Since Tesoro and Stella's personas were established early on, news about their affectionate displays can no longer spark interest. Instead of continuing to write about their love, it would be better to spread some scandals involving them with others.
Those are local newspapers from West Sea; Morgans wouldn't bother to promote such trivial matters. Not only is it not sensational enough, but it might also upset the people of Hundred Beasts.
If publicizing this matter could shock the world, he'd dare take a chance. However, he wouldn't report on things that are irrelevant. But local newspapers from West Sea don't care about such things.
"Mr. Tesoro, the newspapers are gossiping quite fiercely."
Baccarat read aloud some of the content from the newspaper to Tesoro. The content was vivid, making it seem real to those unaware.
"These people sure know how to make up stories."
Tesoro didn't get angry, as he was quite familiar with how things worked in this circle. As long as it's not excessive, a bit of rumor doesn't matter much. Even if Stella saw it, he wouldn't be afraid.
He had explained his intentions to Stella, and since they were clean and decent, he naturally wasn't worried.
However, things at Cindry's home weren't so harmonious at that time.
"Cindry, is this the life you want?"
In a mansion, Cindry's father asked his daughter after seeing the newspaper. He was rather open-minded; otherwise, he wouldn't have initially agreed to Cindry pursuing such things.
"I just love the feeling of being on stage... Father, I think this is an opportunity. Mr. Tesoro is world-famous, and you also like that movie, don't you?"
"That's true, but Cindry, the waters of Red Earth Continent are much deeper than those in West Sea. Here you can be reckless, and I can shelter you from the wind and rain, but over there, it will be all on you."
"So, you agree, Father?"
"You're already 24; what's the point of refusing such a thing? But Cindry, about the family business... I'm not asking you to do anything now, but when the opportunity arises, you should pay attention to the family enterprise."
That was his father's only request. Cindry was concerned about Tesoro's status in the entertainment industry, while he valued Tesoro's commercial influence. Although their family was aristocratic in West Sea, they were insignificant worldwide.
If Tesoro were willing to help, their business would undoubtedly thrive in West Sea.
"Alright, I'll do my best when the time comes."
She had a pleasant conversation with her father, but her fiancé showed up with the morning's gossip newspaper in hand. While Cindry's father understood her, her fiancé did not.
Since the engagement, he had tried to persuade Cindry to retire, but without success. They had argued several times over it, and the scandal this time made him very unhappy.
So he came early to question Cindry.
"Mr. Tesoro and Ms. Stella have been married for a long time, and yesterday was just an accident. My foot was injured, and Mr. Tesoro only helped me a bit."
Facing her fiancé's interrogation, Cindry answered with a clear conscience, but her fiancé seemed to grow jealous, continually harping on the photo.
"Kid, isn't this too much, doing this at the Victoria family's doorstep?"
As they argued, Cindry's father appeared.
"Uncle, we have an engagement, and a noble family's daughter dancing for those commoners lowers her status."
"The engagement was arranged between your father and me; Cindry herself didn't oppose it. But if you keep this attitude, I might reconsider whether to continue the engagement."
He noticed an increasingly stronger desire for control and possessiveness in this prospective son-in-law, which made him increasingly dissatisfied. Ultimately, the parties parted on bad terms.
Cindry still refused to give up the stage and chose to sign a contract with Hundred Beasts Fruit, and subsequently, the engagement between the two families was nullified.
...
"Your engagement was canceled?"
"Yeah... though it's just a family arrangement, I didn't care much; it's just a little pointless."
She referred to her original reputation, which was almost ruined by the engagement. In the end, both sides parted on bad terms.
"As your future boss and colleague, canceling the engagement is probably a good thing. But let me tell you upfront: we don't prohibit employees from dating. Still, if this profession involves situations, you have to inform me so I can manage things.
As for now, if you don't mind, we can use this scandal to spread your name and arrange your debut on Red Earth Continent."
The scandal's already out, and he planned to take advantage of it. Hundred Beasts Fruit had few signed artists, either underage or already forming established personas. A chance to spread rumors could be utilized.
"It's fine, within reason. But Mr. Tesoro, could we include an ad? My family has a business in West Sea, and the quality has always been good."
"Business? What's your family into?"
Tesoro hadn't paid attention to this matter. He came to recruit actors, not to research family backgrounds, and hadn't cared about businesses that haven't expanded beyond West Sea.
"Selling lingerie."
"Have your father prepare the relevant materials; if feasible, it could be considered."
He valued product quality. If Cindry's family could consistently provide high-quality products, he wouldn't mind giving them a sales route, which could be considered a staff benefit.
...
Later, Tesoro stayed to finalize some details, and there were no conflicts with Cindry's fiancé's family. They were all local nobles, so they were on good terms despite parting ways. However, some people didn't see it that way.
On another island in West Sea, within a private clinic, someone stared at the newspaper, almost going mad.
"Damn it! Why, why! Cindry, how could you do this!"
The newspaper contained the scandal between Cindry and Tesoro, along with the signing announcement, and news about the engagement's unexpected breakdown. This time it wasn't just West Sea's tabloids, but new information released by Tesoro at the World Economic News Agency's local branch.
Apart from daily major events, the World Economic News Agency also publishes varying local news in different sea regions. People in West Sea wouldn't care about trivial matters from East Sea. Without this approach, every issue would have to be printed like a magazine.
The man who went mad was Hogback, an ardent fan of Cindry and a famous doctor in West Sea.
Previously, Cindry's Achilles tendon was accidentally severed, and it was Hogback who cured her. Cindry also casually helped him sew on a fallen button, showing only a polite smile, which led him to misunderstand...