Chapter 140 - Variety Show (41)

Hearing the question, Valentina began to sweat a bit but was also a bit annoyed. What were these two hosts seeing? She was as equally casual with Rio as she was with Shawn. Why were they trying to link the two of them together in a romantic manner? 

If anything, she thought the relationship between her and Rio was like siblings who constantly ribbed each other in annoyance rather than flirting.

Seriously! Was this what being a celebrity was like? Would you get linked up to any attractive member of the opposite sex if they were around you?

If they thought this was flirting, they would have a stroke and die if they ever found out about her and Kaiser's relationship. It had evolved from simply flirting to something…more, especially a couple of nights ago. Something that she quite liked and wanted to pursue despite her hesitation.

Vowing to hide that feeling, she took a breath to formulate her response before responding.

Her only option was to what?

Deflect! Deny! Lie and Deny! 

And when that didn't work?

Do it again until it does!

Putting on her most charming smile, she began to respond.

"Well, as far as I know, I am a Single Pringle. If someone is claiming to be my boyfriend, they should please let me know," Valentina replied with a wink.

Jimmy laughed before interrupting her, "Well, as you know, Pringles do not, in fact, come in singles. Rather, they're rather close together. I'm sure a beautiful woman like you has received lots of offers from people who want to get close to you. What are you looking for in a man? Because I'd like to slide my application in and get close to you too. What do you think?"

At the off-color comment, she awkwardly laughed along, feeling sincerely uncomfortable that he was putting her on the spot like that, "Oh, your jokes are too funny, Jimmy. I'll consider it an honor, but I'm sure a lovely man like you has many women dying to claim you for their own."

So stop hitting on me, you weirdo. 

She smiled politely at him, hoping he would get the hint, but unfortunately, he persisted.

"It's not a joke. What are you looking for in a man? I'm sure the people want to know as well."

Valentina: "..."

Doing her best to keep her face smooth, she stared at the camera with a serious expression while she answered, "It might sound silly, but I want to reach the peak of being an actress and growing my career in all the ways I can. From modeling to acting to directing and eventually owning my own business brands, I want to focus on that at first with all of my might. I also want to really discover who I am and how far I can go before getting into a relationship with somebody. Basically, that's just a long-winded way of saying my career is my current boyfriend right now, and I don't see that changing anytime soon, haha."

"But if you were to-"

"Alright, thank you for that. Let's move on. Valentina, Rio has mentioned your relationship with him and Shawn. We saw how close you were today. Would you mind sharing some thoughts?" Vanessa quickly cut in, seeing that Jimmy was intent on talking about this topic.

"My relationship with Shawn and Rio is quite nice because, as you know, I'm relatively new in the industry while they are the true experts here. They have both been a great help from our last project together and have been giving me tips and tricks on how to navigate a lot of things about the entertainment space and advocate for myself. I'm able to be casual with them because they've really helped put me at ease, and I think that's what you're seeing. I feel like I treat them as older brothers I've never had, and they treat me as a younger sister who is very cute and also very annoying. I'm really grateful and blessed." Valentina responded with a brilliant smile as she looked thankfully at the two of them.

"Advice on how to navigate the entertainment space, huh? So, are Rio's words true? Are you considering switching to Platinum Entertainment? And is the reason for your switch because of the altercation with Aaliyah?"

"I am currently considering it, but I can assure you that it has nothing to do with Aaliyah, and it's still under deep thought and discussion. I want to fully consider all my options before making a decision. As Rio said, yesterday's price is not today's price, and I want to make the best decision for myself and my career."

Valentina calmly lied about all the questions without changing her face.

 After all, it was mainly true. 

She was technically single. 

She was pursuing the height of acting not because it was her dream but because of the system. 

She wanted to leave black rock not just because of Aaliyah but because of the Salazar family and their oppression. The details were not important, just the end goal.

"Well put. We look forward to seeing what decision you make in the future. Yuri, how about you? Any romance in your life? You've garnered quite the following yourself. Have any dashing gentleman caught your eyes?" Vanessa turned to Yuri with a knowing smile.

"Haha, not at all. I completely relate to Valentina's words. I want to accomplish everything in my career first and get myself a bit more established before being in a relationship. Right now, I'm completely focused on choosing the right next project for me." Yuri calmly replied with a soft smile.

At the media-trained responses, Vanessa nodded before moving on.

"Well, you heard it here, folks. Everyone is single. Next up, the people want to know if there will be more music videos like the previous one. It seemed that the reception was really good, and the people wanted more."

"We're considering it, but naturally, we have to come to a decision with our agency and manager on the direction we should take…."

The questioning session was brief, and then, thankfully, Valentina and Yuri were released to sit among the audience.

Taking a seat in her assigned spot, which was unfortunately front and center, she curiously looked on stage as Rio and Shawn prepared to perform. A live band quickly set up behind them while Rio and Shawn grabbed a guitar and bass, respectively. As the spotlight dimmed, focusing on the two of them, Rio began slowly strumming the guitar before the band began playing.

The two of them performed some of their older classics before transitioning to a newer medley of songs coming from their upcoming album. As Valentina watched Rio's heartfelt performance and his eyes met hers, she somehow felt that he was singing to her alone.

But no, it couldn't be.

She guessed this was the power of a superstar musician, making their fans feel that they were singing to them alone.

Maybe if we went another way, I wouldn't be regretting the decisions that I made.

I made up my mind this evening, I'm taking the last, I'm taking the last drink while my conscience eats me.

I'm taking the last, I'm taking the last

I'm not ready to let you go; I'm not ready to let you go.

So, this time is the last.

Hearing the desperation and longing in the song as he and Shawn harmonized, it seemed that this album would be a continuation of the previous one. It spoke about a heart-wrenching love that hadn't ended well and regret.

As the soulful lyrics sounded out, Shawn removed his jacket before throwing it into the audience while Rio unbuttoned his shirt all the way, baring toned abs and hinting at flashes of tattoos around his torso.

 As the audience screamed, he deftly handed his guitar off before he kicked down the microphone stand while snatching the mic from it. With a cocky grin on his face, he slid on his knees as the music tempo picked up into a rock-like sound, and he began belting out the lyrics.

 As she watched, Valentina found herself entranced by the lyrics and the choreography performed by the two of them. Shawn's athleticism and powerful dance moves and Rio's magnetic aura and charm were like an irresistible force, dragging her attention in and making her unable to look away.

She wasn't even sure what expression was on her face, but she had come to the realization that he was really handsome and seemed to be made for the stage. She had been somewhat numbed since she looked at Kaiser's face all the time, but she could see why the Fallen Angels were at the top. Good looks, good music, great dance moves, undeniable talent, and a magnetic charisma that couldn't you couldn't help but be attracted to.

Her eyes went back to Rio's, and as they met once more, he smirked and winked before the music transitioned again, and his clear voice sounded out.

I'm not paralyzed, but I seem to be struck by you.

I love the way you move because you're standing still.

If your body matches what your green eyes can do.

You'll probably move right through me on my way to you.

Green eyes? Vanessa seemed correct; however, what did this have to do with her? Plenty of people in the world have green eyes, and he said these lyrics were written long ago. So, it had nothing to do with her.

Yep, that was it.

As she glanced away, the song transitioned to Bring Me to Life. Glancing back to the stage, she saw that a projector had come on the music video began playing in the background.

As she watched the video, she couldn't help but criticize her actions. Her facial expressions were too exaggerated, and she really needed to work on her fitness. To be honest, she looked a little pathetic in her eyes.

As Bring Me to Life finished, the song transitioned once more as Rio and Shawn ended it with a sorrowful harmony. 

There was a moment of silence, and Shawn took the lead this time, singing the verse intensely as his eyes swept the audience and pushed his hair back. By coincidence, his eyes met Valentina's, and he gave a wide grin before continuing.

Everyone thinks there's always tomorrow.

I need more time but time can't be borrowed.

I know you fighting a battle that I can't follow.

Since the love that you left is all that I get, I want you to know.

 That if I can't be close to you, I'll settle for the ghost to you.

I miss you more than life.

And if you can't be next to me

Your memory is ecstasy.

I miss you more than life.

We must meet in our next life.

As he was singing, the video on the screen changed once more. Transitioning from when the demon-like Rio stepped into the fire to her lying on the couch while Rio held her.

The video had a golden filter that gave it a memory-like quality, and as she watched, her figure in the video was snuggled up to Rio, her body wrapped around him familiarly as he patted her back while they lay on a couch. 

A very familiar couch.

The clip continued as Rio chatted with a figure just out sight in the frame, then his arms gripped her waist possessively. Almost as if giving up, his figure leaned back and sighed before closing his eyes and also falling asleep. 

A moment later, her figure in the video slowly woke up. Stretching like a cat and sleepily rubbing her face, she sat up in a daze, the golden hair framing her face and falling down her back. As she watched, the Rio on the screen gently reached out to touch her cheek and pulled back as if he couldn't believe it was her before releasing a smile that was full of pain, loneliness, relief, and tenderness. 

In the video, she had one hand on his chest that unconsciously curled up as she gripped him tightly. They had a silent conversation, and she looked confused while he looked confident, his face displaying that cocky smile with a hint of tenderness in his eyes. 

Then, as they were speaking, his face approached hers, almost as if he were going to kiss her. Then, her figure faded like a ghost. Leaving him just lying there looking into space.

Then, the song and video ended.