Chapter 364: New Assistant

“I’m a pretty good actress, right?” Joanna Kennedy said. “Were you blown away by my performance?”

Simon Lockwood’s gaze fell on the red mark on her cheek. He pressed his lips together and nodded. “Yeah.”

Joanna Kennedy sighed. “It’s all fake. It just looks scary, but it didn’t hurt at all.”

“What a coincidence. There were only a few violent scenes in the whole movie, and you just had to show up for one.” Joanna Kennedy grinned and joked, “Did you come just to see me in a sorry state?”

“…No.”

“What do you mean, ‘no’?” Joanna Kennedy poked his arm with a finger, exasperated. “If you’re worried about me, just say you’re worried. How is anyone supposed to know what you’re thinking when you’re putting on that poker face? Where did all that passion from when you hugged me just now go?”

“You’re going to drive me crazy, Simon Lockwood! You keep everything bottled up!”

Joanna Kennedy thought Simon Lockwood was perfect in every way, except for how he sometimes refused to talk, keeping everything bottled up inside. His actions, however, were never ambiguous. He brought her cooling tea and fanned her,

If she didn’t know Simon Lockwood so well, she probably wouldn’t have been able to sense the thoughts hidden beneath his cool facade.

“…It’s my fault.” Simon Lockwood gently stroked her cheek, his voice tight. “Does it hurt?”

Joanna Kennedy huffed twice, pretending to ignore him. But when she caught a glimpse of him slowly lowering his gaze, her heart softened. She shook her head and her voice softened, too. “It doesn’t hurt…”

“Simon Lockwood, I can’t let you visit me on set anymore.” Joanna Kennedy continued to poke him, leaving little indentations on his arm.

Feeling the muscles under her fingertip tense up, Joanna Kennedy sighed softly. “I can’t always play comfortable, safe roles. Today’s scene won’t be the last of its kind. If you get this worked up over me every time, I’ll start slacking off in the long run.”

In truth, Joanna Kennedy had never felt that acting was particularly hard, at least not before. She had always been grateful for her career as an actress. It allowed her to live well, to no longer worry about having enough to eat or warm clothes to wear.

Most people in this industry just pushed through it. No one ever asked if you were hurt or tired. So, when someone genuinely cared, Joanna Kennedy’s first reaction was to find it strange. Then, a faint sense of grievance welled up inside her.

Being cared for makes you soft, which in turn changes your mindset. Joanna Kennedy didn’t want to become that kind of person.

“Simon Lockwood can just make me more delicious food, dote on me more, and be even nicer to me. Then I won’t feel any pain,” Joanna Kennedy said, not quite sure who she was trying to comfort.

“…Okay.”

“Then, a kiss.” Joanna Kennedy pouted, taking advantage of the moment.

Simon Lockwood only hesitated for a second before obediently lowering his head.

In the less-than-spacious restroom, Joanna Kennedy wrapped her arms around the man’s neck. The tall man obediently bent down and kissed the woman in his arms.

From Donovan Shaw’s angle, he could only see Joanna Kennedy’s back. She seemed overwhelmed by the kiss, tilting her head back to escape, only to be pursued and kissed even more deeply, letting out soft whimpers.

The impact of the scene was immense. Donovan Shaw’s heart pounded. He knew he should leave, but he took an uncontrollable step forward. He wanted to see the expression on Joanna Kennedy’s face.

The next second, the man lifted his eyelids and looked over at him. Donovan Shaw froze as his eyes met a pair of dark, ice-cold orbs.

A few seconds later, the man casually withdrew his gaze, lowered his eyes, and continued kissing Joanna Kennedy.

But Donovan Shaw didn’t dare to look again. He knew it was a warning.

The hotel the film crew had booked was nearby and quite nice. Joanna Kennedy got to enjoy a special meal prepared by Simon Lockwood. Before eating, she had another glass of the cooling tea that Simon had specifically set aside for her in the fridge.

“There’s still over a week of filming left,” Joanna Kennedy said, flopping lazily onto the man’s lap after her shower to chat.

She was incredibly chatty, rambling about one thing and then another, saying whatever came to mind. Simon Lockwood blow-dried her hair, massaging her neck, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. Joanna Kennedy flinched and tried to shrink away, but when Simon didn’t let go, she stilled.

“Are you coming to the set with me tomorrow?” Joanna Kennedy asked.

Simon Lockwood asked, “Can I?”

“I’m on vacation. I have a lot of time now,” Simon Lockwood said.

“In that case, you’re not allowed to get all sullen. You have to treat my job with a calm mind. I get paid so much, so I have to put in the corresponding effort.”

Simon Lockwood didn’t say anything. He just silently turned the hair dryer up a setting, making it a little louder.

For the next few days, Simon Lockwood essentially took over the assistant’s job, driving Joanna Kennedy to and from the film set.

Fans and fansite photographers were always gathered around the set and the hotel. The first time they saw Simon Lockwood get out of the car, Joanna’s Fans were stunned. The crowd fell silent instantly, only realizing what was happening when Joanna Kennedy got out of the car as well.

‘Not only are they married, but now he’s even visiting her on set…’

‘So annoying! Why does it feel like our prized cabbage has been stolen away? Even if the thief is a pretty fine specimen himself, we’re still inexplicably upset.’

‘Seriously, even though he’s ridiculously handsome, he looks so cold and aloof. Don’t tell me our Jojo has to be the one to stick to him and initiate all the kisses and hand-holding?’

“Jojo, is this a new assistant?” one loyal fan boldly spoke up, intentionally trying to embarrass Simon Lockwood. It had the distinct air of a bride’s family giving the groom a hard time.

“Where’s Tina?” another fan chimed in. “I think a woman would be more caring.”

“Exactly, girls are more thoughtful. And they’re gentler and cuter…”

As they spoke, Joanna’s Fans kept sneaking glances at the man standing silently behind Joanna Kennedy. They couldn’t read any emotion on his handsome, aloof face—not even a hint of annoyance. ‘Did he not understand their hidden meaning?’

The moment she heard her fans’ first question, Joanna Kennedy froze. She was so embarrassed her toes were curling in her shoes.

With her fans on one side and Simon Lockwood on the other, she was caught between a rock and a hard place. Joanna Kennedy gave a nervous laugh and was just about to smooth things over when Simon whispered, “I can wait for you inside…”

‘What’s that supposed to mean? He’s making me sound like some heartless jerk who won’t even acknowledge him in front of my fans.’ The disappointment in his voice made Joanna Kennedy’s heart melt like a warm pastry. She grabbed his hand almost immediately.

“I haven’t changed assistants; Tina’s just taking the day off today.” Joanna Kennedy turned to her fans, her voice gentle and smiling. “This is Simon Lockwood. My… family.”

“…”

The sudden silence from the crowd made Joanna Kennedy a little bashful. But then she felt a gentle squeeze on her fingers and a wave of sweetness washed over her. She felt like a victor, having finally announced Simon Lockwood to the world.

‘A man as good as Simon Lockwood—presentable in public and a master in the kitchen—is someone to be proud of.’ Thinking this, Joanna Kennedy stood up even straighter, a hint of smug pride in her posture.

Joanna’s Fans: “…”

‘It’s over. She’s got love on the brain. Our girl is a lost cause.’

“It’s too hot out,” Joanna Kennedy said caringly. “Everyone should hurry home to eat and rest. Taking care of yourselves is the most important thing.”