hollywood billionaire

Chapter 562 La La Land
Han Yi and Barbara did not spend too long being affectionate by the phone booth.

Although the long-lost couple's eyes were filled with longing for each other, whether spiritual or physical, publicly displaying affection was an act that would attract attention from others. What Barbara Pavin least wanted was to be photographed by a stranger who knew her, causing a series of troubles.

Even if it's to be made public, this isn't the way to do it.

So, after reluctantly taking one last sniff of her boyfriend's masculine scent, which would intoxicate her no matter how many times she smelled it, Barbara voluntarily released her hands from around Han Yi's neck.

Barbara pulled her sunglasses out of her coat pocket and put them on again. She then led Han Yi uphill for another block, merging into the denser crowd that had returned.

"Wow, I thought that was the most bustling area of ​​Notting Hill." Han Yi looked back at the sparse crowd that had come from, and then at the area that was full of food trucks on the right and trucks on the left, and exclaimed.

His exclamation was almost immediately drowned out by the sudden surge of noise.

The quiet street corner that seemed perfect for a kiss was just a prelude; when they turned the corner, they truly stepped into the vibrant heart of Portobello Road.

“This section is the essence of Portobello Street.” As they walked here, Barbara’s pace, which had been quickened to avoid being stared at, gradually slowed down. “Good food, good shopping, good fun, all in this neighborhood, and over there. Lots of interesting secondhand shops, and many good restaurants, especially Asian food. And of course, our destination, look, it’s over there—the Electric Cinema.”

Following the direction Barbara was pointing, in the center of this lively and bustling scene, a retro neon sign that read "Electric Cinema" lit up in the darkening sky, radiating a captivating glow as if from before a great battle.

Which major battle?
In Britain, "the Great War" specifically refers to World War I.

"This movie theater was built in 1911. I don't know the whole story of this place, but it has obviously survived two world wars, a bombing, and a fire, yet it has always stood."

“It’s not hard to see why…” Han Yi’s gaze swept over the exterior of the cinema, and he nodded slightly. “It must have been, and will continue to be, the cornerstone of this community’s social scene.”

“The cornerstone? Maybe it is now, but it certainly wasn’t during World War II.” Barbara shrugged. “The bombing I’m referring to was the German bombing of the nearby Arundel Gardens. In that bombing, many buildings around the cinema were destroyed, but it miraculously remained intact.”

"And that fire..."

"It was because the residents of Notting Hill believed that the German general manager of the cinema was secretly signaling to his compatriots from the roof, which led to the bombing of other buildings while the cinema itself remained unaffected. So a group of rioters stormed into the cinema and almost burned it to the ground."

"But it still managed to survive."

"Yes... because the boss immediately changed its name to the British Empire Theatre Cinema to make his stance clear."

"How do you know so much?"

“Of course, I read it on their own information wall.” Barbara pointed to the cinema that was getting closer to the two of them. “This is Stella’s favorite place to watch movies in London. She brought me here about four or five years ago, and this cinema immediately became my first choice.”

"Stella Maxwell?"

"Yes, one of my best friends... She's not in London right now, or I could take you to meet her. She's my life advisor; she helps me with everything, including relationships, and vice versa."

“I’ve met her. We greeted each other and chatted briefly at the VMAs celebration party in New York.”

“She told me.” Barbara narrowed her eyes slightly as she said this. “After I told her about the two of us, she told me everything about your first encounter…including how Hailey Baldwin and Taylor Hill were all over you, oh, and Madison Bill, and a… ‘overprotective, very attractive Asian woman’.”

“No wonder you knew it was them the moment you saw them in Las Vegas.” Han Yi pursed his lips, his tone cautious as he answered, focusing his response on Barbara herself. “So you’re not a witch after all, you just have little ears and eyes everywhere you go.”

“This conversation happened after Las Vegas, after I decided I was going to get you…” Barbara wrinkled her nose at him, “So I’m still a witch.”

"Did Stella tell you how I righteously and firmly rejected Hailey and Taylor?"

“She did tell me that you seem like an honest guy who wouldn’t be easily tempted…” Barbara sighed dramatically at this point, “and then I told her that you have such poor taste that I should probably find a new life consultant.”

"You didn't actually tell her that, did you?" Han Yi scratched the back of his head. "I was hoping to leave a perfect first... oh no, second impression on your best friend."

"Of course not." Barbara raised an eyebrow. "I also hope my girlfriends like my boyfriend..."

"Of course, not that kind of liking. But Stella likes women, so we're safe in that respect."

"Oh, really?" Han Yi pursed his lips. "I thought she was... a fluid gender."

"You seem particularly interested in her."

"Please, I didn't," Han Yi protested. "When she was dating Miley, wasn't the social media full of reports about it?"

“Okay, I was just kidding. I know she’s not your type. Of course, you’re not her type either.” Barbara chuckled. “I won’t comment on my best friend’s gender identity, but whatever her gender is… she might play around with men, but she only dates women seriously. You know what I mean.”

“I understand, and I respect that.” Han Yi nodded.

"Wait, are you wondering if I'm her type?"

"No!" Han Yi's eyes widened, and he immediately denied it, trying his best to prove his innocence. "I didn't say that."

"But that's what you think, isn't it?" Barbara pressed on relentlessly.

"Uh……"

“Be honest, this is the number one secret to maintaining a successful relationship.” Barbara held up her index finger, looking very serious.

“Okay,” Han Yi tilted his head. Since things had come to this point, he might as well admit it. “I…maybe a little bit.”

“Okay, then I’ll tell you that I’ve said the same thing to my sister and my parents…” Barbara gave him a reassuring smile. “She actually likes me quite a bit. When we first met, she did ask me out, but I told her I wasn’t interested in that kind of thing, and she respected that. We became good friends after that.”

The Hungarian supermodel couldn't help but smile at Han Yi's somewhat subtle expression: "You seem to be frightened by this. What's wrong, sweetheart?"

“I wasn’t scared…” Han Yi paused. “Well, if I have to be 100% honest, I was a little bit. But I’m very clear about what I’m about to face.”

"My girlfriend is a woman who is universally recognized as beautiful, intelligent, and incomparably sexy, and has already used this unparalleled beauty, intelligence, and sexiness to step onto the world's biggest stage. So there will always be competitors, at all times, in huge crowds."

"I am very clear about this."

"Yes, baby, it's time you realized that you're not the only one being pursued in this relationship."

Barbara didn't engage in pointless self-deprecation; when discussing the topic, her tone was full of supermodel confidence.

“You wouldn’t believe how many people would want to have me… or even just have a coffee with me. I’m not bragging, but a smile from me, or even a simple ‘hello,’ could become a treasured memory for them for a lifetime, a story they can’t help but brag about to their friends.”

"I believe you." Han Yi stopped less than ten meters from the cinema, turned around, and looked at her with a smile. "Because I was once one of them."

"Oh, look, whose sweetheart is whispering sweet nothings?" Barbara was thoroughly charmed by his sudden, direct approach. She couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke his cheek affectionately and tenderly.

However, this didn't mean she believed Han Yi's words. In Barbara's view, it was just a small act of flattery from her boyfriend.

After all, how could a top billionaire like him, who spends nine-figure dollars like pocket money, be one of them?
Those men, even the few who achieved great success among them, paled in comparison to their boyfriend's wealth, power, and accomplishments.

She is undoubtedly a lucky girl.

“I think that’s the real sign of loyalty—being pursued by many, but holding hands with only one. It’s also the best way to provide a sense of security for your partner.” After going around in circles, Barbara finally said what she really wanted to say, “I’m doing this for you, and I hope you are too, baby.”

“True security is something everyone desires, and that’s exactly what I want to provide for you.”

Han Yi answered without the slightest hesitation, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that his statement could not be considered a positive response.

There are many ways to provide a sense of security.

It doesn't necessarily have to be "holding hands with only one person".

"don’t worry."

“I’m not worried, I just want to enjoy all of this with you. After all, you’ve already stayed behind for me…, haven’t you?”

Yes, Barbie.

“Attaboy.” Barbara gave Han Yi a rewarding kiss, then beckoned him to continue towards the cinema. “Let’s go! Hopefully the tickets haven’t sold out yet… This cinema only has one screen.”

"One piece?" Han Yi was somewhat surprised. "It looks like it takes up quite a lot of space."

"It's quite large inside... but the layout of its theaters is a bit unusual."

After giving a brief explanation, Barbara pushed open the white wooden door and walked confidently to the retro-style ticket hall at the entrance. Inside, only one staff member was listlessly propping his chin up and looking at a computer; there were no other customers buying tickets—after all, this is the digital age, and almost everyone buys tickets online first and then goes to the cinema to watch the movie.

"Good evening." The ticket seller, an older woman, raised her eyelids and forced a smile.

"Good evening." Barbara turned her head and glanced at the movie schedule and price list spelled out with magnetic letter blocks next to her. "Do you still have tickets for 'La La Land' at 5:40?"

"The last row of double sofas is gone, and the front row of double beds is also gone. There are only... two single sofa seats left on the far left of the third row. Is that alright?"

“Perfect, forty pounds, right?”

"Yes, darling."

"Here you go." Han Yi, who had been waiting in the background, placed two twenty-pound notes on the counter.

Enjoy the movie!

"Thank you." Taking the movie ticket printed on a piece of paper, Han Yi led Barbara further into the theater. "Now I know why there's only one screen... Everything here is more luxurious than a regular movie theater, right?"

“Yes, just like she said, there are double sofas in the back and five or six large beds in the front that you can lie down completely on. There are also single sofas in the middle, and you can order snacks and drinks before the movie starts. The atmosphere is very cozy,” Barbara replied. “They compete with those chain cinemas with these differences, and that’s how they’ve maintained their business for decades… You can’t attract audiences just by having a long history.”

"To be honest, I've never been to a movie theater like this before." After settling down on the sofa, Han Yi picked up the menu on the small table next to him, glanced at it, and exclaimed, "I mean, this kind of movie theater that offers full-service, the menu... even has cocktails. The most luxurious movie theater I've ever been to is probably the AMC in Century City, where being able to eat chicken strips dipped in barbecue sauce is already a luxury."

“Oh, really?” Barbara rolled her eyes. “Then what about your home theater?”

“I can only watch Netflix on that screen, so technically it’s not a real movie theater.” Han Yi chuckled awkwardly. Although he had adapted to life in the new timeline, he would sometimes forget that he was a billionaire. “Besides, it’s not as spacious as here, and I don’t have these red velvet king beds in front of my screen at home… those beds look really comfortable.” “I’ve been here many times, but I’ve never bought a bed ticket, and I never will.”

"why?"

"See that guy over there?" Barbara whispered in Han Yi's ear, pointing to a couple on the big bed in the middle. "Did you see how he put both his feet... along with his sneakers, on the bed?"

"I saw it."

"The stains on the soles of his shoes are probably the least disgusting thing you can find on that bed."

“Ew.” Han Yi gave a look of disdain, like an old man on the subway looking at his phone. “You described it so vividly, I think those images will probably live in my mind for the rest of my life.”

"That's a shame. How about some ice cream to calm your nerves? The creamy vanilla kind," Barbara continued mischievously. "Or... look, we also have mashed potatoes with garlic gravy."

"You're disgusting, Barbie." Han Yi curled his lip. "If I throw up later, I'll definitely throw up in your mouth."

"My God, listen to what you're saying... and you still call me disgusting."

They flirted for a while in a volume that wouldn't disturb other viewers, then the theater lights slowly dimmed, and their conversation came to an abrupt end.

The movie is about to start.

La La Land was released in North America on December 16, 2016, which is today, while its wide release in the UK will not begin until January 24 of next year.

Nevertheless, in order to build word-of-mouth and generate buzz for the upcoming theatrical release, the distributor Lionsgate specially selected 34 screens in 11 cinemas in London for a two-day advance screening from December 16th to 17th.

As the most stylish and retro cinema in Notting Hill and even the entire metropolitan area, perfectly suited to the mood of this musical, the Portobello Road Electric Cinema was naturally among those invited.

“I saw this movie before, at this year’s Venice Film Festival.”

As the logos of each production company appeared on the screen one by one, Barbara whispered to Han Yi.

“The movie received a standing ovation from the entire audience, and I especially loved it. I loved the music, and I loved the love story between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone… It… it reminded me of us in so many ways.”

“Watch it frame by frame, observe carefully, and I guarantee you will love this movie too.”

"I believe I will," Han Yi replied with a smile, squeezing Barbara's hand.

This was the only reply he could bring himself to say.

Otherwise, how should I put it?

Did he see this movie in his previous life?

And I love it so much that I rewatch it every now and then. I know the lyrics of every song in the movie by heart, and even the dance moves and sets.

"Let's begin."

At Barbara's prompting, Han Yi suppressed his chaotic thoughts and refocused his attention on the screen.

After the opening logo finished playing, the screen went black for a few seconds, then suddenly lit up again.

It was a blinding, almost LA-exclusive California sun. On the congested I-105 overpass, the traffic was completely still, against a backdrop of a cloudless, azure sky.

The camera slowly pans, capturing a series of bored faces. A diverse array of music blares from the radio—pop, salsa, classical, talk shows… a cacophony of sounds, yet undeniably real.

Undoubtedly, Han Yi recognized the beginning; he could even silently hum along to the first line of the melody that was about to appear.

I often think back to that day.

I left him at the Greyhound bus station west of Santa Fe.
We were only 17 years old then.
But he was so considerate, and his feelings were so genuine.

But I still did what I had to do...

Because deep down, I already knew...
A girl in a bright yellow dress was the first to push open the car door and burst into song amidst the frozen traffic.

Then, as if a fuse had been lit, the entire highway came to life.

People pushed open car doors, jumped out of the back of trucks, leaped onto the hoods, and climbed onto the roofs. The once lifeless traffic jam instantly transformed into a grand, flamboyant, and colorful song and dance carnival.

The camera moves through dancers, musicians, and stunt performers in an incredible, fluid long take, with bright yellow, bright blue, and bright red skirts fluttering in the air above the gray concrete.

I am climbing a mountain peak amidst the mountains of Los Angeles.
Chasing after all the shining lights,
And when they disappoint you
You will also get up from the ground.
Because morning comes rolling in.

It's going to be another sunny day...

It's going to be another sunny day!

As the last soaring note faded, the camera rose high, overlooking the sea of ​​cars reveling under the blazing sun.

Then, the music stopped abruptly.

The dancers returned to their cars, and the idling of engines once again took over. It was as if the grand song and dance that had lasted for several minutes was just a collective illusion.

The movie title, LA LA LAND, appeared on the screen in bright yellow retro poster font.

As the movie title slowly fades out, gradually brightening from darkness to light, what appears in the center of the screen is a very simple word—WINTER.

winter.

A burst of laughter erupted in the theater. Living in the UK and experiencing a cold winter, they could better understand the humorous design of "Winter in Los Angeles."

Amidst the laughter and noise, Han Yi turned his head to see Barbara's reaction, only to find her watching intently with a bright smile, her profile particularly captivating in the light and shadow of the screen.

For the next two hours, the couple barely spoke, completely absorbed in the love story of pianist Sebastian and actress Mia.

Even after the screening ended, Han Yi and Barbara didn't engage in their usual banter and witty banter. They walked a few dozen meters north, got into the Rolls-Royce that was waiting there, and returned to the Ritz London Hotel, located east of the Royal Green.

After returning to their room, they didn't go out to find food again. Instead, Han Yi picked up the phone and ordered several delicate and healthy dishes that met Barbara's professional requirements. He also ordered two margaritas, a zero-calorie Coke, and a regular-sugar Coke, and they sat in the living room to enjoy them.

It was only then that Barbara began to share her thoughts on "La La Land".

"Do you remember when I told you at the beginning of the movie that many of the plot points reminded me of us?"

"Hmm." Han Yi took a small sip of his margarita. He rarely drank alcohol, but he would only try a little for Barbara when he was with her.

Although he couldn't really taste anything good about the bitter and astringent liquid, and surprisingly found it hard to feel drunk, he thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere at the moment—the feeling of completely letting go of all the masks and labels that belonged to Han Yi, being only his purest self, and being with her freely and unrestrainedly.

“Sebastian and Mia are so funni and interesting together, don’t you think?” Barbara didn’t need to care about her image in front of Han Yi. She picked up a leaf from the salad and put it in her mouth. “All these back-and-forth exchanges, the witty remarks and sharp retorts, remind me of how we used to be together.”

“Yes, I think that’s a sign of a healthy, long-term relationship.” Han Yi nodded. “I think… it’s not enough to just be attracted to each other. You have to be able to eat together, laugh together, so that you know you can live together for a long time.”

"Do you think we can have a long-term, healthy relationship?" Barbara asked, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at him across the table.

“I know we will have a long-term, healthy relationship,” Han Yi said firmly.

“But Sebastian and Mia eventually broke up, even though they got along so well.” Barbara’s eyes lowered. “Mia went to Paris, and Sebastian stayed in Los Angeles.”

“That’s the difference between movies and real life,” Han Yi smiled. “And from now on, we’re no longer Sebastian and Mia. Or more precisely, we are Sebastian and Mia, just the version after Mia went to Paris.”

"is it?"

“Imagine if Mia succeeds and then meets Sebastian again, and she’s single, not married. What could possibly stop them from being together?” Han Yi clasped his hands tightly together, explaining earnestly, “They separated because Sebastian let her go. Because Sebastian knew that Paris had what she wanted, and Los Angeles had what he wanted. But what if… they’ve already gotten what they wanted from both Paris and Los Angeles? What then?”

“I did get everything I wanted in Paris.” Barbara looked up again, showing him the shimmering light in her lake-blue eyes.

“And I’ve gotten everything I wanted in Los Angeles.” Han Yi’s eyes curved slightly, taking in all the glint in them. “Nothing can stop us. Your star career is booming, and my jazz club is doing well.”

“The timing of our meeting was perfect,” Barbara murmured softly.

"Just right."

Han Yi smiled and nodded in response. The next second, Barbara, accompanied by a fragrant breeze, rushed into his arms.

“The only thing we need to do now is explore this world we have already conquered together.” Han Yi placed his hand on Barbara’s back, gently inhaling the pleasant fragrance of her hair.

"Okay." Barbara hugged her boyfriend tightly and closed her eyes contentedly. "I know that in the future, we will definitely share a lot of laughter together, because we have so much in common. We have the same sense of humor, like the same food, and even love the same sports."

“Speaking of sports we love,” Han Yi cupped Barbara’s face in his hands and kissed her lips repeatedly, unable to get enough of them. “I think this time in London, we can create some wonderful memories in the sports we both love.”

"Oh?" Barbara raised one eyebrow with interest. "Why do you say that?"

"Because you and I are going to watch a football match tomorrow."

Han Yi's index finger twitched rapidly between him and his girlfriend.

"Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea, a friend's invitation."

"How does it sound?"

(End of this chapter)