Chapter 42: Good Friends

"Hmm…" Murphy nodded lightly. "Jim, that's a great idea. You're a very dedicated actor."

His words sounded sincere, as if they came from the heart. James Franco's smile deepened. Since rehearsals began, he noticed that Murphy not only knew how to get along with Carey Mulligan but also had her wrapped around his finger.

Just this alone was something he genuinely admired.

During rehearsals and the Milton Café shoot, despite his many efforts to win Carey Mulligan over, their relationship hadn't improved; if anything, it seemed to be getting worse.

If it were anyone else, he would have given up. But Carey's playful short blonde hair, delicate and cute face, innocent smile, and occasional rebellious streak kept tugging at his heartstrings, making her irresistible.

The unattainable, especially the type you can see but not touch, strongly suggested to him that she was the best.

Using Carey Mulligan to bait James Franco was part of Murphy's plan, but once the contract was signed, those plans naturally had to be scrapped.

"Actually, Carey is quite easy to get along with." Murphy said with the most sincere attitude and tone, uttering a statement even he didn't believe. "I treat Carey sincerely, and she naturally treats me the same way."

Hearing this, James Franco felt like rolling his eyes and wanted to cut deep into Murphy's honest face to see what was hidden beneath.

"Thank you." James Franco stood up, saying insincerely, "I know what to do now."

He glanced at the bottle of Chivas Regal on the coffee table, a feeling of heartache sweeping through him, but he forced it down. Just as he was about to leave, there was another knock at the door.

"Come in," Murphy said.

The door opened slightly, and a small, cute doll-like face peeked in, her bright eyes smiling, but the smile disappeared when she saw James Franco.

Carey Mulligan pushed the door open and walked in, completely ignoring James Franco. She greeted Murphy, "Hi, good evening."

Murphy returned her greeting with a warm smile. "Sit anywhere, Carey."

"Hello, Carey." After Carey Mulligan sat down on a chair, James Franco greeted her, "Up this late, not asleep yet?"

Though naive and lacking social experience, Carey Mulligan was smart. With Murphy's subtle hints, she could sense James Franco's intentions and had grown to dislike him. She barely nodded at him, saying lightly, "Hello, James."

If it weren't for Murphy's influence, someone as emotionally expressive as her probably wouldn't have greeted him at all.

Carey Mulligan glanced at James Franco, her thoughts drifting to Haley and Jeff's characters in the script. Her lively eyes started turning mischievously.

"Carey…" Murphy cleared his throat lightly. "Do you need something?"

"Oh… yes." Carey Mulligan quickly snapped back to reality and glanced at James Franco, emphasizing, "About the tutor, I want to talk to you alone."

Murphy turned to look at James Franco, who knew better than to overstay. He understood that achieving his goal would take time and didn't want to worsen Carey Mulligan's aversion. He quickly said, "It's late; I need to go back and review the script."

With that, he left without waiting for Murphy to see him out.

As the door closed behind him, Carey Mulligan immediately dropped her sour expression and, with bright, innocent eyes, asked, "Bill said you arranged for a tutor for me. Is that true?"

Murphy nodded gently. Carey Mulligan's face fell. She stood up from her chair and almost jumped to the sofa beside Murphy, sitting down and pouting at him, "I don't want a tutor, Murphy, I really don't!"

"Sorry…" Murphy shook his head slowly. "Carey, this isn't something I can control."

Carey Mulligan seemed about to say something, but Murphy raised his hand. "Dear, listen to me. I don't want a strict tutor to confine a free bird like you."

"I knew it, you're the best to me." Carey Mulligan still spoke with a hint of grievance, "Please, I beg you!"

Her bright eyes grew misty, her voice soft and sweet. Whenever she spoke like this, people usually gave in…

"I can't, Carey." Murphy looked into her eyes. "You're not yet sixteen, and you're under the protection of the Children's Association. The crew has to arrange a tutor for you as a mandatory requirement."

"Those people are so annoying!" Carey Mulligan said angrily. "I don't need their protection!"

"Carey, don't say such silly things." Murphy's voice was exceptionally gentle. "Dear, don't forget, you're not yet an adult."

Carey Mulligan lowered her head, lost in thought.

Murphy knew how to handle her. "You wouldn't want the Children's Association and the Actors' Guild to cause trouble for the crew and disrupt our project, would you?"

"Of course not." Carey Mulligan raised her head slightly. "This is my first official role. I don't want to fail."

"This is also my first film." Murphy followed her lead. "I've invested everything I have in this. If the project stops, I'll go bankrupt and become a homeless man. As my good friend, would you want that to happen?"

"No, absolutely not!" Carey Mulligan quickly shook her head and reached out to hold Murphy's arm. "We're best friends; I won't let that happen."

She lifted her head, seemingly having fully understood. "Murphy, you made my dream come true. For you, I can tolerate the strictest, quirkiest tutor."

Murphy nodded at her. "You're the best girl I've ever met."

"Really?" Carey Mulligan showed a hint of surprise and wanted to say more, but Murphy interrupted, "Go to bed early; you have rehearsals with James tomorrow."

"That annoying guy again." Carey Mulligan muttered but still stood up.

Her eyes fell on the bottle of Chivas Regal on the coffee table. Tentatively, she asked, "Is this Chivas?"

Seeing Murphy nod, she added with some longing, "Can I… can I try it?"

Murphy looked troubled for a moment, then raised a finger. "Just a small sip, and you can't tell anyone."

"Mm!" Carey Mulligan swore like she was making a solemn vow, "It's our secret."

With that, she grabbed Murphy's glass, poured a little from the bottle, and drank it down. It seemed she wasn't drinking for the first time. She took a deep breath and murmured, "Tastes much better than last time."

Murphy watched her with a smile, and Carey Mulligan quickly covered her mouth.

"Our secret." Murphy said at the right moment.

Carey Mulligan beamed happily, feeling that there was no better friend in the world than Murphy.

Leaving Murphy's room, Carey Mulligan walked down the corridor but was stopped by a voice from the stairwell. "Hey, Carey."

James Franco appeared in front of her. "I heard the small lake to the north is nice. Everyone's headed there. Interested in joining?"

Going out at night with a guy? Carey Mulligan was naive, but not stupid. "Sorry, I'm going to rest."