Chapter 100: Breaking the Ice

Standing in front of the dressing mirror in his bedroom, Murphy saw dust covering his head, face, and body. He had just returned from outside, and the end-of-May Los Angeles weather was predictably hot. The sweat on his body made the dust stick, creating an uncomfortable feeling that seemed to seep into his bones. For someone who liked cleanliness, it was unbearable.

Just as he was about to take off his T-shirt, Murphy remembered Carey Mulligan was still behind him. He turned and asked, "Why are you still here?"

Carey Mulligan blinked, "Are you sure the bathroom in the guest room works?"

Murphy turned to his wardrobe to find some clothes. "Yes, it works."

"Alright." Carey Mulligan stared at Murphy's firm back for a moment before slowly saying, "I'll go then."

She walked to the door, closed it behind her, but instead of going to the guest room, she stood outside, waiting.

When she heard the sound of water running, Carey Mulligan smiled but hesitated as she gripped the doorknob.

Thinking about how supportive, understanding, and kind Murphy had been since they met, Carey Mulligan felt her heart swell with affection. Though she had never dated anyone officially, she knew this must be what first love felt like.

She believed Murphy felt the same way about her. He always stood up for her...

Because of the dropout issue, she had completely fallen out with her family. Her parents in London even threatened to disown her. The one person who had always been there for her, who had never changed, was Murphy.

Thinking about Murphy's kindness made Carey Mulligan's smile sweeter. Finally, she gently opened the door.

Rinsing the foam off his head, Murphy touched the two scars on his chest. They were shallow and fading with time, but they would never completely disappear. They were reminders of when he helped someone in prison, a guy who was once a massive jerk and later became incredibly successful. That guy would be out of prison soon, too.

He remembered clearly how that guy was being tortured like a pig during a drug withdrawal. If Murphy hadn't recognized his familiar face and helped, that guy would have been assaulted.

Considering the timeline, that guy should be out of prison soon. Maybe he could help Murphy...

Given his notorious reputation for drug use and possession, helping each other seemed mutually beneficial.

The shower water drowned out other sounds, and Murphy, lost in thought, didn't notice someone pushing open the bathroom door and approaching the shower.

Murphy turned off the shower, wiped the water from his face, and was about to reach for the body wash when the glass door creaked open. He looked back, eyes widening slightly in surprise.

Carey Mulligan, completely naked, walked in boldly, unashamedly showing her youthful beauty to Murphy.

Murphy, who had never faced such a situation, was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure.

"Carey?" He frowned slightly but kept his eyes on her. "You..."

Before he could finish, Carey Mulligan threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly as if she would never let go.

Her doll-like face pressed against his chest, she looked up at him, "Murphy, I love you! I've been holding this in for months. I wanted to tell you today that I love you!"

Although Murphy had never faced such a situation, he was a normal man. He lowered his head, their faces getting closer...

As night fell, the neighborhood was peaceful. The doorbell rang, breaking the calm at Stanton Studios. Murphy, wearing slippers, went to the iron gate, handed the young delivery guy a tip and payment, and took the takeout inside.

"Hey… darling…" he called upstairs, "Dinner is here."

Carey Mulligan came out of the room, leaned over the stairs to look down, then came down without changing, wearing one of Murphy's T-shirts. She first went to the kitchen to get utensils and plates, then grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge before joining Murphy.

Murphy stood at an office table, opening the takeout boxes. One was a seafood pizza, the other spaghetti.

"Are you hungry?" He pushed the food towards her, "Let's eat."

Carey Mulligan pulled out a chair and sat down but quickly changed her position due to discomfort. Noticing Murphy's curious look, she picked up a piece of pizza and held it to his mouth.

Murphy took a bite, and Carey Mulligan, looking at the spot he bit, took a big bite herself.

"Having a boyfriend feels so good," she mumbled.

Murphy reached out and gently pinched her cheek, "You're pretty good too."

"I wasn't finished…" Carey Mulligan swallowed the last bite of pizza and said, "Having you as my boyfriend makes me feel so happy."

She looked at Murphy, "You're my first love, you know."

Murphy rested his left hand on the chair, supporting his chin, looking at Carey Mulligan, "You're my first love too."

"Really?" Carey Mulligan's face showed disbelief. Murphy gently tousled her golden hair, not elaborating further.

Back in the UK, he had focused entirely on his studies. When he came here, he ended up in prison before he knew what was happening, so he never had a chance for a relationship.

While Murphy knew their relationship might encounter problems, he had no regrets about what had happened.

Moreover, Carey Mulligan was already sixteen, and with her British nationality, they were in the US, where such relationships were not uncommon in Hollywood. As long as the Mulligans didn't pursue it, no one would care.

According to Carey Mulligan, her parents were so furious they wanted to disown her.

Murphy understood that her rebellious nature, in pursuit of her acting dreams, had deeply disappointed her strict and rigid parents.

Although Carey Mulligan's rebellious personality could be challenging, Murphy believed he could handle their relationship.

After all, he now had his first girlfriend.

As for how long this relationship would last, Murphy hadn't considered it. Such matters didn't need much thought. It was the 21st century, in Hollywood, where breakups and makeups were commonplace.

He believed in enjoying the present moment.

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