Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Samantha turned around, raised her hand again, and rubbed Billy’s head gently. “See you, Billy. I’ll visit you again some time.”

Billy still did not react. It was as if the moment he raised his gaze and looked up at her was nothing more than an illusion.

“I’ll excuse myself then.”

“Okay. Take care of yourself.”

Samantha walked out of the ward and spent a few seconds standing there in silence. She then took out her cell phone and dialed a number.

…

During the next three days, Samantha did not go anywhere and merely stayed at home with Old Madam Barker. She never even set foot outside the house.

During that time, Walter called her to inform her that she could start work at Lychee TV at any time since he had already notified the human resources department.

He probably felt that she was content with what she had and decided to ask in passing, “Will you be coming over to the awards party?”

Walter initially did not invite her because he was worried that she might feel uncomfortable. However, he still felt like having her join in after seeing her come to terms with everything.

After all, Harmony and Samantha—with their superb abilities—were both talents that could be nurtured.

Having another ally was always going to be better than having another opposer.

Samantha spoke as if she was honored that he asked her that. “How could I refuse such a personal invitation from you, Mr. Schuck? There will be senior figures and other colleagues at the party too, right? Including other media companies too? It would be nice to meet some of these people. After all, I’d have to interact with them in the future.”

Walter smiled in satisfaction. “Don’t worry, Sammy. You’re a very thoughtful and tactful person, and I’m sure you’ll achieve great things in the future. Alright then, I’ll get someone to send you an invitation letter. See you then.”

“Thank you very much.”

Time went by in a flash. The awards dinner was soon upon them at eight in the evening.

The competition attracted no shortage of attention, so the awards dinner was organized at a similarly grand scale. The venue booked by the television station was the stadium located at the heart of the city. Almost all the well-known individuals from the media industry were invited to join the merriment in the event.

Samantha dressed up beautifully at the insistence of Old Madam Barker, who even told her driver to chauffeur Samantha to the stadium.

It was important to show up in a style and maintain her reputation.

When Samantha got off the car, Harmony just so happened to have gotten off from another car as well. Harmony dressed even more spectacularly that night, doing away with the pure and slightly plain makeup she used to apply. The gosling-yellow dress she wore was particularly eye-catching and contrasted beautifully against her fair skin, making her look like a demoiselle who just stepped out of a painting.

As soon as Harmony got out of the car, the reporters who had been surrounding the car pointed their cameras at her and clicked their shutter button non-stop. They even praised her while taking photographs. “I’ve photographed plenty of women in the entertainment industry, but Harmony is the most beautiful of them all.”

“Very beautiful, indeed. She looked just like everyone’s first love when she dressed simply and modestly, but when she pulled out all the stops today, that aura she has is just breathtaking. She rocks both the fancy look and the simple look. Don’t you just love that!”

“Most importantly, she’s kind-hearted and good-looking. You know that video of her saving the child? I watched it over and over again. Honestly, if I were on the scene, I probably wouldn’t have the guts to rush forward. She almost got stabbed right in her heart.”

“Yeah! That’s right! I was at the edge of my seat when I watched the video. Harmony looks so delicate that I never would’ve expected her to be so brave. She deserves to be called the most beautiful new generation anchor. I think she has the potential to succeed Ms. Goldman.”

“That’s a given. Isn’t Ms. Goldman attending the dinner today too? Rumor has it that she specifically came to meet Harmony. Perhaps she really might accept a protege on the spot.”

“Amazing. She would have a bright future if Ms. Goldman approves of her and mentors her personally.”

“We can only dream of something like that. It’s unfortunate that we neither have Harmony’s good looks nor her ability and courage…”

Harmony’s smile became even brighter after hearing the crowd’s comments. At the photographer’s request, she allowed them to take photos of her from every angle. Once they were done, she said sweetly, “Thank you for everything. I’ll be heading in now.”

She stepped on the red carpet and walked in.

When she spotted Samantha from the corner of her eyes, she stopped for a moment and walked over.

Samantha did not ignore Harmony when the latter stood in front of her. She stopped walking as well and raised her eyes to look at Harmony.

The first person to speak was Harmony. “I didn’t expect you to come today, Sammy. Thank you for your understanding and acknowledgment.”

‘Understanding.’

‘Acknowledgement.’

Samantha seemed intrigued as she looked at Harmony’s smile. She smiled slightly and said, “I hope tonight’s awards dinner will be a wonderful one. Keep that smile going until the very end.”

“Thank you for your wishes.” Harmony was greatly relieved. “Let’s continue to get along with each other in the future, like we always have.”

Samantha smiled but did not answer.

Harmony did not press further. “I have to go backstage and prepare, Sammy. See you later.”

“Of course.”

Harmony turned and left.

As soon as she headed backstage, Walter pulled her aside and said, “Both the general manager and Ms. Goldman are here, so I’ll bring you over to meet them. Ms. Goldman made a point to attend today and it’s up to you to make an impression.”

Harmony smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

Walter led Harmony to a VIP lounge. When he opened the door to enter, the general manager was sitting on the sofa with Victoria, chatting with each other.

When Walter and Harmony walked forward, Walter was the first to greet them. “Sir, Ms. Goldman.”

He then introduced Harmony to them. “This woman here is Harmony Johnson, the winner of the competition. She has a lot of potential.”

Harmony greeted them kindly, “Sir, Ms. Goldman. I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Harmony.”

Both the general manager and Victoria looked up simultaneously at her.

The general manager nodded. “You made a good impression. Keep up the hard work.”

“I will, thank you for your encouragement.”

Victoria was dignified, majestic, and always had a look of seriousness on her face. She looked at Harmony and opened her lips slightly, “Do you have time to spare after the award’s dinner?”

As soon as Victoria asked that question, there was a flash of light in Walter and Harmony’s eyes.

Victoria’s willingness to take the initiative and offer an invitation was a sure sign that she was willing to give a chance.

Harmony was over the moon, but she remained calm and said, “I do.”

Victoria looked admiringly at her and said softly, “Then let’s have a cup of tea together.”

“I’d be happy to.”

…

After the guests were seated one by one, the dinner officially began.

Once the emcee said some opening remarks, the senior figures each came onstage to say a couple of words. Finally, it was time to hand over the awards.

The emcee said, “Next up, let us all invite our champion, our winner, the gorgeous anchor Harmony Johnson to come onstage.”

Applause erupted throughout the entire venue.

When the spotlight shone on Harmony as she walked onto the stage, her graceful steps made her look like a superstar in everyone’s eyes.

The general manager presented Harmony with the award and Harmony held the golden trophy up with a smile on her face.

The emcee then said, “For this momentous occasion, the boy whom Harmony saved will come on stage to present her with a flower. Let us welcome Billy!”

With that announcement, Billy—who was wearing a little suit and had his hair combed neatly—held the flower and walked onstage with his mother.

Billy walked to Harmony and raised the flower in his hand to her.

Harmony smiled, bent down slightly to approach Billy, and reached out to take the flower.

Just as Harmony was about to come into contact with the flower, Billy’s face changed suddenly and he pushed her hand away forcefully.

Then he cried out in a small voice.. “You’re not the lady who saved me!”