Chapter 10: He Belongs to Me

Before being pulled away, Jimmy quietly shared some advice with his good buddy. "Listen, man, do you know how to pick up girls?"

Ethan looked puzzled. "What's so hard about picking up girls?"

Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Jimmy quickly raised his hand. "Not just any girls, but those whose heads are full of Hollywood dreams. Do you know how to handle that?"

Ethan noticed the difference. "What do you mean? Is it different from picking up regular girls?"

"Of course!" Jimmy widened his eyes. "This is Hollywood, man!"

"We're far from that; it's just a commercial," Ethan said, pouring cold water on the idea.

"What about a commercial? Plenty of Hollywood actresses started as models or doing ads—Kelly Brook, Lisa D'Amato. They're really popular!" Jimmy countered, then explained, "You don't get it, man. For those..." He pointed at the girls gathered around the director and cameraman in the distance. "For those who are desperate to break into Hollywood, you're the ticket!"

"The ticket?"

"Absolutely. As long as you can offer them an opportunity, or at least make it look like you can, they'll be all over you, and you won't even have to make a move!"

"So... what should I do?" Ethan leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.

Jimmy grinned. "It's simple. Because of the idea for this ad, you've already got some name recognition. They all know who you are now. That's enough. If you've got your eye on a particular girl, just go up and invite her, like this."

Jimmy propped his hand against the wall, mimicking a kabedon. "Sweetheart, I've got a new ad coming up, and I'm still short a few actresses. You've got the perfect look—interested?"

"Why not say you're looking for a leading lady?" Ethan was puzzled.

"They're easy to fool, but not stupid," Jimmy shrugged. "When you say it, there are two possible outcomes. One, she's excited and wants to agree right away. Then you can take her to the dressing room or a private space, saying she needs to audition—you know what I mean.

"The other is that she's hesitant. She really wants to but doesn't want to seem too eager, you get it? That's when you give her your card or phone number. Trust me, by the end of the day, she'll be in touch."

Ethan whistled. "Sounds easy."

"Of course it is!" Jimmy boasted. "This is Hollywood, after all. Even if they become big stars in the future, right now... they're just struggling extras!"

"I see," Ethan nodded, absorbing the lesson on picking up girls. Though, he didn't think it would come in handy anytime soon—he was more interested in the girl in the dressing room. Obviously, this method wouldn't work on her.

At that moment, Ethan, Jimmy, and Dudley stood by the director, watching as he comforted the girls who had come hoping for a role but hadn't been given much to do.

"Heh heh heh! Ladies, no need to rush!" Apollyon sat in his chair, his face wrinkled with smiles.

"This is just the beginning. I've got plenty more ads coming up. Leave your names and numbers, and I'll make sure you get a chance to audition. Don't worry, there's something for everyone!"

Hearing this promise, the girls eagerly stepped forward, showering the director with kisses and hugs in gratitude.

Apollyon enjoyed the attention for a while longer before continuing, "By the way, I'm having a party tonight. Interested? It'll be full of industry directors and producers. Anyone want to make some connections?"

"Of course!" This group of girls was already eager for any opportunity and wasn't about to pass this one up.

"Ethan, Jimmy, you guys should come too. Especially you, Don, you're my top contributor! I believe after graduation, you'll be the next big idea guy in the ad world!" Apollyon praised Ethan highly, even pulling him close for a hug. Then, turning to the girls, he added, "You ladies should really take good care of this handsome young man. Wow, who knows, he might become the hottest ad mogul in the future."

With that, he pushed Ethan forward, letting him experience the girls' enthusiastic reception. In fact, one of them had already set her sights on him. Before anyone else could introduce themselves, a blonde girl quickly grabbed onto Ethan's arm, raising her chin to claim him as hers. After the others backed off, she let go and introduced herself confidently.

"Hi, I'm Katie." Her eyes sparkled, but Ethan could see the ambition behind them.

"Ethan." They shook hands, and then Katie leaned in, pressing her body against his. She bit her lip and, in a flirtatious tone, said, "I think you're really handsome and talented... Are you free later? I have some questions and was hoping you could help clear up a few things."

As she spoke, her chest brushed against his arm, and her fingers lightly traced circles in his palm.

Clear up some questions? Ethan smirked. More like clear off some clothes.

He couldn't deny it—it felt good. No wonder Jimmy and Dudley were so into picking up girls on set.

But before Ethan could respond, the sound of sharp high heels echoed from afar.

Apollyon and the others, who had been lost in the moment, immediately looked up. It was Scarlett and her manager, heading toward them.

It seemed they were leaving the set.

Apollyon stood up, planning to bid farewell to this rising star. He didn't approach Scarlett the way he had with the other girls—he knew she was no ordinary model. Scarlett had already made a name for herself, with a few movies under her belt and even some award nominations. While she wasn't a huge star yet, with her looks alone, she could easily be a Hollywood heartthrob.

So, Apollyon smiled and extended his hand for a proper goodbye with Scarlett.

The others also fell silent, with the girls looking at the Hollywood starlet in awe, and Jimmy and Dudley swallowing hard—those long, black-stockinged legs under her dress were truly alluring.

The "click clack" of her heels grew louder as Scarlett approached, until she was right in front of them.

Just as Apollyon was about to greet her warmly, she surprised everyone by grabbing someone they never expected.

It was Ethan.

"Wow!" Everyone gasped in disbelief.

What had they just seen? Scarlett had pulled Ethan out of Katie's arms, grabbed him by the collar, stepped forward on her tiptoes, and planted a firm kiss on his lips.

Before anyone could react, Scarlett let go, looked down at Ethan's lips, then smiled and said, "You're amazing. I'm impressed."

"Thanks for the compliment." Ethan raised an eyebrow, surprised but mostly amused.

Then, turning to Apollyon, Scarlett said her goodbyes. "Thank you for your guidance, Director Apollyon. Bye."

"Bye-bye..." A stunned Apollyon finally snapped out of it, just in time to see Scarlett walking out of the set.

Her suited manager shot Ethan a glare before quickly following after his client.

As the sound of footsteps faded, Ethan and the others exchanged looks, a strange silence hanging over the set.

The next moment, his good buddy Jimmy rushed over and playfully punched Ethan in the chest. "Damn it, Ethan! Why didn't you tell me!"