. “Uh… I’m sorry, that’s unrelated to the ‘Dragon Quest’ press conference… Thank you!” Ouyang was taken aback and had to respond politely. “It might not be related to ‘Dragon Quest’, but it’s quite related to you, the lady of Empire, the boss lady of ‘Dragon Quest’!”