Chapter 28: Beauty Is Justice
Lin Haoran chuckled at this, responding, "So, according to you, must I buy you a new pair of shoes to atone for my sins? Tell me, what kind do you want?"
He marveled inwardly, never expecting that the future star he would first encounter in this world would be the lively, adorable, and stunningly beautiful Rosamund Kwan.
A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Rosamund’s lips as she softly replied, "Since you are so sincere, then buy me a pair of Roger Vivier. Though, I didn't say it had to be the pair I'm wearing now."
She teased him deliberately, her cunning eyes sparkling with a desire for designer footwear that could not quite mask her innate innocence.
Seeing this, Lin Haoran felt that this future superstar was not only beautiful but also possessed a uniquely interesting personality.
"Of course, it’s just a pair of Roger Vivier. I’ll gift them to you," Lin Haoran said with a relaxed smile, his eyes radiating confidence.
"Oh, you aren't just saying that, are you? Roger Vivier shoes aren't cheap, you know," Rosamund said, half-doubting, as she had only made a joke.
"Do you know who my father is? Look, that white-haired gentleman over there is my father, the chairman of Wan An Group. You must have heard of him, right?" Lin Haoran pointed not far away, his smile growing brighter.
"So you are the young master of the Lin family; no wonder you have such an extraordinary aura. Are you... really going to buy me a pair of Roger Vivier?" A hint of uncertainty remained in Rosamund’s tone, but her eyes shimmered with anticipation.
She knew that in such a grand and formal setting, status and position were not topics to be taken lightly, so no one would easily use them as a premise for a joke.
Although the Kwan family was not exceptionally wealthy, her father, Kwan Shan, was a well-known actor in Hong Kong, providing the family with a stable income and a respectable social standing, which meant her living conditions were quite comfortable.
Because she occasionally accompanied her father to various social events, Rosamund had not only gained broad experience but also developed a deep understanding of various luxury goods, and she was well-versed in high-end brands like Roger Vivier.
In the prime of her youth, Rosamund, like many girls her age, harbored a longing and pursuit for beautiful things. At this age full of aspirations, it was inevitable that she would yearn for designer products that represented quality and fashion—this was both a sentiment unique to youth and a natural human desire for beauty.
"I, Lin Haoran, keep my word and never speak falsely. A pair of Roger Vivier shoes, a mere few thousand Hong Kong dollars, is but a drop in the ocean to me—not worth mentioning." Lin Haoran wore a faint smile, his every gesture exuding the casual, unrestrained air typical of a wealthy heir, much like a playboy drifting through life.
"Then, how can I contact you?" Rosamund glanced around stealthily, and after confirming no one was watching, she asked in a soft whisper, her tone tinged with nervousness and expectation.
Lin Haoran smiled and handed her a business card with his pager number on it. "This is how to reach me. Whenever you have time, feel free to page me. As long as I see it, I will try my best to reply."
His gaze lingered on Rosamund, and Lin Haoran felt a secret sense of joy.
Before him, she had yet to step into the tumultuous entertainment industry, retaining a rare, precious innocence and beauty. This made him feel a desire to cherish and protect her. Since he had traveled back to this era and encountered Rosamund at this age, would it not be a waste if he didn't win her over?
For Lin Haoran, with his current advantageous circumstances and confident charm, winning Rosamund’s favor was certainly not a difficult task.
Seventeen years old, fresh and vibrant—that is how one could describe the Rosamund before him.
Rosamund took the card, a flash of surprise and shyness crossing her eyes. She quickly and carefully tucked it into her pocket, fearing someone might notice. After this, she let out a soft breath, her tense nerves finally relaxing as a relieved smile appeared on her face.
For this dashing young man, Rosamund’s first impression was quite profound; perhaps this was what they called "looks are justice."
In her adolescence, she was quietly developing a longing for beautiful romance, and Lin Haoran’s outstanding appearance had touched the softest part of her heart. What moved her even more was that he was not only handsome but also possessed a prestigious, wealthy background. To a girl of her age, such conditions were undoubtedly highly attractive.
She couldn't help but fantasize about the possibilities between them, longing for a deeper connection, and even began to secretly calculate how to build a closer relationship with him. Of course, Rosamund understood that her thoughts might be somewhat shallow and impulsive, but she simply could not resist that magnetism.
Thus, she decided to take the first step bravely and try to get closer to the man who had captured her heart.
The two sat there, chatting while snacking on melon seeds. As it turned out, Rosamund’s father, Kwan Shan, was one of the actors in this film and one of the few famous Hong Kong stars involved.
Following Rosamund’s finger, Lin Haoran recognized her father. At that moment, Kwan Shan was chatting with Lin Wan'an and others, completely unaware that his daughter was hitting it off with the young man beside him, or that she was on the verge of being "spirited away" by this dashing youth.
Shortly after, the curtain of the banquet was about to be drawn.
Rosamund felt anxious, fearing her father might discover her intimate conversation with the stranger, so she hurriedly bid Lin Haoran goodbye.
"I will contact you as soon as possible. Remember to keep your lines open, wait for my message!" Rosamund whispered with anticipation as she left.
"Definitely, don't you worry!" Lin Haoran responded with a gentle smile, knowing he had already left an indelible mark on her heart.
After Rosamund returned to her father’s side, Lin Haoran naturally returned to Lin Wan'an’s side.
In Lin Haoran’s eyes, this nominal celebration banquet was more like a carefully orchestrated business networking event. Apart from a few famous actors like Kwan Shan who could truly draw attention, the rest were mostly there as set dressing, seemingly gathered together just for the sake of the meal, going through the motions.
At the table, the old business associates of Lin Wan'an toasted him one after another, but Lin Haoran skillfully blocked every toast by citing his father’s health. His words were sincere and his attitude firm, showing concern for his father’s well-being while maintaining the decorum of the occasion.
Everyone present knew the prestige and status of the Lin family, so naturally, no one dared to show the slightest displeasure, nor was there any reckless behavior about "not drinking means not showing respect." The entire scene remained harmonious and respectful.
On the way back, Lin Wan'an was full of gratification, praising him: "Hao'er, you have truly grown a lot. If it were in the past, you might not have been able to handle such an occasion so thoroughly."
"Dad, this is all thanks to your careful guidance," Lin Haoran responded with a smile, his tone full of respect.
The Rolls-Royce moved steadily through the night, the interior warm and comfortable. Time slipped by until nine-thirty in the evening.
Finally, the car came to a smooth stop in the parking space of the Lin family villa.