Chapter 377: A Man of Eternal Ambition, My Life Knows No End

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The next day was sunny.

Hepburn wore a white shirt, a long skirt, stockings, small leather shoes, and a brown windbreaker. Her slightly curly short hair and silk scarf around her neck gave her a neat, elegant, and easygoing appearance.

As Hepburn descended the stairs, Hardy was already waiting for her in the hotel yard on his scooter. Hepburn gracefully smiled at him and took a seat sideways in the back. Hardy revved up the scooter, and they left the hotel.

From behind the curtains of a third-floor room in the hotel, two figures peered outside, revealing only their eyes. When the scooter departed, the two turned their attention back inside.

"Do you really think the big boss just wants Hepburn to experience a movie scene?" Trixie, Hepburn's female assistant, asked the male staff member accompanying them.

The male staff member gave an enigmatic smile. "It seems like the big boss is out to pick up girls."

"I feel the same way," Trixie agreed.

The male staff member chuckled. "Big bosses may be famous, but the public knows only a few of them, mostly the most renowned women in Hollywood. They are envied by countless women."

"Hollywood has its share of beautiful girls, but here we have a collection from across the U.S. and the world. What they lack is the opportunity to be seen by the big boss. It's Hepburn's luck, and her future will be limitless."

Trixie nodded. "I hope that's true."

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Both were startled. The male staff member went to answer it. The visitor was one of Hardy's security captains. The staff member greeted him with a smile. "What brings you here?"

The security captain entered, closed the door, and, glancing at the staff member and Trixie, said seriously, "If you don't want to be targeted by a sniper rifle, avoid such boring actions next time."

Both were taken aback, their faces turning pale with fear.

"Did we really attract the attention of a sniper? Could we be in danger?" they wondered anxiously.

"We'll be more careful next time," they stammered.

The security captain was about to leave but added, "And don't speak about the boss behind his back."

The two felt as if they had plunged into an ice cave.

They had just been overheard discussing the big boss. They knew his security was strict but hadn't realized it was this tight.

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Hardy rode Hepburn on his scooter. She nestled into the corner of his clothes, appearing a bit more cautious after spending the night.

"Is there any particular place you want to see?" Hardy asked, turning his head.

Hepburn thought for a moment. "The Colosseum. I've always wanted to see it."

"Sure, let's go."

Hardy knew the way to the Colosseum and accelerated. Rome's narrow streets were perfect for the small scooter.

At the Colosseum, they climbed the stairs and took in the view. Despite the ruins, the grandeur was still evident.

After visiting the Colosseum, they went to the wishing wall. Nearby vendors offered notes and pens, as few visitors carry their own.

Hepburn took a pen and paper, contemplated for a moment with the pencil end in her mouth, and wrote:

"If you want beautiful lips, speak kind words; if you want lovely eyes, see the good in others; if you want a slim figure, share your food with the hungry; if you want beautiful hair, let children stroke it daily; for an elegant posture, remember you are not the only pedestrian when walking. May the world be peaceful, free from war, away from hunger, and may everyone be happy. May my first heroine movie be a success."

She folded her palms in prayer and affixed the note to the wall.

Watching Hepburn write, Hardy admired her kind-heartedness. It was clear she deeply loved the world.

Hepburn turned to Hardy with a smile. "Mr. Hardy, haven't you finished writing your note yet?"

Hardy had only glanced at Hepburn's writing and had not yet written his own. He considered briefly and then wrote in Chinese:

"A man with a thousand-year ambition, my life knows no end. I must create my own achievements in this life."

Hepburn looked at the note and blinked in curiosity. "Mr. Hardy, what language is this?"

"Chinese. Eastern Chinese characters," Hardy explained.

Hepburn was slightly surprised. "Isn't that the Eastern China currently at war with the United States? I read about it in the Global Times."

China's military actions had made global headlines, with detailed reports in various newspapers, including the Global Times.

"Yes, that's China," Hardy confirmed.

Hepburn looked at the characters again and marveled, "Mr. Hardy is really knowledgeable to write in the language of that ancient country."

Flattered by her praise, Hardy felt a sense of satisfaction. Previously, language had been a barrier, but now he could impress with Chinese characters.

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They continued their ride and arrived at the Pantheon by noon. A coffee stand nearby offered lunch. They found a seat facing the street.

Before their meal and coffee arrived, a middle-aged man with an easel approached them. He greeted them in Italian.

Hepburn translated for Hardy. "He's offering to paint a portrait of us. Would you like to have one?"

Hardy made an OK gesture, which the painter understood and set up his easel at an angle that favored Hepburn. Hardy suspected the painter was focused on Hepburn, given the way he positioned his setup.

While they ate, Hardy and Hepburn chatted about their plans for the afternoon, their knowledge of Rome, and the meaning of Hardy's motto.

"Mr. Hardy, you haven't explained the meaning of the Chinese characters you wrote on the wishing wall," Hepburn inquired.

"A man with a thousand-year ambition, my life knows no end, means that a person should have lofty goals and strive for greatness throughout their life. It's a motto I've followed since my military service," Hardy explained.

Hepburn looked at Hardy with admiration. She was well aware of his remarkable achievements and viewed him as the epitome of the American dream.

The painter worked diligently, using watercolors which took longer than sketches. As they finished their meal, the painter presented the completed artwork.

Hepburn and Hardy examined the painting. It depicted them seated at the coffee table with a blurred street view behind. Hardy's profile was captured handsomely, and Hepburn's likeness was vibrant and detailed.

Hepburn was pleased, and Hardy was especially satisfied with the way the painting captured Hepburn's gaze, reflecting her admiration for him.

"What do you think? Do you like it?" Hardy asked Hepburn.

"He painted very well. I look even more beautiful than I do in real life," Hepburn smiled.

"Ask him how much it costs," Hardy said.

Hepburn translated the question. The painter quoted $30.

Hardy handed over $100. "I'm very satisfied. The extra is for the tip."

The painter, surprised, kissed Hardy's hand and then Hepburn's hand. Hardy suspected the painter was particularly interested in Hepburn.

The security captain arrived to collect the painting. Hardy instructed him to purchase additional works from the painter and to have the current painting enlarged and turned into an oil painting for display in the hall.

Hepburn translated Hardy's request. The painter was thrilled and grateful for the opportunity.

As the painter left, Hardy commented to Hepburn, "If I wanted to make that painter famous, I could. Many talented artists never get the chance to be recognized. This painting will capture a significant moment and contribute to his fame."

Hepburn laughed, thinking Hardy was exaggerating. She didn't realize that if Hardy wished to promote the painter, he had the means to do so.