Chapter 48

Years later, a certain artist named Luo was exposed, earning the nickname "Master of Time Management." Xu Can never imagined that he, too, would need to learn time management someday.

In her apartment, professional makeup artists and stylists had just finished preparing Emma Stone. She was eagerly anticipating the next party with the Twilight Saga crew. A new black evening dress and flawless makeup made Emma—affectionately called "Sister Shitou"—look stunning.

"I thought I only needed to attend the premiere?" she asked.

"Sorry, honey. The director decided to throw an impromptu party. Everyone really wants to see you, so I have to take you there," Xu Can explained.

Emma came up and lightly pressed her red lips against Xu Can's cheek. "Just come with me, okay?"

It would be impossible to turn her down without making her sad. The party, filled with young actors, was also a great networking opportunity. In Hollywood, building relationships was as crucial as talent—it could prove useful for future film projects.

"Alright, let's go," Xu Can finally agreed.

The director of Twilight, Catherine Hardwicke, lived in Beverly Hills, and her mansion was the venue for the private party. Upon seeing Emma and Xu Can arrive, Catherine warmly embraced Emma and even gave Xu Can a peck on the cheek.

"I've been wanting to meet you," Catherine said with a sly smile. "To be honest, I initially wanted to cast you as the male lead, but the role had already been filled."

The female director's hands were a bit too friendly, and Xu Can skillfully brushed her off with a polite smile. He had no interest in playing a pale vampire; that was Robert Pattinson's gig, and he was welcome to it.

Soon, Xu Can greeted the main cast members one by one. Unintentionally, he became the center of attention.

His recent success as a co-producer of John Wick had made him one of the hottest names in Hollywood, a rising producer who knew how to rake in box office gold. Everyone at the party wanted to work with him.

Even Robert Pattinson, with his distinct British charm, was eager to chat with Xu Can. "Xu, I just watched your movie yesterday! So impressive! Seriously, I wouldn't mind playing even a small part in the sequel."

"We could collaborate on the sequel next year," Xu Can responded with a grin.

At that moment, another actress approached Xu Can, much to his surprise—it was Kristen Stewart, the original heroine of Twilight. Although she had failed to land the lead role, she was cast as Jessica, a classmate of the main character, replacing Anna Kendrick in the process.

"Hey Xu, nice to meet you," Kristen said coolly.

The 17-year-old Kristen seemed much younger in person. Xu Can, with Taylor Swift on his mind, didn't chat for long, only exchanging contact information with Kristen.

Little did he know, this brief encounter with Kristen would soon lead to chaos in his life.

After mingling for a while and getting to know everyone he needed to, Xu Can decided it was time to slip away. "Emma, I need to head over to the recording studio. Have fun here; Vanessa will pick you up tonight."

"Okay, be careful on the road," Emma replied, pouting slightly as she watched him leave.

Kristen, observing the scene from a distance, was amused. She had always seen Emma as confident and generous on set, but now she witnessed a more vulnerable side of her.

What kind of magic does that Chinese man possess? Kristen wondered.

Xu Can drove his Ferrari through the streets of Los Angeles, scenes reminiscent of GTA V flashing by. Beside him, sitting in the passenger seat, was Taylor Swift, wearing a beautiful dress. The faint scent of Armani perfume mixed with her natural fragrance lingered in the air.

Xu Can could hardly believe this moment—Swift, once out of reach, was now right beside him. He could easily reach out and touch her fair legs, a reality he never imagined, even in his wildest dreams.

But despite the thrill of their first official date, the atmosphere in the car was unexpectedly quiet. Swift turned her head to look out the window, lost in thought. Could she be upset that he was late? Xu Can wondered.

It had only been half an hour; surely that wasn't too late.

To break the awkward silence, Xu Can reached for the radio, but Swift's cold hand met his. "Is this…tacit understanding?" Swift finally broke the silence, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"There's a Chinese idiom that describes this situation," Xu Can replied.

"What is it? I want to learn!" Swift's interest piqued.

"'Tacit understanding,'" Xu Can explained, teaching her how to pronounce the phrase. After several attempts, Swift finally said it fluently.

"What does it mean?" she asked.

Xu Can thought for a moment before answering, "It refers to a mythical creature called a rhinoceros, with two spiritual horns connected by a white thread in the middle. This connection represents two people being in sync, understanding each other without words. Many ancient Chinese poems mention this legend."

Swift, eyes gleaming with admiration, listened intently. "Wow, Chinese culture is so deep. I want to learn more!"

"Start with one word at a time, and I'll teach you," Xu Can offered, prompting Swift to eagerly practice. Their conversation continued playfully, with Swift attempting to say "Mr." and amusingly combining the words to create "Mr. Husband," a mistake that had Xu Can stifling laughter.

Their date proceeded smoothly, full of banter and light-hearted conversation, making both forget about the luxurious meal in front of them. By the time they finished, the sun had set, and it was time for Xu Can to drive Swift home.

Every glance at Swift made Xu Can's heart race, reminding him of his younger days. The drive back seemed far too short, and soon they arrived at Swift's apartment.

Neither of them was in a hurry to end the night. Sitting in the car, they savored the quiet, an unspoken connection between them. The car's radio DJ was introducing a song—Fearless by Taylor Swift. As the familiar melody filled the car, Swift began softly singing along, harmonizing with her own voice on the radio.

What's it like to hear the original singer sing her song beside you? Xu Can wondered, captivated by Swift's voice and her gaze locked on him.

Before the song ended, Xu Can couldn't hold back any longer. He leaned forward and kissed her.

The previous kiss at SNL had been an impromptu act, but this time it was deliberate. she was taken by surprise but quickly responded, and the two became lost in each other.

Their date had gone so well that they returned to their easygoing friendship, sharing stories and laughing together. Xu Can shared anecdotes from film sets, while Swift vented about the challenges of recording an album. They were so engrossed in each other that the world outside seemed to disappear.

Eventually, it was time for Xu Can to drive Swift home, but just as they arrived at her apartment, his phone rang.

"Aren't you going to answer?" Swift asked.

"It's probably just a telemarketer," Xu Can replied dismissively.

Swift insisted, "Just check, in case it's important."

Reluctantly, Xu Can answered, only to hear a familiar voice on the other end—it was Kristen Stewart.

"Xu, it's me, Kristen. Emma is drunk. Can you come pick her up?"

Ah…

Xu Can remembered that Emma usually had a strong tolerance for alcohol, so it was strange for her to get drunk so easily.

"Alright, please help take care of her for now," Xu Can replied, trying to figure out what to do next.

He quickly called his assistant, Vanessa, hoping she could handle the situation. However, Vanessa apologized, her voice filled with regret.

"I'm really sorry, boss. I had dinner and drank some wine with my family today, so I can't drive."

Xu Can had been so close to ending the night on a high note, but now things had taken an unexpected turn.

After hanging up, Swift gently took Xu Can's hand in hers. "You should go and pick up Emma," she said softly. "You're good friends, and she probably really needs your help. I'll head up now. We can go out together another time."

"But..." Xu Can started to protest, but Swift cut him off with a light kiss.

"It's okay," she reassured him with a smile, then gracefully exited the car and walked toward her apartment. Xu Can watched her go, feeling both grateful and conflicted.

Realizing there was no way he could leave Emma in the hands of others, especially in a city like Los Santos where safety could be unpredictable, Xu Can reluctantly stepped on the gas and drove away.

Swift's kiss felt like reassurance. Her feelings wouldn't change, and there would be another chance to deepen their relationship. No need to rush.

Perhaps, with the presence of other women in Xu Can's life, Swift had momentarily snapped out of her infatuation. But Gwen's relationship with Spider-Man was one of Hollywood's most famous pairings, and it was clear that any connection between Xu Can and Emma Stone was purely professional—or so Swift hoped.

When Xu Can arrived at the Twilight Party, a group of young actors were already having fun, many of them drunk and lounging by the pool. Kristen Stewart, sitting next to a sleeping Emma on the sofa, looked up as Xu Can entered.

"She's just asleep," Kristen said. "She got a little too drunk."

"Wow, she's heavier than she looks," Xu Can remarked as he carefully lifted Emma in his arms. Kristen helped him open the car door, and they gently placed Emma in the back seat.

"I'll come with you," Kristen offered. "It's safer if I help."

Kristen's cool demeanor made her seem dependable, and Xu Can appreciated her offer. "Thanks, that would help a lot."

Back at Emma's apartment, they worked together to get her into bed. Unfortunately, just as they finished, Emma woke up briefly—only to throw up all over Kristen.

Xu Can winced in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry. Why don't you take a shower here? I have some clean clothes you can change into."

Kristen, trying to stay composed, sighed. "Thanks, I'll take you up on that."

As Xu Can finished settling Emma in, he suddenly heard a loud thump from the bathroom. His heart skipped a beat as he hurried over and knocked on the door.

"Kristen? Are you okay?"

No response, only the sound of the running shower.

Without hesitation, Xu Can pushed the door open. Kristen had fainted, likely from the effects of alcohol combined with the hot shower.

Xu Can, now in full problem-solving mode, quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped her in it, carefully drying her off before carrying her to the guest room. As he laid her down, Kristen instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him like an octopus.

Then, unexpectedly, she leaned in and kissed him.

Startled but not entirely surprised, Xu Can found himself in an unexpected situation. His mind flashed back to his earlier encounter with Swift, the emotions still fresh and unresolved.

Kristen's sudden kiss reignited those suppressed feelings, and before he could think, he responded. The tension between them escalated, and an unplanned and intense moment unfolded, much like a scene from The Twilight Saga itself.

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