One the night of the much anticipated film release, the red carpet shimmered under the bright lights, welcoming stars from all corners of the industry. Among them, Lingling Kwong made her entrance with a radiant smile that captivated everyone present. As she stepped onto the carpet, her presence was undeniable, with her smile alone leaving the crowd and photographers in awe. The cameras buzzed with activity, eager to capture every moment of her arrival.
This film marked Lingling's second appearance on the big screen, but what set this night apart was her role as the leading actress—a new beginning for her career. It was a momentous occasion, signaling her transition from a rising star to a prominent figure in the industry. As she walked gracefully along the carpet, Lingling took her time to pose for the cameras and wave to her fans, acknowledging the cheers and admiration that surrounded her.
As the evening unfolded, the red carpet's glamorous atmosphere gave way to a more intense and bustling scene—the interview session. Journalists from various media outlets, eager to capture the essence of the night, gathered in tight clusters, their microphones and cameras at the ready. Amidst this lively crowd, all eyes were on Lingling Kwong, the leading lady whose performance had been eagerly anticipated.
Lingling, poised and elegant, stood at the center of the media frenzy, exuding a calm confidence. As the star of the film, she naturally attracted the most attention. Reporters jostled for position, each eager to ask the questions that would make the headlines. Lingling handled the onslaught with grace, her warm smile never wavering as she responded to queries about the film, her character, and her experience working on the project.
Then, one journalist, with a mischievous grin, broke through the formalities with a more personal question. "Khun Ling, is your boyfriend not attending the premiere tonight?" The question, tinged with curiosity and a hint of playful intrigue, caused a brief ripple of silence among the gathered press, all waiting to see how she would respond.
Lingling didn't miss a beat. With a soft, knowing smile, she replied, "He said he would come, but he's probably still on his way, caught in traffic." Her voice was light and easy, betraying no hint of annoyance or discomfort. Instead, she delivered her answer with the same charm that had endeared her to fans and colleagues alike.
Her response, accompanied by that signature smile, elicited a wave of laughter and nods from the assembled journalists.
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After concluding the interview, Lingling made her way back to the backstage area. The moment she stepped behind the curtains, the weight of the evening settled in, and she sank into the nearest chair, releasing a deep, weary sigh. The glamour and excitement of the spotlight, though dazzling, had left her feeling drained.
Namtan, who had just finished her own round of interviews, noticed Lingling's tired demeanor and couldn't help but ask, "Was it really that exhausting?" Her voice was laced with a mix of concern and curiosity as she approached her friend.
Lingling glanced up, her expression a mixture of exhaustion and resignation. "Of course it was. I feel like every ounce of energy I had was drained out there on stage," she replied, her tone revealing just how taxing the experience had been. For Lingling, who was naturally more introverted, the constant attention and need to present herself perfectly in public was often overwhelming.
Namtan, who had known Lingling for over four years now, understood her friend's temperament all too well. She chuckled softly, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Classic introvert," she teased, nudging Lingling playfully as she took a seat beside her. It was a light-hearted jab, one that had become a running joke between them over the years.
Lingling, too tired to muster a sharp retort, merely rolled her eyes in response, the gesture lazy and unbothered. She knew Namtan meant no harm; it was just part of their banter. The two had shared countless moments like this, balancing each other out perfectly—Namtan's outgoing nature contrasting with Lingling's quiet strength.
