Chapter 208 You Have No Confidence in Me
The reason Leopold's talk went so smoothly today was also due to a fortuitous opportunity.
The original filming location for the variety show had to be canceled due to an unexpected situation, throwing the scheduled recording plan into chaos. Just when they were worrying about finding a new venue, Leopold learned about this and took the initiative to offer the Celestial Waters resort hotel by the Pinecrest seaside for the production team to complete their latest episode.
Not only did he provide the venue for free, but he also covered accommodation and meals. The production team couldn't have asked for a better deal.
This level of sincerity was enough to secure a reliable partnership.
The next day.
Leopold brought his team to sign the contract. Even the staff who were used to seeing celebrities and actors still found their eyes lighting up when they saw Leopold.
Some chatted privately, thinking he was a newly signed actor, only to learn later that he was a business partner.
Such a good-looking and intelligent man not dedicating himself to the public is truly a waste of a rare talent.
On the way back to the hotel, Leopold had Lily book return tickets for everyone, but he would stay a few more days to inspect the Skyview City Hotel.
News of the variety show changing its filming location was quickly leaked online by someone. In no time, the topic of Pinecrest Hotel shot up to trending news, and immediately after, the Pinecrest Hotel's rooms were fully booked.
This not only boosted occupancy but also revenue from dining, entertainment, and more.
Even the small market near the hotel was packed with people. Some even captured chance street encounters with their favorite idols, and fans from all over the country once again sparked a trend of going to Pinecrest, hoping to run into celebrities.
Leopold looked at several trending news items, not only were there materials from the actors' filming, but many of these posts also included the Pinecrest Hotel's address.
Posts about the variety show's venue change had already reached hundreds of millions of views.
Looking at Celestial Waters Hotel's stock price, it continued to climb.
Leopold turned off his phone, his deep eyes hiding the certainty of having everything under control. This was exactly the effect he wanted. If they were going to collaborate, they should collaborate with the hottest show currently available.
Rather than spending time and energy eliminating negative publicity, it was better to jump out of the mud pit of self-justification and reposition the starting point.
His phone rang. Leopold saw Preston's number on the screen and answered, putting it to his ear.
Preston said, "The stock price is approaching what it was before our drop. I'd be satisfied if we could just break even."
Leopold said, "The stock price will go even higher."
Preston paused for half a second. "You're confident?"
Leopold countered, "You don't have confidence in me?"
Preston laughed. "I do. You've worked hard lately, get some rest early."
With that, he hung up.
Leopold looked at the gradually darkening screen. For some reason, suppressed emotions churned in his chest. This feeling had accompanied him since childhood, lingering like a nightmare he couldn't shake off.
Sometimes he even wondered if he had really moved past it. In middle school, family issues and parent-child relationship problems had made him volatile and depressed. He'd seen a psychologist and received intervention.
But Preston's occasional remarks would make the tightly wound string in his heart nearly snap.
Just when Leopold was about to go to another extreme, Caroline's appearance pulled him back.
He opened Caroline's WhatsApp chat.
Leopold: [Honey?]
At that moment, Caroline was at the hospital. During the day, she had to go check on electricity theft cases, so she could only come to the hospital after work in the evening to change the bandage on her wrist.
Her phone was in her bag on the chair, and she didn't hear it.
Due to the weather, the sutured wound had become infected and was oozing pus. The doctor cleaned the wound while instructing, "Don't get it wet, and don't remove the bandage. Infection will cause the wound to keep oozing, which isn't good for healing. If it gets worse, it'll leave a scar."
Caroline was troubled too. "I can't avoid using my hands at work. I haven't removed the bandage or gotten it dirty. When I shower, I keep my hand away from the water."
The doctor said, "It's hot, and your sweating can also lead to infection."
Caroline nodded. "Got it, I'll pay more attention."
Just as she walked out of the treatment room, Leopold's call came through. Caroline jogged all the way out of the hospital and got into her car before daring to answer.
"Leopold," Caroline said, slightly out of breath.
Leopold heard her heavy breathing and frowned. "What are you doing? Running?"
"No, I just went to the supermarket to buy some things. I'm in the car now." Caroline asked, "Are you done with work too?"
Leopold's heart calmed down just hearing her voice. "Done. What did you buy?"
Caroline paused. "Food, and some things I need."
Over the phone, Leopold didn't notice anything wrong with Caroline. "Honey, did the inspection go smoothly today? Didn't run into any major electricity thieves?"
Caroline laughed. "There aren't that many electricity thieves. Today, all was peaceful, merchants obeyed the law, people lived in peace and contentment. Report complete."
A faint smile appeared on Leopold's face. "How are Mom and Dad doing lately? Have you been to see them?"
Caroline said, "They're doing well. Oh, my dad bought you something on his business trip. He said to come pick it up when you get back."
Leopold asked, "What did Dad buy me?"
"He won't tell me."
The ice in Leopold's eyes melted, and gradually warmth appeared. "I also bought something for them. When I get back from my business trip, I'll bring it to them."
Caroline said, "Why did you buy things again? My mom said not to buy them gifts every time you go on a business trip."
Leopold said, "It's just something I picked up along the way. I bought it when I saw something suitable."
Caroline asked, "How many more days until you come back?"
Leopold smiled. "Just say it straight if you miss me."
Just now, when changing the dressing, Caroline saw the stitches on her wrist, which looked like an ugly caterpillar lying on her wrist.
She said, "I miss you."
Leopold's gaze froze for a few seconds. He finally detected that something was off.
"Honey, did something upset you?"
Caroline quickly adjusted her mood. "No, what are you thinking?"
The inspection work at Skyview City Hotel was nearing completion. Leopold just needed to check the kitchen tomorrow morning and then he could leave.
"Earliest tomorrow afternoon, latest the morning after, I'll be back." Leopold glanced at his watch. "You're getting off work so late today?"
At that moment, night had fallen deep, and the streets were lit with scattered lights.
Caroline said, "The place I went to this time was pretty far, so I'm back late."
"You've had a long day, go home and rest early." Leopold told her to head back first. "We'll video call when you get home."
"Okay, I'll hang up now."
After ending the call, Caroline started the car and left the hospital.
Back home, she looked at the bandage on her wrist. It was in such an obvious spot that he'd definitely notice it right away. When Leopold asked about it, he'd probably scold her again for being careless.
The next morning, after Leopold finished inspecting the kitchen, he immediately booked a 2 PM flight back to Seaside City online.
When he landed in Seaside City, Leopold walked out while calling Maddox. Caroline wasn't off work yet, so he had Maddox pick him up at the airport.
When the two met, Leopold casually pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his bag. "For you."
Maddox held it up and smiled. "This trip was worth it."