Chapter 50: Stunning Debut

The man standing in front of me couldn't have been taller than six feet, with long legs and broad shoulders.

His body had golden proportions, and his aura was free and unrestrained, yet somehow elegant and calm, as if he could make the world hold its breath just by the mere sight of him (AN: Glazing the MC hardd) 

His short, chestnut-brown hair was casually tousled, exposing his entire face. His sculpted cheekbones, sharp eyebrows, and starry eyes looked like the work of a master artist.

His straight nose led to a pair of thin, slightly flushed lips, and a bright, sunny smile that carried just a hint of mischief. That smile tugged at your heart and made it hard to look away.

His brows exuded a kind of relaxed, laid-back charisma that was impossible to define.

Was he charming? Handsome? Sexy? Playful? Despite being only eighteen, he possessed a magnetism that usually only comes with age and experience.

He wore a smoky grey shirt under an iron-grey sweater, paired with a slim black two-button suit, a navy blue tie, fitted azure jeans, and sunset red canvas shoes.

The combination of sophistication and youthful energy was striking.

If anyone were to say this man was impossibly handsome, there'd probably be those who'd disagree—beauty is subjective, after all. But the unique charm of the man standing in front of us was undeniable.

He wasn't just another pretty face.

William Wood stared, stunned. He wasn't easily impressed, but this took him by surprise. 'To find someone like this at the Sundance Film Festival? Unbelievable' William thought to himself. 

The man was none other than Evan Bell.

As Evan stood on the red carpet, the fiery backdrop against the snow-laden scene made him the natural focus of every lens. Without thinking, William raised his camera and snapped a shot.

Snowflakes floated lazily through the air. Surrounded by red, Evan Bell waved his right hand calmly, a smile of excitement playing on his lips. His eyes sparkled with the thrill of the moment.

The red carpet seemed to converge on his vibrant canvas shoes before fading into the background, leaving the elegant, calm man at the center of attention.

That was the shot William captured. Not only did it perfectly showcase Evan Bell's striking appearance, but it also became a significant moment, marking his first appearance in the media.

It turned out to be the only clear photo of him among the hundreds snapped that day. While other reporters scrambled to take their own pictures, their lenses were fogged up by the snow, making William's shot even more valuable.

Over time, it would become a highly sought-after collector's item.

Evan spent less than a minute posing in the background, glancing in different directions before walking away. Just then, one of the reporters called out, "Bell, wait!" It was William Wood, still in a state of excitement. Evan glanced back at him but continued walking without breaking stride.

For most newcomers, being called by a reporter was an opportunity not to be missed. It was a chance to promote themselves and build relationships with the press, often considered the "uncrowned kings" of the industry.

But Evan left so abruptly that the reporters were both amused and intrigued.

Soon, the reality of the industry hit them. As striking as Evan's presence was, the entertainment business was full of beautiful people. Having a pretty face wasn't enough.

For someone to succeed, they needed more than just looks—they needed talent, persistence, and a bit of luck. Many talented and attractive artists had come and gone without making it to the top.

Evan Bell's first media appearance today was a small step. Whether he would become a fleeting star or a lasting name remained to be seen.

As the reporters turned their attention to director Richard Kelly arriving on the red carpet, William Wood's gaze lingered on Evan's retreating figure.

He had an inexplicable feeling—this Evan Bell could be the opportunity he'd been waiting for,

a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Evan entered the cinema, unaware that a reporter had taken notice of him. The premiere today was far from what Evan remembered. In his previous life, he had been the one standing below, taking pictures.

He recalled the blinding flashes, the deafening cheers, and the hellish red carpet burning underfoot. But today was different. The flashes were slow, and only about twenty reporters were present.

The crowd wasn't full of screaming fans, just onlookers discussing the event. When Evan reached the door, the audience began to swell, but no one screamed.

Instead, they waved politely, like strangers crossing paths for the first time. Evan returned the wave with a smile.

It seemed the audience was focused on the film rather than the spectacle of the premiere. Evan even spotted Christopher Nolan in the queue, patiently waiting like everyone else.

It seemed no matter how famous you were, you still had to line up to see a film. Evan genuinely liked this kind of low-key premiere.

He waved to Nolan, signaling they'd chat inside, and entered the theater. Scanning the room, he noticed Drew Barrymore standing in the front row. The venue wasn't large, with seating for about 400 or 500 people.

The intimate setting guaranteed that those attending were there for the film, Donnie Darko, and not for the hype.

Evan briefly worried whether his brother, Teddy Bell, would make it inside since the line hadn't seemed too long. He couldn't help but smile when he thought about where Christopher Nolan had been standing—far ahead of Teddy.

"What's so funny?" Drew Barrymore approached, turning slightly as she faced him, her expression teasing.

Evan caught the look in her eyes and casually remarked, "The film's about to premiere. I'm the lead actor, so of course, I'm excited." His response had nothing to do with what had amused him moments ago, but Drew didn't question it.

Evan had always been good at keeping his true thoughts hidden.

"Once the premiere's over. Want to grab a drink?" Drew's voice was soft, nearly drowned out by the noise of the crowd, but Evan heard her clearly.

"This is Park City," Evan smiled. Without needing to make a move, his height allowed him to subtly lean into her space.

His voice was low, almost like the smooth tone of a cello. "Drinking can only be done in specific places. Unless, Miss Barrymore, you have a special spot in mind?"

Drew, enveloped by Evan's quiet confidence and the faint scent of licorice, felt her heartbeat quicken. She couldn't place the fragrance. Was it cologne? No, it seemed more natural,

like his body's scent.

Just as quickly, the moment passed. Evan straightened, his shadow gone as he stepped back. The cinema lights flickered on. Drew raised her head, just in time to see Evan walking toward Richard Kelly.

She cursed herself for being caught off guard, but her curiosity about Evan Bell only deepened. He was experienced but knew his limits—when to advance, when to retreat.

He had just turned down her invitation to join her for a drink at her hotel, with grace and without offense. She wasn't angry; on the contrary, her opinion of him had risen.

"The interview's about to start. Let's head to the stage," Richard Kelly's voice rang out, loud and shaky with a mix of excitement and nervousness