An hour later, the taxi carrying Gu Ran and Annie drove directly into the parking lot of the Ritz Hotel.
"Why are we going straight to the parking lot?" Gu Ran was initially puzzled, but as soon as he stepped out of the taxi, he gasped in astonishment.
Before him was a brand-new Porsche Cayenne Coupe SUV, adorned with a gift ribbon!
So this was Annie's gift!
No wonder she had asked him what kind of car he liked when they left the house that morning. Annie... had really put a lot of thought into this.
Gu Ran looked at the shiny Cayenne, feeling a surge of excitement.
Although Gu Ran himself had enough money to afford a Cayenne, this one was a gift from Anne Hathaway! A gift from a goddess! Whether it was an expensive Porsche or even a pair of stockings, as long as it came from her, Gu Ran would be thrilled.
"Gu, do you like it?" Annie asked nervously, worried that the gift might not seem significant enough to Gu Ran.
After all, Gu Ran was also wealthy, and his abilities were exceptional.
Moreover, after witnessing today's football match, Annie was convinced that Gu Ran was destined to become a world-renowned football star.
From that perspective, a £140,000 Porsche Cayenne wasn't much.
But Gu Ran immediately gave Annie a big bear hug. "Annie! I love it! Really! I've been needing a car like this!"
Annie exclaimed excitedly, "Really? I was worried the Cayenne might not be good enough!"
"How could the Cayenne not be good enough? It's amazing! Look at these sleek headlights, the suspension that feels like a hotel bed... Annie, you really have great taste!" Gu Ran said with genuine admiration.
Annie breathed a sigh of relief. "That's great! As long as you like it, I'd buy you anything you want!"
Annie had plenty of money—at least for now, she was much wealthier than Gu Ran.
Gu Ran suddenly felt like he was being pampered by a celebrity sugar momma!
And honestly, it felt amazing!
Gu Ran smiled and said, "Come on, Annie, let's take it for a spin."
"Okay!" Annie replied eagerly.
Annie took the passenger seat, and Gu Ran skillfully started the car and shifted gears.
However, being unfamiliar with the car, Gu Ran accidentally brushed his hand against Annie's bare leg.
It was so warm and smooth.
It felt like touching the finest mutton-fat jade—no, even the finest jade couldn't compare to the softness of Annie's skin!
Gu Ran cleared his throat. "Sorry, I'm still a beginner. Not very familiar with this yet."
Annie bit her lower lip shyly. "It's okay, just take it slow."
"Right."
Reluctantly, Gu Ran moved his hand from Annie's leg to the gearshift.
Then, with a press of the accelerator, the Porsche Cayenne shot forward like a rocket!
Annie's heart nearly leaped out of her chest!
Gu Ran, didn't you say you were a beginner? How are you driving so aggressively right from the start?
Annie's adrenaline spiked instantly.
But Gu Ran was having the time of his life!
It had been a while since he last drove, but his skills from his past life—12 years ahead of this time—were still intact. Plus, the performance of this car was better than any he had driven before.
Gu Ran accelerated, braked sharply, changed lanes, and circled the Ritz Hotel several times.
Finally, with a confident press of the brake, the Porsche Cayenne slid into the parking spot with a stylish drift.
What a rush!
Gu Ran gripped the leather steering wheel and let out a satisfied sigh.
Annie, on the other hand, was breathless and weak from the thrill.
That drive had been way too intense and wild!
"Goodness... Gu, didn't you say you were a beginner? How are you so good at driving? I bet even F1 racing isn't this thrilling! Are you really a beginner? You seem like a seasoned driver to me!"
Oh no!
Had she figured it out?
Gu Ran quickly explained, "No, no, Annie, you're overthinking it. I'm really not a seasoned driver. I can't even find the gearshift properly."
As he spoke, he "accidentally" touched Annie's leg again.
Annie: ...
He's doing it on purpose!
He's definitely doing it on purpose!
Hah...
Annie wasn't angry at all. In fact, she was secretly pleased.
"...You're such a tease, Gu. Can you tell me, is there anything you're not good at?"
Gu Ran thought seriously for a moment. "I'm not good at flirting... really."
Annie pouted playfully. "Yeah, right!"
Gu Ran sighed helplessly. "It's true! I really don't know how to flirt!"
Annie thought for a moment and said, "Well, I guess that makes sense. You cook so well, play football so brilliantly, and drive so handsomely. You don't need to flirt—girls would throw themselves at you, right?"
Gu Ran chuckled modestly. "Not at all. Look, you haven't thrown yourself at me, have you?"
Annie was taken aback. She then took a deep breath and said in a coquettish yet slightly resentful tone, "Who says I haven't? You just don't get it."
Oh my...
Gu Ran felt his entire body go weak.
The goddess definitely has feelings for me!
With things having reached this point, and with his hand in that position, there was an 80% chance something would happen tonight!
Gu Ran swallowed hard, trying to control his racing heart.
Seeing that Gu Ran didn't respond, Annie's expression turned slightly disappointed. "Gu, no matter what, I'm really, really grateful to you. When I first came to Southampton, I was completely hopeless. I couldn't see any future, and there was no joy in my heart. But after meeting you, everything changed."
...I know, I know. I'm the light that shines into your whatever!
Gu Ran screamed internally.
Annie continued, "You cooked delicious meals for me, you didn't leave me alone in that empty villa but took me to watch the game, you bought me so many stockings, and you even slapped Marshall three times to stand up for me. Not to mention, just these few minutes of driving with you gave me a thrill I've never experienced in my life."
"Gu, thank you. Really. I... like you."
With that, Annie leaned in and gently kissed Gu Ran's earlobe.
Gu Ran felt like all the blood in his body had frozen.
The goddess had made the first move!
Oh my god!
OH MY GOD!!!
This is too much!
But it's not enough!
Gu Ran desperately wanted to take Annie out of the car and head straight to the hotel.
But wait!
Don't rush!
Otherwise, she might think I only want to sleep with her!
Gu Ran took a deep breath and said softly, "Annie, I... like you too."
Annie looked up at Gu Ran with her gem-like eyes, her voice filled with hope and urgency. "Really, Gu? Do you really like me? I'm already a washed-up actress, and I'm older than you. Do you really... not mind?"
Gu Ran immediately replied, "Annie! Don't say that! In my heart, you'll always be the true Hollywood princess!"
Tears welled up in Annie's eyes. "Gu, you're so kind. You're really... too perfect."
Gu Ran quickly said, "Annie, don't cry... Look, it's getting late. Should we... check into a room for the night? I mean, I know we have the car now and could drive back, but I just played a tough football match today, and I'm worried about fatigue driving. It's dangerous, so maybe we should rest here for the night."
Annie's body trembled slightly, and the corners of her lips curled up uncontrollably. "Gu, you don't need to explain..."
They were both adults. Who didn't know what checking into a room meant?
"Ahem," Gu Ran chuckled. "Then let's get out of the car."
Annie cooed, "...But first, could you move your hand from my leg?"
"Oh!"
Gu Ran suddenly remembered that he had "accidentally" left his hand on her leg after parking. "Sorry, beginner's mistake."
Annie giggled. "...Did it feel good?"
Gu Ran replied seriously, "The leather feels great. I'm talking about the Cayenne's gearshift, of course."
Annie laughed coquettishly. "That's what I meant too."
Oh my...
The goddess's playful demeanor was both innocent and seductive!
I really can't take this anymore!
Gu Ran struggled to suppress the urge to push Annie down onto the car seat. Instead, he opened the car door and helped Annie, whose legs were still weak, out of the car.
Once outside, Gu Ran kept his hand on Annie's slender waist.
This wasn't the first time he had done this, and Annie had never resisted.
The difference was that in the beginning, Annie had been tense and nervous.
But now, she was completely relaxed, her hips swaying with every step, exuding a mix of innocence and allure.
Gu Ran boldly moved his hand up a couple of inches—not by lifting it and placing it back, but by sliding it up along Annie's waist, stopping just above her hip.
The small of the back was the most sensitive spot.
Annie didn't resist. Instead, she swayed even more seductively, as if deliberately showing off her flexibility...
Something's definitely happening tonight!
No doubt about it!
And also... I'm really not a seasoned driver!!!
Gu Ran kept his arm around Annie as they walked into the Ritz Hotel.
The impeccably dressed hotel manager immediately greeted them with a warm smile.
"Welcome to the Ritz Hotel, madam and sir," the manager said politely to Gu Ran. "Sir, would you like to book two rooms, as you did last time?"
Oh no...
Your memory is way too good!
You actually remember I was here before and booked two rooms?
Well, I guess as a Chinese person in a hotel like this, I do stand out.
Gu Ran cleared his throat and said coolly, "No, this time... just one room."
The manager was momentarily stunned. He glanced at Annie, whose figure and charm were impossible to hide even under her sunhat, and then gave Gu Ran a knowing look that said, "Ah, so you like older women." He smiled and said, "Of course, sir. I'll arrange that for you right away."
Gu Ran held Annie close and whispered, "...Let's save money by booking just one room."
Annie almost burst out laughing.
Who here is short on money?
You casually spent over £10,000 on stockings for me and always carry around £20,000 in cash in your sports bag. Are you really short on money?
My outfit alone is worth over £100,000, and I just bought you a Porsche Cayenne for £140,000. Do I look like I'm short on money?
You're clearly just trying to...
Annie nodded, "...Yeah, you're right. We should save money."
After the front desk manager completed the check-in, Gu Ran and Annie were escorted by the bellhop to their room on the 8th floor.
Once Gu Ran tipped the bellhop and quickly closed the door, he said, "Annie, you can take off your hat and glasses now."
"Finally... I've been holding back all day," Annie sighed in relief, removing her hat, glasses, and high heels.
The room suddenly fell into silence.
Their eyes met...
Both of their hearts were pounding wildly...
It wouldn't be appropriate to just jump into each other's arms and start kissing like in the movies, right?
...Well, maybe it wouldn't be that big of a deal.
After all, things are more open here.
As Gu Ran was pondering how to start, Annie smoothed her slightly disheveled hair and said, "It's so strange that there's only one bed here."
...The Ritz doesn't have standard rooms with twin beds. You know that, right?
Gu Ran frowned, "Yeah, how can there only be one bed? How are we supposed to sleep tonight?"
Annie shyly replied, "Yeah, we... we can't possibly share a bed, right?"
Gu Ran nodded seriously, "Right, we can't. We definitely can't."
The room fell silent again.
Logically, Gu Ran should have suggested booking another room, but he didn't.
We need to save money!!!
Annie covered her mouth with a smile, "But we did share a bed on the train, so tonight can be just like that. I trust you're a gentleman."
Damn it!
Annie, don't trust me so much!
Back then, I held back because of the match, but now that it's over, it's time to celebrate. Even I don't trust myself to hold back!
I'm a decent person, but my young body isn't exactly decent!
I might not be able to control myself!
Gu Ran took a deep breath and said sincerely, "Don't worry, Annie. I'm not an animal."
Annie smiled, "I believe you."
Though she said that, Annie was secretly worried: What if he really doesn't act like an animal? No, no, I can't be too reserved. I need to step it up.
Both of them were overthinking.
The room was filled with an ambiguous silence.
After a while, Annie suddenly remembered something, "Oh, by the way, Gu, the stockings you bought me haven't arrived yet. Call the intern and have them delivered here. I can try them on before bed."
Damn...
Does that mean the goddess is going to wear stockings for me before bed?
Gu Ran felt his blood rushing to his head.
"Alright, I'll call right now."
Gu Ran dialed the Balenciaga intern's number and gave them the room number at the Ritz.
"She said it'll take about an hour to get here."
"Okay, then... I'll go take a shower first," Annie said with an innocent smile, swaying her hips as she walked toward the bathroom.
"Gu, there's no place to hang clothes in the bathroom. I'll leave my clothes outside. Can you hang them up for me?"
"...Sure," Gu Ran swallowed hard.
Soon, pieces of clothing were tossed out from the bathroom.
First, her blazer, then her fitted white blouse, followed by her pencil skirt, and then...
Gu Ran held Annie's still-warm, fragrant clothes, feeling like he was about to lose control!
The goddess is teasing me!
And she's using a "lethal weapon" to do it!
This is way too intense...
At that moment, the sound of running water came from the bathroom.
Hollywood superstar Anne Hathaway was showering just a door away!
And... she didn't lock the door!
Did she forget, or is she leaving it open on purpose?
Should I go in and help by handing her a towel or scrubbing her back?
No, no, I'm not that kind of person!
Stay calm!
I can't act like some pervert who's only after her beauty!
Gu Ran put down Annie's clothes and tried to distract himself.
...So, Annie was wearing black underneath. Heh.
Wait!
I can't be this perverted!
Right, I should test out the "Storyboard Drawing" skill I just acquired!
This skill is crucial for my future side career. I need to take it seriously.
Gu Ran took a deep breath, picked up a pencil, and started visualizing scenes from classic movies he remembered from his past life—
But all he could hear was the sound of running water, and all he could think about was Annie in the shower.
Damn it...
I can't get it out of my head!
Gu Ran held the pencil but couldn't draw anything!
Clearly, the +1 level of storyboard drawing wasn't enough to handle this situation.
Gu Ran took another deep breath and tried to focus.
...First, I need to think of a script that would help Annie.
In his past life, Annie had starred in many bad movies. To avoid being typecast as the innocent girl, she even took on roles that were deliberately provocative and foul-mouthed, ruining her image.
But she did have a few good films later on.
For example, Christopher Nolan's *The Dark Knight Rises* in 2012.
This film was the crowning achievement of Nolan's Batman trilogy. The lead was Christian Bale, the main villain was Tom Hardy (who would later play Venom), and the female lead was Anne Hathaway.
Annie played Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman.
Catwoman is a classic anti-hero in DC Comics. She's not purely a hero or a villain but a complex, captivating character.
Annie's portrayal of Catwoman was excellent. She perfectly captured the character's morally ambiguous nature, her playfulness, and her bad-girl vibe, elevating Catwoman to new heights of popularity.
Annie's Catwoman had many great scenes—but not enough.
In fact, *The Dark Knight Rises*, the final installment of the trilogy, didn't receive as much acclaim as its predecessor, *The Dark Knight*.
Part of the reason was that Hollywood critics didn't like Annie. Even though her performance was groundbreaking, they still didn't appreciate her. Another reason was that Tom Hardy's portrayal of the villain Bane wasn't as compelling, especially compared to Heath Ledger's iconic Joker in the previous film.
Heath Ledger's Joker was untouchable.
If Catwoman's role and Bane's character could be further developed, Nolan's trilogy finale could have been perfect.
It's June 2010 now, and *The Dark Knight Rises* was released in July 2012. This means Gu Ran has a chance to create the storyboard before Nolan even writes the script.
He could even design every shot for Nolan!
And fix the parts Nolan didn't handle well!
In his past life, *The Dark Knight Rises* had a production budget of $250 million and grossed $1.08 billion worldwide.
If Gu Ran could complete the storyboard within half a month, he could potentially avoid competing with *The Avengers* in 2012 and surpass *Harry Potter* as the top-grossing film of 2011.
It might even reach $1.5 billion at the box office!
This wouldn't just help Annie make a glorious return to Hollywood—it would also be a great opportunity to kickstart his side career!
After all, once he becomes a professional football player, he'll have to stay away from gambling. If he wants to keep making money, aside from his club salary, he'll need to rely on side projects!
This is a win-win situation!
Alright!
Let's start with *The Dark Knight Rises*!
Gu Ran's mind filled with the gray tones of Gotham City...
Just as he was about to start drawing, Annie walked out of the bathroom, wrapped in a damp towel, her legs bare.
...
(End of chapter)