1686-1688

Chapter 1686: Bonnie and Clyde 

“Anson!” 

“Haha, got water in my eyes! Fooled you!” 

Back and forth, they were having a blast. 

It wasn’t just the faucet anymore—the sink had overflowed, turning the ground into a pond. The two of them were splashing each other like kids in a water fight, completely caught up in the moment. 

Even the ground beneath their feet had become a little pool, their steps sending water splashing with every jump. 

Laughter—wild, unrestrained, and carefree—filled the air. It was as if they’d never been this happy before, forgetting all their worries and troubles, living only for the moment, reveling in it until the end of time. 

But, as luck would have it, they were one step short— 

“Hey! You two!” 

An intruder, an outsider, a jarring note—like a bolt from the blue—shattered their revelry. 

Anson, with his back to the voice, couldn’t make it out clearly. But Annie, facing that direction, caught the blinding beam of a flashlight cutting through the water’s mist, startling her. 

“What are you doing? Damn it all! You spoiled rich kids!” 

The man’s snarling, contorted face looked like a demon in the dim night. Annie froze, her hands pausing mid-splash, leaving her vulnerable to Anson’s next few splashes. 

Only then did Anson notice Annie’s sudden surrender. “Annie?” 

Annie glanced behind him, piecing it together— 

A security guard. 

The man in the uniform was likely the school’s night watchman, probably woken up by their commotion. 

Annie snapped to attention, her face full of panic, every bit the good student who rarely broke the rules. “Sir, I’m so sorry!” 

The heavyset Black security guard waddled closer, not quickly, grumbling under his breath. 

Annie hurried to the washstand, shutting off the faucet, still apologizing profusely. “Sorry! So sorry, we…” 

Anson, caught off guard, followed her lead, moving to turn off the other faucets, but he was a beat too slow. Then it hit him: 

Something wasn’t right. 

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Anson blurted out, “Why are we apologizing? When you do something bad, you run!” 

Annie stammered, “But, but…” 

Anson didn’t care. He grabbed her right hand and shouted, “Run!” 

Annie let out a yelp, barely reacting before leaping into motion, sprinting alongside Anson. He even had time to scoop up his jacket as they fled, the furious shouts of the security guard trailing behind them. 

“Stop!” 

“You two! Stop right there!” 

“Damn it, do you know what you’ve done?!” 

The guard’s enraged voice tried to catch up, slicing through the night like a desperate cry summoning something from the void. But the harsh reality was that the distance between them only grew. 

Annie couldn’t help herself. Glancing back at the panting guard, she shouted, “Sorry, really sorry!” 

Her voice faded into the air, turning into laughter that bloomed under the starry sky. Her steps didn’t falter as she kept pace with Anson, running wildly. 

Looking ahead, she stole a glance at Anson. The wind whipped through his hair, each strand alive with energy. His smile was bold and radiant, outshining the stars above. Fatigue, cold, and dampness didn’t matter anymore. All she felt was the warmth and strength from his grip on her wrist, pulling her along to the ends of the earth. 

They ran and ran until their lungs burned, as if they were the only two people in the vastness of Los Angeles on this quiet night. 

They’d escaped the school, leaving the guard and the splashing water far behind. The chill was gone, the water on their clothes turning to steamy heat. 

Anson tried to slow down. “Alright, we’re safe now.” 

But to his surprise, Annie was the one buzzing with excitement. She tugged his hand, urging him on. “Come on, keep going! We can’t stop now!” 

“Indiana Jones, don’t you see? There’s a giant boulder rolling behind us! We’re running for our lives—we have to speed up!” 

Annie led the way, her wet hair fluttering in the wind, her princess accessories falling away. She didn’t look disheveled; it was as if she was shedding her shackles, reclaiming herself bit by bit. 

Lately, from Cinderella’s Magic to The Princess Diaries 2, Annie had been stifled, confused, trying to break free but unsure how. Standing before the weight of capital, she felt her own insignificance, realizing how little power they truly had. 

The bitterness and frustration had built up inside her, but tonight, it all poured out, dissipating into the night breeze. 

Anson watched her back, his steps still following, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “Run, Forrest, run!” 

Annie caught the reference and burst into laughter. “Haha, hahaha!” 

But laughing threw off her rhythm, her breath faltering, her steps stumbling until she couldn’t keep going. 

She plopped down onto the ground, then lay back entirely, arms and legs splayed out, completely unladylike, sprawled in the middle of the road. 

“What’s happening? Haha, I’m dying of laughter.” 

“This is too much! It’s my first time doing something bad—so thrilling!” 

Anson sank to the ground beside her, hands propping him up, limbs relaxed. “Not your first time.” 

Annie propped herself up, glancing at him. 

Anson continued, “New York. The Secret Garden. Remember?” 

“Oh!” Annie’s memory sparked, and she gasped. “Oh no!” 

“Both times I broke the rules were because of you. I’m this close to ending up in a police station with a record. What now? You’re leading me astray?” 

She looked at him, her eyes brimming with a smile. 

Annie expected Anson to be embarrassed or look away, but he didn’t. Instead, her own heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst. Before he could respond, she rambled on, “But, you know, I like it.” 

Anson clutched his forehead dramatically. “Oh, Mrs. Hathaway, my apologies.” 

At that, Annie lost it, her laughter ringing out, swirling in the night breeze. 

“Anson, let’s do this sometimes.” 

Her eyes sparkled as she sat up straight. 

“Let’s be a little bad sometimes, okay?” 

“I know, I know. We should follow the rules, not cause trouble, take care of our image, and not act recklessly…” 

“Blah, blah, blah. I get it, I know all the reasons.” 

“But every once in a while, just occasionally, let’s do something naughty when it’s just the two of us, sharing our own moment—like Bonnie and Clyde.” 

“I just… I don’t want to be a Barbie doll anymore.” 

Bonnie and Clyde—the infamous outlaw duo of American history. 

With that, Annie stuck out her tongue, giggling mischievously. There was no sadness or gloom, just a playful, sly glint in her eyes, revealing her true self bit by bit. 

People always saw her as a princess, a perfect Barbie doll. Years later, some would even criticize her online for being fake or pretentious. But Annie was never a princess. Beneath the Barbie exterior was a bold, straightforward, daring tomboy. 

Chapter 1687: Hands-Off Boss 

Surrounded by the Hollywood spotlight, what’s presented is an illusion—glamorous, flawless, and a projection of people’s fantasies about themselves. 

Good or bad, it’s deeply rooted in the audience’s minds. 

But beyond the illusion, the real flesh-and-blood people are often entirely different, with their own edges, colors, and personalities. 

In Hollywood, the rarest thing is to reveal your true self. They never know if that authenticity will become a weapon for others to attack them. Everyone scrambles to put on masks and armor, hiding themselves tightly until they can’t hide anymore. 

Basking in Annie’s smile and gaze, Anson’s mood gradually lifted. “In the end, I’m the one who takes the blame, right? No one believes you’d do anything bad.” 

Annie’s smile bloomed, and she burst into cheerful laughter. “Isn’t that obvious? I wouldn’t do anything bad to begin with.” 

She widened her eyes, leaned in close, pressed her forehead against Anson’s, and whispered with a grin, “But don’t worry, I’ll keep it a secret. This is our little secret.” 

Thump. Thump. 

Anson’s heart skipped a couple of beats, happiness quietly blossoming in his chest. So, this is what happiness feels like? 

It was a bit unfamiliar, making Anson slightly nervous. 

He mirrored her smile. “I think you should be more worried about tonight.” 

Annie blinked. “Tonight?” 

Anson glanced down at himself. “We’re soaked through, then ran around sweating. Hot and cold—watch out for a cold.” 

“And back at the hotel, that mess is still waiting. Richard probably hasn’t gotten a moment’s rest.” 

Annie gasped, her happiness and joy freezing in her eyes as panic set in again. 

Looking so timid and guilty, she still thought she could get away with mischief? She’d probably confess without any interrogation. 

But what could they do? 

Anson patted her arm. “Come on, let’s head back to the hotel. You need a hot shower.” 

Annie’s eyes flickered with hesitation, like a kid who played all summer and forgot their homework, dreading the moment they face their parents. Not just similar—exactly the same. 

Anson burst out laughing. “Don’t worry, I’ve got Richard covered.” 

That one sentence eased Annie’s tension a bit. They stood up and started walking back toward the hilltop where Anson’s car was parked. 

Lost in thought, Annie shook her head lightly. “I think we don’t need to tell them what happened here, do we?” 

Anson didn’t respond, letting Annie’s voice fill the air. 

“I mean, nothing really happened at Griffith Observatory. I doubt anyone even recognized me.” 

“No one’s caught wind of me being here, or the paparazzi would’ve swarmed already. I think no one knows about what happened after, either.” 

“Do you think we damaged public property? Wasted water?” 

Blabbering on, Annie mumbled to herself without issue. Anson walked behind her, hands clasped behind his back, listening attentively despite not speaking. His mind couldn’t help but conjure scenes from La La Land— 

The same road to Griffith Observatory, the same quiet night, the same post-party (sort of) vibe, the same climb to find the parked car. 

An impulse sparked, blurring the line between movie and reality. Anson said, “Want to try dancing here? Tap dance or jazz?” 

Annie blinked rapidly. “Like in a Disney movie?” 

Anson: “…Never mind.” 

Ha, haha. 

Laughter echoed under the night sky, lingering even as they reached the hotel parking lot. The cheerful, relaxed atmosphere filled the car until Richard and Edgar appeared in view. Annie’s memory snapped back, her smile vanishing instantly as she looked up, seemingly counting the stars. 

Anson followed her gaze. They were in an underground parking garage—staring at the ceiling. If she wanted to count stars or see the moon, this wasn’t the place. 

Anson caught Richard’s expression. Despite his efforts to stay composed, a trace of anxiety lingered in his brow. 

It made sense. During a movie’s promotional period, Annie disappearing for hours without warning could make anyone sweat, especially if the media sharks caught a whiff of it. 

That’s why Anson had called Edgar for help. 

Yet, Anson had played the hands-off boss. After finding Annie, he didn’t return immediately. While Richard and Edgar were scrambling, he and Annie were… partying. 

Glancing at Richard, Anson understood. He exchanged a look with Edgar. 

Edgar gave a slight nod, a reassuring glance that things were under control, no issues so far. 

In that brief moment, Richard was already in front of them. He nodded lightly at Anson, forcing a polite smile, but didn’t wait for a response. Turning to Annie, he couldn’t hold back anymore. His anger poured out like a flood. 

“What the hell, Annie? How could you just run off to Griffith Observatory?” 

“When you got separated from the crowd, the first thing you should’ve done was find our car, a bodyguard, an assistant, or even a theater staff member. How could you just turn and vanish, completely off the grid?” 

“Annie, this isn’t like you. Not at all. Do you realize how irresponsible this was?” 

His anger crackled like fire. 

Anson glanced at Annie, who stood obediently, eyes downcast, listening quietly as if scolded. A glimmer of tears seemed to well in her eyes. 

Instinctively, Anson wanted to defend her but caught Edgar’s gaze, a subtle headshake. 

Anson understood. This was work—between Annie and Richard, about trust between an actor and their manager, especially during Disney’s turbulent times. Richard’s vigilance and sternness were reasonable. 

More importantly, Anson shared some responsibility. Griffith Observatory was his idea. Speaking up now would only add fuel to the fire. 

And he was an outsider. He shouldn’t meddle in Annie’s career, taking over her professional decisions. 

Clearly, Edgar had thought this through, issuing a silent warning. 

His thoughts churned, wavering briefly, but Anson held back, staying silent. 

“…You should be smarter than this, Annie.” 

“Hollywood is unfair. The same thing on a man is seen as charming or roguish, but on a woman, it’s reckless or scandalous.” 

“People don’t judge you by the same standards. Those differences are blatant, and no one bothers to hide them.” 

“You shouldn’t make mistakes like this, especially during The Princess Diaries promotion. Do you know this kind of behavior could ruin your career?” 

Chapter 1688: The Truth of the Matter 

Rage. 

There’s a certain situation where reason tries to rein in emotions, striving to keep things calm, aiming to just make a point and leave it at that. But then, unexpectedly, reason starts slipping its leash bit by bit. The more you talk, the angrier you get, the more frustrated you become. A nameless fire begins to blaze, and anger grows wildly, like it’s been fanned by the wind. 

Words spill out in a relentless torrent, unfiltered and unpolished, raw and primal, almost bloodthirsty in their delivery. They buzz like a hairdryer, losing all meaning, reduced to daggers that strike at the heart with every thrust. 

It’s so intense, it even startles you. 

That’s exactly where Richard is right now. 

“Do you have any idea how many people are eyeing your position? How many are waiting for you to slip up so they can drag you down and take your place? How many are spreading lies behind your back, slandering you for no reason other than pure malice?” 

“And you’re handing them the knife?” 

“Damn it. Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn.” 

“If this gets out, every attack, every smear, every disaster will come crashing down on you. And for what? Did you do anything wrong?” 

“No. Just because you’re a woman. That’s Hollywood. That’s reality. Cruel and unfair.” 

“I need you to wake up!” 

“Damn it! Disney’s watching like vultures…” 

The rage erupts endlessly, a geyser of fury, but it’s abruptly cut off. 

“This is your job,” a voice interjects. 

Richard freezes, a breath caught in his chest. His eyes blaze as he whips around to find the source of the voice, locking onto Anson with a glare that could skin him alive. 

Annie, too, looks at Anson in shock. 

Even Edgar lets out a quiet breath, but he doesn’t stop Anson, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. 

Anson, however, remains utterly calm. 

Not only does he not flinch, but he meets Richard’s fiery glare head-on. “I said, this is your job.” 

He’d held back, restrained himself time and again, but as Richard’s anger spirals out of control, threatening to cross from professional critique to personal attack, Anson finally steps in, deploying the interruption. 

Richard sucks in a sharp breath. 

But Anson doesn’t give him a chance to retaliate. “Yes, you’re right about the situation. We don’t need you to repeat it.” 

“The point is, when a problem arises, you solve it. That’s your job, isn’t it?” 

“If you can’t handle the paparazzi or Disney, I’m sure other agents and PR people would be happy to take on Annie’s work.” 

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“You’re partners, not subordinates. Annie doesn’t work for you. Strictly speaking, you work for her. Don’t get that twisted.” 

The room falls silent. 

“We get the situation. I understand your frustration and concern, but you don’t need to push it further.” 

“Tonight’s events were an accident—a pile-up of accidents that led to this mess. Nobody wanted this. Not you, not Annie, not me.” 

“But it happened. So, what’s your plan? Dump all the blame on Annie?” 

“Ha, I don’t believe that’s the extent of your skills. Or is it? If you can’t handle this mess, just say so.” 

“I’m no Hollywood kingpin or senior partner at Innovative Artists, but I’m pretty sure I could help Annie find a new team.” 

Anson pauses, locking eyes with Richard. His gaze is calm, but the sharpness beneath it meets Richard’s head-on, unyielding. 

Richard’s chest tightens. 

All his anger, all the noise, screeches to a halt, leaving his blood surging and a metallic taste flooding his mouth. 

He tries to speak, but the words catch in his throat. Anson, usually all smiles and charm, now radiates the aura of a top-tier star. But more than that, it’s the untamed, fearless energy of a young prodigy that dominates the room. 

In a flash, Richard recalls how Anson entered Hollywood: parachuting into the Friends cast. 

Behind them, Edgar notices the tense silence. He knows Richard won’t swallow this easily—Anson’s verbal slaps left no room for face-saving. But that’s Anson. Don’t provoke him, or no one knows how it’ll end. 

Edgar quietly tries to salvage some dignity for Richard. 

He’s not about to sympathize with him, though. No matter what, Edgar’s firmly on Anson’s side, even if it means walking away from his new role at Innovative Artists. 

Edgar opens his mouth to give Richard an out, a chance to apologize and move on, but a voice cuts through. “I’m sorry, I lost control.” 

Edgar blinks, stunned, turning to Richard. 

What’s shocking isn’t just that Richard backs down—it’s how fast he does it. One second, he’s a raging T-Rex; the next, he’s a docile lamb. The 720-degree spin catches everyone off guard, completely disregarding his own pride. 

Anson narrows his eyes, studying Richard. 

Richard shows no shame or hesitation, his demeanor earnest. “You’re right. I didn’t think this through.” 

“Obviously, none of us wanted this to happen. I trust Annie—she’s always been by-the-book, not even a parking ticket to her name. If something goes wrong, it’s my job to handle it.” 

“And tonight, Edgar really stepped up.” 

“I’m sorry, I lost control.” 

Anson starts to say the apology isn’t owed to him, but Richard beats him to it. 

“I’m sorry, Annie.” 

Annie’s still reeling, caught in the storm, unable to process. She stares at Richard, wide-eyed. 

Richard doesn’t mind the lack of response. “No matter the reason, I crossed a line. I shouldn’t have taken my anger out on you.” 

Annie blinks, glancing at Anson, who looks unfazed, signaling she should handle this herself. She’s fully entitled to accept the apology. 

Anson doesn’t plan to tell Annie what to do—everyone has their own way, and his approach might not suit her. 

It’s up to Annie to handle it herself. 

Taking a deep breath, Annie flashes a wide smile and waves it off. “No need to be so serious, like we’re at some disciplinary meeting.” 

“I know, I know tonight was full of accidents…” 

Richard cuts in. “But my approach was wrong too.” 

Annie’s attempt to smooth things over catches in her throat, but she nods lightly. “Yeah. I didn’t like how that conversation went.” 

“How about we tweak things moving forward? Have a real discussion—you share your concerns, I share my thoughts. Sound good?” 

Richard looks at Annie, exhaling deeply. “Of course.” 

(End of Chapter)