[Chapter 416: From Tabloid Girlfriend to Real Girlfriend]
On the third day of Diana's visit to Ireland, the Daily Mirror broke the story on its front page, revealing her whereabouts. They reported that after Link left London, she quietly followed him to the city of Schull in Ireland for a date, and the two stayed at the same hotel.
The article included several photos: Diana dressed casually walking the streets of Schull, having coffee with Lewinsky, and wearing a hat entering the hotel where Link was staying.
The news caused a sensation in the UK, with numerous media outlets reposting the story and the public buzzing with discussion.
Last month, there were media reports about the two dating on set, but without pictures or concrete evidence, many doubted they were actually seeing each other.
Now, Diana was chasing Link to Ireland, staying in the same hotel -- him, a notorious ladies' man; her, a single woman recently divorced.
It was obvious what was about to happen between them.
Men were envious and jealous of Link, who seemed to have dated nearly every beautiful woman in the world. It was just too stunning.
The media's attitude toward this story was frenzied. Both Link and Diana were world-class celebrities surrounded by controversy. With such a pairing, there was endless material to cover. Omitting even one report would be irresponsible.
From the Daily Mirror's story, European and North American media coverage on this news multiplied exponentially.
Almost every outlet reported on it.
The public also debated fiercely; most did not approve of their relationship.
The reason was that Link was the top playboy, rumored to have had sixty or seventy girlfriends. Diana, coming from a noble background, could only be one among many, which people saw as degrading.
Many of Diana's fans used the media to urge her to wake up, stay away from Link the bad boy, and not be fooled by his sweet talk.
Some fans even threatened Link, saying if he didn't let go of Diana, they would boycott his movies and leave his films with zero box office in the UK.
However, quite a few supported the relationship.
Most of these supporters were Link's fans, believing he was the best man in the world -- young, rich, talented, with strong connections in both entertainment and politics -- making him a perfect match for Diana.
Link was known for treating the women in his life well; none ever spoke ill of him, and he had never abandoned anyone. So, dating him was seen as a decent choice for Diana.
Media debates continued nonstop.
The public's arguments raged on.
This scandal's global buzz skyrocketed, becoming the hottest entertainment news of 1996.
...
After the rumors broke, Link and Diana became the center of a media storm, with reporters from around the world chasing them for interviews.
However, neither gave any direct response.
Because most reported details were true, the two were indeed a couple now.
The first time alone, Diana was hesitant and shy, unable to fully relax.
With Link's gentle reassurance, she gradually opened up.
By the second day, her attitude shifted significantly. Diana said she felt incredibly happy and realized what it truly meant to be a woman. She willingly leaned into his arms, calling him "darling" or "honey," showing unusual warmth and passion.
By their second meeting, she didn't even mind being face to face with Charlize Theron.
Her once delicate, pale face now glowed with a rosy brilliance, like a winter plum blossom blooming wildly in Link's warm embrace.
Diana enjoyed their time together so much that she would ask him every morning before he left for the set when he would finish work and come back, wanting to be inseparable.
Link liked her too -- more than just for her looks and figure. He admired her gentle kindness and saintly heart.
Considering Diana's past philanthropic work and global recognition, Link planned to rename his global charity foundation the Diana Charity Foundation and have her manage it.
His goal was twofold: leverage her fame to grow the charity and help more people, while also boosting her reputation as a genuine philanthropist.
...
When Diana heard this, she accepted without hesitation and kissed him, her eyes shining sweetly with happiness.
While the two shared intimate moments in the hotel, outside the storm of gossip didn't disturb them.
The only interruptions came from calls by acquaintances, who, after the media exposed their relationship, called again to confirm if it was true.
Diana happily admitted it, praising Link effusively, wishing she had met him years earlier.
When responding to friends' questions, Link was sometimes direct and sometimes evasive, like when Quentin Tarantino called.
...
"Link, the papers say you're dating Miss Spencer -- is it true? You have so many women, sixty or seventy, why on earth mess with Diana? You're shameless."
Quentin's voice on the phone was partly angry, mixed with envy and jealousy.
"My dating life is none of your business. Why are you so worked up?"
Link kissed Diana on the cheek.
"Miss Spencer is one of the women I admire most. She's gentle, kind, pure -- like an angel from Greek mythology. But you, you sullied her -- damn you. I bet you're the devil incarnate, or you wouldn't do something like this."
"Alright, I'm the devil. How's Kill Bill coming along?"
"Don't change the subject. You still haven't explained your thing with Diana. You know her background -- why provoke her? I advise you to leave her alone or you'll have trouble."
"It's fine, I can handle it. When you shoot the Japanese scenes, if you have any difficulties, call me. I know some contacts there who can help."
"We're not shooting that part yet. Should be fine. Link, you and Diana really don't match. You're a scoundrel. A woman like her deserves better and a happier life. Let her go."
"Enough. We're together because we love each other."
"How's that possible? How could Diana like a playboy like you?"
"Hi Quentin, this is Diana. Yes, Link and I truly love each other. Thanks for your concern."
Diana chuckled into the phone.
...
Besides friends and acquaintances, Link's girlfriends were curious about Diana too and called to ask. Link didn't hide anything, saying after filming wrapped, he'd invite Diana to live with him in Los Angeles.
Julie Delpy, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Kate Beckinsale, upon hearing his admission, flew to Ireland to visit Diana, spending time chatting and dining together. They planned to stay overnight to see how Diana got along with Link at night.
---
With Link and Diana not publicly denying the rumors, the media increasingly believed their relationship was indeed real.
The Guardian of the UK lamented that Diana had made a wrong choice -- after her divorce, she could have had a peaceful life, but now as Link's girlfriend, a notorious playboy, she would face criticism and slander going forward.
The New York Post jokingly dubbed Link a "charmer" with deadly appeal to women, warning all ladies to stay away or risk being captured by him.
However, since both Link and Diana were single and had past rumors, their dating wasn't shocking enough to escalate the media frenzy further.
After a week of media hype, the story's attention gradually cooled.
Diana breathed a sigh of relief, living passionately with Link daily, not even wanting to return to London.
Link let her manage their relationship her way. He spent his days on set and his evenings with Diana and other girlfriends -- busy but fulfilling.
*****
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