Chapter 113: Preparing the Dress

Chapter 113: Chapter 113: Preparing the Dress

There were two seconds of silence on the other end of the line, followed by Loren’s surprised voice: "Really? That’s great!"

"So, what do you plan on wearing? Do you want me to go pick out a gown with you? I know a custom suit shop with excellent tailoring, it just so happens..."

Irene interrupted him with a smile. "Don’t worry about the gown yet. I called you because I have something I want to discuss with you."

Her tone grew a bit more serious. "The awards ceremony has a red carpet segment. I was thinking... of inviting you to go with me as my date, to walk the red carpet with me. Would you be willing?"

After saying this, Irene’s heart skipped a beat for some reason, and a sense of anticipation quickly spread through her.

Even though they had spoken on the phone every day and shared their lives since getting together, this was the first time she had invited him to a public industry event, and she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

After all, Loren had never appeared under the flashlight. A sudden appearance would definitely cause discussion, and it might make him feel uncomfortable.

Seeing that he didn’t answer, Irene thought he might be thinking of how to refuse, so she didn’t want to force him. "It’s okay if you don’t want to go. Edward..."

Loren was also momentarily stunned on the other end, but then his voice came through with a hint of laughter, his tone full of tenderness. "I thought you wanted to discuss some major event with me, so it was just this."

He paused and added, "Actually, I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time that if you have a public event, I’m very willing to go with you. I didn’t dare mention it before because I was afraid you’d feel I was interfering with your work. Now that you’ve invited me yourself, of course I’m willing—I couldn’t ask for more."

He then let out a laugh. "You didn’t mention Edward’s name because you wanted him to go with you, did you? You can’t keep looking for your best friend’s boyfriend like that. People outside will start rumors about a love triangle."

The weight in Irene’s heart instantly vanished, and the smile on her lips deepened. "Nonsense. Are you really willing to accompany me? You’re not forcing yourself? After all, you’ve never attended this kind of occasion before."

"Of course I’m not forcing myself. Having a girlfriend take me out to see the world is the kind of good thing others can’t even beg for. If I were to hesitate, that would be too awkward."

"That’s great then. The awards ceremony is on the 29th, and I expect to start preparing my gown a week in advance. At a time like this, I’ll probably wear brand-sponsored clothes. It’s a form of publicity for myself."

"Choosing clothes is hard work, so I won’t trouble you to attend that. How about we have dinner at a restaurant near the ceremony venue the day before, just to relax? I’ve been filming The Italian Job lately and haven’t spent much quality time with you."

"It’s fine, I know your work is busy, so focus on filming with peace of mind." He paused, then added,

"By the way, on the day of the ceremony, do I need to prepare anything in advance? Like helping you hold your clutch or greeting the media? I don’t want to cause you any trouble."

"And does my suit need to match yours? After all, if I attend, it’ll be a brief public disclosure of our relationship."

Irene was amused by his serious attitude. "Yes, yes, yes. I’ll send you photos once I’ve picked my dress, and you can decide then. If there really isn’t a matching suit, a black suit is never a mistake.

I thought you looked very handsome in the suit you wore to the Fox banquet. As long as you perform normally, you’re guaranteed to be the most handsome civilian there."

"That suit was custom-made at the shop I just mentioned. If you like it, I’ll take you there next time."

"Whatever you say." Irene looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost ten at night. "It’s getting late. You’ve been busy all day, so you should rest early. I have to wake up early tomorrow to film the indoor scenes at the villa. Let’s talk tomorrow."

"Okay, you should rest early too, and stop staying up late to look at the shooting schedule," Loren urged. "Goodnight, my great director. I look forward to our red carpet date at the end of the month."

"Goodnight, Loren." Irene hung up the phone and leaned against the entryway cabinet, her heart filled with sweetness.

Ten days later on a Malibu morning, sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows into Irene’s apartment, tinting the stacked clothing boxes in the living room with a warm golden hue.

Irene had just finished an all-night shoot and returned home covered in sweat. When she pushed open the door, she was stunned by the sight before her.

Vivian, following behind her, poked her head out.

Her home seemed to have become the backstage of a fashion week. All sorts of gowns were hanging everywhere. The luster of silk, the patterns of lace, and the shimmer of sequins intertwined in the sunlight.

Five stylists in uniform work clothes were sorting through the clothing boxes, while Vera held a tablet, muttering as she checked the list.

"Irene! You’re finally back!" Seeing her, Vera immediately came over and held the tablet up to her.

"This is the sponsorship list. There are 23 outfits from five brands in total. The three second-tier brands are YSL, Burberry, and CK, focusing on a youthful and designed feel. The two top-tier brands, Dior and Versace, are haute couture—all new releases specifically for the red carpet. There are also accessories and shoes in the second-floor guest room."

Irene rubbed her temples, looking at the scene in the living room that resembled an "ocean of gowns," and laughed helplessly.

"Did you guys move the entire studio here? I thought I’d just pick three or five sets to try on. I didn’t expect so many."

"The red carpet is a big deal! You have to have several options ready, just in case there’s a style clash or something doesn’t fit." Vera didn’t quite agree with Irene’s attitude. In her view, Irene didn’t want to be controlled by these brands, but that didn’t mean she should reject them entirely.

In the past, Irene would buy her own clothes whenever she had time, even for red carpets and banquets. Many were even old styles.

But with the massive success of her two consecutive youth films, many believed Irene herself had quite a good appreciation for fashion. If she wore an outdated gown on this red carpet, she would surely be criticized by the entertainment weeklies.

She had mentioned these concerns to Irene more than once, but unfortunately, Irene simply wouldn’t listen. Now that she had finally relented, brands were immediately eager to attach themselves to her.

"Look at this one, from the haute couture collection. The waisted design can highlight your figure, and the slit in the hem just reveals the ankle. Paired with silver high heels, it’s elegant without losing its presence—perfect for your status as a director." Vera held a black velvet Dior gown in front of her.

"Alright, alright, let me take a shower before I listen to Lady Vera’s commands." Irene practically flew up to the second floor in two steps. In Vivian’s eyes, it almost looked like she was fleeing in panic.

But she shook her head. What a joke—was there any woman in the world who didn’t like beautiful clothes? She could barely take it all in herself.