hollywood billionaire

Chapter 560 Barbara's Colorful London
After a few minutes of passionate lovemaking, the two, finally satisfied, began to notice their own hunger in another dimension.

"There's definitely no time to cook."

Barbara, dressed neatly again, had a headband in her mouth as she tied her hair into a neat ponytail, speaking indistinctly as she did so.

"Just grabbing something to eat when we go out?"

"Okay." Han Yi, who was putting on his hoodie, readily agreed. "Any recommendations?"

"Let me think about it..."

Barbara stroked her chin, as if deep in thought.

"You live in the Ritz, right?"

"Correct."

"Liz...I understand."

Barbara neatly tied her hair into a ponytail with a headband, revealing her smooth, full forehead and delicate, slender neck. Gone was her previous alluring charm; now she resembled a vibrant, approachable girl next door.

She walked to the dressing mirror in the walk-in closet, took down a pair of oversized sunglasses without a logo and a soft cashmere beanie from the hook, and while putting them on, looked at Han Yi's reflection in the mirror: "Leave it to me, I know a perfect restaurant. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is very private."

“It’s almost two o’clock now.” Han Yi raised his hand and looked at the FPJourne on his left wrist. “Are you sure that restaurant will still be open by the time we get there?”

"Theoretically, it shouldn't be turned on." Barbara shook the phone in her palm. "But who am I?"

“You are Barbara Pavin, the darling of the fashion world. Europe bows down to you, London beheads you.” Han Yi opened his arms and bowed slightly to Barbara as if paying homage to the Queen of Hungary.

Hearing Han Yi's joke, Barbara haughtily raised her chin slightly, lazily lifted the hand holding the phone, and gently tapped Han Yi with her slender index finger.

"Rise, my loyal courtier. Your praise is granted."

Han Yi straightened up, one hand on his chest, the other wiping his eyes exaggeratedly. He replied in a comical, aria-like voice, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty! Your humblest servant is starving and only hopes that your favor can quickly fill my poor... well, I can only imitate one sentence of this British accent at most, any more and I won't sound right."

“I never thought of it from the beginning.” Barbara shook her head, unable to suppress a laugh, her eyes behind her glasses full of amusement.

"As if you can hear the difference," Han Yi retorted, but his actions didn't stop. He swiftly pulled out her already packed suitcase from the corner of the wardrobe before Barbara could react.

The suitcase is also a black Rimowa, a classic model, but it's clear how frequently its owner uses it. The aluminum-magnesium alloy shell is covered with scratches and sticker residue, and there are several obvious dents on the corners, clearly proof of its rough handling on baggage carousels at airports around the world.

"Is this all the luggage you have?" Han Yi easily stood the suitcase up.

“Yeah, I usually only have one suitcase wherever I go, plus… this.” Barbara said, taking out a fully packed canvas backpack from the closet, casually slinging it over one shoulder, then spreading her hands with a “look how awesome I am” look on her face. “All done! Isn’t your girlfriend very easygoing and frugal?”

"He is indeed easygoing, but simple..." Han Yi's gaze fell on the backpack, and he looked like he was trying not to laugh. "What's with that leopard print backpack of yours?"

“This is Kenzo,” Barbara explained.

“I know this is Kenzo.”

“No, I mean, this bag was a gift from Kenzo himself. Kenzo Takada.” Barbara patted the surface of the backpack and laughed. “I also think it’s a bit of an exaggeration, but there’s nothing I can do. It’s a gift from a brand, so I have to accept it. Not only do I have to accept it, but I also have to carry it out in public. I’ve been carrying other brands for a while now, and I only had the chance to carry his these last couple of days. I have to carry this backpack to the airport the day after tomorrow, and I have to get photographed by the British paparazzi to complete my mission.”

"I see." Han Yi nodded in understanding. "No wonder you don't like shopping. If it were me, I wouldn't want to stay at the workplace after work and buy more work to take home."

"That's a very insightful summary." Barbara gave him an approving grin, then added with feigned seriousness, "And it's not just about bringing work home. If someone photographs me buying a certain brand, wouldn't that be indirectly advertising for them? I won't allow that! I'm a walking advertisement!"

"Sorry, I just cleared out all your ad space for you." Han Yi winked mischievously.

"Is that what you call cleaning?!" Barbara bared her teeth, glared at him angrily, and raised her hand to pinch his waist. "That's called making a mess!"

Han Yi smiled and dodged her attack, then took her hand in his.

"Okay, okay, stop fooling around." Barbara let him lead her, a sweet smile returning to her face. "Let's go, I'll make a phone call first, then we'll go have lunch."

When Aiden saw his temporary employer come into view again, he unconsciously raised his eyebrows, somewhat surprised.

Because, besides himself, there was also a tall and beautiful woman by his side.

Even though she was wearing sunglasses and had her forehead covered by a thick felt hat, her stunning beauty was still undeniable.

However, in the blink of an eye, Aiden composed himself and returned to normal.

The main reason is that the 44-year-old doesn't usually watch entertainment news or care about fashion trends, so he didn't know that the woman next to Han Yi was a famous Victoria's Secret Angel.

Of course, as an experienced executive driver at the Ritz London, a smile is the only expression he is allowed to show in front of clients.

"Mr. Han, Madam." Aiden took the suitcase from Han Yi with his left hand and opened the car door for them with his right. "Are we going back to the hotel now?"

"Yes……"

“We’re going to South Kensington,” Barbara interjected. She glanced at her boyfriend and whispered, “The restaurant’s over there. We can put our luggage in the car first; there’s nothing valuable in it.”

"Then South Kensington."

In matters of small importance, Han Yi naturally listens to his girlfriend as much as possible.

After putting away their luggage and taking their seats, Aiden started the car and, following Barbara's directions, drove northwest toward the Natural History Museum.

As the Ritz-Blue Rolls-Royce Phantom smoothly drove out of the Chelsea area and turned into the winding streets of South Kensington, the world outside the car window seemed to change color. The iconic deep brown-red brick buildings of England transformed into cream-colored, whitewashed Italian-style stucco terraced houses. In the meticulously tended gardens in front of each house, winter roses stubbornly bloomed their last splash of color. The clamor of traffic on Cromwell Road gradually faded, replaced by the soft crunch of wheels rolling over the asphalt carpeted with fallen leaves.

Sunlight filters through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the ancient brick walls, and a sense of tranquility permeates the air.

Even without consulting data, the exquisite quality of the houses along the way easily leads to the conclusion that wealth is the most significant barrier to entry into the South Kensington community. In 2016, the overall average house price in South Kensington was £130 million, a stark contrast to London's average of £47 and the UK average of £21.8, highlighting its extreme exclusivity. These multi-million pound prices ensure that the community remains the exclusive domain of global financial elites, high-income professionals, and the older generation with intergenerational wealth.

South Kensington's enduring appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals for over a century stems not only from renowned landmarks like the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College London, and the Natural History Museum, but also from its proximity to the busiest thoroughfares of a major metropolis while offering a tranquil, suburban-like living environment. This blend of elegance and convenience is its core attraction. A diverse array of high-quality dining options abounds, from Michelin-starred restaurants like Daphne's to international eateries like Casa Brindisa, and traditional British pubs like The Anglesea Arms. South Kensington residents can experience the flavors of the world without ever leaving the neighborhood.

The restaurant that Barbara took Han Yi to visit, Launceston Place, is considered by many to be a representative of the high level of the entire South Kensington restaurant industry.

The Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up in a narrow alley called Victoria Gardens Drive. The name Barbara had been repeating the whole way immediately caught Han Yi's eye. It was more understated than he'd imagined, its facade painted a serene and elegant navy blue, a striking yet harmonious contrast to the surrounding cream-colored buildings. White paint clearly printed the name "Launceston Place" on the navy blue lintel, the lettering classic and refined. Most striking were the two wrought-iron flowerbeds hanging below the second-floor windows, filled with lush green vines and a few blooming white irises, adding a touch of lively life to the somewhat austere building—like a meticulous old-fashioned gentleman secretly tucked a playful flower into his breast pocket.

"It looks really good." Han Yi's gaze swept around the exterior wall of the restaurant. "You have a good eye for choosing, honey."

“What can I say? My taste is impeccable.” Barbara dramatically tossed her ponytail and laughed. “But to be honest, I didn’t find this place myself; Princess Diana did. I heard it was one of her favorite restaurants in London, so I came here to eat. After my first meal here, I fell in love with it, and then… I became good friends with their chef.”

As Han Yi listened, he pushed open the narrow blue door for Barbara. A warm aroma, a blend of butter, vanilla, and delicate floral scents, wafted out. The restaurant's interior, like its exterior, was small and exquisite. It felt like dining at the home of a wealthy relative—intimate, private, and without any sense of crampedness.

Han Yi glanced around briefly. The restaurant wasn't large, but the tables and chairs were spaced far apart, ensuring sufficient distance between each table of guests. The lunch rush had passed, and there were only two or three scattered tables of guests in the restaurant. They were all talking quietly, completely absorbed in their own worlds. The space was so quiet that you could almost hear the crisp sound of cutlery clinking against the porcelain plates.

"Hi."

Barbara greeted the bald manager who was writing with his head down at the reception desk at the entrance.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen. We apologize, we..."

The bald manager looked up, his surprise replaced by delight, and his apology abruptly stopped.

"Barbie!"

“Julian.” Barbara took off her sunglasses and flashed a bright smile at her old acquaintance.

“It’s been months since I’ve seen you! The chef just told me ten minutes ago you were coming today, I thought he meant dinner.” Julian came out from behind the reception desk, warmly hugged Barbara, and then politely turned his friendly gaze to Han Yi beside Barbara, “Good afternoon…”

“This is my boyfriend.” Barbara, like a little girl who had just bought a new toy, went from house to house showing it off. “Just call him ‘Barbara’s boyfriend.’ He shouldn’t have a name in this restaurant.”

“Indeed, just call me my boyfriend, or Mr. Pavin.” Han Yi took any joke in stride. He remained composed and extended his hand to Julian. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Pavón.” Julian readily agreed, eliciting a smile from the young couple in front of him. “Please come with me, I’ll take you to Miss Pavón’s favorite seat.”

Julian led them through the restaurant to a semi-private booth surrounded by curved walls and soft velvet sofas. This was undoubtedly the best spot in the entire restaurant—offering views of the tranquil Victoria Garden Road through the adjacent windows, yet its unique alcove structure created a naturally private space, isolating it from the rest of the restaurant.

"Pure water or sparkling water, you two?"

"You decide." Han Yi spread his palms, handing the decision over to his girlfriend.

“Pure water is fine, ice-cold,” Barbara replied.

"No problem... Would you like to see the menu, Miss Pavin?"

Julian nodded slightly, but instead of handing over the menu as he would to an ordinary customer, he asked with a warm smile.

“This is your favorite restaurant.” Looking at Barbara, who was looking at him with a questioning gaze again, Han Yi replied gently, “I want to try everything you like to eat.”

“Let’s get straight to the point.” Barbara took off her beanie and casually put it aside, revealing her stunningly beautiful face, which was still captivating even without makeup. “Smoked black cod rolls and beef tartare tacos are two appetizers. For the main course… cappons pasta, and ‘Eggs and Soldiers’.”

Are all dishes shared between the two of you?

“Hey, don’t look at me.” Han Yi raised his hands and smiled at Barbara and Julian. “I’m Chinese, and sharing is our basic table manners.”

“Okay… We just happened to have a 2014 Sancerre white wine in the cellar, chilled to perfection, and it tastes fantastic. I think you’ll love it. Would you like a couple of glasses?” Julian quickly scribbled a couple of lines on the menu before continuing to ask.

"Not today," Barbara waved her hand, knowing her boyfriend didn't drink at all. "We're going somewhere else this afternoon."

"Understood. Also, the head chef asked me to tell you that we are currently developing a dish of Dover halibut. If it's convenient, he would like to serve you a small portion and hope that you two can give us your feedback."

"Thank Ben for me."

"It would be my pleasure to serve you... Mr. Murphy will come over to serve you personally after he finishes cooking."

"How many times have you been here?" After Julian quietly left, this small corner became their own private world. Han Yi picked up his water glass, took a sip, and asked.

“Too many times, I’ve lost count.” Barbara tilted her head. “Whenever I’m in London, whenever I don’t feel like cooking, I always come here for a meal. The ingredients are clean, the dishes are healthy and delicious, and look at this neighborhood.”

Barbara raised her chin, gesturing for Han Yi to look out the window.

"It was quiet and peaceful, with no paparazzi or pedestrians staring at me through windows, wondering if I was Barbara Pavon."

London, located in the southern part of the British Isles, is situated in the mid-to-high latitudes. Although its climate is warmer and more humid than other regions at the same latitude due to the influence of the North Atlantic Current and mid-latitude westerly winds, the sunset time in winter is just as early.

It was only a few minutes past two o'clock, and the sun was already setting in the west. The golden light was no longer dazzling, but instead carried a lazy warmth as it slanted down.

It weaves through the bare sycamore branches lining Victoria Gardens Drive, casting delicate, classical print-like shadows on the cream-colored townhouses and clean sidewalks.

Everything here seemed so unhurried. There were no tourists, no hurried commuters, and certainly no London paparazzi with their cameras. The occasional passersby were all residents of this neighborhood.

An elderly woman in an elegant wool coat, leading a Whippet, strolled leisurely by. A young mother in fashionable sportswear pushed a stroller, gently humming a lullaby to her baby as she walked. A dark green vintage Jaguar silently glided past the corner; the gentleman in the driver's seat even glanced out the window, but his gaze merely swept over the scene calmly, without a trace of inquiry or curiosity, as if he were simply admiring an ordinary street scene.

The air here seems purer than anywhere else in London, filtering out all the noise and restlessness. Wealth here isn't materialized into ostentatious luxury cars or extravagant brand logos, but rather settles into a deep-seated sense of order and tranquility. Every house is impeccably maintained, every garden is meticulously manicured, and every passerby exudes an aura of serene contentment.

"This is Barbara's London," Han Yi remarked.

“Yes, this is my London.” Barbara nodded and smiled slightly. “This is my private life outside the runway. Isn’t it a little boring?”

“Not at all. On the contrary, I think this is the true essence of life.” Han Yi withdrew his gaze and looked back at Barbara, his eyes full of gentle understanding. “Can I delve deeper into my girlfriend’s life in London today?”

"You can do it if you want to." Barbara handed her hands to Han Yi, letting her boyfriend warm them in his palms.

"Where is the next destination?"

"Next, we're going to complete a mandatory course that every couple has to go through."

Barbara pursed her lips, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"We're going to the oldest cinema in Notting Hill to watch a romantic afternoon movie."

(End of this chapter)