Chapter 26: "On the Actor's Self-Cultivation"

BBC's Diana Rigg quickly decided, "William, we at BBC can arrange everything for you. Just don't back out with excuses later. If you do, I'll come to your house to find you."

William, looking at Diana's impressive figure, thought, "Please do come find me; something interesting might happen."

"OK, let's set a time," William agreed, nodding.

"Hey, William, don't think you can use this as an excuse to date Diana Rigg. She's the pride of all London journalists. We'll stop you from getting close to her," a reporter joked loudly.

His comment made everyone laugh heartily.

"Right, Rob, you're spot on. We'll all protect Diana and won't give William a chance," others chimed in.

William knew these reporters were actually trying to ensure they could all attend the archery event. They feared BBC would exclude them, and they didn't want to miss such a great story.

"Get lost, Rob. When did I become your property? If William wants to date me, I'd agree right now," Diana Rigg said boldly. "William, would you like to date me? I'm single now, so you have a chance," she added, winking at William, looking quite inviting.

William was a bit moved. Diana Rigg was indeed a stunning beauty, curvaceous and with a very appealing figure. In his previous life, he was just a loser and had never dated such a gorgeous woman.

Many young women watching on TV cursed Diana Rigg, calling her shameless and a cradle robber, claiming William as theirs.

For these teenage girls, Diana Rigg in her twenties was an "old woman."

But with so many people around, William felt a bit embarrassed and didn't directly agree. He only said, "Maybe we can have dinner after the press conference."

"Of course, I'd love that. William, you'd better keep your word, or I'll come to your house to find you," Diana Rigg replied, smiling at William. To her, William was the perfect boyfriend—talented, famous, handsome, and rich. If she could date him, her fame would soar, and he was attractive, so she wouldn't be losing out either.

"Boo, boo, boo!" 

"Oh my God, no, no, no! Diana Rigg, you can't agree to date him. William Devonshire will devour you! Diana Rigg, you belong to us!" Many male reporters sighed and complained.

Many male reporters had feelings for Diana Rigg. Watching their goddess potentially falling into someone else's arms made them very upset.

"OK, we'll talk after this is over," William said, blushing. It was his first time being booed, and he felt a bit embarrassed.

"Damn it, William Devonshire, get back on topic. We don't want to hear you flirting live," a reporter shouted angrily. Many reporters wanted to punch William.

Feeling a bit awkward, William said, "OK, let's continue. I have two pieces of advice for my peers. First, have a strong will and don't care about what others say. The strength of your will determines how far you can go in life. Face challenges head-on instead of avoiding them.

Overly sensitive nerves will keep you in a state of superficial comfort but inner anxiety for life. Build a strong will to meet life's challenges head-on."

The reporters nodded in agreement.

"Second, within your means, read as much as possible. The easiest, most direct, and cheapest way to change your situation and the world is to read more. Knowledge changes destiny, and I'm a prime example."

William mentally added, "Given you have a System."

"Even an eight-year-old can learn to speak better, be cuter, and cry convincingly to persuade their parents to buy them toys.

I highly recommend 'On the Actor's Self-Cultivation' to all kids in England. With this book, you might grow up to see through your kids' acting. You could then say, 'When I was your age, I was already honing my acting skills. I recommend you read 'On the Actor's Self-Cultivation' so you can act better and not have your fake tears spotted by me.'"

The audience burst into laughter, finding William's words very amusing.

Some reporters jokingly asked where to buy the book to recommend it to their kids.

TV viewers also found William's words hilarious, with many kids asking their parents where to buy the book, dreaming of getting whatever they wanted once they mastered acting.

One ten-year-old English boy named Daniel, inspired by William, bought the book and studied it diligently. A year later, he successfully starred in a long-running film series.

After becoming famous, he said in an interview, "I thank William Devonshire for teaching me to act. I want to follow his example and recommend 'On the Actor's Self-Cultivation' to all kids in England. Maybe you'll be the next great actor."

After that day, many children interested in acting sought out the book, leading to a surge in its popularity. 

Adults also became interested, realizing that sometimes deceiving others is the key to success. 

William inadvertently fostered a new generation of actors and gave the entertainment industry a wide-reaching, free advertisement.

The author of the book and their family repeatedly expressed gratitude to William in the media, as his endorsement led to substantial financial gains.

For reasons unknown, French actress Sophie Marceau mentioned William in an interview, calling him the most handsome and charming young man she had ever seen and expressing a desire to meet him and discuss acting.

Although in her thirties, Sophie Marceau was still stunningly beautiful. William was certainly willing to meet her, though he worried about the media frenzy due to their age difference.

Four chapters delivered. During the new book period, please help with recommendations and favorites. Thank you very much.

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