Jennifer Hewitt's fingers tightened slightly around the wine glass, her smile freezing somewhat, but a flicker of complex light crossed the depths of her eyes.
Eva Longoria leaned in with the strong liquor.
Watching Landon accept her after a brief moment of surprise.
A complex, indescribable emotion surged within her chest.
She thought of Eva's directness and openness after getting into the car, and of her own restraint and observation along the way.
In the vanity fair of Hollywood, opportunities are often fleeting, whether for roles, or for... people.
A feeling of "one step slow means every step slow" regret and faint discomfort quietly sprouted.
But at the same time, Eva's almost provocative, bold move ignited the flame of competitiveness deep within her heart.
Why should she? In terms of fame, seniority, and public image, how could Jennifer Hewitt lose to an unknown actress who just arrived from Texas?
Her competitive spirit, mixed with alcohol and the ambiguous lighting inside the car, suddenly soared.
Landon sensed Jennifer's subtle change.
He glimpsed the eager light in Jennifer's eyes.
He didn't give her much time to hesitate.
Just as Eva glanced at Jennifer with triumph and provocation.
Landon reached out his other arm and accurately grabbed Jennifer's wrist.
He pulled forcefully.
"Ah!" Taken by surprise, Jennifer let out a short gasp, lost her balance, and tumbled into Landon's embrace on the other side, resting on his broad shoulder.
The wine glass in her hand nearly slipped out, but Landon's other hand caught it steadily and placed it aside.
Seeing this, Eva did not back down; instead, she pressed closer.
While using her wild eyes to look straight and unabashedly at Jennifer, whose cheeks were flushed and who was now within arm's reach.
That look seemed to say: See, I dare, do you?
Inside the carriage, soft music flowed, and the dim lights cast the entangled figures of the three onto the dark car windows.
Jennifer took a deep breath, as if having made a certain decision, and stopped trying to get up.
She raised her face and actively leaned in.
At first, she was a bit awkward and tentative, but soon, the confidence belonging to a celebrity and her aroused competitive spirit allowed her to gradually let go, even returning Eva a look of defiance.
The stretch limo drove smoothly through the night, heading towards Sunset Boulevard.
However, upon arriving at the discreet but heavily guarded non-public entrance of the "Sunset Room," a small incident occurred.
Director Philip stood there looking embarrassed. Facing the staff at the entrance who politely but firmly requested a membership card, his usual commanding, imposing face rarely showed such shame.
Obviously, he thought Landon, the newly rising superstar, was a pass in himself, enough to allow the group to "casually" experience this top-tier nightclub.
Landon was about to take out his phone to see if he could contact anyone to resolve the issue—perhaps Jimmy Iovine had connections.
But before he could dial, the heavy door of the nightclub opened from inside, and a sharp, capable middle-aged man hurried out, his face beaming with an enthusiastic smile.
"Mr. Williams! Good evening! Welcome to the Sunset Room!" The middle-aged man walked directly past Philip and extended his hand to Landon. "I am Steve Adelman, the owner here. It is truly an honor that you grace us with your presence!"
Steve Adelman's personal welcome resolved all the embarrassment.
While shaking hands and exchanging greetings with Landon, he signaled to an assistant.
In less than a minute, the assistant returned with several exquisitely made VIP Gold Cards.
Steve personally distributed the cards to Landon, Eva, and Jennifer, and didn't forget to prepare two VIP Cards for the slightly awkward Philip and the photographer.
"Just a small gesture; I hope you all come often in the future." Steve said, personally leading the group through the avant-garde corridor to a superb, semi-open luxury VIP Room.
The Room offered both privacy and a view overlooking the Main Dance Floor, which was filled with psychedelic lights and moving figures.
He exchanged phone numbers with Landon, and even had his assistant bring an album cover of Landon's self-titled EP, asking Landon to sign it.
Afterward, he ordered an expensive bottle of champagne to be brought over, then politely excused himself, leaving the space entirely to the guests.
This gave Landon a good impression of the owner.
What made him even happier was that the deafening, crowd-igniting song currently playing on the dance floor was none other than his "Yeah!"
The powerful beat transmitted through the top-tier sound system, making even the floor of the VIP Room tremble slightly.
Philip and the photographer were eager to join the revelry below. They took their female companions, held their newly acquired VIP Cards, and excitedly merged into the crowd on the dance floor.
Only Landon, Eva, and Jennifer remained in the Room.
Landon couldn't indulge himself downstairs like Philip.
Given his current fame, if he were recognized, he wouldn't have a moment of peace tonight.
The three stayed in the Room, chatting over champagne and the fine liquor gifted by Steve.
The atmosphere was even more relaxed than it had been in the car.
Eva occasionally leaned closer.
Jennifer no longer sat stiffly to the side; she also nestled into Landon's arms.
Just as the three were chatting intermittently, enjoying the music and alcohol, a burst of loud male laughter came from another semi-open Room not far away. One of the voices was particularly familiar.
Landon's heart stirred, and he stood up to look over there.
Coincidentally, the people over there were also looking at him, the focal point who had prompted the owner's personal welcome.
The tall figure in the center immediately recognized Landon. He also stood up, revealing a hearty smile, and waved from a short distance away.
It was Kobe Bryant.
He was relaxing here with several of his Lakers teammates. Clearly, they had also chosen this top-tier venue known for its privacy.
Kobe walked over, glass in hand, and enthusiastically shook Landon's hand and embraced him with a shoulder bump.
"Hey! Landon! Good to see you again!"
Kobe laughed, glanced at the two beautiful female companions in Landon's Room, merely raised his thick eyebrows, and gave a knowing smile that said, "Nice, bro," without disturbing them further.
"Have fun!" He patted Landon's back and politely returned to his own Room, demonstrating the etiquette of the elite athlete circle.
Landon returned to his seat, clearly feeling that Eva and Jennifer's eyes were shining even brighter when they looked at him.
Kobe personally coming over to greet him undoubtedly added a layer of gold plating to Landon's already dazzling aura.
In this vanity fair, this kind of cross-industry recognition often carries more weight than mere entertainment fame.
After sitting for a while longer, the alcohol made Eva lose patience.
She leaned directly into Landon's ear: "Let's go."
After speaking, she deliberately glanced at Jennifer, her eyes carrying a clear inquiry—Are you coming?