Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

"Not very often, but I come here with colleagues for gatherings."

"I see."

Hayden came to dine with people from the Political Department who all held official titles.

The owner of the fondue restaurant was an acquaintance, and the waitstaff was well-trained, knowing what to observe and ignore.

The surface of the cheese fondue bubbled and boiled. Eager to start, Violeta rolled up her sleeves and began cooking chorizo.

"Is it alright to eat something this cheesy at night?"

"It's fine. I have at most two such meals a month."

Violeta was an artist, but she was also a person. Her aesthetic benchmark was to stay well and have a flawless body. She would never starve herself to death, though.

Of course, if a role required it, she could do it.

"Alright, enjoy it."

"Are you doing well in Newham?"

"Not bad. How about you?"

Violeta dipped a piece of chorizo in the bowl without looking up and said, "Haven't you seen the news online? I've become famous."

"I saw it. Your performance in 'The Quiet Ode' was really excellent."

"Isn't it?" After blowing on the chorizo and biting, Violeta thought of something. She asked, "The filming location for 'The Quiet Ode' was in Veilmist Lake. The scenery there is truly beautiful, with ancient and picturesque villas. No wonder it's become the filming site for many period martial arts dramas.

"Hayden, the villa in Veilmist Lake is also part of your family's property, right?"

"Yes."

Violeta raised her eyes and said, "I heard from Mr. Howell that you lent it for free?"

"Yes."

Violeta smiled with a twinkle in her eye. "You're quite generous. How about being even more generous and helping me with something?"

Hayden placed the cooked chorizo on a small plate and set it in front of Violeta. The fondue's steam was thick, so he took off his glasses and set them aside, then asked slowly, "What is it?"

Violeta replied, "It's not urgent right now. I'll tell you about it later."

Even though it was a clean version, 'Nirvana and Rebirth' might have trouble passing the review after they were filmed.

Without connections, it was tough to get things done.

Violeta wanted to ask Hayden for help, thinking taking advantage of his connections was best.

Although Hayden didn't know what Violeta wanted to ask him, he agreed to help.

"Alright, let me know when you're ready to talk. The beef is done. Bring the plate over, and I'll help you serve it."

"Here you go."

Violeta was full when it came time to pay and depart, but Hayden had largely concentrated on serving her and hadn't eaten much himself.

The driver brought the car over, and Hayden opened the door, allowing Violeta to get in first.

Violeta said, "The tender beef is really delicious. No wonder it's their signature dish."

Hayden replied, "If it's good, we'll come again next time."

Violeta responded, "Next time? I'm not sure when that will be."

Hayden asked, "How long will you stay in Newham?"

Violeta replied, "Two days."

After finishing in Newham, she would head to Glorialand, as her schedule was quite tight.

There was not much time left, so Violeta would have to start looking for someone to film 'Nirvana and Rebirth' once her present schedule was over. The driver drove the car back to the hotel.

As Violeta got out of the car and closed the door, she rested her elbow on the car window, bent down, and said to Hayden, "Don't forget about what you promised me tonight."

"I won't forget, but if I help you, how will you repay me?"

Hayden adjusted his glasses, looking like a cunning guy.

"Wow, you dare negotiating terms with me now? Violeta said, wiggling her finger at him. "You can set whatever conditions you want. Alright, I really need to head back to the hotel now. Bye-bye, let's keep in touch on WhatsApp."

"Bye."

Violeta lowered the brim of her cap and walked towards the hotel.

Hayden's gaze followed her until she was out of sight, and then he rolled up the car window.

The driver then glanced at the rearview mirror and said, "Sir, over there."

Looking in the direction the driver had pointed, Hayden noticed a black car parked nearby.

He took off his glasses and wiped them, then calmly said, "Take care of it."

"Alright."

The next day, Violeta continued with her usual filming schedule.

When she finished work and was leaving in the evening, fans caught up with her and asked for autographs.

Violeta made a halt to grab the book and autograph it for the fans. But one of the pens a fan gave her ran out of ink as she was signing. "It's out of ink."

The fan was disappointed and said, "Oh, I don't have another pen."

Violeta glanced at the assistant beside her and asked, "Aster, do you have a pen?"

Aster looked through her bag, but there was no pen. For some reason, there wasn't the one that was

supposed to be there today. It might have been left somewhere else.