826-830

Chapter 826: Adding Fuel to the Fire

Difficult.

As difficult as ascending to the heavens, even Edgar himself knew this was a severe challenge—one could even call it a crazy one.

Timing. Geography. Human harmony. All three are indispensable.

Relying solely on Edgar himself or just on Anson alone, the chance of success was almost nil. A fortuitous opportunity was needed, with multiple forces working together to have even a 0.1% chance of success.

Man proposes, God disposes.

Now, Edgar was laying out his plan step by step, placing all the pressure on Anson. The next step was to see if Anson could bear the weight of hope.

A grand blueprint unfolded before him.

Anson lifted his chin slightly, a faint smile playing in his eyes.

"Well then, is it too late for me to get off this pirate ship now?"

A joke.

Edgar felt a bit emotional.

Anyone who heard Edgar's plan would sneer and dismiss him as a madman, including the executives at William Morris Agency, who had a completely different vision.

If it were an actor, they might not care at all, simply urging him to aim for the "Twenty Million Dollar Club"; or they might think he was insane, looking for a chance to part ways and find another agent.

After all, this is Hollywood, where agents are as common as actors.

However, Anson didn't.

Behind that teasing remark was actually a form of affirmation, no questioning or probing, just easily agreeing with his idea. Edgar knew Anson wasn’t the type to "feign understanding to brush off a response." The joke indicated that Anson understood his plan and stood by him.

A loyal warrior dies for a confidant.

Edgar's emotions surged.

This was further proof that he hadn't misjudged back then.

"Sorry, it's too late," Edgar spread his hands, his face full of regret.

Anson pursed his lips, "Alright then."

Edgar couldn't hold back and burst into laughter, "If the negotiations go smoothly—and I believe they will—the movie should start filming around May or June. Sony Columbia is currently building the set."

"The script, yes, the script."

"The script is finally done. I figured you're busy on the 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' set, so you probably don’t have time to read it, so I didn’t bring it with me."

"If you need it, I can get it to you anytime."

Anson waved it off, "Let's wait until we're done filming. But if this script was so hard to complete, it's a bit unsettling. If I give notes on the script again, do you think Sony Columbia will have a meltdown on the spot?"

"Quite possibly," Edgar's eyes couldn't hide his amusement.

After Edgar's explanation, Anson understood the situation.

"Spider-Man" told an origin story, aiming to stay as true to the original comics as possible. While not a direct adaptation, the framework was quite similar to the comics. Two screenwriters collaborated on the script, and progress was smooth.

"Spider-Man 2" was where Peter Parker diverged from the comic book version, becoming the Peter Parker of Sam Raimi and Anson Wood. The character traits and development arc inevitably differed.

Although the story was still based on the original comics, the plot needed to be reimagined from scratch, with Sam Raimi joining the creative process.

Sam didn’t write the script himself but sat down with the screenwriters for brainstorming sessions, defining the story for the sequel and establishing Peter Parker's character arc for this work.

Clearly, this was not easy.

Sony Columbia hired two teams of writers—one to draft the story, which included the general plot, and another to flesh out the script, focusing on scenes and dialogue.

However, Sam remained dissatisfied with the storyline, preventing the writers focusing on scenes and dialogue from starting their work.

So despite Edgar's numerous requests, he couldn't get a hold of the script.

Despite Sam and the screenwriting team working together for over three months, there wasn’t a single page of the script to show for it.

Sony Columbia went through four teams of six screenwriters, piecing together different inspirations and ideas to finally settle on a framework.

After much back and forth, they finally had a substantive script in hand.

What they received was the second draft, with the writers responsible for scenes and dialogue completing their work in just three weeks. But prior to this, the team had revised the story at least fourteen times, with the framework consistently failing to satisfy.

Imagine, if Anson were to give feedback on the script now, the screenwriting team might be on the brink of collapse.

But Anson was serious.

From past experience, "Spider-Man 2" was the most critically acclaimed in the series, but the box office performance unfortunately didn’t surpass the first film.

Of course, there were many reasons for this, and it couldn’t be blamed on just one thing.

In Anson's opinion, one of the reasons was that the overall quality didn't meet expectations—not that it was bad, just that expectations had been raised to a new height. Meanwhile, the script’s complexity and the characters’ thinness lacked some power, directly causing Sam to struggle with the narrative pacing.

This is a troublesome part of large Hollywood film projects. Due to intertwined interests and tight production cycles, producers often make adjustments based on profit, resulting in scripts being passed around different writers.

First, they gradually lose the individual style of the writers, leaning more towards an assembly line approach.

Second, the patchwork of different details and plot points can create a sense of bloat.

This issue isn’t unique to "Spider-Man 2." It’s appeared in countless sequels, one of the reasons why sequel quality is hard to guarantee.

Of course, among these sequel disasters, "Spider-Man 2" is already outstanding. Later, it was even regarded by many passionate fans as a milestone in superhero movies, influencing countless subsequent superhero films.

Perhaps, over time, this film will shine. But at its release, it didn’t meet expectations.

Some tweaks and changes might have made the film more nimble.

Now, Anson had the chance to change history, and he couldn't help but wonder—

Could he turn the situation around?

Or would he just add fuel to the fire, making an already cumbersome script even more chaotic, and ultimately turning a classic into a flop?

Certainly, Anson couldn’t deny this possibility.

Even so, he was curious, which is why he always wanted to read the script in advance—to see if he could make a difference and if he should give feedback.

But he hadn’t anticipated it dragging on until now—

"I'm serious. If I give feedback, would they be willing to make changes?"

Edgar didn’t hide his surprise, glancing at Anson in slight amazement.

All along, Anson had remained clear-headed. Even with "the butterfly effect," he didn't interfere much with the two screenwriters' creative process, refraining from meddling and sticking to his role as an actor.

But thinking back, Anson had already asked for the "Spider-Man 2" script more than once and now was going further, voicing his genuine thoughts.

Edgar, "Are you serious?"

**Chapter 827: Timed Charges**

Edgar was slightly surprised.

But on second thought, it wasn't all that surprising. Looking at it from another angle, maybe this was a good thing; Anson was starting to step into the role of producer.

"Are you serious?" Edgar still confirmed once more.

Anson wasn't joking. "Yes."

Edgar slightly raised his chin. "Of course. Whether they want to listen is another story, but hearing opinions is a must since you're Peter Parker."

In "Spider-Man 2," Anson wasn't a producer. For such a high-budget, large-scale project, it wasn't Anson's place to give opinions just yet.

Things need to be taken one step at a time; you can't become successful overnight.

A straightforward reply—

"Oh, by the way, the band's record release date has been officially set: March 31st. It aligns perfectly with your band's name."

Meanwhile, the producer had already met with Edgar to discuss alternative plans.

Additionally, the reason for creating the sequel, and the challenge the crew faced:

How to find balance among Anne Hathaway, Anson Wood, and Julie Andrews?

Next, it was up to Kate.

Michelle remained restless, like a geyser erupting at intervals—calming down and then exploding again. This back-and-forth was exhausting.

The news was kept confidential.

Especially from Michelle.

However, that didn't mean there wasn't a way.

"I've already informed Disney that your schedule might be tricky. Once the 'Spider-Man 2' crew starts filming, you won't be able to take on other work for the next three months."

"The Princess Diaries" is adapted from the original novel. The main storyline revolves around Mia's growth and every girl's dream of being a princess.

So, the crew continued with their routine, preparing for tonight's shoot, completely unaware that a storm was brewing.

"Sony Columbia requires me to clear at least four months for filming. I've discussed and negotiated with them; for now, it's just three months."

Blah blah blah.

Anson wasn't surprised.

"After all, the box office bonus is there, and we also hope the movie succeeds."

Anson shrugged slightly. "You can tell them I don't mind reducing my screen time."

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" was still in the dark; no one knew about the changes except for Michelle and the producer. Until Kate made a decision, the crew would proceed as usual.

Although Anson didn't know the shooting process of "The Princess Diaries 2" in the previous timeline, "The Princess Diaries 3" took three years from proposal to development without any results.

"Oh, no, wait, I should say I don't mind keeping my role low-key. In the first movie, I didn't have much screen time anyway."

This meant that the crew had to start from scratch to create a new story. With the previous film already having a perfect ending, how could they find a new character arc in a teenage fairytale movie?

Every day of filming delay added to the production cost.

"Haha." Anson laughed directly. "That's a good idea; they should be very restrained then. The biggest problem is solved."

Edgar said, "How about I tell them you're charging by the minute—$100,000 for every minute you're in the movie—and let them decide?"

What happens next is in Kate Winslet's hands. They can only act based on her decision, so they need to be patient.

Turning around, Edgar noticed that Anson had already fallen back into dreamland, leaning crookedly on the sofa with a peaceful expression.

"This also means if 'The Princess Diaries 2' starts shooting, it either waits until after October or must start in March or April. They need to make a quick decision."

"I know you're willing to cooperate, and you want to be in this sequel. I've been trying to communicate, but Disney's efficiency..."

"You can share your ideas and suggestions with Sam or the producer so they know the male lead's thoughts on the character and plot."

After all, a teenager's worries are more or less the same.

Anyway, Anson hadn't seen this movie until he crossed over.

"Anson?"

Edgar immediately understood.

Edgar let out a small sigh. "I told them."

"Also, there are scheduling difficulties."

After discussing, Edgar got up to leave.

Edgar shrugged.

Even a big-budget production like "Spider-Man" can't afford delays, let alone a smaller production like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," which can't handle much turbulence.

"I'll keep an eye on it and update you as soon as there's news."

Edgar added, "But it needs to be quick. Our schedule is tight."

Edgar opened his mouth, feeling a bit helpless, but in the end, he didn't wake Anson up—

"I'll handle the follow-up. I'll let them know you're not trying to interfere with their work; you just want the movie to be better."

Anson shook his head with a helpless expression. "You have to give something to gain something. You shouldn't be too greedy."

Anson spread his hands, looking as if he were complaining. "You tell me."

Turning around, Edgar quietly left, carefully closing the door.

If everything went according to plan, the next few months would be extremely busy—crazy busy. Every moment of rest would be worth cherishing.

"The script is still stuck; Disney's offer is still insincere."

Of course, they hope Kate will stay; it's the easiest option. But they must be ready if Kate decides to leave the crew; they'll have to race against time.

It's a tough challenge—a super tough one.

"Before entering the crew, the script kept changing, which is obviously not a good sign."

However, for those in the know, this was pure torture.

Anson nodded, letting out a hum.

"Warner Records is discussing the promotional schedule, but I can't decide. It has to be based on 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind's' filming schedule."

However, Edgar didn't hear a response and stopped.

Anson was just curious. "Is there still no trace of the script?"

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" was like this; Charlie Kaufman was still busy.

As expected.

Of course, this was just talk; Edgar believed Disney wouldn't accept it. But the next time he met with Disney, he could throw it out as a joke to let them know where they stood.

"But the problem now is, you don't mind, but they can't let go."

"The project's progress remains worrisome."

However, the original author didn't write a sequel. "The Princess Diaries" concluded perfectly during filming, leaving no room for a sequel.

This brought a smile to Edgar's face. "'The Princess Diaries' is the same."

"One marks the end of summer, the other marks its beginning."

"If I'm correct, Sony Columbia probably wants a summer release next year. However, we haven't even joined the crew yet."

"... You rest. I'll look into the situation and stay ready."

Edgar said, "No."

The faster they react, the more effectively they can control the losses and chaos.

Everything began to operate like a race against time, running at high speed and with intense tension.

Chapter 828: A False Alarm
The storm was brewing.

On the surface, everything seemed normal, as if nothing had happened. But the howling wind continued to shake the entire world, refusing to let it settle down.

Restlessness. Unease. Tension.

It was a brand new experience—shooting a movie that felt like a spy thriller. Yet, this was a common occurrence for most film crews, always fighting off trivial matters and unexpected incidents.

The "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" crew was beginning to feel a subtle sense of turbulence.

However.

Edgar stepped in, calmly and clearly assessing the situation. He offered alternative solutions to various problems, quickly regaining control of the situation. Producers, casting directors, and others resumed their work efficiently.

Even before Kate could make a decision, the crew had already begun to make preparations.

This way, even if unexpected situations arose, they could minimize the damage and keep the production on track.

Fortunately, the suspense didn’t last long.

By noon, accompanied by her agent, Kate discreetly went to the hospital for a thorough check-up and received positive news on two fronts:

First, she was 99.99% confirmed to be pregnant.

Second, her health was fine. Kate was in good shape and could continue working if she wished, though she’d need to take extra care of herself.

In the afternoon, Kate had a private conversation with Sam Mendes. The details of the conversation were unknown to anyone, including her agent, who was kept outside the room.

But the outcome was clear—

Kate decided to stay.

She wanted to complete the filming of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." However, due to her pregnancy, her agent had to negotiate with the crew to ensure Kate's health. They needed to draft additional terms for her protection.

For example, when a stunt double might be necessary, how the shooting schedule would be adjusted, and what situations would require Kate's input. They also discussed whether the crew should have a doctor on set, among other things.

The process was tedious and complex.

After some back-and-forth, both sides eventually reached an agreement.

When Edgar called to wake up Anson, it was not yet 6 PM. Outside, New York was already dark. At this time of year, 9 PM and 6 PM looked almost the same.

"Phew, false alarm."

"Kate is staying on."

"But technically, it wasn’t a complete false alarm because the scare was real, and the changes are real. The shoot might have some complications going forward."

"I’ll need to discuss with the crew to make sure that in protecting Kate’s interests, we don’t compromise yours. I need to draw some boundaries."

On the other end of the call, Anson wasn’t surprised. He was already prepared and was getting ready to head to the set for that day's shoot.

"I know, it's always best to be upfront. If nothing happens, great; but if it does, we need to protect ourselves."

"Captain, keep up the hard work. I’m headed to the train station now."

Rush hour in New York meant one thing: traffic jams.

Edgar sighed, "Anson, you should have Noah drive you to the set. We didn’t hire an assistant for him to sit at home doing nothing. If Noah drives, you could at least take a nap in the car."

It was hard to believe—

Anson Wood, currently one of the hottest stars in Hollywood, had been commuting like an ordinary office worker by train between Manhattan and Long Island for the past four days.

It was… unbelievable.

Even now, Edgar could hardly believe it.

On the other end, Anson sounded cheerful, "That’s the point."

"Experiencing the real life of a New York commuter, fully immersing myself in Joel’s life. Like a walking corpse, hating this life but too scared to break away from it, trapping myself."

"That exhaustion, that helplessness, that weakness—it’s all real."

"Hey, Captain, without ever being an office worker, you can’t understand the pain of commuting."

"It’s only been four days for me. Imagine doing this every day for ten years. Wow. So, when Joel meets Clementine, it's no wonder he feels that spark."

"Captain, I gotta catch the subway. Later!"

Edgar tried to say something, but the line was already dead, leaving him to stare at the phone in exasperation.

Commuting wasn’t the issue; but what if Anson was recognized by fans?

That would be a real headache.

Given Anson’s current fame, if any passerby identified him, he could be mobbed and might need the police to help him escape.

But… what could Edgar say?

Now, all he could do was hope Anson was right—that in the world of New York trains and subways, everyone was too tired and numb to care about their surroundings. As long as Anson didn’t draw attention to himself, he could ride these zombie trains undetected.

Clank. Clank.

Anson’s journey went smoothly.

Despite the rush hour, the train from Manhattan to Long Island wasn’t too crowded—

At least, compared to the rush hour back in China, it was a breeze.

And Anson was completely disguised as an ordinary office worker, with a scarf and hat that helped him blend into the crowd.

No one noticed him. No one paid attention.

To be fair, no one even realized Anson was there.

He got off the train smoothly and prepared to walk to the set.

"Anson!"

A voice called out, making Anson freeze. His perfect disguise had been blown the moment he stepped off the train? What?

Blinking, Anson followed the voice.

He relaxed when he saw who it was.

"Oh, Kate, you scared me."

Kate Winslet stood up and opened her arms for a hug.

After they embraced, Anson noticed someone trailing behind Kate.

Kate smiled, "I knew you'd still be commuting alone. Aren’t you worried someone will knock off your hat in the crowd?"

"Oh, right, I forgot about your height. Unless you run into a basketball player, no one’s reaching your hat, huh? Haha."

As she rambled on, Kate followed Anson’s gaze and realized what he was looking at.

"This is the compromise I made with Sam."

"He’s fine with me working—he respects my career and agrees I shouldn’t be stuck at home just because I’m pregnant. It's the 21st century, after all."

"But he insisted that someone be nearby to take care of me, offer advice, and protect me. Just think of him as my babysitter."

Unexpected, but not surprising.

Anson paused, "Who’s paying for him?"

Kate: ???

Kate was momentarily stunned, not sure how to respond.

One second. Two seconds—

Then Kate realized Anson had a point. She and Sam weren’t married yet; technically, they were still just a couple, so they should keep their finances separate.

"Haha, good question." Kate laughed heartily, "Haha, I’ll call Sam and have him open his wallet."

"Thanks for the reminder."

Chapter 829: A Tail

A smile crept up to Kate's face, brightening her mood instantly.

"…Thank you."

Although she had already said thanks, after a brief pause, she repeated it once more. This repetitive expression of gratitude caught Anson’s attention, and he glanced at Kate curiously.

Kate noticed.

"You know, you have this magic about you, always able to lighten the mood."

Anson thought for a moment, then said seriously, "Kate, be careful. Falling in love with me would bring bad luck."

"Haha. Hahaha." Kate burst out laughing, then nodded earnestly. "Alright, thanks for the warning."

It was these casual, lighthearted jokes, effortlessly thrown into the conversation, that kept things cheerful and brightened the atmosphere.

"I, uh, I’m a bit unsure."

"On one hand, I’m excited and eager to return to the set and continue working."

"But on the other hand, I’m full of worries. To be honest, I don’t like Sam's suggestion—having an extra 'tail' feels like having an extra surveillance camera."

"At the same time, I’m frustrated. This unexpected situation has completely thrown off my plans. I should be thrilled about welcoming a new life, but I can’t shake the feeling of frustration. It makes me feel guilty toward the life growing inside me."

"I don’t know… Anson, I don’t know."

Kate’s words tumbled out quickly, somewhat jumbled and without much thought—a pure, instinctual reaction.

Anson didn’t rush to respond. Instead, he signaled for Kate to take a deep breath, using his expression and gestures—

Once. Then again.

Kate followed his lead, breathing deeply and slowly calming down.

Only then did Anson speak, "Hormones. This is all just the hormones messing with your head."

Kate pouted, "I should really just grab those hormones and beat them up."

"Haha." This time, it was Anson’s turn to laugh heartily. "Sorry, I can’t do that for you."

"Don’t be so down about it. Just let these emotions out, then shift your focus to something else. It’s just a phase."

"So, do you really want to keep filming?"

Kate was momentarily stunned, noticing the concern in Anson’s eyes.

"Kate, what I mean is, you shouldn’t feel like you need to force yourself for me, the director, or the crew. You should follow your heart."

"Work will always be there. If you miss this project, another one will come along. But you, you’re irreplaceable. We need to be kind to ourselves."

This was wisdom Anson had gathered from his past life—

Never sacrifice yourself for work, not to the point where it hurts you.

It’s just not worth it.

Of course, the harsh reality is that most people don’t have a choice, especially in the working world. But now, they had the power to choose, and Anson didn’t want Kate to stay out of guilt.

Kate studied Anson intently.

"Huh."

She chuckled, then her smile widened, and she rocked back and forth, laughing heartily.

"Haha."

"Anson, you’re really thoughtful. You don’t seem like a twenty-year-old at all."

"But I truly want to continue."

"God, look at last night. After that performance, that work experience, how could I say no? I can’t find a reason to leave the set."

"In fact, I can’t wait to get back and start shooting again."

It was clear that Kate was sincere. Her words were filled with excitement and joy, a pure and simple emotion that radiated brightly.

Anson couldn’t help but feel the same, his heart racing with enthusiasm.

"I just wanted to make sure."

"You know, you made this decision in just one afternoon. It’s a bit rushed, and sometimes we let our impulses drive us without even taking a moment to think."

"And besides…"

Anson paused, glancing at the "tail" positioned slightly behind Kate.

"This isn’t just about you."

Kate finally understood.

She opened her mouth, ready to argue with Anson, to explain herself. But as the words caught in her throat, she realized that maybe Anson was right.

Too many things had happened, too many emotions had rushed in all at once, and she had been too quick to make a decision. Her heart hadn't even had time to breathe.

That’s why she felt so agitated.

But how could all of these things be sorted out in just a few words?

Sigh.

A thousand thoughts and feelings turned into one long sigh, finally released.

Kate thought for a moment.

"Maybe I still need some time to sort everything else out, but, Anson…"

Kate lifted her head and looked at Anson, her eyes bright with determination.

"I truly want to finish filming. I love this script, this character. I love you. I love the torment we went through last night just to get one scene right—it reminds me that I still love what I do."

"That’s why I’m here, to tell you that."

It was then that Anson understood just how much Kate truly loved acting—

Now he could see why she fought so hard for the role of Rose in *Titanic*.

Looking back, people might say Kate chased after fame and fortune, hoping to land a part in a box-office hit.

But back then, no one knew—Kate, Leonardo, James Cameron, nor 20th Century Fox—none of them knew the film would be such a success.

Kate’s pursuit was purely out of love.

And when you love something, you should chase after it with all your heart.

Kate fought for the role, got it, performed brilliantly, and achieved incredible success. She deserved all the praise she received.

It was hers, rightfully.

This purity in her passion made Anson’s heart feel lighter too.

"Oh."

"If I could, though, I’d still prefer the filming process to be a little less torturous."

"God, I slept the entire day today and still haven’t fully recovered."

His serious tone caught Kate off guard, and she couldn’t help but burst into laughter, clutching Anson’s shoulder as she rocked back and forth.

"I agree, 100%."

As they laughed, the "tail" quietly approached, his face serious as he interrupted Kate and Anson.

"Kate…"

"Kate!"

"You should watch your emotions. Try to avoid extreme highs and lows; it’s not good for your health."

Kate’s smile froze, and without any hesitation, she rolled her eyes. She wanted to snap back, but just as the words reached her lips, she paused.

"Hormones. It’s all hormones. I can’t control it."

As she spoke, her tears started to fall, and Kate covered her face, wailing uncontrollably.

Anson noticed Kate winking at him through her fingers—it was a fake cry. Not a single tear had fallen.

But the "tail" didn’t see through the act. He hurriedly pulled out a large backpack from behind him and began searching through it.

It was only then that Anson noticed the "tail" was carrying a massive sports bag, almost like a tennis gear bag, packed full of all sorts of tools.

Anson couldn’t help but laugh.

In just one afternoon, where had Sam Mendes found this guy?

Always silent, yet stepping in at the critical moment, this guy was like a hidden master.

And then—

"Aha!" The "tail" pulled out… a bath towel.

Not a handkerchief, but an actual bath towel, big enough to wrap around half a body. He handed it to Kate to wipe her tears.

Kate stared at the bath towel in her hands, completely stunned, momentarily forgetting to cry.

**Chapter 830: Open and Honest**

"…No, I don't know the specifics. I just heard that Michelle's assistant has been on the phone non-stop, contacting different agents and actors. God knows what they're up to."

"That doesn't make sense, though. The cast is already set, right?"

"I heard something slightly different. They had a meeting all afternoon and looked pretty serious. I suspect there might be an issue with the funding."

"Funding? No, no, that can't be."

"Don't jump to conclusions."

"That's ridiculous."

After last night's chaos, the last thing they needed was another storm brewing.

The entire apartment fell silent, like someone had pressed the pause button.

The conversations were disjointed, and some of the meaning wasn't quite clear—

"Hey, everyone."

Anson.

Kate couldn't help herself; a smile crept across her face. She shook her head at Anson, "Don't worry, you're not my type."

"Oh, sorry, not even the Pentagon could help you."

But the second part?

Grant: ???

"Originally, I was considering leaving the crew to avoid delaying the shoot. But after thinking it over, I decided to be a little selfish. I love the character Clementine too much, so I'm staying. I'll finish shooting the entire movie."

The air grew a bit awkward.

Then came genuine laughter, and the atmosphere lightened up instantly.

Anson noticed.

So, does this mean something is actually happening with the crew?

Kate gave Anson a helpless look, but couldn't suppress her smile as she playfully punched him in the arm, voicing her protest, "Anson!"

Kate hesitated for only a moment before making up her mind.

The whole room burst out laughing.

Anson's quick-witted comments had everyone struggling to hold back their laughter.

"My friend saw Edgar Cooke."

Although they didn't know why, it wasn't hard to figure out after thinking about it for a bit.

Kate had no idea what to do next.

Sure enough, someone came in.

But everything was happening so fast that rumors began swirling almost immediately, and no one knew the truth.

The murmurs and whispers filled the air.

Then Anson added, "By the way, I knew it was only a matter of time before the news got out. After all, this is Hollywood, not the Pentagon."

Suddenly, all eyes turned to Grant, which was something he hadn't expected.

"No idea, but I can say for sure—it’s not good."

Just like Kate. Talking wasn't her strength—action was.

"Uh, but... why is he here?"

"Thank you!"

Grant was powerless to stop it.

"Yeah, share the secret, so we can all feel a bit more at ease."

As Kate tried to figure out what to do with her hands, Anson quietly raised his right hand with an innocent look on his face.

Anson's interruption snapped the crew back to reality. Though the shock and confusion still lingered, at least their minds started working again.

With a deliberate cough to clear his throat, the chatter stopped abruptly, and all eyes focused on Grant.

The crew resumed their work, greeting the actors briefly before returning to their tasks.

Anson didn’t laugh. He spread his hands with a serious expression, "I just need to clear up some misunderstandings so it doesn’t affect my dating marketability."

"Hey, Kate. Hey, Anson."

Kate had noticed as well.

"Good evening."

One second, two seconds—

"Otherwise, once we start filming, the actors will pick up on it."

"But for the upcoming shoots, I might become the most troublesome and annoying person on set. I'll need you all to bear with me a bit. But I promise, I'll give my all to this project and do my best to keep the film on schedule."

Kate glanced at Anson, sending a questioning look. Anson smiled back, offering encouragement.

The set quickly returned to order, with the crew getting back to their work. Everything seemed to be running smoothly until the apartment door opened, and everyone’s eyes subtly drifted toward the entrance.

"Grant, do you know something?"

The apartment fell dead silent, everyone straining to listen.

The "Eternal Sunshine" crew, which was just a small team, was quick to spread rumors, and any little movement made its way through the group in no time. The core production team was so small that no one’s actions went unnoticed.

Kate raised her voice.

"Have a great day."

"Can I take up thirty seconds of your time? There’s something I’d like to share personally."

Eyes darted from actor to actor, searching for clues, though the hustle and bustle of the set appeared no different from usual. Still, a palpable tension filled the air.

The crew sensed a storm brewing, but because the truth remained hidden, the growing anxiety spread even further.

"The baby isn’t mine."

"…Wait, who?"

"Shh… shh!"

"Focus on work."

"That’s all there is."

The set was unusually noisy—

"So here's the thing—I’m pregnant."

"Is Anson planning to quit the crew?"

Still, glances were sneaking toward them—

The two lead actors showed up together? That wasn’t normal.

"It’s definitely not to protect the identity of the baby’s father."

The first part seemed normal enough. Kate was even a bit moved.

"Ahem."

But in the end, Kate showed her sincerity and warmth.

Various rumors spread through the crew.

However—

"For now, it's all just rumors. There's no need to speculate wildly."

"Edgar Cooke, Anson’s agent, one of the hottest agents in Hollywood right now. I heard he was the one who discovered Anson."

At that moment, someone pointed out that faint sounds could be heard in the hallway.

"Come on, you must know something."

"No, I really don’t." Grant looked a little helpless.

Grant looked a little helpless.

All the rumors missed the mark. No one guessed the truth—not even close.

"But if we can, let’s try to stall for a bit, give the crew some peace to work, and also protect Kate and her child. They need to stay away from the paparazzi."

Pfft.

Grant couldn’t keep things under control, and after a slight pause, all eyes turned back to him.

"The hallway!"

Truths and rumors blended together. Every "I heard" and "rumor has it" contributed to the growing sense of upheaval.

"Um… wishing everyone a great day."

From the moment Kate said, "I’m pregnant," everyone was too stunned to react. People were so shocked that the rest of her words became a blur of noise.

Kate.

There was no reason to hide it. During the shoot, everyone would eventually notice. Kate didn’t want her situation to become a secret, fueling more rumors in the crew. Things were bad enough already, and she didn’t want it to impact the work.

There was also an unfamiliar face—probably an assistant.

Anson didn’t pay attention to Kate. He looked seriously at the crew, shushing them with a finger to his lips to ensure they all got the message.

The laughter wouldn’t stop.