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*Chapter 796: Fashionably Late*

Grant was a full half-beat behind before he realized that he'd been acting like a madman, making a complete fool of himself in front of Anson and Kate. He now found himself torn between wanting to "die of embarrassment" and "offering an explanation," but in the end, his reason managed to pull the emergency brake.

"No, no, no, it’s not because of Kate..."

However, Grant couldn’t finish his explanation. Anson had already stepped forward, giving Grant a reassuring pat on the shoulder. With a kind but playful expression, he said, "It's okay, it's okay. The Big Bad Wolf doesn’t eat just anyone. You might need to fatten up a bit."

As he said this, Anson even gave Grant an exaggerated up-and-down look.

"After all, Kate has worked with Leonardo before. Her standards are pretty high."

Grant: "???"

Even Kate hadn’t expected Anson to change the subject and shift the focus in just a second.

But Kate was experienced enough not to rush to defend herself. Instead, she gave Anson a quick once-over. "True, you’re the only one here who’s barely qualified."

After saying that, Kate put on an expression of helplessness, her gaze clearly saying: I’ll just settle for what I can get.

Grant looked at Anson, then back at Kate, totally lost in their banter. He felt like laughing—was this normal?

All eyes were on Anson.

Grant had thought Anson might get angry or at least feel embarrassed, but no. Instead, Anson spread his arms wide, beaming. "To even be compared to Leonardo, even if it's just barely, that’s an honor for me. Ah-ha, I’ll have to tell my mom when I get home today."

The best part was that he said this without a hint of sarcasm or teasing—just pure sincerity.

The humor of the moment broke through, and everyone could no longer hold it in.

Laughter exploded.

Even Kate wasn’t immune.

By the time Mark Ruffalo walked into the apartment, this was the scene he stumbled upon: an uproarious crowd, laughter echoing, a scene of warmth and camaraderie.

At the center of it all were none other than Anson and Kate, their star power shining bright, impossible to miss.

Mark paused mid-step, unsure whether he should walk in.

Though he would later be known for his role as the Hulk in The Avengers, Mark had already earned a reputation long before that in the industry as a talented actor, boasting four Oscar nominations, two Emmy nominations, and one win. His filmography wasn’t limited to superhero flicks by any stretch.

When other actors from superhero movies would eventually face career slumps, Mark and Scarlett Johansson were among the few who managed to escape that fate.

Few people know that, like many British actors, Mark has a formal acting background. He spent years honing his craft in theater. Though he never made it to London's West End or New York’s Broadway, Mark had performed in countless small theaters in Los Angeles, writing and performing in plays.

Now, in 2003, Mark was 35 years old and still struggling in the theater world, feeling lost and directionless. As he got older, he had almost given up. Despite all his efforts, he couldn't land a break in film or TV, and he spent nine long years working as a bartender to make ends meet, with no breakthrough in sight.

Just when Mark was ready to quit, in 1998, playwright and director Kenneth Lonergan—who would later direct Manchester by the Sea—noticed Mark’s talent. Lonergan gave Mark a chance in theater, and after receiving widespread acclaim for his performance, Kenneth invited Mark to star in his film You Can Count on Me.

The film, released in 2000, garnered critical acclaim, earning Oscar nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay.

Mark became an overnight sensation, with some comparing him to a young Marlon Brando. After a decade of struggle, Mark finally entered the public eye.

His story is eerily similar to Mia’s rise to fame in La La Land.

In the past two years, Mark has started getting more roles in film and television. He’s still figuring things out.

Recently, Mark had just finished filming the rom-com 13 Going on 30 with Jennifer Garner, in which he played the boy-next-door heartthrob. The film, currently in post-production, is awaiting release, and no one knows how it will perform yet.

In fact, while 13 Going on 30 received positive reviews, it didn’t become a massive box office hit. But surprisingly, twenty years later, it would become a beloved classic, evoking nostalgia for many, with its three main actors becoming Hollywood A-listers—a rare achievement.

On one hand, Mark was willing to take part in lighthearted films like 13 Going on 30, but on the other hand, he hadn’t forgotten his love for indie films. A project like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, working alongside Kate and Anson, was exactly what he dreamed of.

Though nervous, he was secretly excited.

In retrospect, the whole thing felt surreal, like a dream.

Not long ago, he had been a struggling nobody, barely scraping by, and now he was working with Kate Winslet.

As for Anson, Mark had heard about him from Jennifer Garner.

Jennifer had worked with Anson on Catch Me If You Can, where she played a woman who mistook young Frank Abagnale for James Bond. Even though her role only took a day to film, she was undeniably impressed by Anson.

So when she heard that Mark was going to work with him, she thought it would be an enjoyable experience.

And then.

Mark found himself witnessing this scene. He hesitated, unsure whether to step forward, fearing that his entrance might spoil the moment.

And to make matters worse, he was a mere supporting actor, arriving late while the two biggest stars had been there early, waiting for him.

It was a nightmare scenario.

Instinctively, Mark took half a step back, his mouth dry. He licked his cracked lips and hesitated. Should he just leave? But then, he stopped, unsure if fleeing was the right move. He found himself stuck in a moment of indecision.

Disaster struck.

Mark noticed Anson turning his head. Their eyes met, and Mark’s heart skipped a beat. His first reaction was to look up at the ceiling.

Why was he looking at the ceiling? Why was he acting so guilty?

The next second—

"Hey, Mark."

Mark’s heart clenched, his muscles tensing. He stood frozen, unable to move, as if someone had pressed the pause button: What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?

Gulp.

Mark swallowed hard, trying to muster a simple greeting. A “good morning” would do, something casual and natural.

But the first thing that came out of his mouth was, “How do you know who I am?”

Damn. It wasn’t a question, nor was it a friendly surprise. His stiff tone made it sound more like an accusation, full of hostility.

Mark didn’t mean it like that, not at all. He swore he had no hostility. But why did it sound so wrong the moment he opened his mouth?

Now all Mark could think about was whether there was a spell from Harry Potter that could make him disappear on the spot.

Chapter 797: Such a Lineup

 The atmosphere grew tense. 

Grant swallowed hard but almost choked on his own saliva.

 Even though they all knew that not everyone in Hollywood liked a pretty face, seeing Anson’s overnight rise to fame was bound to stir up some jealousy. However, those feelings of resentment and mockery were usually expressed behind closed doors. Rarely would anyone voice them openly—

 Was this about to turn into a verbal showdown?

 What should they do?

 Should they step in and break it up, or just enjoy the show?

 In just a split second, countless thoughts flashed through their minds. Not only Grant but also Kate glanced at Anson, then turned to look at Mark with a hint of caution in her eyes.

 Kate had been in similar situations before, more than once.

 Don’t get the wrong idea—Hollywood actresses are just like anyone else. They gossip, they whisper behind backs, and when necessary, they confront each other with thinly veiled barbs, sometimes even pulling hair if it comes to that.

 At least Kate had more experience than Anson. She knew how to handle situations like this.

 But Anson took the lead.

 “Of course, I know you. You just finished working with Jennifer, right?”

 “Jennifer called me specifically to say a lot of nice things about you. Looks like during this shoot, I’ll have a lot to learn from you.”

 Calm, sincere, confident, and friendly.

 Anson’s response made Mark want to disappear into the ground.

 “Sorry, that’s not what I meant,” Mark’s lips were dry, “I don’t even know… I’m really looking forward to this. Really. But what I just said came out wrong. God, I wish I could disappear right now.”

 He was stumbling over his words, flustered and almost in tears.

 Anson stepped forward and extended his right hand in a friendly gesture.

 “Jennifer told me you’re a straightforward guy, very easy to tease, and a perfect target for pranks. I think I get what she meant now.”

 In fact, Jennifer’s exact words were that Mark could be a bit rigid and wasn’t great at taking jokes.

 Anson understood completely. Mark’s years of anonymity had stretched too long, with his twenties marked by disappointment and frustration day after day. So now, Mark cherished every opportunity. It wasn’t that he lacked a sense of humor—it was just that he hadn’t had the luxury to enjoy jokes.

 Seriousness doesn’t exclude a sense of humor.

 Mark hesitated for a moment but then grasped Anson’s hand. “Please don’t prank me too often. My heart’s a bit fragile.”

 “Haha, I think this shoot will be a lot of fun.” Anson laughed cheerfully, even though the script’s tone, written by Charlie, was mostly sad. But like Charlie’s other work, it had a comedic touch—

 **Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind** was no exception. The film had a quirky sense of humor.

 It was definitely something to look forward to.

 Then.

 Anson noticed a head peeking in at the doorway, looking nervous and shy, much like a groundhog poking its head out before quickly retreating again.

 Anson patted Mark on the shoulder. “By the way, I loved **Trust Me**. Kenneth has always been one of my favorite screenwriters.”

 Mark: …???

 Anson? Had actually seen his work?

 What! 

The important part was, Mark had never seen any of Anson’s movies.

 In an instant, Mark stood there, both guilty and shocked, as if struck by lightning.

 But Anson wasn’t paying attention to Mark anymore. He walked past him toward the door, flashed a smile, and called out a greeting.

 “Hey, Elijah.”

 Elijah Wood pressed his back against the wall, trying to stay hidden, but he couldn’t escape detection. With a sheepish grin, he responded.

 “Hey, Anson.”

 Elijah, best known for playing Frodo Baggins in **The Lord of the Rings**, had long been recognized as the face of Hobbits.

 Unfortunately, it was Orlando Bloom, playing Legolas, who truly skyrocketed to fame. Elijah, the actual lead, didn’t achieve instant stardom.

 Elijah had been acting since he was a child, debuting as a lead actor as early as 1990. He’d shared the screen with the likes of Macaulay Culkin, Scarlett Johansson, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

 Like every child star, Elijah had to face the challenging transition from childhood to adulthood in the industry. He’d gone through ups and downs in his teenage years until **The Lord of the Rings** changed his trajectory.

 As a child, Elijah had been a bundle of energy, driven by a desire to perform, prompting his mother to bring him to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Now, after years of navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, he’d grown quiet, no longer the mischievous little boy he once was.

 In **Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind**, Elijah was set to play an important role.

 As soon as he stepped in, he noticed the strange tension in the apartment. Even though Elijah wasn’t new to this scene, he didn’t want to get involved, so he tried to hide—

 But he’d been caught.

 Finally, the apartment’s mood began to ease.

 Kate exclaimed in surprise, “Oh, the two Woods finally meet.”

 Anson Wood and Elijah Wood.

 Not only did they share the same last name, but Elijah was only a year older than Anson. Plus, Elijah had a brother and a sister.

 All these coincidences had led gossip magazines to speculate during the box office battle between **Catch Me If You Can** and **The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers**. Tabloids ran wild with headlines, suggesting that Elijah and Anson were actually brothers.

 **Us Weekly** even ran a dramatic article titled “Sibling Rivalry,” using the question mark to draw attention, despite not confirming anything in the content. Still, the clickbait worked, drawing in readers.

 Of course, none of it was true— 

Anson and Elijah weren’t related at all.

 Elijah’s family lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s second-largest city. In a town of just 120,000 people, they led a quiet life, with no connection to Anson’s family whatsoever.

 Kate’s playful shout made Elijah a bit uneasy.

 Anson was the hot new star, and Elijah wasn’t sure if Anson would want to be associated with him.

 After all, this was Hollywood, where Elijah had long since grown accustomed to the cutthroat nature of the fame game.

 Elijah shook his head and glanced at Anson, who smiled and said, “Hey, brother. Who knows, maybe if we trace our family trees, we’ll find out our grandfathers were cousins.”

 “Maybe I should pretend to be your little brother and snag a few acting gigs for myself.”

 Anson faced the rumor head-on, handling it with charm and humor.

 Elijah’s nerves eased a bit, though he remained cautious. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You might’ve missed out on that **Spider-Man** role.”

 Anson tilted his head. “Wow, sounds like you’ve got more clout in Hollywood than I thought. Maybe we really are brothers.”

 Elijah: ??? Wait, that’s not what I meant!

 It took a moment for Grant to realize that Elijah was actually downplaying his influence, hinting that he couldn’t have helped Anson’s career in any way. But Anson twisted the meaning, saying that Elijah’s supposed influence might have cost him roles instead.

 Same words, completely different implications.

 Elijah had walked right into it.

 Laughter bubbled up around the apartment. Especially after seeing Elijah’s frustrated, speechless expression, it was impossible to hold back the smiles.

 At that moment, a figure stumbled in through the door, apologizing frantically.

 “Sorry, I hope I’m not late.”

Chapter 798: Second Collaboration

This is Hollywood, the center of the spotlight.

After an overnight rise to fame, rumors erupt like a geyser, sparing no one.

For instance, some might wonder which producer's bed an actor climbed into to get a role.

Or what tricks they used to steal the role from someone else.

Or which financial backer is secretly pushing for the success of the project.

These kinds of rumors are inevitable.

Anson is no exception.

Darren Star’s personal connections were quickly dug up, and rumors about Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt being stepping stones came in various versions. Anson’s colorful personal life before starring in Friends sparked even more envious discussions.

None of this was surprising.

What truly surprised people was that Anson had built a good reputation within the crew.

At first, people thought it was because Darren Star was protecting him, or maybe because Steven Spielberg was covering for Anson. Either way, the rumors kept growing more outrageous and baseless, even dragging Tom Hanks into the mix.

But now...

Grant finally understood. It was Anson's personal charm, radiating from every gesture, that was key—something intangible and only felt after meeting him in person.

It’s hard to believe Anson is only 20 years old.

Then, someone else entered the scene, slightly disrupting the cozy atmosphere.

"Sorry, hope I’m not late."

A bright voice, like a ray of sunshine, filled with youthful energy.

It was none other than Kirsten Dunst, the leading lady of Spider-Man. This time, she was reuniting with Anson in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

When the final cast was confirmed, this reunion was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise. After all, the last collaboration between Anson and Kirsten brought in $600 million at the North American box office. The two would continue working together in the Spider-Man sequel, making them stand out among their generation of actors.

Now, their "second collaboration" was starting. As expected, Hollywood is a small world. Not long ago, Anson worked with Elizabeth Banks twice; now, due to Jennifer Garner, he had connections with Mark Ruffalo even before meeting him. And now, here he was, paired with Kirsten Dunst again.

But this collaboration was slightly different from what one might expect.

Anson and Kate are playing fated lovers, while Kirsten’s character has a completely different romantic storyline with Mark.

If audiences were hoping for more scenes between Anson and Kirsten, they might be disappointed—

Kirsten plays the receptionist at the memory-erasing clinic, while Anson’s character is a customer seeking to erase his memories.

That’s it.

Even though Anson and Kirsten do have a few scenes together, they’re minimal, and there’s no chemistry—it’s strictly business.

In a way, it’s clear that the huge success of Spider-Man benefitted Anson more. In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Anson plays the male lead, while Kirsten is in a supporting role.

Alternatively, from another perspective, Kirsten likely wanted to explore different kinds of films to expand her acting range after coming of age, and whether she was the lead or not didn’t matter. She’s a young actor with a clear sense of direction for her career.

Otherwise, when she found out Anson was the male lead and she would just be supporting, Kirsten could have easily had her agent turn down the project. But she didn’t—she eagerly accepted the role.

That said, the anticipation was still there, even if Anson and Kirsten had few scenes together.

Like Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, people still eagerly await their collaboration even now. Even if they’re not starring in a film together, fans hope to see them share the stage at awards shows. It’s like breaking the fourth wall—their joint appearances always stir excitement.

Now, Anson and Kirsten are similar. Just seeing them together on screen brings a familiar, comforting feeling.

It’s not just the general audience; even the crew members, including Grant, feel the same way.

Swish, swish, swish.

All eyes turned to Kirsten, excitement and enthusiasm bubbling in their gazes, before shifting to Anson—

Peter Parker and Mary Jane were reunited.

And so, the gossip began.

Anson: "Oh."

He sighed, but his next words were completely unexpected.

"Thirty minutes late on the first day of shooting. What a special way to start things off."

Grant: ????

Nonsense!

Who was late? The director, writer, and producers hadn’t even arrived yet! What on earth was Anson talking about so confidently?

And why was Anson being so confrontational right off the bat?

So, was the rumor true? Is there tension between Anson and Kirsten on set?

The room suddenly felt quiet.

Elijah quickly moved aside, and when he turned, he saw Mark hesitating as if he wanted to intervene, despite not knowing anyone yet. Elijah gave him a look, signaling to keep some distance and enjoy the show.

Kirsten was still catching her breath, flustered, but she quickly noticed the shift in the room’s atmosphere. Once she steadied herself, she scanned the room.

It only took one glance to spot Anson.

Anson had this unique ability. Even if you just glanced at him, you couldn’t help but take a second look.

And then...

Kirsten saw the playful glint in Anson’s eyes—

Message received.

Though Kirsten had no idea what was going on, she understood Anson.

In fact, just the night before, when Anson was on the phone with Jake Gyllenhaal, Kirsten was nearby, and Jake had commented that Anson seemed a little nervous.

Partly because he was excited to work with Kate.

Partly because he was worried about the atmosphere on set. With his rapid rise in fame, if Anson had chosen another commercial film, it wouldn’t have been an issue. But instead, he picked a Charlie Kaufman film—

The crew might have a critical attitude of "let’s see how good you really are, let’s see what this rising star can deliver," adding an invisible pressure that could be exhausting.

Different crews can create entirely different working environments, and once in the flow of work, productivity can vary greatly.

But now, Anson still had the energy to “play the part.” Was he...

Kirsten, ever sharp, quickly caught on.

"Sorry!"

Kirsten dramatically bowed at a full ninety-degree angle, hugging her calves in a yoga-like pose, bending her head all the way down.

"I'm really sorry, please forgive me."

Her voice trembled as her shoulders lightly shook—she was practically on the verge of tears.

Grant: ????

Wait, what? Something’s off here! What’s going on?

So, how does this get resolved?

Watching Kirsten’s exaggerated, deeply apologetic bow, as if she was throwing her dignity to the ground, Anson was now in a position where he had to react, or things would turn into a disaster.

The situation had suddenly become quite awkward.

*Chapter 799: A Group of Drama Queens*

Grant didn't expect Anson to suddenly launch an attack on Kristen, nor did he expect Kristen to act so timid and fearful, which immediately put Anson in a difficult position.

They didn't look like partners at all; they looked more like enemies who wanted to destroy each other. The tension in the air quickly thickened with an undercurrent of hostility.

If Anson continued pressing the issue, it would lead to an irreparable fallout.

If Anson backed down, his dignity would take a serious hit.

He was stuck—moving forward or retreating was equally difficult.

Kristen was using a strategic retreat to put Anson in an impossible position—checkmate!

The atmosphere became tense.

Everyone exchanged confused glances, unable to follow the sudden turn of events. Even Grant, Kate, and Mark were at a loss, completely unprepared for the dramatic shift in the situation.

Kristen was struggling to suppress her laughter. She was actually considering whether she should fake cry a little and maybe even make her shoulders tremble for dramatic effect, really putting Anson in a tough spot.

"I'm sorry! Really, really sorry!"

Kristen almost threw herself to the ground in her apology.

All eyes, sharp as arrows, were now directed at Anson.

Anson took a deep breath, pretending to be calm as he turned away to rub his eyes, as if wiping away tears. When he turned back, he seemed composed, but his slightly red eyes betrayed him.

The brighter his smile and the straighter his posture, the more overwhelming his sense of grievance became. His expression was tragic and heart-wrenching, filled with unspeakable sorrow beneath his forced smile.

Grant: Wait, is there something deeper going on here?

Could it be that Kristen has been bullying Anson all along? After all, Kristen has been a child star with deep industry connections, not someone Anson could easily mess with. Maybe Kristen has been secretly sabotaging Anson, and he's been enduring it in silence?

Wow, this is... wow!

Mark, drop your popcorn.

Meanwhile, Kristen bowed at a perfect ninety-degree angle in apology, all the while inwardly cursing Anson for not responding yet:

My legs are going numb, what should I do?

On the other hand, Anson's "grin and bear it" performance had captured everyone's attention. Without saying a word, he had turned the tables with ease.

Then, taking a deep breath, Anson didn’t explain or lighten the mood; instead, he pressed on with even more aggression.

"Apologizing? You shouldn't be apologizing to me."

"I'm just a small-time actor. What do I know other than following directions? I'm like an unemployed person just waiting around on set. Whether you're here or not doesn’t affect me. The people you should be apologizing to are the crew members—they're the ones working the hardest."

Grant: Huh?

At first, they were worried Anson was being too overbearing. Kristen had already humbled herself, and yet Anson seemed relentless. His fierce expression swung the scales once again.

But then, with a 180-degree turn, he completely shifted the conversation, casually throwing the crew under the bus. If Kristen had to bow at a ninety-degree angle to them—

Grant’s heart nearly exploded. Is Anson helping them or hurting them? Kristen wasn’t even late; how did things escalate to this?

Grant tried to stop Anson, but with Anson still passionately ranting, there was no opening to intervene. Everyone was now staring at each other in growing panic.

But then, another twist!

"You're apologizing to me, pointing the finger at me, making it look like I'm the bad guy."

"If you're planning to make me the scapegoat, fine. It's not the first or second time, and it probably won't be the last."

"After all, I’ve already got enough targets on my back; one more won't make a difference."

Suddenly, Anson's tone turned pitiful—he was angry, hurt, and bitter all at once.

Grant was completely stunned: How... is this even possible?

As expected, all Hollywood stars are narcissists. They can twist any situation to focus on themselves. If a sentence doesn’t have the word "I," they can’t function. Just moments ago, he was championing the crew, and now he's lamenting his own struggles.

This...

Grant blinked in disbelief, his mind going blank—

What should they do with this mess?

“I need to step outside and cool off.”

Anson suddenly changed course, taking long strides toward the door, about to storm out in anger.

Grant: Wait, wait! Anson, hold on!

But before Grant could say anything, Kristen stood up straight, took a sidestep, and spread her arms to block Anson’s path. The tension spiked again.

Oh no!

A fight was about to break out!

Kristen, looking utterly exasperated, glared at Anson with eyes that could kill.

“If you leave like this, what does that make me?”

“You’re really going to throw me under the bus? I went through all the trouble to prank you, and you can’t even play along?”

“I was worried about your position in the crew, trying to help ease the tension, and yet here you are, tossing me to the lions. My God, Anson Wood, you’re such a bad friend!”

As she spoke, the hostility vanished, and Kristen’s suppressed smile broke free. She lifted her right leg and playfully kicked Anson in the shin.

“I hate you!”

Though the words said "hate," her eyes and her grin spoke of warmth, and the natural, familiar intimacy between them instantly dissipated the tension in the room, changing the atmosphere completely.

Grant: Uh...

He was frozen in place.

So was everyone else in the room. They were all watching this unfold, but nobody understood what had just happened. Their brains had all but shut down.

And—

Anson clutched his shin, letting out an exaggerated howl as though his leg had been shattered.

Kristen rolled her eyes, “I kicked your left leg. Why are you holding your right? Anyone can see you’ve never played soccer; you can’t even fake an injury properly.”

Anson let go of his right leg and stood up, his smile broadening as he opened his arms and gave Kristen a big, warm hug.

“I did that on purpose, to throw you off. See? At least you haven’t lost your sharp instincts—not too shabby.”

Kristen returned the hug, her face visible to Grant and the rest of the crew. She made a mock angry face, clenching her fist and giving Anson’s back a few hard punches.

Anson played along, letting out dramatic cries of pain.

Kristen finally looked satisfied.

When they let go, Anson clutched his back, wincing, “Hey, you didn’t have to go that hard.”

Kristen spread her hands, “I can’t win a debate with you, can’t keep up with your pranks, so I had to at least land a few punches.”

Chapter 800: With Dignity and Honor

"Huh?"

"What? What’s going on?"

"Who am I, where am I, and what am I doing?"

The entire apartment fell silent. Everyone's gaze shifted between Kristen and Anson, but their brains struggled to catch up with what was happening. Question after question popped up, almost causing their heads to explode.

Until—

Pfft.

Someone cracked.

Everyone immediately turned to look. They saw Illya, hands behind his back, head lowered, struggling hard to hold back laughter.

And then, Illya couldn’t hold it in any longer.

"Haha, hahaha."

He burst out laughing.

Illya noticed the stares but had no explanation to offer, so he just waved his hand to signal he was fine.

Walking forward, Illya approached Anson and Kristen, full of curiosity.

"Did you guys rehearse this?"

Kristen glanced at Anson and smiled, a light, gentle expression like the sun peeking through after a spring rain. "Seems like we did pretty well."

The subtext: they hadn’t rehearsed, but still managed to make their fellow actors confused.

Illya suddenly understood. "Wow."

He looked at Kristen, then at Anson, his eyes filled with wonder.

Kristen knew what Illya's look meant, so she quickly cleared things up. "It was him, all him. You all should be more cautious around him; he loves playing pranks."

"Hey, Kristen!" Anson protested.

Both Kristen and Illya looked at him.

But instead of explaining or objecting, Anson put a finger to his lips. "Shh. Let’s give everyone time to get to know me properly."

Unbelievable!

One second, two seconds.

Illya burst into laughter again. He was starting to like Anson now.

Everyone gradually came to their senses and finally understood—

It was a prank.

Turns out, it had all been just a prank.

But wait.

Thinking about it calmly, they had originally thought Anson and Kristen were messing with each other; but now, it didn’t seem right. Were they actually teaming up to prank the crew?

And here they were, like puppets on strings, foolishly worrying about the two of them getting into a fight.

Looking back now, they felt both embarrassed and amused.

Grant was momentarily stunned, then let out a wry chuckle—

Was it normal to feel oddly good about this?

Kate also snapped back to reality. She quietly observed the crew, and had to admit, she was genuinely impressed. Anson was someone to watch.

What Anson was going through now, Kate had experienced herself. After "Titanic" exploded at the box office, the first group she worked with wasn’t for a commercial movie but for an independent film. The atmosphere was strange.

It wasn’t tense or hostile, just filled with a sort of arrogant, mocking provocation that slightly pricked at your skin, without fully igniting anything.

There was one time when Kate locked herself in a bathroom stall out of frustration from struggling with a scene. She was disappointed in herself, angry with herself, and then, by chance, overheard the crew talking.

After "Titanic" became a hit, behind-the-scenes stories became popular topics. Stories about how two of the cast members became lucky stars spread far and wide.

Leonardo DiCaprio had been James Cameron’s pick, standing firm against opposition. Without James, 20th Century Fox would’ve preferred Matthew McConaughey for the role, and history would’ve been different.

As for Kate, she had fought for the role herself. Among a group of contenders, she didn’t stand out; but she didn’t give up. Every week, she sent a handwritten letter with a rose to James Cameron's office, with a note saying, "I’m your Rose." Her persistence won him over.

To the public, these stories were thrilling and legendary. But to those in the industry, they sparked mixed opinions and debates.

“If she was so desperate to star in a blockbuster, what’s she doing in art films now, trying to ‘find herself’? It’s so pretentious.”

“Along with the roses, did she also send in her underwear?”

“Am I imagining things, or is her acting now unbearably over-the-top? Is this what happens after starring in a box office juggernaut?”

The mocking, sneering, and disdain were followed by cruel laughter.

Kate, curled up on the toilet, holding her knees tight, desperately tried not to make a sound. But after relaxing slightly, she realized her face was already soaked in tears.

At that time, she felt cowardly and weak. She didn’t dare confront anyone. All her pain, frustration, and resentment were swallowed down because she was terrified people would say she didn’t know how good she had it, or that all this was her own fault and she wasn’t even grateful. Or worse, that her success was something everyone dreamed of, and if she didn’t like it, she should just retire?

Those looks, those words, those whispers.

It was so easy for them to crush her confidence.

So she swallowed her tears, dried her eyes, and faced her struggles head-on.

To everyone else, it looked like she had it all. But only she knew the truth.

Of course, Kate didn’t regret it. She knew this was the path she chose, and she knew that fame came with a price.

The only thing she wished was that she could face it all with more dignity and courage—

Yes, she had achieved what every Hollywood actor dreamed of. She should be happy, satisfied, and proud. And she was. But she should also be allowed to have her own worries and doubts, to continue exploring her path as an actor.

She wanted to be able to face the gossip and criticism with grace and fight back.

At the time, she couldn’t. Neither could Leonardo.

Their success felt so overwhelming that they were almost guilty for it, scared to complain, to feel lost, to suffer. It felt like any hint of negativity would make them seem ungrateful.

But now—

Kate saw the perfect response in Anson.

She believed Anson had his own worries and reflections. Beneath the "pretty boy" image the world saw, there was a real Anson waiting to be discovered.

The key was, Anson didn’t shrink away or cower. He faced the criticism head-on, with dignity, and responded in his own way.

Kate thought, Anson might just be a good actor.

Maybe he wasn’t quite there yet, but he was thinking, and thinking deeply, which meant he had the potential to grow into a great actor.

Kate was increasingly excited for this collaboration, convinced she had made the right choice.

And then there was Kristen.

With a smile, Kate walked over to greet the two leads warmly.

Meanwhile, Mark still hesitated in place, unsure if he should join in.