[Chapter 106: Just a Girlfriend, Not a Wife]
"Uh..." Daniel hadn't expected Scarlett to have heard about this too. "Did the news spread that fast?"
"I heard it from someone else," Scarlett said. "So, this is true then?"
Daniel smiled. "If you believe it, it's true; if you don't, it's false."
Scarlett blinked and looked at Daniel. Since he was unwilling to clarify, she didn't press him further. She only asked, "Did you let Amanda compete for this role because you think this movie will be a huge hit?"
Daniel replied, "Whether it'll be a huge hit, I don't know, but it'll definitely help Amanda's career."
Scarlett asked, "Then what do you think of my The Island?"
Daniel quickly changed the subject, "Let's talk about something else."
Scarlett's expression froze. "Mr. Cross, are you not optimistic about my sci-fi blockbuster?"
Since the conversation had come this far, Daniel stopped hiding anything. "No, I'm not."
Scarlett was puzzled. "Why? Everyone in the industry is really optimistic about this movie."
Daniel said, "If a movie being highly favored by the industry guaranteed success, then over the years, we wouldn't have so many box office flops. Nor would so many studios go bankrupt because their films failed."
After a moment of silence, Scarlett said, "I still think my movie is pretty good."
Daniel nodded. "Believing in your own work is a good thing."
Scarlett suddenly smiled. "Mr. Cross, how about we make a bet?"
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "What kind of bet?"
Scarlett said, "The Island and V for Vendetta are both set to be released next year. Let's see which one gets better reviews and makes more money. The loser agrees to one condition set by the winner."
Daniel asked, "Are you sure?"
Scarlett nodded confidently. "I'm sure. I have faith in my work."
Daniel was confident he'd win. "Alright."
Scarlett quickly held out her hand.
Daniel slapped his palm against hers, sealing the bet.
Scarlett laughed. "Mr. Cross, you better be ready to agree to my condition."
Daniel laughed back. "I hope so too."
...
That afternoon, Scarlett called Hunter to the hotel and had him take a Spirit Transformation Elixir.
Hunter immediately cried out in shock, completely astonished.
After confirming that the elixir came from Daniel, his eyes became even more awestruck when he looked at Daniel.
When Daniel returned to his room, Hunter quickly asked Scarlett, "Scar..."
Scarlett interrupted him, "Call me 'older sister.'"
Hunter replied, "You're only three minutes older than me."
Scarlett answered, "That still makes me your older sister."
"Fine, Older Sister," Hunter said reluctantly. "Is there something more between you and Mr. Cross?"
Scarlett said, "No, we just have a simple client-service relationship."
Hunter immediately said, "Then why aren't you moving fast to win him over? If you latch onto someone powerful like Mr. Cross, you'd rocket to the top of Hollywood."
Scarlett said, "You're overthinking it. He has a girlfriend, who's also an actress."
Hunter said casually, "Steal him! She's just a girlfriend, not a wife. Even if she were, they could still get divorced."
Scarlett glared at him. "Where did you learn all that nonsense?"
Hunter shrugged. "I'm saying it for your own good. People like Mr. Cross are rare. Don't regret missing this chance."
Scarlett waved her hand. "Go back to school. You've probably missed a lot of classes; good chance to catch up."
Hunter smiled. "True. I only actually got a good night's sleep last night."
After they chatted a bit more, Hunter said goodbye.
Before leaving, he added, "You have to seize the moment. The longer you wait, the smaller your chance."
"Stop talking nonsense and hurry back to school," Scarlett said, ushering him out.
...
After sending Hunter off, Scarlett knocked on Daniel's door and asked if he wanted to head back to Los Angeles now or stay and explore New York a bit longer.
Before, when Scarlett had looked at Daniel, she hadn't had any other thoughts besides admiration and some respect for his amazing capabilities and power.
But now, she realized something about herself felt off.
Every time she looked at Daniel, other thoughts popped into her mind.
Daniel said casually, "I don't have other plans; it depends on what you want to do."
Scarlett, almost like she was possessed, said, "Then let's explore New York for a bit."
Daniel smiled. "Sounds good."
...
Actually, Scarlett grew up in New York and only moved to Los Angeles later to chase her career in Hollywood. She knew the city well.
That afternoon, she took Daniel sightseeing around the city.
Daniel realized there really wasn't much to see. Only the Empire State Building was worth visiting.
The so-called Times Square was just a small area, mostly known for its bright LED screens displaying advertisements.
Eventually, he accompanied Scarlett to a shopping mall for a shopping spree.
After they left the mall, Scarlett looked a little embarrassed.
"I'm sorry. I said I'd take you sightseeing, but I ended up making you go shopping."
Daniel smiled. "It's fine."
Scarlett handed him a box. "This is for you, as a thank you."
Daniel took it and opened it. Inside was a pair of cufflinks.
He rarely wore dress shirts, so he probably wouldn't have much use for them.
Still, since it was a sincere gift, he naturally wouldn't refuse. "Thank you, they're very beautiful."
"I'm glad you like them."
Seeing Daniel accept the gift, Scarlett looked very happy.
"I think I bought a little too much." Looking at Daniel carrying numerous bags and noticing she had quite a few as well, she only realized belatedly.
Women always have a crazy obsession with shopping; once they start buying, they just keep buying and buying. Especially for a woman like Scarlett who isn't short on money.
"Come with me."
Daniel led Scarlett to an unnoticed corner nearby.
Scarlett looked at him curiously, wondering what he was up to.
Luckily, no one was around, which seemed fitting for... she wasn't sure why, but after Hunter's urging, she'd been having some inappropriate thoughts.
Then she heard Daniel say, "Give me the bags in your hands."
Scarlett obediently handed them over. The moment Daniel took the bags, they all vanished instantly.
Scarlett's eyes widened as she stared blankly at Daniel's hands. "Where did you make them disappear to?"
Daniel laughed. "Don't worry, they're still here. I'll give them back when we get to the hotel."
Scarlett's face was full of wonder. "No wonder you didn't bring any luggage when you came."
Daniel said, "Let's go, it's dinner time."
As Daniel left, Scarlett felt a little disappointed after the initial surprise faded.
*****
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