King of Hollywood

"""

"Kate, there's a call for you." A young woman swung open the door, shouting loudly.

"I've told you so many times, Samantha, knock before you come in," said Catherine, who was seated at the desk writing something. She looked up, somewhat helplessly, at her sister. "Who is it?"

"Are you doing things in your room that can't be seen?" her sister teased. Seeing her sister's eyes widen, she quickly waved her hand. "It's from that director who once invited you for a movie role."

"That director?" Catherine was stunned. "You mean... Adrian Cowell?"

"Is that his name?" Samantha thought for a moment. "I don't remember; you didn't give details when you came back."

She spread her hands. "Anyway, there's only been one director recently who approached you for a movie, right?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Catherine sprang from her seat and hurried out, leaving Samantha in stunned silence.

"Um... hi!" Catherine hesitated before picking up the receiver in the living room, her voice a bit nervous.

"Hi... Kate... how are you?" Adrian's hesitant voice came through the receiver, sounding somewhat downcast.

"I... I'm fine. Do you—need something?" Catherine instinctively pinched the hem of her skirt.

"Uh... I wanted to ask if you're free now... I've run into a bit of trouble. I don't have any other female friends in London, so..." Adrian's tone carried a hint of helplessness and fatigue.

"I think... I think... that's no problem, since I'm still on holiday... Where are you now?" Catherine did her best to keep her tone calm.

"I'm on Propus Street. I must say, your address was quite hard to find," Adrian seemed to relax a little.

"Can you see the intersection of Propus and Merlin? Great, I'll meet you there in 10 minutes. See you," Catherine hung up, looked dazed for a moment, then shouted loudly, "Mom!"

"What's up?" her mother emerged from the inner room.

"I'm heading out, might be back late," Catherine said, rushing upstairs, not even hearing her mom call out to her.

"What's going on?" her mother asked Samantha as she emerged, passing Catherine.

"Probably off to meet that director," Samantha shrugged indifferently.

"Director?" Her mother frowned immediately.

Closing the door, Catherine leaned against it, staring dazedly at the ceiling, her breathing growing slightly rapid. After a few seconds, she opened her wardrobe and began to choose. Trying on clothes several times in front of the dressing mirror, Catherine chose a long-sleeved beige dress. Quickly putting it on, she tidied her hair in front of the mirror, spun around a few times, and even touched up her makeup.

"Damn it, what am I doing?!" After finishing, Catherine suddenly felt something was off.

"He's just an ordinary friend, why act like..." She fell silent, looking at her reflection.

In the first few days back home, Catherine particularly wished Adrian would call. For reasons unknown, the thought kept bugging her like a virus and refused to go away. The incidents during filming would occasionally resurface—his awkwardness with the wrong coffee pot, his earnest script explanations, his comforting words when parting, and his observations as she outlined her novel. Especially the thought of the novel he concocted from her and those simple character sketches would cover Catherine with an inexplicable thrill.

However, after about ten days back home without a single call, Catherine gradually let the idea fade. Their encounter was merely coincidental; naturally, there'd be no contact once the film finished. But when she got today's call, the fluttering returned intensely, nearly making her heart leap out.

I'm just… a bit sensitive. Catherine consoled herself briefly and, after checking the time with a start, grabbed her purse and dashed outside.

"Kate," her mother intercepted at the door. "Are you going out on a date? With that director guy?"

Catherine hesitated slightly, then shook her head. "No, Mom, just an ordinary friend. I told you he's a director of experimental films, not much older than me. Alright, I'm going to be late. I'll explain when I get back."

Before her mother could say more, Catherine opened the door and slipped out, heading toward the meeting spot at a brisk trot. Only by doing so could she hide her wildly fluctuating emotions.

Catherine soon arrived at the intersection of Propus and Merlin Streets, seeing Adrian waiting by the car door from afar. Despite wearing simple dark casual attire, he still stood out.

"Sorry, I'm late." Catherine adjusted her breath as she approached Adrian, speaking apologetically.

"No worries, just a couple of minutes. Besides, aren't women supposed to make men wait?" Adrian carefree waved his hand, sizing Catherine up with a smile. "You look stunning today, Kate."

"Thank you." Kate playfully stuck out her tongue, then looked at him seriously. "Did something happen?"

Though Adrian seemed in good spirits, Catherine still noticed the unmistakable fatigue etched across his brow, with even a hint of bloodshot eyes.

"Let's talk in the car." Adrian gestured, opening the passenger door for her.

"Is this rented?" Catherine asked after getting in and taking a look around.

"Yes, renting a car is more convenient," Adrian nodded, starting the vehicle.

"Where are we going?" Catherine asked again.

"Honestly... I have no idea. My mind's currently in a mess," Adrian chuckled wryly. "I haven't left the studio for days; my head's crammed with scenes needing editing. With barely enough footage hurriedly shot to meet deadlines, every edit demands caution. Working non-stop and having no room for error have soured my mood. Everyone I worked with got a tongue-lashing, and while I know it's bad… but if I could vent to a female friend, maybe I'd feel somewhat better."

Though Catherine calmed upon meeting, a ripple from within still resonated.

"Let's walk by the Thames, maybe the river breeze would help ease your mind," she suggested.

As the second-largest river on the British Isles, the Thames was a major waterway and the UK's mother river, flanked by Westminster Cathedral, Parliament Building, Tower of London, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, to name a few on its London stretches—features embodying the essence of British culture. Hence, every visitor to London, foreign or domestic, would explore the Thames.

"That's not the issue, Ed. Deep down, you know this is your debut piece; naturally, you aim for perfection. Hence… a bit of an obsession," said Catherine as they sat on a bench by the Thames, holding fried fish with chips. Her nonchalant demeanor contrasted sharply with her exquisite features but exuded an unusual charm.

"I didn't know you were a psychologist." Adrian shrugged, also holding fried fish.

"When I started smoking, I suffered from anorexia, resisting food entirely. Even when I managed to eat, I'd feel the urge to throw up. I'm well-versed in that obsessive feeling," Catherine sighed deeply.

"Immersed in work, you wouldn't notice, plus your assistants faced your wrath before. Thus, an outsider like me is needed to remind you," Catherine joked, looking at Adrian.

Adrian pursed his lips, then earnestly asked, "Should I reprimand you too?"

"Oh, come on! Wasn't there enough scolding on set? Don't think I don't know—I was reprimanded more often than any other actor! My God, I was only acting for a few days!" Catherine protested, waving her arms indignantly.

"After the coffee pot incident, I stopped pestering you," Adrian reminded her.

"True, so deduct a few days. In short, within two-three days, I was told off way more than others; it's terrifying!" Catherine boastfully teased, forcing Adrian to helplessly raise his hands.

"Alright, we've discussed this enough. The solution's simple," Kate suddenly jumped up, pulling Adrian's hand. "Let's wander around, even if you've stayed in London, surely there are places you haven't visited. If famous landmarks don't interest you, we can explore Portobello markets or discover famous alleys. Come on, Ed, even amidst work strain, take time to relax, let's go together."

Facing her earnest expression brimming with vitality, Adrian smiled and clasped Catherine's hand. "Then let's go together."

Time flew by, and before they knew it, the sun had set. As the city lights flickered to life, the two returned to the Thames, appearing more intimate than before. Over the past few hours, they went wherever they fancied, dabbling in crafts market trinkets to feeding pigeons at Trafalgar Square, often jumping from one topic to another, even testing who could switch conversations better. In short, they laughed and joked like a couple in love.

"Catch me if you can! No chance!" After dinner by the Thames, Catherine suddenly dashed away, tauntingly.

"Wanna bet?" Adrian, smiling, rolled up his sleeves and suddenly lunged forward.

With giggles in the air, they playfully chased each other. Adrian suddenly called out, "Careful," and, as Catherine got distracted, he took the chance to scoop her up around her waist.

"That's cheating!" Catherine protested, playfully hitting him.

"This is called a strategy, never said you can't use strategies," Adrian replied with a smile.

"Let me go! Start over!" Catherine stubbornly demanded.

"Do you think that's possible?" Adrian playfully asked, gazing down at her.

Catherine wanted to retort, but looking up, she froze. For the first time, they were this close; their breaths mingling, an enticing and ambiguous atmosphere enveloped them.

Staring into his deep black eyes, an inexplicable thrill seeped into Catherine's heart. She watched as he moved closer...

"""