Clang, clang. The subway swayed rhythmically, and the dense, surging crowd made the enclosed space feel like a ship gently rocking amidst stormy seas.
Annie's heart swayed along, betraying her unease. Realizing her awkwardness, she took a deep breath, then raised her eyes to meet Anson's gaze directly.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize we were friends."
A sharp counter.
Anson's mouth opened slightly, staring at Annie in disbelief.
A hint of triumph flickered in Annie's eyes. "So, you wouldn't mind working with Jack, would you?"
Anson refocused. "If the opportunity arises, of course."
"Hey, in Hollywood—a circle as small as a palm—over 95% of the people you meet might be enemies or rivals. If we refused to work with enemies, we'd have no work at all."
"That's true for most jobs."
"When we're young, we think, When I have the upper hand, I'll never work with my enemies again. I'll sweep them all into the gutter."
"But now, I think, Instead of erasing my enemies, why not use them to my advantage? It'll probably make them more miserable than me."
That's the reality.
In Hollywood, perhaps only 1% of people have the privilege of choosing who they work with and who they avoid. For example, after Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman divorced, they hadn't appeared in the same frame for twenty years—not even at award shows, where the media would deliberately avoid capturing them together.
Annie was a little surprised.
Clearly, Hollywood was still a foreign, novel world to her—a mysterious realm of adults. Having stumbled into it naively, she was still learning, exploring, and figuring out its intricacies.
Studying Anson intently, Annie asked curiously, "When you were young?"
Anson: "…"
Annie looked serious. "I thought we started in Hollywood around the same time. Why do you act like you've been in the game for a decade?"
Anson spread his hands, exasperated. "Alright, you got me. Actually, I'm Alain Delon. I've been in Hollywood for forty years."
As he spoke, Anson mimicked Ethan Hunt's iconic move from Mission Impossible, pretending to peel off a mask with a flourish.
Annie burst into giggles.
The little joke lightened the mood, and Anson shrugged. "Maybe it's because everything hit so fast and hard. In no time at all, Hollywood showed me all its different faces. Like it or not, I had to deal with it."
"One year here feels like three in real life. So, technically, I've been in the business for a decade."
Ha-ha-ha.
Annie had to cover her mouth to keep from disturbing nearby passengers. She leaned against Anson, her head resting on his shoulder, her whole body shaking with laughter.
Anson: "???"
"Hey, I know I'm funny, but not that funny. Thanks for the applause, but if you keep this up, people will think I'm assaulting you."
Ha-ha-ha!
Annie couldn't stop, laughing until tears streamed down her face.
Sometimes, it's not the jokes or humor that bring true joy, but the people around you, the atmosphere, and the shared moments. Words aren't even necessary; a glance can send you into uncontrollable laughter.
Later, reflecting on it, you'd realize how silly you were—laughing endlessly over something inexplicable. But then you'd smile again, fondly recalling that beautiful memory.
Happiness really is that simple.
Annie laughed so hard she trembled, leaning against Anson.
Eventually, other passengers noticed the commotion, curious eyes glancing over.
Sensing this, Anson quickly raised his hands in mock surrender.
"I'm innocent."
Even the onlookers couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the scene, the joyful atmosphere rippling outward.
Finally, Annie calmed down, letting out an annoyed groan.
"Mascara."
Anson was puzzled. "Mascara?"
Annie stood upright, looking at Anson's jacket with a hint of embarrassment.
Anson glanced down at his shoulder, noticing two crescent-shaped mascara smudges. He blinked and looked back at Annie.
Annie, equally wide-eyed, met his gaze innocently.
And then, neither of them could hold it in—
Pfft.
They erupted into laughter.
Realizing they might disturb other passengers, they quickly stifled their giggles, shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
Finally, they arrived at the transfer station. Stepping off the subway, they no longer had to suppress themselves. They burst into wild, unrestrained laughter, their voices echoing through the narrow underground passage.
They chatted and strolled the rest of the way.
Surprisingly, walking was faster than taking a car. When Annie recognized her street, she realized they were almost home.
But their conversation wasn't over yet.
Annie was venting about the filming of The Princess Diaries 2—
"Sometimes, I have no idea what I'm doing. They call it comedy, but I'm not sure what separates comedy from plain stupidity."
"I don't mind being silly. In fact, it's fun—it lets me break out of myself and try things I wouldn't dare otherwise. But I'd really like to understand what Mia's doing."
"So, I guess you skipping the sequel was a good thing. The audience doesn't have to see their ideal Prince Charming ruined."
Anson laughed. "I don't see it that way. In the movie, you're responsible for being goofy and funny. Prince Charming just has to keep dazzling."
Annie's eyes widened. "How do you know that?"
She had barely spoken when she realized her voice had risen, startling the quiet street. Covering her mouth, she quickly corrected herself.
"Ahem. What I mean is, I'm home. That house right there."
"Sorry to make you walk me back in this freezing weather. How are you getting home? Do you need me to call you a cab?"
If no taxi was nearby, she could call a company to request one.
Anson waved her off. "Don't worry about me. The subway is my best friend."
Just then, a voice called down from above.
"Hey!"
Looking up, they saw Thomas Hathaway leaning out a second-floor window, waving.
"So, are you finally coming in this time? This is the third time you've passed by."
"Thomas!"
Annie exclaimed, startling a clump of snow off a nearby branch.
Turning to Anson, she quickly said, "This is fine. I'm home safe. Thanks for tonight. Bye!"
Before Anson could reply, Annie dashed off, shouting at Thomas.
"Thomas Hathaway, you just wait!"
Thomas wasn't fazed. "Anson, are you sure you're leaving? Wouldn't you like to come up? I'm sure Annie would be thrilled."
"Thomas!" Annie roared.
Finally sensing danger, Thomas backed off. "Alright, next time then. The witch is here—ahhh!" He disappeared in a flash.
End of Chapter