The Couple in Public

"The hell it is!" Hannah couldn't resist the rude words. Bewitched by his smile, she was simultaneously in a predicament. She'd told the press Oscar Wells wouldn't be there, yet he'd unexpectedly appeared. She hadn't even prepared a seat for him.

"This man was born to defy me!" she muttered.

Instead of taking offense, Oscar smiled even wider.

"There's no room for you," Hannah said, "so get out of the way."

"Who said that?"

Oscar ducked under the ribbon. Confused by his action, she felt him behind her, cuddling her from behind. His broad hands enveloped hers, holding the scissors, creating the image of an affectionate couple. They seemed to be making quite a spectacle.

Hannah blushed, but Oscar remained calm and composed.

As the host announced the countdown's end, everyone cut the ribbon simultaneously. A celebratory gun salute rang out from the gate, adding to the festive atmosphere. Warm applause erupted, signaling a successful publicity stunt.

The ceremony concluded. Following the agenda, guests toured the building. Meanwhile, Little Bunny began her livestream. Hannah joined the crowd, Oscar walking behind her, surrounded by cameras.

"I didn't think you'd come back," Hannah said, her anger lingering. She resented his failure to inform her.

"I promised you. I never break my word."

"You didn't text me back."

"I was on a plane."

"Then what about after you landed?" she pressed, playfully adopting the guise of a critical girlfriend.

"I came back quickly and didn't have time."

"You weren't driving." Hannah knew Theodore was at the wheel.

"You're right. He was speeding. I have a fear of death, so I clung to my armrest the whole way."

"..."

"Don't flip out. Didn't I arrive on time?" Oscar whispered in her ear, surprising her with his sudden closeness.

"Can you be serious for once?"

"Your angry look makes it hard."

"Which look of mine makes you serious?" she demanded.

"So you know!" he laughed.

They bickered throughout the event, playfully shoving each other. Unbeknownst to them, their interactions were broadcast.

Viewers watching the livestream, drawn in by Light Building's publicity stunt, noticed their flirtatious banter. Impressed by their sweet interaction, bullet-chat comments flooded in:

Plzzzz let me be punished by law if I committed a crime, but do not let me see this sweet scene as soon as I turn on my computer.

The couple, GET A ROOM!

Can anyone tell me if the formal dress Hannah's wearing is available in the Light Building?

…

Immediately, the nation buzzed. Hannah and Oscar became a top Twitter trend.

'Why is she so cute around Oscar Wells?' Charles Sawyer stared at the screen, feeling a violent urge.

Hannah was a changed woman, he thought. Her taste in clothes had improved dramatically, and her facial expressions were far more vibrant than when she was with him. He'd never seen her so coquettish, so shy and charming beside Oscar. This sight fueled his fury. He suddenly recalled Oscar's words: 'How you feel about a lady during sex also depends on your skills...'

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, switching off his computer. His phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, his mood shifted before he answered.

"Sir." He said respectfully.

"Ruin Cooper Group." The voice commanded.

"I know, but Hannah's life is unexpectedly unpredictable and beyond my control. It's difficult to take Cooper Group from her," he said cautiously. "I was going to kill her. Miguel Cooper's grief would cripple the company, creating an opportunity. But you reminded me someone was watching."

"I don't care about killing her. The goal is to unseat Miguel Cooper. We don't have time for them. Take control of Cooper Group—that's the only thing that matters."

"What do you mean, Sir?" Charles asked eagerly.

"Do as I say."

"Yes."

The caller continued for some time.

After hanging up, Charles smirked. He was confident he could destroy Hannah, knowing Oscar wouldn't stay with her if Miguel Cooper fell. He vowed to torture her, to inflict a living death.

…

The refurbishment's opening event lasted all day. Miguel and the VIP guests departed after their visit. Hannah remained, both as event organizer and to support Little Bunny's first livestream. Oscar stayed to keep her company.

Theodore appeared at some point, remaining close to Oscar.

Little Bunny's livestream showcased the mall's features. Starting with a few thousand viewers, it amassed over 200,000 by late afternoon—astonishing for a first attempt, especially considering the online platform's relative infancy ten years prior.

While views were impressive, sales were slow; online shopping hadn't yet taken off.

By 5:30 pm, the livestream ended. Little Bunny looked exhausted.

Hannah approached her. "Thanks for your hard work."

"It wasn't so bad," Little Bunny replied faintly. "I was worried I'd do poorly."

"You were great," Hannah affirmed. "For a first livestream, you were amazing."

"But sales were low."

"Not your fault. People aren't used to online shopping. But I expect a surprise tomorrow."

"I hope so."

"It's late. Go home early."

"Okay, see you later." Little Bunny smiled, politely acknowledging Oscar and Theodore before leaving with her manager.

"Little Bunny?" Theodore watched her go, muttering with excited significance.