Chapter 42: Good Friends

"Mm..." Murphy nodded slightly. "Jim, your idea is excellent. You're a very dedicated actor."

The words were sincere, as if they came from the depths of his heart. James Franco's smile deepened. Since rehearsals began, he noticed that Murphy not only knew how to get along with Kerry Mulligan but also managed to make her revolve around him.

For that alone, he had to admire him.

Despite his efforts during rehearsals and filming at Milton's Café, his relationship with Kerry Mulligan not only failed to improve but also seemed to worsen.

In another person's shoes, he might have given up, but her playful golden short hair, delicate face, innocent smile, and occasional rebelliousness tugged at his heartstrings, making it impossible for him to give up.

Luring James Franco with Kerry Mulligan was Murphy's initial plan, but after the latter signed a contract, those plans had to be scrapped.

"Actually, Kerry is quite easy to get along with." Murphy lied with the utmost sincerity, "I treat Kerry sincerely, and of course, she reciprocates in the same way."

Hearing this, James Franco wanted to roll his eyes. He wished he could cut through Murphy's honest face to see what lay beneath.

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

He glanced at the bottle of Scotch whisky on the coffee table, feeling a pang of regret, but he suppressed it. Quickly excusing himself, he left without Murphy seeing him off.

Once the door closed, it was knocked on again from outside.

"Come in," Murphy said.

The door opened, revealing a cute doll-like face peeking in. Bright eyes sparkled with a smile, but it vanished as soon as they landed on James Franco.

Kerry Mulligan pushed the door open, completely ignoring James Franco, and greeted Murphy, "Hey, good evening."

Murphy responded with a warm smile, "Feel free to sit, Kerry."

"Hello, Kerry," James Franco greeted her, trying to be polite. "It's late. Aren't you sleeping yet?"

Though lacking in social experience, Kerry Mulligan was sharp. With Murphy's subtle reminders, she could sense James Franco's intentions. Her dislike for him had escalated from mere words to a psychological level. She just nodded slightly, saying, "Hello, James."

If it weren't for Murphy's influence, her emotions wouldn't have been so transparent. Kerry Mulligan glanced at James Franco and then diverted her attention back to the characters of Haley and Jeff in the script. Her lively eyes immediately began spinning with thoughts.

"Kerry..." Murphy coughed softly. "Do you need something?"

"Ah... yes." Kerry Mulligan quickly snapped out of it and looked at James Franco again, deliberately emphasizing her tone. "I want to talk to you about the private tutor, alone."

Murphy turned to James Franco, who wasn't oblivious. He knew that pushing Kerry Mulligan's buttons further wasn't wise at the moment. "It's late, and I need to review the script."

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

Once the door closed, Kerry Mulligan's smile disappeared. She jumped from the chair to the couch beside Murphy, pouting, "I don't want a private tutor, Murphy. I really don't!"

"I'm sorry..." Murphy shook his head slowly. "Kerry, it's not something I can control."

Kerry Mulligan wanted to say more, but Murphy raised his hand. "Dear, listen to me. I don't want a strict tutor to cage this free bird of yours."

"I knew it would be like this, you're the best to me." Kerry Mulligan still sounded somewhat aggrieved. "Please!"

Her bright eyes became misty, and the words that came out were soft and pleading. Every time she used this tone, the person opposite would always agree...

"I can't, Kerry." Murphy looked into her eyes. "You're not yet sixteen and are under the protection of the Children's Association. It's a mandatory requirement for the production to provide a tutor."

"These people are so annoying!" Kerry Mulligan grumbled, "I don't need their protection!"

"Kerry, don't say such silly things." Murphy's words sounded unusually kind. "Dear, don't forget, you're not yet of legal age."

Kerry Mulligan lowered her head, lost in thought.

Murphy knew how to handle her. "You also wouldn't want the Children's Association and the Actors' Guild causing trouble for the production, causing our project to halt, right?"

"Of course not." Kerry Mulligan shook her head vigorously, extending a small hand to touch Murphy's arm. "We're best friends. I won't let that happen."

She looked up, seeming to understand completely. "Murphy, you make my dreams come true. For you, I can endure the most strict and eccentric tutor."

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

"Really?" Kerry Mulligan showed a hint of surprise, wanting to say more, but Murphy interrupted, "Go back and rest early. You have a rehearsal with James tomorrow."

"That annoying guy again." Kerry Mulligan muttered, but she still stood up.

Her eyes fell on the bottle of Scotch whisky on the coffee table, and she asked tentatively, "Is this Scotch whisky?"

Seeing Murphy nod, she asked with a hint of longing, "Can I try it?"

Murphy looked hesitant, but after a moment, he held up a finger. "Just a sip, and you can't tell anyone."

"Okay!" Kerry Mulligan swore as if making an oath. "It'll be our secret."

After saying that, she grabbed Murphy's glass and poured herself a bit of whisky. Tilting her head back, she drank it, seeming like she wasn't new to drinking. After taking a deep breath, she muttered to herself, "Much better than last time."

Murphy smiled at her, and Kerry Mulligan immediately covered her mouth.

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

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

As she left Murphy's room and turned into the corridor, she was stopped by a voice coming from the staircase. "Hey, Kerry."

James Franco appeared in front of her. "I heard the little lake up north is nice. Everyone else went there. Interested?"

Going out with a man at night? Kerry Mulligan was naive but not stupid. "Sorry, I need to rest."