Chapter 219: Sugar Powder Storm

Rodeo Drive, a hub of prestigious stores, is a popular haunt for many Hollywood stars. Wherever stars go, paparazzi are never far behind, relying on these celebrities for their livelihood.

Murphy didn't need to look twice to know that the bearded paparazzo had recognized him.

Lately, he had been all over the media and the internet. Thanks to Miramax's PR campaign, some reports even hailed him as the most promising and stylistically unique Cult director in Hollywood since the new century.

Fame not only attracts public attention but also the likes of paparazzi.

Upon noticing Murphy's gaze shift away from her and towards the back, Gal Gadot instinctively wanted to turn around.

"Don't look back," Murphy said calmly. "There's a paparazzo watching us."

The paparazzo kept clicking his camera at them, but Murphy didn't bother to hide. Hiding was almost never an option for directors.

As for Gal Gadot, from the paparazzo's angle, only her back was visible, which wouldn't cause her much trouble for now.

"Let's go," said Gal Gadot, pulling her hat brim down. "If I'm photographed, it could be troublesome."

Murphy looked at her, puzzled. She explained, "I skipped training today, claiming I wasn't feeling well. If they find out, I might get disqualified from the committee. Although I don't care much for the competition, being kicked out like this isn't ideal, right?"

The paparazzo got a shot of Murphy's face and Gal Gadot's back but still seemed unsatisfied. He stood up and moved to a different angle.

"Follow me!" Murphy grabbed Gal Gadot's hand. "Hurry!"

He strategically positioned himself between the paparazzo and Gal Gadot. She picked up her pace, turning a corner towards a large mall.

"Still following?" she asked in a low voice.

Murphy glanced back. "Yeah, we've got a persistent one."

He guessed it was related to Miramax's recent hype about him. His frequent media appearances made him a popular subject for paparazzi.

Crowded places make it hard to take specific shots. Aware of this, Murphy quickened his pace, passing several pedestrians, and led Gal Gadot towards a nearby mall.

"Here," he said, reaching the mall entrance. He held the door for Gal Gadot, glanced back at the trailing paparazzo, and muttered, "Quite persistent."

Inside the mall, Murphy asked a security guard for directions to another exit. The guard pointed the way.

"Thank you!" Gal Gadot nodded at the guard and pulled Murphy towards the indicated direction.

They jogged through the mall, drawing curious glances but not caring as they intertwined their hands and made their way to the other exit.

Outside, they found themselves on a quieter street, not as busy as Rodeo Drive. They continued hand-in-hand until they reached a secluded corner and stopped.

Out of breath, Gal Gadot leaned against a wall, removed her hat and sunglasses, and said, "I'm exhausted…"

"Do you need me to carry you?" Murphy joked.

"Let's just keep moving," Gal Gadot said, shaking her head. "We might get spotted again."

She stood straight, curiously eyeing Murphy. "I had no idea you were so famous."

Murphy glanced back the way they came and playfully boasted, "I'm Hollywood's most famous up-and-coming director!"

"You're so full of it!" laughed Gal Gadot.

A van's horn honked nearby. They stepped aside as the van turned the corner onto the narrow street. The driver nodded at them in thanks.

"Very polite…" muttered Gal Gadot.

The van stopped a short distance away, and the driver got out, shouting instructions. The metallic sound of a large iron door being opened followed, and several young, strong men emerged to unload the vehicle.

Murphy and Gal Gadot watched curiously as the men carried white bags inside, stirring up white powder that drifted towards them.

"What are they doing?" Gal Gadot asked, half-joking. "Dealing drugs?"

"Drugs?" Murphy glanced back at her. "How did you get that idea?"

"Isn't L.A. known for its drug issues and poor security?" Gal Gadot crossed her arms, still watching. "And bold drug dealers?"

"Dear," Murphy said, shaking his head. "L.A.'s security might be average, but it's not like the Middle East or Israel."

"Israel?" Gal Gadot's eyebrows shot up. "What about Israel? Let me tell you, Murphy, Israel is one of the safest countries in the world!"

Realizing his mistake, Murphy quickly changed the subject. "Want to know what they're unloading?"

Gal Gadot, dropping the previous topic, asked curiously, "You know?"

"Of course!" Murphy motioned for her to follow. "Let's check it out."

Approaching the van, they walked into the swirling white mist. Gal Gadot released Murphy's hand and inhaled deeply, enveloped in a sweet scent.

"Oh, it's so sweet!"

Murphy smiled. "It's sugar powder!"

He had an idea. They walked closer to the van. The driver greeted them, and they responded.

Gal Gadot threw her arms up, reveling in the sweet air. "Can it get any sweeter?"

Murphy approached, looking at her powdered face. "I have to kiss you now," he said seriously.

Gal Gadot, lost in the sweet storm, simply asked, "Why?"

"You're in the middle of a sugar powder storm," Murphy said, moving closer. "It calls for a kiss."

Understanding the implication, yet overwhelmed by the sweetness, Gal Gadot forgot her concerns. The intensifying sweet aroma and the falling sugar powder turned everything blissful.

She leaned back against the wall, lifting her face. Murphy stepped closer, gently wiping the powder off her face and kissed her softly.

Their lips met, mingling the sugar from their mouths, creating a burst of sweetness.

Gal Gadot closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment, feeling the delightful taste envelop her.

As Murphy slowly pulled away, he softly said, "Be my girlfriend, Gal."

Still feeling the warmth and sweetness, Gal Gadot didn't hesitate. She looked up into Murphy's eyes and nodded firmly.

Murphy held her close and kissed her again.

After a while, they left the alley, covered in white powder and closer than before.

"Let's go for lunch," Murphy suggested.

But Gal Gadot shook her head. "I'm not hungry. Let's just walk around."

"Alright," Murphy agreed, brushing off the powder from her clothes. "But we should pick a dress for you."

"Why do I need a dress?" she asked, puzzled.

"My new movie premiere is coming up," he explained. "Don't you want to attend?"

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