1436-1440

Chapter 1436: Things Don’t Always Go as Planned 

The sound of the door opening echoed through the room, and Anson instinctively turned his head toward the ceiling in reflex. 

One second, he had been speaking calmly and confidently, and the next, his panic was written all over his face. That single movement nearly made Annie burst out laughing. 

Originally, Annie had intended to reassure Anson that the person entering was just her agent, nothing to worry about. 

But seeing Anson’s hyper-alert reaction, a rare mischievous streak took hold of her. The warning that had been on the tip of her tongue was swallowed back, and instead, she decided to just watch the situation unfold. 

“Is everything going smoothly?” the newcomer asked, without introducing themselves. “So, you’re from… ‘Seventeen’?” 

Annie: ??? 

Anson hesitated for a beat. “...Yes.” 

The newcomer smiled. “Perfect.” 

‘Seventeen’—a magazine whose readers were mostly high school students. Teenagers who, for the most part, had little interest in movies. They were too old to drag their parents to theaters yet too young to be admitted to certain adult films. Movies like Ella Enchanted weren’t exactly their top choice. 

This was not the ideal audience for promoting a film. 

Yet, the person had just said, “Perfect.” Were they serious? 

Anson raised an eyebrow slightly. “Well, that’s just great, then.” 

The person didn’t leave but instead busied themselves nearby, while Annie took a seat on the couch, wearing a composed expression as she looked at Anson. 

Anson mouthed to her: Is this some kind of prank? 

Annie widened her eyes, blinking rapidly as she waved her hands. No, of course not. 

Anson squinted at her suspiciously before taking a seat across from her. “Alright, then. Let’s get started with the questions?” 

Annie nodded. “Bring it on.” 

Anson smirked. “Obviously, the movie is fantastic—classic Disney. But were you ever worried that it might get compared to The Princess Diaries?” 

Annie didn’t hesitate. “Of course. After all, our movie doesn’t have Anson Wood. I was always worried that might be a letdown for the audience.” 

Anson barely held back a laugh. “So, you’re saying Anson Wood is irreplaceable? Aren’t you concerned about the lead actor…” 

Annie noticed his pause and helpfully supplied, “Hugh.” 

Anson blinked. “Hugh Grant? Or Hugh Laurie?” 

The former—a rom-com icon, beloved by many, but already forty-four years old. 

The latter—the star of House, close friends with Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), and forty-five years old. 

Given Ella Enchanted’s story and target market, it was clear Anson was joking. 

Annie froze for a moment and gave Anson a meaningful look. 

Anson blinked again. “Hugh Jackman?” 

Annie almost lost it. Though she managed to hold back her laughter, the corners of her mouth still lifted. “Hugh Dancy.” 

Anson spread his hands in a mock gesture of disappointment, shaking his head slightly. “So, you’re worried Hugh Dancy might feel a little left out?” 

Annie’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she exaggeratedly feigned realization. “Oh, you’re right! I should be concerned—he was only the fourth Hugh you mentioned.” 

She even pinched her thumb and forefinger together to show just how little she was worried, her expression playful. 

Then she shook her head. “No, I’m not worried. Hugh is a very charming man. Very.” 

Her gaze swept over Anson, deliberately sizing him up in comparison. 

Anson tilted his chin slightly. “That’s a lot of ‘verys.’ So, do you think Hugh Dancy is more charming than Anson Wood?” 

Annie clutched her chest in a dramatic display of shock. “I thought we were talking about the movie?” 

Anson nodded quickly. “Right, right. But our magazine’s readers might be more interested in knowing who’s more attractive—Hugh Dancy or Anson Wood?” 

The third person in the room quietly turned and left, not wanting to interrupt the interview. 

Annie finally lost it, bursting into laughter. She clutched her stomach as she laughed so hard her eyes watered. 

Meanwhile, Anson remained serious, looking at her intently. “Miss Hathaway, you still haven’t answered my question.” 

Annie had assumed he was joking, but when she saw the genuine focus in his eyes, her laughter stalled. Her heart skipped a beat, dropping like a stone in her chest. 

For a moment, she was stunned. 

Her heartbeat stuttered, sending a wave of nervous energy through her. She hurriedly averted her gaze, but her wildly racing heart nearly jumped out of her throat. 

“Uh… You—why are you here? You didn’t even give me a heads-up?” 

Anson noticed the flush on her cheeks and the way her gaze darted away. He shifted uncomfortably before quickly changing the subject. “If I’d told you in advance, it wouldn’t have been a surprise.” 

“I heard from Eve that Ella Enchanted was having a press event at the Ritz-Carlton, ramping up promotions. Apparently, the movie isn’t doing as well as expected, so Disney is pushing a second wave of marketing.” 

“The hotel is close to my place, so I figured, why not surprise you? Give you a little encouragement. I hope things turn around for the film because, honestly, we can’t judge a movie’s success by its opening weekend alone.” 

“I timed my arrival carefully. By now, the press event should be over. I even saw reporters leaving outside. But then, I found out…” 

Annie let out a long sigh. “Yeah, things haven’t gone as expected.” 

“Originally, the press event was only supposed to last two hours this morning. By now, it should have been wrapped up. But when I arrived, I found out that after the group session in the morning, they scheduled individual interviews for the afternoon—one after another, like a relay. Looks like I’ll be here until sunset.” 

“God, I even had plans tonight.” 

She sighed, feeling a slight headache coming on. 

Ella Enchanted, starring Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy, was another Disney live-action fairy tale. 

Originally, The Princess Diaries 2 had faced numerous production delays. Disney, running out of patience, decided to fast-track a different project instead. After all, no studio had more princess movies than Disney. With the success of The Princess Diaries, they were eager to churn out more live-action princess films. 

Ella Enchanted was one of them. 

While the story and characters were slightly different, the film’s style and tone were crafted to replicate the success of The Princess Diaries. With The Princess Diaries 2 still in the pipeline, Disney aimed to solidify Anne Hathaway as their next live-action princess. 

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. 

Instead of the anticipated praise and fanfare, Ella Enchanted received lukewarm reviews. 

Critics gave it a mediocre 53% rating, and its opening weekend grossed only $6 million. 

While the film’s budget was relatively low—just $30 million—even a minor loss was a blow. But the bigger issue was that this underwhelming performance shook Disney’s confidence. 

Because Ella Enchanted wasn’t just a standalone project. It was meant to kick off an entire series of live-action princess films. 

Just like how, years later, the Marvel and DC cinematic universes would face ups and downs, Disney was looking at the bigger picture. Some individual films might underperform or even lose money, but the overall franchise had to succeed. It wasn’t just about the movies themselves; it was about merchandising, theme parks, and building a long-term brand. 

And now, everything was at risk. 

Chapter 1437: Growing Pains 

Over time, people often wondered: Why do Hollywood studios love making sequels? Even when superhero movies adapted from comics start underperforming at the box office, why do sequels keep coming out one after another? And even after the superhero genre has completely declined, why do studios still keep launching new projects? 

The reason is simple: 

Whether it’s Warner Bros., Disney, Universal, or Sony-Columbia, the real profits never come from box office earnings alone. Instead, the money comes from merchandising and theme parks. Movies are just a promotional tool—a way to attract consumers to a much larger industry. 

The same logic applied here. Magical Cinderella had performed far below expectations, yet Disney was still pushing full-speed ahead, launching a second wave of promotion without missing a beat. 

And that’s how Anson ended up making a surprise visit to the set. 

Still, he underestimated Disney’s commitment. His entire day was packed with back-to-back engagements. 

Clearly, the goal wasn’t just to promote Magical Cinderella. Even if the movie completely bombed and lost money, Disney’s live-action princess movie initiative would continue. They were determined to invest in promotion—no negotiations, no second thoughts. 

Anson spread his hands. “Promotion is always a good thing. At least people will see it, hear about it.” 

Annie let out a small breath, her smile carrying a hint of helplessness and resignation. 

Before she could respond, the suite door swung open again. The same person who had just left returned, looking at Anson’s profile without concern for interrupting their conversation. 

“Sorry, I forgot to mention—Annie is more than happy to talk about her next project. August 11th. It’s hitting the big screen this August.” 

“Oh, and of course, there’s also the project after that. She’d be delighted to share some details.” 

Anson raised an eyebrow. 

As expected, Magical Cinderella was just the hook—the real story was yet to come. 

Anson nodded. “Well, that’s great news. Our readers will be thrilled to get an early scoop.” 

But before he could even finish speaking, the person shut the door and left. 

Just like that... gone. 

From start to finish, they never once looked Anson in the eye. His so-called “Clark Kent glasses” were still doing a perfect job of masking his presence. 

Anson turned to Annie with an amused smirk. 

She sighed, chuckling with a mix of amusement and exasperation. “He was talking about The Princess Diaries 2.” 

Anson had a lightbulb moment. “Oh, so the movie’s already set for release!” 

Annie exhaled a long breath. “Yeah. We’re all just hoping we don’t go up against Spider-Man 2.” 

Anson laughed. “No need to worry—different target audiences. So, there’s already another one lined up? Looks like your schedule is completely booked.” 

Annie’s smile tightened slightly, almost like a butterfly’s wings disappearing into the sunlight. “I just wish it wasn’t moving so fast.” 

Anson picked up on the wistfulness and hesitation in her tone. “What’s wrong?” 

She waved a hand dismissively. “No, it’s nothing. Just me overthinking things.” 

Anson didn’t press further. Instead, he leaned back slightly, raising both hands in a playful surrender. “For the record—I’m not a paparazzo.” 

His eager clarification made Annie laugh, easing the tension just a little. She looked at him thoughtfully, her mind swirling with emotions. 

On impulse, the words slipped out. 

“I don’t know. I just feel like...” 

Annie hesitated. The thoughts echoed in her head, yet she still heard her own voice murmuring aloud. 

“Like I’m trapped.” 

“The success of The Princess Diaries was beyond anything I ever imagined. Hollywood felt like this incredible, magical storybook unfolding right in front of me.” 

“And it wasn’t just about the box office—it went beyond that. The influence seeped into everything. Would you believe that some people genuinely think I’m an actual princess?” 

“Princess Mia.” 

“I don’t even know how to respond. Now I finally understand why people call movies ‘the art of making dreams come true.’ It’s too real.” 

“And that’s the problem.” 

“In Hollywood, my image is now just that—‘princess.’ A Barbie doll in a ballgown. Because the audience sees me that way, producers, directors, and even other actors all box me into that role.” 

Annie let out another small sigh, idly tugging at the hem of her dress. Her smile carried a faint trace of bitterness. 

“So now, every role I get offered is just princess, princess, princess.” 

“Magical Cinderella—princess. The Princess Diaries 2—princess. The role I’m currently discussing? Still a princess. Not even just a token ‘pretty girl’ role. Not a student, not an ordinary girl—just a Barbie doll pretending to be a princess.” 

“I know, I know. This probably sounds ungrateful and entitled. There are countless actors in Hollywood who get overlooked, who never even get a chance to be seen. And here I am, complaining.” 

“But…” 

Her voice trailed off. 

Annie sat there, lost in thought, before flashing Anson a big smile. 

Yet, no matter how bright it was, the sadness and frustration underneath were impossible to hide. 

Anson shook his head. “I don’t think it’s ungrateful. It’s a valid concern.” 

“When you’re stuck in a typecast role, it limits your entire career. And when that happens, it’s no longer about the craft—it’s about survival.” 

“You and I are in the same boat.” 

“There was a time we thought all we needed was one big break—to land on the big screen just once. That it would be like a Disney fairy tale: the prince and princess live happily ever after, and that’s the end.” 

“But after it actually happens, you realize—it’s just the first step. Life is long, the future is uncertain, and things aren’t as simple as they seemed.” 

“Otherwise, Macaulay Culkin wouldn’t still be trapped as Kevin from Home Alone. Even now, he’s never fully escaped that shadow.” 

“Some people might say, ‘At least he made it once. That’s more than half the actors in Hollywood can ever hope for.’ But the truth is, he had that one success, and then he had to endure decades of being stuck in that role. It makes you wonder—would life have been better if he never had that success in the first place?” 

“Life…” 

Anson smirked, his tone light and teasing. “Is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” 

It was a clear nod to Forrest Gump. 

Annie instantly caught on. “Ha! ‘Run, Forrest, run!’” 

She played along with the joke, but her smile didn’t linger long. Her expression soon turned pensive, her mind drifting into the unknown. 

She sighed softly. 

“So, this is what growing up feels like? Facing all the complications and struggles of life, running in circles, feeling stuck, yet never finding the answers.” 

“If only life could stay simple. If only we didn’t have to grow up.” 

Annie looked at Anson, a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. 

And in that moment, she caught something unexpected—hidden beneath Anson’s smile was a quiet sorrow, a bittersweet tinge he couldn’t quite conceal. 

For a second, she was stunned. 

Chapter 1438: A Warm Invitation 

A faint sadness and a touch of bitterness flickered between those clear, expressive brows, catching Annie off guard. Her gaze paused, just for a moment. 

Anson seemed to notice. He lifted his eyes, meeting hers without hesitation, open and confident. Their stares collided, and Annie suddenly felt a little shy. 

A slight smile tugged at Anson’s lips. “When we were kids, we couldn’t wait to grow up. Now that we’re adults, we can’t help but miss childhood. That’s just how we humans are—always craving what we don’t have, letting greed and daydreams take over our minds.” 

Teasing, poking fun— 

Pfft. 

Annie couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing. “So, we’re all like that?” 

Anson nodded gently. “Yep, no exceptions.” 

“But look at it this way—growing up isn’t all bad. As long as we’re not scared of failing, we can always choose to take a risk.” 

“Sticking to princess roles is safe, a way to avoid failure. But if that choice starts eating at you, suffocating you, why not take a chance? Try something bold and unlock a whole new world of possibilities.” 

Annie watched him quietly. “But…” 

Anson’s smile widened. “What if you fail? Simple—start over. We’re still young, right? We can handle a few flops now way better than screwing up at eighty, don’t you think?” 

Ha! 

Annie cracked up again. “Eighty? Hahaha!” 

“But why eighty?” 

Anson thought for a second. “Well, I figure at forty or fifty, we’ll still mess up—and we should be allowed to. The room for error gets smaller, sure, but there’s still time to bounce back.” 

“Honestly, even at eighty, it’s fine to mess up. By then, who cares? The journey’s almost over anyway.” 

Hahaha! 

Annie couldn’t stop herself; her mood lit up completely. 

Anson went on, “Last time we met at that bar in New York, weren’t you auditioning for a role? Was that another princess gig?” 

Last time? New York? Bar? Audition? 

Her memory clicked. 

Annie waved her hands quickly. “No, no, no! Not a princess this time. It was still a Barbie doll type, though—except everyone thinks she’s a Barbie, but she’s not. She’s got her own struggles and pain.” 

Anson nodded, encouraging her. “Sounds like a perfect chance to shake things up—flip the script on what people expect from a Barbie.” 

Annie hesitated. “But…” 

Anson raised an eyebrow. “But you didn’t get it?” 

Annie shook her head. “No, the results aren’t out yet. We’re still waiting on the crew. But…” She took a deep breath. “Jake might get the part.” 

Anson blinked, then a grin slowly spread across his face. 

“So, you’re thinking of turning it down because of me and Jake?” 

Annie’s cheeks flushed. “Not just because of you. Mostly him. Working with someone like that… it could lead to all sorts of headaches later.” 

Anson’s smile grew brighter. “Actors are actors, work is work. No need to mix the two. If you only worked with saints, Hollywood wouldn’t have any projects left.” 

Annie laughed along. “Including you?” 

Anson nodded. “Oh, definitely me. I try to focus on my job, but sometimes that means I step on toes. To them, I’m a total jerk.” 

“The trick is figuring out how to set aside personal gripes, dive into the role, and deliver something we can all be proud of.” 

“You know ‘Singin’ in the Rain’? Behind the scenes, Gene Kelly was a total nightmare.” 

“No one can deny he was a genius at song and dance, but geniuses can be arrogant and selfish—and Gene was the poster child.” 

“He was a tyrant on set, obsessed with every detail, barking orders at everyone. He clashed hard with Donald O’Connor, nearly tanking the film more than once. And poor Debbie Reynolds, just starting out? He was brutal.” 

“She was nineteen, no dance experience, trying her best to learn. But Gene would rip into her, even curse her out—called her a useless idiot once. Full-on personal attacks.” 

“She was too scared to stand up to him, so she’d hide behind the piano and cry.” 

“When they shot the ‘Good Morning’ scene, Gene made the dancers go nonstop for fourteen hours. Half the cast, including Debbie, was wiped out, but he didn’t care. He was obsessed with the film.” 

“Debbie almost quit, but Fred Astaire—dance legend—helped her push through.” 

“And that’s how we got one of the greatest musicals of Hollywood’s Golden Age.” 

Annie’s jaw dropped a little. “For real?” 

Anson nodded. “Yep. Genius and jerk.” 

“But here’s the thing—he wasn’t singling anyone out. He was just as hard on himself.” 

“That iconic ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ scene? Took seven days to shoot. Gene had a 104-degree fever, singing and dancing in the rain the whole time, powered by sheer willpower.” 

Annie’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “So what we see in the movie…” 

Anson grinned. “Yep. That’s a feverish Gene Kelly, beaming with love and joy.” 

Annie let out a silent wow. 

Anson shrugged. “That’s Hollywood for you—a bunch of lunatics and jerks.” 

Annie laughed, shaking her head. “How are you so chill about it?” 

Anson smirked. “Because the craziest jerk in Hollywood’s sitting right in front of you.” 

Annie froze for a second, then a smile bloomed in her eyes, spreading into a big, goofy grin. She stared at the man in front of her, dazed. 

Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a knock interrupted. The guy from earlier was back. 

“Time’s up!” 

“Sir, did you get the answers you wanted?” 

Anson, uh… “Sure, sure. I think I’m done for today. Hope the movie does well!” 

Annie, though, looked flustered. “Wait—one more question! Didn’t you say there was one more?” 

The guy didn’t argue. “Fine, one last question.” 

Once he left, Anson turned to Annie, puzzled. 

Annie didn’t know what came over her. Before her brain could catch up, the words tumbled out. 

“So… are you free tonight?” 

Annie: … 

Anson: … 

Neither of them saw that coming—Annie making the first move. 

Was this… a date invite?

Annie realized half a beat too late what she’d said and scrambled to backtrack. “I mean, if you don’t have to rush home… if Mr. and Mrs. Wood aren’t waiting with dinner…” 

Anson watched her flounder, a soft smile in his eyes. “Oh, I’m free. I’ve got the whole night.” 

Polite, warm, with just a hint of teasing.

Chapter 1439: Dinner Date 

With his usual refined charm and a hint of playful teasing, Anson was being… well, classic Anson. 

Annie couldn’t help but feel her spirits lift. “This is awesome, perfect, unbeatable. Finally, something to look forward to after this crazy busy day!”  

Anson’s lips curved up too. “Didn’t you just say you had plans tonight and were worried about making it on time?” 

“So, it’s no big deal?” 

“Huh?!”  

“Damn it!” Annie blurted out, then immediately clapped both hands over her mouth, shocked that she’d let a curse slip. During movie promo season, that was a total no-no. And at home, her mom would’ve flipped.  

But right now, Annie didn’t care. She grabbed her head, staring at Anson in wide-eyed panic. “I totally forgot!” 

“Today’s my brother’s birthday. Ugh, we were supposed to have dinner together!” 

Ohhh, got it. 

Anson nodded in realization. “Michael, right?” 

They’d talked once over the phone about some gallery thing a while back. 

He gave a little nod. “Cool, no problem.” 

Annie waved her hands frantically, shaking her head. “No, I can totally figure out a way to ditch it. It’s not even a big birthday—he’s way past 21 but still miles from 30.” 

She thought Anson was brushing it off with a “forget it.” 

Anson chuckled. “No, I mean, if you’re okay with it, I could tag along as your date.” 

Annie froze. “You… uh… you’d be cool being my date to my brother’s birthday thing?”  

Seeing her stumble over her words, Anson got a little nervous too. “If you’re fine with it, I mean. We’ve talked before about the gallery, but if it’s a family thing…” 

“No, no, no, no problem at all!” Annie waved it off again. “Totally fine!” 

She paused. “But fair warning, Thomas might be cooking tonight. He’s universally known as the world’s worst chef.”  

“Maybe you could grab a bite in Midtown first, then we’ll head over together?” 

Anson burst out laughing. “Thanks for the heads-up!” 

Annie giggled too. “Alright, it’s a deal then!” 

Gurgle, gurgle. 

A massive pot of broth was bubbling away on the stove, filling the kitchen with smoky, meaty aromas. It actually smelled kinda legit! 

Thomas Hathaway was bustling around, smug as can be, stirring the silver pot with a ladle. “I feel like a wizard right now!” 🧙‍♂️ 

Meanwhile, Michael Hathaway, who’d just hung up the phone, wandered toward the kitchen, looking puzzled. Hearing Thomas, he couldn’t help but roast him. “Well, it does look cursed. Is that color even normal?” 

Thomas shot him a glare. “Watch it, or I’m spiking your food tonight!” 

Michael didn’t bite back this time. “That was Annie on the phone.” 

Thomas raised an eyebrow. “What, work holding her up? Do we need to wait for her to start eating?” 

Michael tilted his head. “No, actually, she’s almost here. And… she’s bringing a plus-one.” 

Thomas, mid-roast, got hit with that bombshell. “Wait, what?! Does this plus-one have a name?” 

Michael scratched his head. “Nah, she didn’t say.” 

Thomas pulled a face. “Better not be that Hugh guy from her latest movie collab. I don’t like him—he looks like a total pushover.” 

“Oh, crap!” 

Before he could keep ranting, Thomas noticed smoke pouring out of the oven. He bolted over in a panic, forgetting everything else. 

Michael glanced at him, half-amused. “I’m not guinea-pigging that dish. Let Annie’s plus-one test it instead.” 

As he headed to the bathroom, a flicker of worry crossed his face. 

Annie had never brought a guy to meet them. Not once! Not in school, not since she hit Hollywood. As far as Michael knew, she’d never even dated. 

And now, her first official date was meeting them? 

Or… had she already been dating someone before this? 

“Damn it!” 

Either way, Michael wasn’t thrilled. 

Ding-dong, ding-dong! 

The doorbell rang. 

Thomas peeked at the oven. “Michael? Michael Hathaway, get the door!” 

No answer. 

Thomas rolled his eyes, jogging to the door while muttering, “Michael, it’s your place—why am I stuck answering?” 

He flung the door open, barely glancing up. “Hey, Annie, come in quick! Food’s burning, and we might all starve tonight!”  

Without stopping, he dashed back to the kitchen. 

Then Michael’s voice echoed from inside. “Thomas Hathaway, lighten up on the stomping! I don’t need another noise complaint!” 

Annie and Anson were left standing awkwardly at the door. 

Anson’s half-raised hand froze mid-greeting. He turned it into a casual wall-slap, like swatting a bug. “Summer’s here, huh?” 

Annie stifled a laugh, stepping aside with a welcoming gesture. 

Before Anson could step in, Michael rushed out of the bathroom. “Turns out, Burgundy wine veal stew is trickier than it looks!” 

Annie winced. “He’s making wine-stewed beef? Why didn’t you stop him?” 

Michael threw up his hands. “Don’t ask—it’s a detonation button!” 

Only then did he notice the tall figure next to Annie. 

“Hey, evening… oh, holy crap, you’re—” 

Michael’s jaw practically hit the floor. 

Annie jumped in to cut him off. “Michael, this is Anson.” 

Michael: …  

From the kitchen: “Crisis averted! You should all thank me—I’ve got a feeling you’ll all bow to my cooking tonight!”  

Annie glanced over. “Thomas, this is Anson.” 

Thomas hurried out, wiping his hands on his apron. “Welcome, welcome, Anson…” 

Hic! 

“Wood?!” Thomas’s grin froze. “You’re that late-night street-wanderer guy!” 

Michael snapped out of it. “Late-night what now?” 

Anson started to explain—something about walking Annie home late once—but the doorbell rang again before he could. 

Michael took a deep breath. “Hang on.” 

He went to answer, leaving the group staring at each other. 

Annie shot Thomas a look, mouthing silently behind Anson’s back, “Chill, chill!”  

Thomas glared back with his eyes. “You actually brought him?!” 

Ignoring him, Annie turned to Anson. “Want a drink? Red or white?” 

“…Tea?” Anson managed. 

The trio paused, then Annie and Thomas both cracked up, the tension melting away. 

Meanwhile, Michael opened the door, ready to brief the newcomer—only to be steamrolled by an excited guest who barged right in, not giving him a chance to speak. 

The new arrival strode into the room, locking eyes with Anson, who stood out like a sore thumb. 

“Oh my God, what the heck?!” 

Chapter 1440: Superstar 

Drew Fuller lost it for a second—too shocked, too stunned—and the words just flew out of his mouth. 

“Oh my God! Holy—!” 

An F-bomb slipped right out, and in front of Anson, no less. 

Instantly, Drew froze, feeling like a human popsicle. 

Annie glanced skyward, but she had to step in and save the day—otherwise, well, there’d be no otherwise. 

“Anson, this is Drew, Michael’s boyfriend.” 

“Drew, this is Anson.” 

Drew’s eyes went wide, words tumbling out in a jumbled mess. “This is hands-down the biggest moment of my life. Even now that it’s happening, it doesn’t feel real. Oh, sorry, forgive my rambling—I must sound nuts!” 

“Anson! Anson! Of course I know Anson!” 

“‘Spider-Man,’ ‘The Butterfly Effect,’ ‘Elephant’—oh, and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’!” 

“Wow, sorry, I think I might faint!” 

“I swear, you’re the only actor in Hollywood worth watching right now. Not just ‘cause of your looks, but the way you bring characters to life—it’s unreal.” 

On and on he went, a nonstop chatter-fest, until—bam—it just stopped. 

Out of nowhere, mid-weird-sentence, Drew stood there, eyes bugging out like a broken robot. You could practically see the screws falling out of his head. 

Michael, standing beside him, wore a “kill me now” expression. He grabbed Drew’s shoulders, nudging him back a bit and stepping forward to shield him. With a forced smile at Anson, he muttered, “…Please excuse his enthusiasm.” 

The whole scene was kinda hilarious. 

Anson’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Hey, I’m not an alien. I’m just like Annie—nothing special, just a slightly different job.” 

Drew’s face stiffened into an awkward grin, muttering to himself—or maybe to Michael, but loud enough for everyone to hear. 

“God, he’s real.” 

A simple statement, whispered with such awe it was almost comical. 

Michael’s face twitched with mild embarrassment. “It’s not the same. Annie’s just… Annie. But you—” 

He sized Anson up, searching for the right word, only to come up empty. 

“You’re you,” Michael said flatly. “A real star. Like a movie character stepping into real life.” 

Ha! 

Anson chuckled. “You should sit down with my brother sometime. He’d agree with you—he thinks I’m just a dumb kid. He’d convince you I’m nothing special, just a guy he’s mentally punched a million times.” 

Annie, off to the side, snickered quietly, her shoulders shaking. 

Michael’s lips quirked, and he took a deep breath. “I’m not sure it’s that simple.” 

Perfect timing. 

Anson pulled out a gift he’d prepared. “Oh, by the way—happy birthday.” 

A sleek black envelope, understated yet classy, its texture and design hinting at quiet luxury. 

Michael glanced at Annie, who looked just as shocked, her eyes darting to Anson. Clearly, she hadn’t expected him to whip up a birthday gift so fast. 

Drew tapped Michael’s arm lightly, whispering, “Michael, Michael…” 

Michael eyed Anson cautiously. “Can I open it?” 

Anson gestured grandly. “Of course! It’s not Christmas—no need to make a big deal. Just a heads-up, it’s not a check, so don’t get your hopes up.” 

A little tease, lightening the mood. 

Thomas let out an exaggerated groan. “Ugh, dreams shattered.” 

Michael ignored him, opening the envelope. Inside was an invitation— 

From an art workshop at the New York Metropolitan Museum. 

Michael’s face lit up as he looked at Anson, who explained politely, “It’s an art workshop—a bunch of up-and-coming artists getting together to connect and share ideas. I figured you wouldn’t mind meeting some peers. Creating alone can get pretty isolating, you know?” 

“Hope you like it.” 

Michael’s emotions were all over the place, words failing him. He took a deep breath. “Of course—I mean, thank you.” 

He glanced at the invitation again. This was why “it’s not that simple.” 

To Michael, Anson wasn’t just a superstar. He was a turning point, a ray of light. Last time, Anson helped sell his artwork, and Michael never got the chance to properly thank him. Now, here was another incredible gift. 

“Thanks” didn’t even begin to cover it. 

His mind was a mess, too jumbled to think straight. After all that, he still just managed a “thank you.” 

Ding-dong! 

The doorbell rang, cutting through the moment. 

Thomas glanced at Michael, who was lost in thought, and rolled his eyes dramatically. “Fine, I’ll get it.” 

Shoulders slumped, he shuffled to the apartment door. “Hey, Burt.” 

A young guy in a sharp suit trudged in, exhaustion written all over his face despite the crisp outfit—a classic “overworked employee” vibe. “Sorry I’m late. God, my boss is a total jackass. Have I told you how much I hate him?” 

“What’s it this time?” Thomas asked. 

Burt Watson paused, flashing a tight, fake smile. “Oh, nothing big. Just blew a few million bucks. Heh.” 

Thomas grinned. “Nice work.” 

They stepped inside, and Thomas handled the intros. “Burt, this is Anson. Anson, this is Burt—Annie’s old classmate from elementary and middle school, and our next-door neighbor.” 

Burt took a deep breath, plastering on a polite smile as he shook Anson’s hand. “Evening. Really nice to meet you.” 

But his gaze didn’t linger. He turned to Michael. “Aha! There’s our birthday boy! Congrats, Michael—you’re one step closer to the 27 Club. We’re all trying to keep up!” 

He handed Michael a gift as he spoke. 

Michael flipped him the bird in response—clearly, they were tight. 

Burt cracked up. “It’s a hat. A really, really ugly one. Don’t wear it unless you wanna get jumped.” 

He burst into a goofy laugh, then spun to Annie. “Oh, hey, Annie. Evening.” 

Annie cleared her throat, antsy. “Burt.” 

She hesitated, wondering if she should explain who Anson was, but she didn’t know where to start. Burt, oblivious to the vibe, grabbed a handful of beer nuts and started munching. 

He glanced around, confused, seeing everyone clustered behind the couch. “What’s up? Are we all about to break into a dance circle around me?” 

Michael jumped in. “Red wine, Burt?” 

Burt nodded eagerly. “Oh, that’d be perfect. I desperately need some alcohol right now.” 

With that, the group sprang into action. Thomas headed back to the kitchen, Michael went to pour wine, and Drew dragged Annie off to the bedroom for a hushed chat. 

That left Burt and Anson in the living room. The vibe? Not awkward—surprisingly chill.