1061-1065

*Chapter 1061: Fresh and Unique*

"Hah!"

Eve Wilson couldn't hold back her hearty laughter.

"Hahaha, you all should have seen Michael Lynton's face!"

"That guy always boasts about being so charming and suave, acting all high and mighty. It's hilarious. Now, he's trying his best to hide the stiffness at the corners of his mouth, barely holding it together. That scene was just too funny."

"Trust me, you'd love it."

As usual, Eve was unapologetically blunt. She made no effort to hide her schadenfreude, showing no pity or restraint as she kicked him while he was down.

The reason was simple: Eve knew all about the power struggle happening at the top of Sony-Columbia.

And as it turns out, the key piece in this battle was the “Spider-Man” franchise, a highly coveted prize. Anson, unfortunately, had become collateral damage in the fight between the giants.

But Michael hadn’t expected to run into such a tough opponent.

Eve relished moments like these, treating them like trophies she could collect.

“Ah, tonight calls for a bottle of red wine to properly savor this victory.”

Though the hospital didn’t allow smoking, Eve still pulled out a cigarette and held it between her lips without lighting it, celebrating symbolically. Then, she turned to Anson.

"So, what's the next move? How do you plan to respond?"

If Sony-Columbia hadn’t yet realized that the low-profile Anson might be playing a key role, they were on the fast track to failure.

On the surface, Sony-Columbia appeared to be retreating, but what about behind the scenes?

From Eve's perspective, two key factors were in play.

First, the internal struggle at Sony-Columbia.

Amy and Michael were in a battle for the CEO position. Whoever could laugh last would be the victor.

If Amy won, things would be simple. She had always been a supporter of Anson. But if Michael won, it might mean he was ready to settle scores later.

Second, was how Anson would respond.

Though on the defensive, Anson’s strength lay in his public exposure and support. Using this to his advantage could give him a chance to turn the tide, as he had done this time.

Ultimately, Sony-Columbia wasn’t targeting Anson directly. They still wanted the “Spider-Man” series to make money. Whether Anson or Michael helped them achieve that, the board didn’t care.

So, while this particular event was over for now, it wasn’t the final chapter.

Quite the opposite—this was just the beginning of a new phase.

Edgar let out a small sigh. “Honestly, everything happened so fast that I haven’t had time to organize my thoughts, but…”

He looked at Anson. “I think we should focus on the third movie in the series as our long-term goal.”

“After all, the contract for the second movie is already signed. No matter how ugly things get behind the scenes, it’s not worth burning bridges right now for short-term gains.”

"Unless..."

Edgar paused.

"Unless you're sure, Anson, that we’re ready to reject the third movie and go solo. Then, we could use this opportunity to threaten Sony-Columbia and secure more benefits."

Anson’s lips curled into a small smile. “And then the entire Hollywood would know Anson Wood is a greedy guy who’d stop at nothing for a bit of extra pay.”

Just like Jim Carrey.

The point wasn’t whether Anson wanted to do the third movie or not. It was about the delicate situation he was in. Everyone knew Sony-Columbia was in trouble, and now all eyes were on Anson’s next move.

The so-called “long-term benefits” weren’t just about negotiating for better terms for the third movie. It was about the reputation and relationships Anson would build with other top-tier producers and studios in Hollywood.

In simple terms, Sony-Columbia might suspect that Anson was pulling the strings behind the scenes, but clearly, other industry elites were watching too. That made Anson’s next move even more critical.

Anson wasn’t in a hurry. Why rush?

“Everyone’s speculating about my role in all of this, but none of them have proof—it’s all just rumors.”

“So, we should let them keep guessing.”

“The captain’s right. We need to keep our eyes on the long game.”

Anson was unwavering.

Eve glanced at Edgar, clearly surprised.

Most Hollywood actors only cared about the checks landing in their pockets. Concepts like personal branding, long-term strategy, or networking weren’t their top priorities.

But that was okay. That's why they needed professionals like Edgar and Eve to guide them. If actors had the looks, the bodies, and the brains, then agents and PR specialists wouldn’t have a job.

Yet, Anson had shown no hesitation. None.

Edgar also let out a sigh of relief. He knew that when Anson was calm, he could be both smart and wise. But this time, Anson had been hit hard—by paparazzi and the internal conflicts of Hollywood giants. Given his current standing, he was still at a disadvantage, forced to play defense. Edgar feared that Anson might act impulsively.

After all, someone in their early twenties is often driven by youthful pride.

But even so, Edgar believed in Anson. With a little effort, he could always help him regain his composure—it’s just that with Anson’s knack for debate, that “little effort” was likely to be a hefty one.

But once again, Anson had exceeded expectations.

Edgar wiped the sweat off his brow and smiled.

“So, we’ll just pretend we don’t know anything and continue playing innocent.”

“Our goal isn’t something small—it’s real influence and control. For now, we need them to let their guard down. When the third movie comes around, that’s when we’ll show our fangs and take a big bite.”

“As for now?”

“No matter how much they speculate, Anson knows nothing, and neither do we.” Edgar directed his last words at Eve.

“Even though we’re anxious and worried, Anson’s injuries are our only concern. We trust Sony-Columbia completely. We trust the director and the crew.”

Eve tilted her chin slightly. “Oh, playing the innocent flower, huh? I can do that.” She blinked playfully, pretending to look innocent. Then, in a high-pitched, doll-like sweet voice, she said, “I know nothing, really! I trust Sony-Columbia Daddy with all my heart.”

She slurred her words, sounding like she was being cutesy.

Too bad the unlit cigarette in her mouth gave her away, ruining the act.

Edgar couldn’t hold back his laughter. “You look like you’re missing a few brain cells.”

Eve didn’t mind, reverting to her usual cool demeanor. “But that’s the trick you men always fall for, right? When a woman looks at you with helpless, doe eyes, like you’re the solution to all her problems.”

She shrugged lightly. “Don’t worry, I don’t mind playing dumb, as long as you guys actually solve the problem.”

“Haha.” Edgar burst out laughing again, knowing full well there was more to her words. “So, what do you think Michael Lynton’s next move will be?”

Eve raised an eyebrow. “Oh, do you really think he’s going to show up?”

Chapter 1062: Watching the Tigers Fight

The situation was now under control.

What should never have happened in the first place had been resolved, and things were back on track; however, things weren’t quite the same anymore.

Someone at the level of Michael Lynton would typically never get involved in such minor matters. As the CEO of a top-tier company, he simply had no need to.

But this time, things were a bit different.

Edgar remarked, "I think, at the latest by tomorrow, he’ll come to the hospital to visit."

And he would notify the press too, ensuring a grand spectacle when it happened.

Eve thought it over and agreed.

"Act innocent. Act like the victim. Pretend nothing ever happened. Claim that all the misunderstandings were just communication errors by the team and rumors stirred up by the tabloids. Can you believe it? TMZ will be part of the narrative."

This is what they do best.

Eve turned to Anson, "So, are you ready for this?"

Anson was completely serious, "Honestly, I never expected to have the chance to go head-to-head with the CEO of Sony-Columbia, but I’m ready. I’ll prove that I’m a professional."

After all, as the saying goes: life is a stage, and it all depends on how well you act. It’s a timeless truth.

And in this case, it really was true—

The next morning, Michael Lynton arrived at Mount Sinai Hospital, surrounded by a sea of flashing lights, almost like a megastar—think Michael Jackson—visiting sick children. It was a media frenzy.

Unfortunately for the press, they weren’t allowed inside the hospital room.

Otherwise, they would’ve witnessed a classic scene—

Someone else had beaten Michael to the punch.

Amy Pascal.

"Hey, good morning, Michael," Amy greeted him with a bright smile.

Michael's face remained unchanged, but his body stiffened slightly—caught off guard by Amy’s unexpected appearance.

Clearly, Amy wasn’t going to sit by and do nothing. She was also seizing the opportunity.

From a purely objective standpoint, Anson, as an actor, didn’t yet have the clout to influence the overall direction of Sony-Columbia. He was still a pawn, a small fish.

Yet, the reality seemed a little different.

Silently, Anson was becoming a crucial piece in this power struggle.

The facts were in plain sight—Anson had survived the crisis and forced Michael to comply—

The Sony-Columbia board wasted no time pinning the blame on Michael. They confidently claimed, “Anson was fine, why replace him?” “Was it a brain-dead idea to go after Anson?” “You were too aggressive and didn’t think things through.”

Everyone was eager to shift responsibility, making it clear that the entire mess was Michael’s doing.

Now, the board seemed to be Anson’s biggest supporters.

Whether in terms of controlling the media narrative or maintaining internal stability, Michael had to make a hospital visit today.

And Amy, of course, wouldn’t miss out.

Michael, Amy, and Anson engaged in what could be called a "pleasant" conversation.

In reality, Anson was the only one truly enjoying it. He sat back, watching the drama unfold like a spectator, as Michael and Amy traded subtle blows.

During their short fifteen-minute interaction, the tension never let up.

Originally, Anson was supposed to be the main character, playing the innocent victim. Instead, the story took a slight detour, and he became the supporting role. Michael and Amy only had eyes for each other, leaving Anson to relax.

He was just there to watch the show.

Then Lucas, playing the bad guy, interrupted the conversation, politely asking Michael and Amy to leave, as Anson needed to prepare for rehab.

Both CEOs complied, smiling as they left.

The reporters waiting outside the hospital were in for a surprise. Not only did they get to see Michael enter the hospital, but when he left, Amy was with him—a bonus scoop! The flashes from the cameras were like a tidal wave.

In front of the media, Michael and Amy were more restrained and cautious.

Both expressed that the "Spider-Man 2" production team was eagerly waiting for Anson, confirming that he was the one and only Peter Parker. So far, Anson’s recovery was going well, and they believed he’d be back on set soon.

In short, Sony-Columbia fully supported Anson.

This battle was a huge win for Amy, and Michael had no choice but to swallow the bitter pill.

After the chaos and excitement, things finally began to settle down, and Anson’s life returned to normal. The world finally quieted.

Edgar had been worried that the paparazzi might keep harassing Anson since he hadn’t made any public appearances or given any direct responses—even his condition had not been officially addressed.

There was still plenty of public interest here.

Why would the paparazzi give up?

Surprisingly, though, the paparazzi's usual enthusiasm seemed to wane, partly due to TMZ and Harry Percy’s incident.

There were still some paparazzi trying to sneak into Mount Sinai Hospital to get photos, but Lucas’s security team was always one step ahead, catching them every time.

One paparazzo almost fell from a tree outside the hospital, which could’ve resulted in serious injury, but the security team saved him just in time.

Another paparazzo broke a bone and ended up in the hospital, where he ran into Anson in the physical therapy room. Unfortunately for him, he was caught before he could snap a picture.

One particularly patient paparazzo camped out in the hospital cafeteria for days. He eventually managed to get a shot of Anson in the hallway heading to rehab, but it was blurry, with no clear shot of Anson’s face. The photographer actually broke down in tears, and the security team comforted him.

There were no gaps in security.

Lucas’s ironclad efforts even made professionals like Edgar and Eve take a step back.

On one hand, the number of paparazzi willing to risk everything for a scoop had dwindled. On the other, the airtight security left those who tried repeatedly defeated.

And that wasn’t all.

Each time a paparazzo failed, Eve made sure to leak the story to TMZ.

TMZ would then publish the failed attempts, ensuring the public knew just how relentless the paparazzi were, maintaining the pressure on them, which ultimately led to diminishing returns for the photographers.

Gradually, the paparazzi gave up.

Frustrated, they began plotting to boycott Anson entirely. They figured if no one covered him anymore, his fame would fade in a matter of days, leaving him irrelevant. Then we’d see who had the last laugh.

Who knew, maybe one day Eve and Edgar would be on their knees begging the paparazzi to chase after Anson again. After all, in Hollywood, a celebrity without media attention is practically worthless.

"So, Anson, scared yet?"

To that, Anson said: "Oh yeah."

No matter what, the outcome was that Mount Sinai Hospital was finally peaceful, and Anson could focus on his rehab, following the doctor's advice.

Chapter 1063: Returning to True Self

"…Slow down, maintain the rhythm, slowly, yes, slowly."

"You can't just mechanically repeat the motions; you need to feel the changes in your back muscles, the tension, the release. Feel the muscles—you need to establish a connection between your body and mind. It's not just for recovery but also to get familiar with your body."

"Hold it, hold it."

"Remember to breathe, evenly and smoothly."

Beside him, the physical therapist was calmly guiding Anson through his rehabilitation.

What seemed like simple, steady movements actually required great control and absolute focus. Lying face down with his limbs off the ground in a 'superman' pose, Anson was sweating profusely, with large drops rolling down his cheeks. Despite trying his hardest to keep his breathing steady, he found it difficult.

Especially when the physical therapist kept asking him to “feel” his muscles—that made it even harder.

Feel? How exactly was he supposed to feel?

Pfft.

In the end, Anson couldn’t hold it together and burst out laughing. His limbs gave way, and he collapsed onto the yoga mat, face down.

The physical therapist noticed Anson’s lightly shaking shoulders and looked slightly concerned, wondering if they had pushed him too far.

Couldn’t they see that Anson’s muscles were trembling uncontrollably?

"Anson, are you okay?"

Pfft, hahaha.

Anson couldn’t control it anymore and laughed out loud. Turning his head to the therapist, he said, "Sorry, forgive me."

"I know it’s not polite, but I really don’t know how to establish a connection between my body and mind. Have you studied Indian yoga?"

The therapist suddenly understood. "Anson, this is not the time for jokes."

After a pause, "You’re not using jokes to sneak in a break, are you?"

Anson’s eyes lit up. "Ah, my back, my back…"

He turned his head back down, laying flat with his hands neatly by his sides, obediently ready for more.

The therapist was used to this by now. "Rest for thirty seconds. There’s one more set left."

Anson groaned, "You said the last set was the final one! We’ve repeated this 'last set' 333 times already. Is this Groundhog Day?"

The therapist replied, "This is really the last one. Afterward, you get a lollipop."

Anson scoffed, "A lollipop? Do you think I’m three years old?"

The therapist retorted, "Fine, no reward then."

Anson turned his head toward the therapist. "How about a bag of chips? But don’t tell Luca."

The therapist responded, "One lollipop. Take it or leave it."

Anson protested, "A lollipop and chips are basically the same thing."

The therapist, "…A bag of chips. But you can’t hide it from Lucas."

Anson suggested, "How about I finish the chips here, and then you tell Luca?"

The therapist: …

Anson noticed the therapist’s faintly resigned expression and smiled. "Okay, I’m ready. You said one more set?"

Looking at the energetic Anson, who didn’t seem tired at all, the therapist couldn’t help but marvel, even after twenty days of the same routine—Anson was an actor, after all.

His flawless acting kept them on their toes every time. But more importantly, it wasn’t irritating at all; it felt real.

Unlike the glamorous, fictional image seen on screens, he was a real person with flesh and blood.

In reality, Hollywood stars were just like anyone else.

Most people lose the allure once they realize that. But for the therapist, this was when actors regained a whole new kind of charm.

"Yes, the last set. But this time, we’ll change the movements slightly, increasing the intensity a little."

Anson immediately grew cautious, "Just a little, right? Are you sure?"

The therapist’s face remained serious. "Really."

Five minutes later, Anson lay on the yoga mat, drenched in sweat, like a lifeless fish, too exhausted even to speak—

It was just one set, indeed. But the intensity and quality had tripled.

The therapist remained calm, giving Anson’s shoulder a light pat. "Very good, the last set is done. You’ve earned a star."

Anson: …

As the therapist prepared to leave, Anson suddenly remembered something important.

"My chips! Where are my chips?"

Before he could get up, a pair of pale yellow strappy high heels appeared in front of him. The delicate, fair skin seemed to glow, and a light, white chiffon dress swayed gently above. The person bent down and placed the chips in front of Anson.

He looked up in confusion, only to see Anne Hathaway trying hard to suppress her laughter, her mouth tightly pursed.

Anson lowered his head again, pressing his forehead against the yoga mat, silent.

Seeing this, Anne’s eyes sparkled with laughter, but she controlled herself. "I didn’t see anything, really."

Anson, however, had recovered quickly and jumped up. "That means you saw everything, right? Where do we start?"

Anson stood up and grabbed a towel to wipe his sweat.

Anne felt slightly relieved, "It seems like you still have some energy left. The therapist was right."

Anson turned quickly, "Shh! Don’t let that guy hear you, or tomorrow he’ll double the intensity. He hates it when people challenge his authority. If I say I can handle it, he’ll definitely push me further."

Anne had never seen this side of Anson before and burst into a full smile. "Does this mean you’ve mostly recovered?"

Anson wiped his sweat, took the chips from her hand, and opened the bag skillfully, offering it to her.

Anne waved her hand, "You worked so hard for those chips, you should enjoy them."

Anson teased, "Uh-oh, you saw me slacking off earlier, didn’t you? Should I be considering covering up this evidence?"

Anne burst out laughing.

Anson’s eyebrows raised in amusement. "Since I worked so hard for these, it’s only right to share with a friend. Happiness doubles when shared, right?"

Anson looked at Anne.

"Wait, or are you on a diet and can’t eat chips? Look at me, I forgot how strict Hollywood is on actresses."

Anne waved her hand and took a small handful of chips, "No, I do need to watch my diet, but I’m not always that well-behaved."

"A little candy, or maybe a small beer—shh, it’s a secret."

Anne teased back.

"Besides, Hollywood is just as tough on male actors. Where are your six-pack abs?"

"I bet 'Spider-Man 2' has a scene where you randomly take off your shirt, right?"

Anson replied seriously, "So, are you looking forward to it?"

Caught off guard, Anne blushed, unsure of how to respond.

Anson noticed. "Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean that. Really, I was just…" joking around, "Or are you really looking forward to it?"

Anne almost choked on her drink, "I didn’t expect you to be like this, Anson!"

Anson raised his hands in surrender, "This proves again I’m a great actor. Being just a pretty face is such a waste of my talent. Remember, all men are wolves in different disguises."

Anne burst into laughter, "Haha, hahaha!" Looking at Anson, her smile beamed wide.

*Chapter 1064: Growing Pains*

Without realizing it, a smile crept onto the corner of her lips. It was always like this when she was with Anson.

Annie carefully observed Anson, but when he caught her looking, she was busted. This time, however, Annie didn’t dodge; she confidently met his gaze.

“It seems like you’re almost fully recovered,” she said.

Anson immediately pulled a funny face, as if his back muscles were spasming.

Annie panicked, “Are you okay? Do you need a massage or something? Or should I call your physical therapist back?”

Then she noticed that Anson’s expression had returned to normal. He was watching her with a playful smile.

Annie was stunned, but then it hit her. “Jesus Christ, Anson Wood!”

Anson burst out laughing, “Hahaha, haha.”

But what he didn’t expect was for Annie’s eyes to well up with tears, a hint of hurt in her expression.

Her reaction caught Anson completely off guard. He was startled. “Annie, I’m sorry,” he quickly apologized, repeating it again, “I’m really sorry.”

Annie wasn’t acting.

She was just as surprised by her own reaction, hastily wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “No, no, I’m fine. Don’t worry, really.”

“Oh God, I must look ridiculous right now. But you’ve seen me at my most ridiculous, so I guess there’s nothing to worry about.”

With a small, self-deprecating laugh, Annie found her smile again.

Anson gave her a long look, noting the hint of sadness on her face. He decided to lighten the mood with a joke.

“So, have you been so worried about me that you’re not eating or sleeping properly?”

This time, Annie immediately caught on, “Don’t flatter yourself.” She couldn’t help but laugh at how absurd it was.

“I’m just…”

There had been some issues at home.

When she was fifteen, her brother Michael Hathaway came out of the closet. For Annie, who had once been a devout Catholic with dreams of becoming a nun, it was a huge shock. The entire family was thrown into turmoil.

After struggling with it, the Hathaway family chose to stand by their son. They left their regular Sunday church and joined a more progressive congregation, hoping to find balance between their faith and their lives.

However, in the past few months, even this new church had brought its own set of discomforts and challenges. Once again, the Hathaway family faced tough decisions.

In the end, they chose to leave the church, prioritizing family.

During this time, the tension between faith and reality became a new challenge.

On top of that, life refused to give Annie any space to breathe. One hardship after another came at her, leaving her emotionally exhausted.

Anson’s injury was one of those things.

Even though she didn’t want to think this way, there were moments when Annie felt like the entire universe was conspiring against her.

It was hard not to feel overwhelmed.

But how could she explain all this to Anson?

Anson, too, was dealing with his own troubles. The situation with Sony and Columbia Pictures seemed to be resolved, but they both knew it wasn’t that simple.

“I’m just... a little worried,” she said softly, pulling out a small thread of her emotions from the tangled mess inside her.

“Anson, do you think I’ve already peaked in my life? I mean, with ‘The Princess Diaries’?”

Anson hadn’t expected that. “No, of course not. I’ve never thought that.”

Annie forced a bitter smile. “I just really…” She took a deep breath. “I really don’t like the script for ‘The Princess Diaries 2.’ I feel like I’m a brainless teddy bear.”

Her words were light, but they were heavy with sadness.

Annie’s expression was tinged with helplessness.

“Like a Barbie doll?” Anson teased.

Annie laughed lightly, “No, at least a Barbie doll is pretty. I just feel… dumb.” The words lingered in the air, and she quickly shifted the subject with a smile. “I wish I had a project to take to the Cannes Film Festival.”

Anson tilted his chin slightly. “And then there’s Peter Parker, running around in a tight suit, stuck forever as a high schooler.”

“Hmm, charming,” Annie replied, dragging out the word with exaggerated emphasis.

Anson grinned, “Do you think I should quit ‘Spider-Man 2’?”

Annie thought about it seriously. “On one hand, running around in a tight suit is a bit embarrassing; but on the other hand, all actors have to do crazy things in front of the camera and pretend it’s normal.”

“Oh, we’re all just lunatics.”

“I’m also afraid to quit, worried it might be a mistake. So here I am, still playing dumb on the set of ‘The Princess Diaries 2.’”

“Looking at it another way, people are willing to pay us to act crazy, so maybe the job’s not that bad.”

“Are you comparing your ‘Spider-Man’ paycheck to mine?”

“No, I’m comparing our paychecks to what Walmart employees make.”

“Come to think of it, it’s pretty fair. After all, we get to roll around in piles of cash while acting insane.”

Back and forth, the two of them bantered playfully, exchanging looks before both burst into laughter.

In the silence that followed, Anson quietly watched Annie. He could tell her story was more complicated, that there were other things weighing on her. But he didn’t push for more details. Annie had her reasons for not sharing, and he didn’t have all the answers.

He sighed softly. “I’m sorry. Growing up is hard.”

Annie looked up at him, smiling. “It’s really hard.” Her voice unexpectedly choked with emotion, and the smile on her lips became heavy and strained. “I don’t even know how much longer I can take it.”

“The worst part is, no one knows how long it will last. Maybe this is just the beginning, and there are even worse things waiting for us,” Anson said.

His words made Annie pull a big exaggerated face, and Anson couldn’t help but laugh.

“But the good thing is, everything passes. We’ll get through it. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Annie looked into Anson’s eyes, her gaze steady and searching.

“Really? Will we really make it through?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Anson nodded. “Life’s always like this. We face one tough moment after another, and each time we think we can’t go on, each time we think we’ll never find a way out.”

“But then we take a deep breath, and we keep going.”

The difference is, sometimes we grow up to become the kind of people we despise; sometimes, we grow up to be people who accomplish nothing.

But only rarely do we grow into the people we once dreamed of becoming.

It takes strength and belief.

In his previous life, Anson had become the first kind, the kind of person he had loathed and rejected. So this time around, he wanted to try something different.

As Anson spoke, Annie drifted into her own thoughts. Sadness and helplessness weighed her down, like a heavy anchor dragging her deeper into the darkness, where she floated and sank, slowly but inevitably.

*Chapter 1065: Skimming the Surface*

Youth is always like this—

Long and difficult, wild and unrestrained, spending every ounce of energy to laugh loudly and cry openly, until utterly exhausted.

Annie lifted her eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to lift the corners of her tired mouth into a slight smile.

“Really?”

She wasn’t confident.

A hint of a smile appeared in Anson’s eyes. “You’ve been doing great all along, haven’t you noticed?”

Annie didn’t believe him.

Anson said, “I’m serious.”

“Look at yourself. You’re still attending school, while also beginning to think about your acting career…”

Before Anson could finish, Annie shook her head lightly. “It’s too hard to balance school. I’ve been considering taking a break. As for my career, I haven’t figured anything out yet. I’m just worrying about it for nothing.”

Anson: …

Seeing Anson speechless, Annie couldn’t help but chuckle, her gloomy mood slightly lifting.

Anson’s mouth curved into a helpless smile. “Alright, scratch that. Let’s start over.”

Annie was stunned. “You can do that? Life isn’t a video game where you can just load a saved file.”

Anson shrugged. “If I say we can, we can. Who says we can’t?”

Annie was at a loss for words.

Anson continued, his expression sincere. “What I mean is, your sensitivity, your attention to detail, your honesty, your openness—you’ve always been trying to take care of everyone around you, even when it’s not necessary. This heightened awareness of the world is both your strength and your weakness.”

“You’re trying to be perfect. Whether or not you achieve that, it’s the persistence and effort that matter most.”

“So, you’ve been growing, constantly transforming, in your own way.”

Suddenly, Anson’s gentle yet powerful words struck Annie’s heart, and the walls she’d built around it began to crumble, piece by piece.

Annie reminded herself to stay guarded, to hide her vulnerability and inner turmoil.

But she couldn’t.

Her eyes, unblinking, locked onto Anson’s deep, bright blue gaze, her heart racing uncontrollably. Annie swallowed hard.

“Why…” Her voice was slightly hoarse. “Why are you always so open? So honest that no one can resist.”

Anson hadn’t expected such a response. A smile crept onto his face, like a rainbow in the early summer afternoon—soft, faint, but still vibrant as it stretched across the sky. “I’m always trying.”

“We all have too many secrets. They could be scars or pain, guilt or weakness, all carefully hidden beneath masks.”

“The older we get, the more secrets we accumulate. Eventually, we become someone even we don’t recognize.”

“I don’t want that.”

“So, I’m trying.”

Annie stared at Anson’s eyes in a daze. “Then, do you have secrets?”

Anson shook his head gently. “No, I still have secrets. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a good person. In fact, I’m a selfish, ruthless bad guy. I’m just… trying to be honest with myself.”

Pfft.

Annie couldn’t hold back a laugh. “You, a bad guy?”

Anson said, “Of course. Look, I realized that the sequel to The Princess Diaries was probably going to be a disaster, so I found a way to escape, leaving behind a mess.”

“Hahaha.” Annie couldn’t stop laughing and nodded. “Alright, I admit it. Now everyone says I was the one who kicked you out of the sequel.”

Anson placed his hands over his chest. “They must’ve sensed my heartbreak.”

“Haha.” Annie couldn’t hold back anymore, her smile blooming completely, without a care for how she looked—

But this time, she didn’t seem to mind.

Yet, under Anson’s gaze, she couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed and toned down her smile, returning to her usual reserved demeanor.

“Wait a minute…” Anson said.

Annie’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to stay calm. “What is it?”

Anson motioned to the corner of his mouth. “You’ve got a crumb, right here on the left side of your mouth.”

Annie didn’t believe him. “No way. You’ve already seen me drooling before, so a little chip crumb doesn’t count for much.”

Anson laughed, “You sure? You’re okay going out like that?”

Annie’s eyes widened. “You’re not playing a prank, are you?”

Anson spread his hands, looking completely innocent.

Annie panicked a little, wiped her mouth, and then glanced at Anson for confirmation.

Anson motioned again to the corner of his mouth, “On your right side, at the corner.”

Annie grew flustered. “Your right, or my right?”

Anson said, “Yours.”

Annie wiped again, but Anson was still shaking his head, which made her suspicious again. “You’re sure this isn’t a prank?”

Anson raised his hands in a surrender gesture.

Annie hesitated, wiping at her mouth while looking up at Anson, seeing her own reflection in his bright blue eyes.

And then, to her surprise, she actually spotted a shadow at the corner of her mouth. Letting out a small cry, she quickly wiped it away.

It took her a moment to realize she had just been using Anson’s pupils as a mirror to check her reflection, and the thought left her stiff with embarrassment.

But when Anson noticed her stiff movement, though she had wiped off the chip crumb, her hand, still greasy from the chips, smeared some oil on the corner of her mouth. Anson raised his right thumb and gently wiped it clean from her lips.

Wait, this action…

The roughness of his thumb against her soft skin created an intimate spark, like a jolt of electricity between their skin.

Instinctively, Anson tried to pull his hand away, but the static kept their skin briefly connected, leaving him momentarily stunned.

As he lifted his eyes, they collided with Annie’s focused gaze, and in that moment, time seemed to freeze, with all the noise disappearing.

Like magnets, their gazes intertwined, drawing them closer and closer. Instinctively, they slowly fell into each other’s eyes.

Anson’s thumb, still resting near her lips, unconsciously drifted toward her lips, gently feeling the warmth and trembling they held.

Before either of them realized it, their breathing had become tangled, and the sound of their racing hearts pounded louder and louder in their ears.

Closer.

And closer.

“…I’ve gotten used to it. No matter what time we schedule, he’ll always be late. I think he’s deliberately avoiding physical therapy. Maybe he needs counseling too, or else…”

The sound of voices drifted in from the doorway.

Whoosh.

Suddenly, Anson and Annie were dragged back to reality, both quickly shifting their gazes and turning their heads away. This time, the static between Anson’s fingers finally broke, and he pulled his hand back smoothly.

Both of them, like kids caught whispering in class by the teacher, sat there with innocent expressions, looking out the window, pretending nothing had happened. But their overly deliberate actions—avoiding eye contact and conversation—only made it more obvious that something had.

And that, in itself, was adorable.

Like the teacher who couldn’t bring herself to scold the students, barely able to suppress a smile, it was clear to anyone watching what had just transpired.

The room seemed perfectly normal, except for the fact that there were only two people in it, and both were avoiding eye contact, as if trying too hard to hide something.

Is this what you call subtle avoidance?