Burning Passion

CHAPTER 77: TURNING DOWN and OPPORTUNITY

* * *

"Hey, sister, what's for dinner?"

Rubin came back, and he found Erika working on documents in the living room. She takes a glance at Rubin, then returns her attention typing on her computer.

"Looks like you haven't hit on someone the reason you came back quick."

"Hah! Do you think your brother is somewhat like that? I am loyal!" he boasted.

"Loyal my ass," Erika mumbled. She won't believe her brother, who is grinning at her. "Go to the kitchen if you would like to eat first."

"Hum? You haven't had dinner with the master, yet?"

"He's moody again."

"Ah. I thought you're the only one having period symptoms."

"What?" Erika snaps out, glaring at her nosy brother. "Don't you dare to make a joke toward Jeremy!"

"Okay! I know you'll snap out on me. You're such an old-maid."

"What did you say?" Erika throws a dagger look at Rubin who just snickers at her.

"See? You will never get married if you are this fierce."

"Truly, I won't get a husband if he only acted childish like you!"

"Whoa! Don't—"

They stopped teasing each other when the hovering sound of the elevator stopped on this floor. Their master finally came down for dinner.

"Good evening, master!" Rubin greeted.

Jeremy just nodded. "How was it?" he queried as he approached the siblings.

"I will wait for the response. I went to search for beautiful girls from the stores this time. There are plenty of them who doesn't join any modeling agency, but there are potentials to what Theo is looking for."

"I see, that's good. Keep me updated. I want to see the potential, too."

"Yes, sir!"

"How if we better continue this conversation over dinner? I will set the table," Erika suggested.

She lowered the top covered of her computer, then sat up from the couch. The two men nodded, then followed her to the kitchen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Two days had passed. Rubin finally received a text from Nikki, telling him she had three girls willing to try out. Unfortunately, she is not joining the search.

He is disappointed but still wears an enormous smile upon seeing Nikki's car approaching the parking area.

Still, he hopes Nikki would change her mind. He is thinking about how he could make her pose just one or two photoshoots. She is the one he needed, but he has to accept other applicants and to follow the procedure of selection.

"Miss Nikki!" Rubin waves his hand and waits for Nikki to park her car and step out of the vehicle.

"Hello, Mister Rubin. Meet Jade, Fiona, and Jamie." Nikki introduces the three girls she brought over.

"Hi, girls! Come on! They have already begun. So, I will place you in the next set."

The girls Nikki brought are beautiful and have sexy figures, but he already doubted Theo would have an interest in any of them. They grew up together, so he somewhat knew him well.

And with Nikki's case, he has confidence Theo might consider her to be one of the best options for the promotion.

They came up with five models and let more executives vote. The models from today's audition will select only one, plus Nikki if she accepts the offer.

"Okay, girls. I will explain to you why you are here. Our company is celebrating a hundred years since it was established. So we are looking to become a new image for our company. Now, let us observe the first set of models who are doing the filming."

"Filming!?"

"Yes. It will be like a secret recording. All you do is act casually! Like you are just walking in the garden and then standing under the Pink Tulip trees around. Just follow what the director orders you to do," he explained. Rubin glances at Nikki, who looks intrigued. "How about you, Miss Nikki? You want to try out?"

"Hah? Me? Ah, no, I can't do that. I was nervous to look at the camera. Besides, I never did it before." All her life, she keeps a low profile life because of the past event she buried already. Also, what is her chance to be chosen? Looking at those girls in the film set, everyone is gorgeous. Joining the audition is more like punching in the air that they will choose her. Unless a miracle happens.

"I told you already. It does not need to be an experienced model. I have faith in you," he whispered. Rubin was determined to encourage Nikki. But he did not let it be obvious that his treatment differs from the rest of the girls here.

"Ah, I'm just here to accompany the girls. Their managers entrusted them to me, so I have to send them back after."

These three girls she brought were from different branches of the café, and it was her responsibility for their safety. She heard there is an after-meal gathering for everyone.

* * *

One hour had passed. The team almost finished filming and shooting the first set. But the director seemed not in a good mood. He always scolds the models and takes it all over again.

Nikki was seated on a bench under a pink Chinese Magnolia or known Tulip tree. The weather is cooler today despite the sun shining brightly, but it does not hurt in the skin. She looked up when a bloom of pink magnolia fell and landed on her lap.

The wind blowing her hair, she runs her fingers on the strands and holds them not to cover her face.

Rubin told her earlier. They rented a place that was filled with Chinese Magnolia trees. She found out it was a mansion, and for sale at the moment. It was truly, a perfect place for a photo shoot and filming. He also mentions it was near to his master's house where all the residents here are the wealthiest people in the county.

She takes a long breath and enjoys the wind. It fascinates her how beautiful the garden and even the mansion. It was too huge, and this garden is perfect for her mother to breathe fresh air every day.

But there is no way she could afford to buy this kind of house unless she marries a CEO.

She giggled at her thought. Impossible for her to marry a CEO when she never had a boyfriend even once.

She does not know, Rubin is taking shots of her.

'Perfect!' Rubin shouts inside his head.

"Hey, Paul! Come here!"

Paul is an assistant cameraman of this filming. He joined Rubin hiding in the bushes.

"Aim the camera at her. Just don't be too obvious," he ordered.

"Isn't she one of the models? Why don't we wait until her turn?"

"Nope. She rejected my offer." Rubin once again aims his camera at Nikki when she stands and walks around the garden.

"Really? That huge sum? Does she realize this is also a big break for anyone who passes the audition?" Paul seems unable to believe that someone would turn down such an opportunity.

"It happens, there are women who are not interested in fame and become a celebrity."

"But why are we filming this girl?"

"This is just our secret. She was my only choice, but as you could see? She turned down my offer. Now, let me check the recording."

Paul handed him the camera, and Rubin checked the video. He zooms it many times. An enormous smile tore his lips. "I knew it!"

"Wow. Was I the one who filmed that?"

"Yup! Good job! You have a bonus from me if you keep the secret."

"With my entire life, I will keep the secret!" Paul was thrilled at hearing the splendid news. He even raises his right hand.

Meanwhile, the director keeps yelling at the models. It does not satisfy him with what they got so far. He is looking for something. Now he understands why the boss hasn't chosen one yet.

"Can I talk to Mr. Lim?"

"I will call him right away, Director Cho!" Someone from Rubin's team quickly leaves the set to look for him.

"Mr. Rubin, Director Cho, is looking for you."

"What is it?"

"Director Cho doesn't like the rest of the girls we have today."

Rubin suppresses his smile. "Ahem! Okay, tell him I have a word in private."

The woman bowed and left to relay his message to the director. Inside the van, Rubin showed Director Cho the video and the photos he took.

"Splendid! I want her!"

"I know you will agree with me. But we have a problem, Director Cho. She already rejected my invitation to do a tryout."

"Let me handle it!" said Director Cho. Excitement showed his entire face as his head flooded with more ideas.

They went back to the set, and Director Cho looked around, searching for Nikki. 

~~~~~ 

Proofread today, hope the reading is better! hehe (10-01-2020)

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