466-470

*Chapter 466: The Cost of Growth*

For a moment, everything seemed suspended in mid-air, neither able to be let out nor swallowed. Robert Ebert found himself frozen, tasting the faint bitterness of the screen’s emotional turbulence as if he was truly beside Peter Parker, experiencing the rollercoaster of his trials. He understood that Peter’s third pivotal growth moment had arrived—his friend’s father, the respected elder who had treated him like a child, turned out to be the Green Goblin. The sheer cruelty and repeated attempts on Peter’s life were as devastating as Uncle Ben’s death, forced upon him in a way that was brutally real and harsh.

Even though Peter believed he was growing through his challenges, the tragic reality of the Green Goblin’s identity shattered him, rendering him helpless and speechless. This is what life, what growth, really is—a painful, heart-wrenching process that pushes a naïve soul into a brutal reality, making one question whether superpowers are truly a blessing.

On the screen, the bloodied and shocked Peter stood still. Though he didn’t personally kill Norman Osborn—the Green Goblin, who met his end by his own actions—the fact that Norman died because of Peter and that Norman mentioned Harry’s name deeply affected him. His eyes, normally so clear and blue, were now devoid of emotion, exhibiting a profound emptiness. It was as if the world around him was crumbling in slow motion, with fragments and dust scattering in every direction.

Gloria bit her lip, eyes wide, caught in the intense emotion of the scene. The lack of tears didn’t mean a lack of sorrow; instead, a more overwhelming emotion had taken control, leaving Peter unable to react. Peter closed his eyes, metaphorically shutting the window to his soul.

Turning away, Peter transported Norman’s body back to his home, covering him with a blanket just as Harry arrived.

“What have you done?” Harry was stunned, seeing the bloodied Spider-Man standing by his father’s lifeless body. In a surge of anger, he shouted, “What have you done?”

Peter didn’t respond. Reflexively, Harry reached for a gun but lost sight of Spider-Man as he did. Only the moonlight cast on the fluttering curtains remained.

Peter also attended Norman’s funeral, expressing his respects before seeking out Harry. Harry, dressed in black, stood in a daze, his focus scattered. It wasn’t until Peter called him that he seemed to return to reality.

“I’m sorry, Harry,” Peter’s voice was heavy, struggling with his own emotions, unable to meet Harry’s eyes but trying to offer comfort. “I know how it feels to lose a father.”

Harry glanced at Peter, took a deep breath, and said, “I didn’t lose him; he was taken from me.” His words carried a deep sense of betrayal and anger. “One day, Spider-Man will pay for what he’s done. I swear I’ll make him pay.”

Harry’s tearful eyes and clenched features spoke of deep sorrow and anger, leaving a mark of hatred on his face.

The scene shifted, highlighting Peter’s internal struggle. While James Franco’s portrayal of Harry was compelling, capturing the dark and vengeful emotions well, the emotional depth and complexity of Anson Peter were striking. Anson performance reflected Peter’s shock and struggle with the revelation of Norman being the Green Goblin, and his subsequent difficulty in confronting Harry.

Peter’s attempt to shield Norman’s identity by removing his armor showed his ongoing attempt to reconcile the person he knew with the villain he had fought. Even now, Peter was grappling with the truth and how to face Harry. The moment of hesitation in Peter’s eyes hinted at his internal conflict—wanting to avoid conflict with Harry but unsure how to reveal the painful truth.

The contrast between Anson’s layered performance and Franco’s more straightforward approach highlighted the depth of Peter’s anguish and the complexity of his growth. Robert appreciated Franco’s role but was particularly impressed by Anson’s portrayal.

As Harry looked at Peter with tears in his eyes, he said, “I’m grateful for you, Peter. You’re my only family.”

Peter managed a forced smile, devoid of true joy. His eyes and expression were full of sorrow and pain, reflecting a deep emotional struggle. As he embraced Harry, his gaze remained distant, troubled by the burden of his thoughts and feelings.

When the embrace ended, Harry walked away, his coat billowing in the autumn wind, leaving Peter alone at the gravesite of Uncle Ben. Peter turned to face the tombstone, seeking answers from the man who had once guided him.

Every person he cared about seemed to be suffering, and his powers were becoming a curse. What was he to do?

Mary Jane approached and embraced Peter. “You must miss him so much,” she said gently.

Peter replied, “It’s hard without him.”

Mary Jane released him and took a deep breath, her own anxiety apparent. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you. When I was on the bridge, thinking I was going to die, the only person I truly thought about wasn’t who I thought I missed. It was you, Peter.”

### Chapter 467: A Unique Approach

"He is you, Peter."

Mary Jane finally mustered up the courage and looked at Peter with poise.

Peter was taken aback, his eyes lit up. Even without words or actions, he could clearly feel the joy and happiness within him at that moment—so this was the taste of dreams coming true.

Mary Jane felt it too, her smile blossoming fully, her words growing more resolute.

"I kept thinking, 'If I can survive, then I’ll get to see Peter Parker again.'" She lifted her right hand to cradle Peter's face, gently caressing his cheek through the glove.

Peter subtly turned his head, carefully feeling the warmth of Mary Jane’s palm through the glove, almost burning his cheek. His tense facial lines gradually relaxed, and his smile timidly and cautiously began to rise.

"Really?" he asked.

Seeing his dream about to come true, he began to fear it might just be his fantasy or a dream—what if it wasn't real?

Mary Jane took a step closer. "Only one person has been with me from start to finish, making me feel that I’m probably much better than I imagined."

"I’m just… me. And that’s okay."

Peter gazed into Mary Jane’s eyes with tenderness and determination, continuing to protect and encourage her, loving her wholeheartedly, silently telling her:

She is perfect just as she is.

His gaze was so deep and captivating, like a calm ocean, slowly enveloping Mary Jane and giving her courage.

Mary Jane said, "In fact… I love you."

Peter… was stunned.

Mary Jane didn’t notice, "I really love you, Peter."

With a kiss sealing her words.

Finally, Mary Jane and Peter kissed, not Spider-Man, but the real Peter Parker.

Gloria was almost melting in those deep blue eyes, but when the long-awaited scene finally unfolded, she didn't feel the joy of fireworks exploding. The happiness she had prepared for was stuck in the brief moment of Peter’s shock.

Was that… sadness?

Gloria questioned her own eyes. Did she really detect sadness in Peter’s astonishment?

It must be her illusion, right?

Even though it was a happy ending for lovers finally coming together, the imagined happiness did not arrive but instead began to fall, like a free-fall, slow, calm, yet unending, descending into those deep blue eyes, slowly being swallowed by the blue.

Deeply, deeply, Peter was actively responding to Mary Jane.

However, Gloria saw a look of resolve on Peter's face, sadness and pain gradually fading from his features, eventually turning into determination.

Unavoidably, Gloria’s vision blurred.

But why?

Two people in love finally overcoming numerous obstacles to embrace each other, Peter finding a warm haven after enduring countless trials and tribulations, able to enjoy a moment of peace after the storm—why did she feel like a fool, silently crying?

Gloria didn’t know what was wrong with her, like a madwoman.

The kiss ended, lips parted.

Mary Jane also noticed, as the heat of happiness faded, a sense of unease creeping in. She held Peter’s face, trying to seek a response.

However, Peter lowered his eyes, not meeting Mary Jane’s gaze:

I really want to tell her how much I love her, but…

Peter lifted his eyes to look at Mary Jane, sadness showing in his eyes. His lips curled into a faint smile, which slowly crumbled into sadness.

"I can’t."

He said.

Mary Jane didn’t understand, fear and panic gripping her heart, her eyes already moist, her voice trembling uncontrollably, "Can’t what?"

Peter didn’t look away, deeply, intensely looking at the face he had loved for a lifetime, using all his strength to control the tears in his eyes, his smile growing brighter, carefully masking the bitterness and struggle behind it.

"Tell you… everything. I mean, too many things."

Mary Jane didn’t understand the meaning behind Peter’s words, but she sighed slightly in relief, "Yes, there are too many things."

Peter continued to gaze intently, "I want you to know, I’ll always be with you, I’ll always take care of you, I promise."

Taking a deep breath, he nearly exhausted all his strength to say the next line.

"I’ll always be your friend."

Mary Jane finally realized, "Just a friend?"

Peter did not respond.

Mary Jane’s heart sank, despairingly looking at Peter, "Peter Parker?"

Peter just looked at Mary Jane, motionless, "I can only give you this much."—

Sorry.

His eyes were slightly moist. Peter smiled, trying to hide his tears with his smile, but tears still lingered on his lashes.

Mary Jane could no longer control herself, tears falling heartbreakingly.

Peter raised his hand, trying to wipe Mary Jane’s tears, but ultimately let it fall powerless.

Grinding his teeth, Peter resolutely turned and walked away.

Robert Ebert watched the big screen, his thoughts darkening with Peter’s turning motion: An unexpected, utterly unexpected ending.

But brilliant! Perfect!

Ending the cycle in this way, not for the sake of sadness nor reunion, from the first scene's setup to the final curtain—

A story of a young man’s growth, a superhero’s awakening, a story of struggling between justice and self, carrying the burden forward.

So light yet so complete, most importantly, showing the essence of tragedy in simple relationships, bold and spectacular.

Previously, Robert had wondered how the third act would end, how the character arcs would settle, and now, the film provided a perfect answer.

Even Robert, watching Peter walk away, could deeply feel that pain, love elevated to a new level.

At this moment, heartbreak and strength, the cost of growth, were perfectly interpreted. Without a doubt, this is a new way of opening up youth/superhero films, and Sony Columbia agreeing to such an ending is undeniably bold.

Admiringly, Robert was completely immersed in the story and had come to completely love Peter Parker—

This was something Robert hadn’t anticipated before the film began.

Surprise?

Definitely a surprise!

Mary Jane, suddenly snapping out of her sadness, touched her lips, eyes filled with confusion and surprise. She turned, looking at Peter’s receding figure, no longer feeling sadness, as if struck by lightning, standing in place in shock.

Peter, from hesitation to resolve, walking faster, gradually straightened up, lifted his head, and walked forward—

No matter how the future unfolds, I will never forget this phrase: With great power comes great responsibility. It’s my gift, my curse.

Who am I?

I am Spider-Man.

Step by step, Peter walked away.

Then, Peter transformed back into Spider-Man, swinging through New York, freer, more exhilarating, and more determined, embracing his new identity with open arms. Finally, he landed atop the Empire State Building, resolutely looking ahead.

The film ended.

*Chapter 468: Silence Spreads*

Quietly, Gloria sat there, tears streaming down her face, sobbing uncontrollably—

From the moment Peter said he couldn’t, the tears wouldn’t stop.

She had followed Peter on this journey, from a shy and unassuming bookworm to a brave superhero shouldering responsibility.

His refusal of Mary Jane wasn’t because love had faded; on the contrary, it was because he loved deeply that he chose to turn away, sacrificing himself to protect those he loved.

He had already lost Uncle Ben, then Norman, and was on the brink of losing Mary Jane and now Harry. He couldn’t—and wouldn’t—risk any more.

Despite the pain, he held his head high and embraced his destiny.

That skinny boy with the black-framed glasses, mocked by classmates, had finally grown into Spider-Man, a superhero bearing the responsibility of justice for New York.

Oh, God.

In the dark, Gloria let her sadness flow freely.

However.

The theater was silent.

It was often heard that in France, when a movie ends, it’s not over; all the audience would patiently wait for the credits to roll—if not a hundred percent, then certainly a vast majority, because they believe watching the credits is a mark of respect for the film and its crew.

After all, a film requires a huge team of support and collaboration behind it.

But that’s Europe.

In the United States, especially in 2002 before post-credits scenes became popular, audiences didn’t have this habit.

People were more accustomed to scenes where, as soon as the movie ended, audiences rushed out of their seats without waiting for the credits or lights to come on.

Noise, commotion, and chattering—whether or not the projectionist wanted to, the lights had to come on to avoid any accidents.

Over time, people had gotten used to this scene.

But now, it was different—

Everything was silent, quiet.

The theater was immersed in the moment, whether touched, shocked, stirred, or deep in thought. Thoughts tangled together in a complex web:

If even Roger Ebert was surprised, then the shock and impact on ordinary viewers were not surprising.

People had come expecting a popcorn flick, ready for two hours of light, enjoyable entertainment—indeed, it was a popcorn flick, a typical one with seamless narrative flow and no dull moments, a purely enjoyable time.

However! But!

No one expected the popcorn to turn out with a Michelin-star effect. A bucket of popcorn, aromatic and crispy, left a strong aftertaste, making people sit there savoring the experience, momentarily stunned.

Most importantly, in the final scene of the film, there was an image of—

The Twin Towers.

Destroyed in the 9/11 attacks, the Twin Towers had become a scar in many people’s hearts. Months later, the debate over whether to preserve the ruins or rebuild the towers was still ongoing, and healing was still far off.

Now, the audience saw the Twin Towers again.

This was the first time after the events that people saw the Twin Towers in a movie. Watching Spider-Man swing between skyscrapers, his slender shoulders seemed to bear the responsibility of protecting New York. This brief scene left those still in pain stunned.

The bridge between film and reality had been opened.

Silence spread.

Emotions surged.

At first, it was just a small surprise, a momentary lack of reaction. Plus, since it was a premiere, guests and journalists displayed their decorum, not breaking the mood; but slowly, the turbulence in the silence sparked.

Eyes turned back to the big screen.

The credits, the names of the crew, now carried a different weight—

They needed to thank Sam Raimi, they needed to thank Avi Arad, they needed to thank every crew member behind the scenes.

It was this team that created this film, a story about superheroes but even more about a young man’s growth.

Unlike the countless heroic tales on the big screen, Peter Parker had troubles and pain. He made mistakes and acted foolishly. He was just an ordinary high school student who had to grow up quickly, learn to face and bear responsibility, and step into the real world.

This popcorn story with a tragic undertone showed a different side of superheroes and made audiences view heroes from a different perspective.

In 2002, amid a flood of blockbuster films—disaster, sci-fi, action, and more, all with explosive effects, continuing the blockbuster trend started by “Terminator” a decade ago—Spider-Man took a different path, opening a new genre film landscape.

Like a breath of fresh air.

Silence had its own power.

At the entrance of the Chinese theater.

Suddenly, Blair turned to look at the door—

By now, the film should have ended, but why was there no sound from inside?

Was there no end, or was there a post-screening Q&A session?

But even if there was a Q&A, there shouldn’t be complete silence after the film, right?

Wait, could the movie have flopped?

Not only Blair, but a number of journalists waiting outside also looked at each other, anxiously:

Could it be that the first summer blockbuster after 9/11 didn’t make an impact? Was it too soon to return to normalcy?

“Blair?” Karen noticed and called out.

Blair didn’t speak, just stared at the theater door.

Without warning, a wave of sound surged—

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Listening closely, the sound grew louder, building into a massive force, like a storm crashing over them.

The next moment, boom.

Heat waves, exuberant.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

That was applause?

Everyone looked at each other, unsure through the wall and door:

After all, this was just a summer blockbuster premiere, not a European film festival with fanatical art film enthusiasts. A premiere? Applause? Wasn’t that a bit far-fetched?

Or was it just polite applause?

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The sound continued to rise, even from outside the door, the increasing heat and excitement were palpable.

The guess was overturned instantly, as astonishment and surprise gripped their hearts:

Wait, did the movie…… explode?

### Chapter 469: Lingering Echoes

*Clap, clap, clap… clap, clap!*

A bit more, just a bit more, the excitement keeps rising. The whole scene is buzzing, with a roaring heatwave breaking through the theater walls and doors, surging forward.

Wait, what exactly happened inside?

People standing outside the Chinese theater look at each other in confusion. Even the seasoned journalists are filled with countless question marks in their minds.

They speculate, discuss, and wait patiently.

The longer they wait, the more unbearable it becomes. It feels like the few minutes have stretched longer than the previous two hours.

Back and forth between frustration, regret, anticipation, curiosity, nervousness, and anxiety, their feelings are tightly intertwined, anxiously hoping that they could be inside the premiere and avoid this torment, but the reality remains unchanged.

Until—

The crowd appears.

Suddenly, Blair's heart leaps into her throat. Karen instinctively steps forward but stops after just two steps because the crowd rushes toward them like a stampede of horses. Before they could catch their breath, they are engulfed by the massive crowd, and the entire street is drowned out by noise.

At a glance, Blair spots a girl.

Wearing that iconic white shirt that could make hearts skip a beat, she is undoubtedly an Anson supporter, but now she stands there, covering her face and crying.

So sad, so lonely, so helpless.

Blair's heart tightens, and anxiety and fear tighten around her throat. She hurriedly pushes against the tide of people and barely manages to find her.

“How was it? How was the movie?”

It shouldn’t… could it?

The girl lifts her head, tear-streaked and sobbing, and says, “Peter, Peter… it was just too tragic.”

Blair: ???

Blair turns to Karen, but Karen also looks puzzled, innocently shrugging and spreading her hands.

Blair anxiously asks the girl, “The movie, wasn’t it good?”

Gloria, hearing this, even forgets to wipe her tears. “Ah, why do you say that?”

Blair’s eyes widen, “You, you…”

Gloria takes a moment to process, “Oh, no, no, no, the movie was great, really great, it’s just that it was so good that I…”

Thinking of the ending, Gloria’s tears well up again.

Blair doesn’t understand, “But, isn’t it a popcorn movie? Or did I misunderstand?”

Gloria breaks into a smile through her tears, “Yes, it is a popcorn movie, but… how should I put it?”

Thinking seriously, Gloria can’t help but sigh.

“I’m not a movie buff; I came just because I like Anson’s looks.”

“Ah!” Karen clucks excitedly, “Do you think so too? Ah, I also really like Anson’s looks. Honestly, I’m drooling over his body.”

Karen and Gloria look at each other, both starting to scream, and soon a chorus of female voices echoes around them, making the scene somewhat amusing.

Blair can’t help but laugh, pressing her hands together in resignation, “Calm down, calm down.”

Blair’s mind once again drifts to Anson’s face, and she waves her arms, joining her friends, “So, what about the movie?”

Gloria finally calms down a bit, “I can’t give any professional opinions, but I just liked it, really liked it, super liked it.”

“Peter, I mean, Peter Parker, this character was written so, so, so well. He’s just like us, an ordinary high school student; but he’s also charming, like you’re dreaming of going to prom, going to college, and then getting married and having kids with the genius heartthrob from the math class next door.”

“Oh God, I’m blushing.”

As Gloria speaks, she can’t help but laugh joyfully, surrounded by whistling and cheering, the excitement is overwhelming.

Although no one called for it, people around them gathered in small groups, unwilling to leave, standing together and chattering away, the only way to calm their boiling emotions. They desperately need to share with others.

Blair is getting anxious because her question still hasn’t been answered, “And then?”

Gloria signals Blair not to rush, “I’m trying to avoid spoilers. All I can say is, the movie is different from what we imagined. Peter was really… so good. We grow with him and face things together.”

“The ending is different from other movies; you’ll see once you watch it.”

Gloria still maintains basic audience etiquette, avoiding spoilers.

So Blair and Karen hang in suspense, having talked so much without getting an answer, while the audience who just saw the premiere can’t wait to discuss it.

“The ending was really unexpected, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, yes, completely unexpected, but also completely logical.”

“Honestly, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect ending.”

“But it’s really sad. I still hope Peter could respond.”

“So do I. But, thinking seriously, the movie had already set it up. I can accept this development; it feels natural. Peter was really great, an indescribably perfect boyfriend.”

“Ah, ah, ah!”

A group of girls suddenly starts screaming as if they’ve lost their minds.

Blair is confused, unable to understand what they’re saying, but does this mean— “So what was with the applause just now? Wait, that was applause, right?”

Gloria gets excited immediately, “Yes, applause! The whole audience stood up and applauded!”

“Can you imagine? After the movie ended, the entire audience spontaneously stood up and applauded.”

“And they stayed to watch the credits till the end.”

“Yes, yes, I don’t know why, but I wanted to watch the credits and then stand up and applaud. It all felt so natural.”

“Because the movie deserved it!”

“I’ve never seen a movie like this before; everything was perfect! Perfect!”

“When the whole audience stood up and applauded, did you notice Anson’s expression?”

“Ah, I noticed! Anson was shocked, he didn’t expect this situation at all. He seemed frozen, and I saw him standing there, clapping like a fool.”

“Wow, that was definitely a rare sight. Everyone applauded spontaneously.”

As Gloria finishes, voices from all around pour in, creating a whirlwind of sound. Blair’s heart slowly begins to ease, even though she doesn’t know exactly what happened in the theater, the reaction so far indicates:

The movie was a success.

This thought hits Blair suddenly, and she can’t help but feel exhilarated. The movie was a success! Anson’s first lead role in a commercial blockbuster was a success!

The next moment, a TV reporter appears, microphone aimed at the audience.

“Did you like the movie?”

The response is a chorus of screams: Ah, ah, ah!

No words, but more vivid and lively than any language or phrase, conveying emotion in the simplest and most direct way.

As night falls, the rolling heatwave is just beginning.

*Chapter 470: Sleepless Night*

“…Trust me, the movie will be a success…”

“Wow, I can’t believe Sam actually pulled it off.”

“The project we discussed last time…”

Anson quietly maneuvered through the crowd, trying to keep a low profile as he prepared to leave the "Spider-Man" premiere party early.

It wasn’t exactly early, considering it was already 3 a.m. The once-bustling party had entered a semi-drunken state, and even if the star of the premiere left, no one would really notice.

After the premiere, Sony Columbia had thrown a party at the Beverly Hills Hilton—not a celebration, but an extension of the premiere to gather journalists, critics, producers, and actors for a social event.

At this stage, critics still maintained their professional demeanor, or at least tried to. They wouldn’t easily be bought by the film company; in fact, maintaining their authoritative image could lead to more income, far beyond what a party could offer.

The true purpose of the premiere party was to gauge and prepare.

They’d test the waters with critics and journalists. If the reviews were poor, the film company’s marketing team could devise a strategy overnight, hoping to salvage the situation and at least make a push for the opening weekend.

Of course, the party wasn’t all about discussing “Spider-Man.” Producers, actors, and directors were all trying to seize opportunities and make connections.

No one should miss out on a chance.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the mingling of scents and styles, surrounded by lights, smiles, flattery, and alcohol, Anson’s shoulders were almost completely stiff from the evening.

Finally, with the noise and commotion behind him, he reached the hotel entrance and waited for a taxi—

Taking a deep breath of the crisp early morning air, the stark contrast of the desert climate became apparent, and his skin prickled with goosebumps. Yet, the cacophony in his ears gradually faded, and the world quieted down again.

Behind him, a voice called out.

“That Prius, thanks.”

Instinctively turning around, Anson saw a slim, somewhat brooding young man handing the car keys to the valet and then shoving his hands into his pockets, his body slightly shivering.

Noticing Anson’s gaze, he looked down at his slightly thin suit and gave an awkward smile. “My agent said it’s better to dress up rather than focus on warmth. Looking good is more important.”

Anson chuckled softly. “But compared to the girls, at least we have jackets.”

The boy laughed heartily at the joke. “I can’t complain.”

The boy then stepped forward and extended his right hand. “Ryan Gosling. Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m…”

Anson shook his hand politely. “I know, Brad’s friend. I attended the premiere of your movie. Thanks for coming to our premiere tonight.”

Ryan looked surprised and then chuckled after a moment. “So you remember.”

Three weeks ago, “Digital Murder Case,” starring Ryan Gosling, Brad Lanflo, and Sandra Bullock, had premiered in major theaters. Even though it was a spring release, the movie had a grand premiere—after all, it was Sandra’s leading role and a wide release across North America.

Brad’s invitation led Anson and Chris Evans to attend the premiere, while James Franco had gone to Atlanta for an audition and missed it.

In return, Anson invited Brad and Ryan to tonight’s “Spider-Man” premiere, hoping to boost their exposure.

For emerging actors like them, any exposure is valuable.

Looking at the somewhat cautious Ryan, Anson’s smile broadened. “If you can’t remember in such a short time, it’s either a choice or early Alzheimer’s. Either way, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Ryan blinked, then laughed heartily. “Haha.”

Looking around, Ryan seemed puzzled. “Where’s your ride?”

Anson explained, “I didn’t drive. I’ve had the hotel front desk call a cab for me; I just need to wait a bit.”

Ryan lifted his chin slightly. “Not driving was a smart decision. I’ve been refusing to drink all night because I drove here. God, you wouldn’t believe how many dirty looks I got.”

Though Ryan came from the Mickey Mouse Club, making him a child star, transitioning in Hollywood after childhood is tough. So, Ryan started with independent films and steadily made a name for himself.

Naturally, tonight’s grand premiere party was a first for him, and he lacked experience.

Ryan’s self-deprecating tone made Anson chuckle. “I didn’t drink tonight either. Even though no one cares that I’m under 21, I thought I’d be very tired after the party, so I didn’t drive.”

Ryan’s eyes lit up. “Smart!”

Pausing to look at Anson, Ryan asked, “So, you’re not yet 21?”

Anson raised an eyebrow slightly. “No, actually, I’m 41.”

Ryan looked at Anson seriously—so convincing.

This made it even funnier, and Ryan couldn’t help but laugh heartily. “Haha, Brad never mentioned you were such a fun guy.”

Anson shrugged lightly. “Maybe because I’m not a woman?”

Ryan burst out laughing and slapped his thigh, realizing the joke was about Brad focusing too much on women and never talking about his good friends.

Brad: knee struck.

As they spoke, Ryan’s silver Prius arrived, faster than a taxi.

Ryan took the keys from the valet and hesitated a moment. “Do you need a ride? Even if I can’t thank you for the invite, at least I can show some courtesy.”

Anson was about to decline when Ryan added, “I promise I’m not driving tired.”

A playful remark lightened the mood.

Anson, not being overly formal, looked at the valet. “Please notify the dispatch to cancel that cab.”

In front of him, Ryan had opened the passenger door and was waiting.

Anson was surprised by Ryan’s quick actions.

Ryan glanced at Anson. “Wait, you don’t want to sit in the back, do you? That would make me the driver.”

A smile appeared in Anson’s eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m not treating you as a chauffeur. My driver needs to be stronger and taller.”

Ryan, “Ouch, my knee!”

Amidst the banter, Anson climbed into the passenger seat, and Ryan got behind the wheel, starting the engine and slowly driving away from the hotel.

As he glanced back, Ryan noticed Anson yawning. It was unclear if it was his imagination, but in the shadows, there seemed to be a hint of fatigue and loneliness.

Originally, Ryan didn’t want to ask, as it was Anson’s personal matter, but Anson happened to look up and meet his gaze. There was no time to dodge, and avoiding it would seem even more awkward.

This made things a bit uncomfortable.

Ryan, “I wasn’t snooping, really.”