Login via

She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 248

Chapter 248
At 9:23 PM, the movie screening ended, and the entire venue erupted in applause.
The audience stood up to pay their respects to the producers, many of whom had tears in their eyes.
Athena’s eyes were also red. Zayn was beaten up and sacrificed in one scene, and it looked too realistic; her heart ached.
Luna was also clapping. “He was so engrossed in the role and perfectly emulated the character. That was a fantastic. performance.
“It was his first time acting, and he did well in such a big movie. That 10-minute scene took nearly 30 minutes of screentime, and six close-up shots exceeded three seconds. The director must have made an exception for Zayn.”
Luna said half-jokingly, “Zayn is worthy of such lengthy close-ups, but I still suspect that he has good backing.”
Athena smiled. “Aren’t you his backer?”
Luna laughed and waved her hand. “No, no. I don’t have that much influence.”
Athena also laughed and did not probe further.
What followed was a 15-minute interaction with the audience. Reporters and fans present all raised their hands and rushed to interview the main production cast and crew, especially the celebrities and veteran actors.
However, Zayn was not asked any questions.
At the last minute, a woman in the audience stood up to ask questions.
She looked at Zayn and said in an infectious voice, “Mr. Donovan, do you remember saving one of your female classmates when you were in high school?”
She successfully turned everyone’s attention to Zayn.
In the previous introduction, the director and producer mentioned that Zayn was a real soldier who had just retired from the military. He wasn’t just acting in the movie but was dedicated to his role. All the fighting and gunfight scenes were real, and he still had scars from filming his missions.
Everyone started discussing Zayn as soon as the woman in the audience asked her question.
“How unexpected! Who would’ve known he had once saved his classmate before joining the army. He’s a real hero!” One woman exclaimed.
“No wonder he played the role so well. He doesn’t look like a regular person at all…” another chimed in.
Zayn calmly said, “I’m sorry, I don’t remember such a thing happening.”
After a few seconds of silence, the woman said solemnly, “A true hero always helps others without asking for anything in return, just like you did. However, the girl you saved will always remember you.”
After saying that, she bowed deeply to Zayn. “I wish you the best in life, Mr. Donovan. You deserve it.”
There was a round of applause, and the premiere finally came to an end.
The reviews received at UTRON Theatre, other theatres, media outlets, fans, and peers in the industry were very high. It was estimated that wave after wave of positive reviews would be released the following day to promote the movie’s release.
After the audience dispersed, Athena called Zayn. “Zayn, I’m right below the stage.”
1/3
11:32 Sat, Oct 19 as a s
Chapter 248
Zayn glanced over and immediately saw Athena wearing a mask and waving at him.
His usually calm face broke into a soft smile. He waved back at her and strode over.
0$ €, 78%@
The siblings met, but didn’t even have the time to say a few words because the woman that asked Zayn a question earlier walked over and said excitedly, “Zayn, do you really not remember me?”
Zayn looked at her for a few seconds and shook his head. “Sorry, I’m sure I don’t know you”
“I’m Elsie!” Elsie was so excited that she was choking. “Elsie from Kitmore High School. I was your classmate.”
Zayn said apologetically, “I had a head injury in the army. I don’t remember many things from my past. I have no memories of my high school classmates and teachers. I’m really sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember me.” Elsie wiped her tears. “I remember you, and it’s all that matters.”
After saying that, she took out her phone and said expectantly, “Can I get your iMessage?”
Zayn shook his head. “Sorry, I don’t add unfamiliar people on iMessage.”
Elsie took a deep breath. “I’m the Art and History anchor on WEBC. I used to be a broadcaster for NatRad, but I’ve just transferred back to Kitmore City. I think we’ll have a lot of work-related interactions in the future. Let’s stay in touch on iMessage for work.”
Zayn still shook his head. “I’ve just debuted in the entertainment industry and know almost nothing about it. I don’t casually add people on iMessage. Let’s talk about it in the future.”
Athena and Luna looked at each other.
They wondered if Zayn was pretending not to know Elsie. He was indeed a rookie, but he wasn’t that new. He knew everything he needed to know about the industry. If he really was pretending to not know her, then he was doing a great job’ acting.
Elsie seemed to have suffered a blow. Her eyes were slightly red and she looked sad.
However, she did not pester him and just politely said, “We will definitely meet again in the future. Goodbye.”
She bowed to Zayn and left.
Athena did not bother asking about Elsie. “Zayn, we need to celebrate your successful debut. I’ll treat you to dinner. Are you coming?”
Zayn smiled. “Sure.”
It was not until they walked out of the theater that Athena asked him in a low voice, “Zayn, you just said that you had a head injury in the army and don’t remember many things from the past. Is that true?”
“It’s true,” Zayn said. “However, I can’t remember some details and scenes from the battlefield. I remember everything else.”
“Oh,” Athena replied. “I’ll carry out a brain examination when I’m free. Do you mind?”
“Of course, I wouldn’t mind.” Zayn smiled. “After the movie tour is over, I’ll let you examine me and see if you can help me.”
As they spoke, the three of them reached the third floor and walked into the restaurant’s private room that they had reserved in advance.
In the neighboring private room, Elsie met up with more than ten high school classmates also working in Kitmore City.
When her classmates saw her, they all stood up and applauded enthusiastically. “Welcome back! Our beautiful host, Elsie!”
2/3
3/3
Sat,
Chapter 248
A woman went forward to hug her. “You’re the pride of our class Welcome back to Kitmore City!”
D
78%
A man presented flowers to her and said affectionately, “Elsie, you’re getting prettier and looking more like a celebrity! You were always the most beautiful girl in class.”
Elsie forced a smile and said politely, “You guys seem to be doing well too. I’m just doing okay, right?”
Everyone laughed and someone poured her wine. “As expected, the better your life is, the more humble you are. If you’re not doing well, then who is?”
As they ate, they talked about high school and tried to uplift and praise Elsic.
After chatting for more than ten minutes, Elsie asked casually, “Remember the famous Fantastic Four? Their nicknames were Bulldog, Tee, or something like that…”
Someone immediately replied, “Bulldozer, Limber, Tough-T, and Ace.”
“Yes, of course,” Elsie said. “Do you still remember their real names? I just want to know if they got their retribution for bullying everyone in school.”
The lively private room instantly fell silent.
Everyone’s expressions were a little stiff. They didn’t know whether to laugh or not. The atmosphere was very awkward.
After a while, a classmate said, “Elsie, have you forgotten what happened back then?”
SEND GIFT

Comments

The readers' comments on the novel: She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)