Actor in Hollywood

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Carefully, Anne took a small sip of her coffee, using the gesture to discreetly observe Kristen and Jack, who were whispering to each other across the table. However, she noticed that the distance between them was as wide as the Grand Canyon, though Jack's gaze towards Kristen was filled with tenderness.

"Careful."

A low voice whispered close to her ear, so near that Anne could clearly feel the warm breath mixed with the delightful aroma of coffee brushing against her ear. The deep, magnetic voice stirred her heartstrings, making her earlobe feel as if it were on fire, causing her heartbeat to quicken and become erratic.

The muscles on the left side of her face, down to her shoulder and arm, tensed up completely, a tingling sensation danced across her skin like an electric current. Without needing to turn her head, Anne could sense Anson's face close to hers, a shadow falling right over her heart.

Thump. 

Thump.

"Be careful with those little gestures; if they notice, things could get awkward quickly."

Her rational mind began to melt in the warmth of his voice.

Instinctively, Anne nodded slightly in agreement, using the last bit of her rationality to keep her emotions in check. She couldn't help but lean a little closer, whispering back into Anson's ear in the same low tone.

"But is this really okay? It doesn't seem like they're making any progress."

After speaking, Anne couldn't help but swallow, the lingering taste of coffee bringing a sweet aftertaste. The caffeine seemed to merge into her bloodstream, making her heartbeat pound in her ears, blending a natural sense of nervousness and excitement.

It felt as though they were sharing a secret, something that brought them closer together without needing words or actions, forming an unspoken alliance.

Anson also noticed the chasm between Kristen and Jack but also observed Jack's focused and bright gaze towards Kristen. No matter what happened, Jack's eyes never left her.

Clearly, their perspectives weren't aligned.

"But I thought they were making good progress. After all, there's no need to rush things," Anson shared his thoughts.

Anne glanced at Anson from the corner of her eye. They were so close that she could feel the warmth emanating from his pores, her skin slightly flushed. She whispered softly, "Are you sure? They're not even making eye contact. If the signals aren't received, everything is in vain."

Suddenly, without warning, Anson turned to look at her, his piercing blue eyes meeting hers.

Anson hadn't realized how close they were, his first reaction was one of surprise. Anne, on the other hand, hadn't expected him to turn so abruptly, leaving her mind with nothing but a loud buzzing in her ears.

Their breaths intertwined under their noses. Instinctively holding her breath, Anne's heartbeat echoed louder and louder in her ears.

Time seemed to momentarily stand still.

The sounds and rhythm of the world continued to flow around them, with faint voices and engine noises drifting in the background, but it felt like someone had pressed the pause button.

An idea flashed through Anson's mind like lightning, his eyes brightening, "I've got it."

Anne widened her eyes, trying hard not to avoid his gaze, struggling to hide her erratic heartbeat. "What?"

Anson's lips curled into a light smile, forming a gentle curve. "We don't need to rush things; everything should happen naturally. But you're right, they should at least feel the atmosphere."

Anne's pupils reflected Anson's face, and she couldn't help but search for the excitement and happiness in his eyes. A blush crept up her cheeks, burning hot. "Atmosphere?"

Anson nodded slightly, "Atmosphere. Where are we right now?"

Anne's thoughts were entirely focused on Anson. "A coffee shop?"

Anson smiled, "Right. So, what do you hear?"

"Hear?" Anne was momentarily puzzled, trying to bring her thoughts back. "Music. No, live music?"

This was a coffee shop with live performances, where different musicians took the stage every evening, offering a mix of jazz, folk, pop, blues, and more, all aimed at creating a pleasant atmosphere.

For independent musicians and underground bands, this kind of platform was precious. Not only could they showcase their talent, but they also earned a relatively stable income to support their daily lives.

Moreover, New York, being a large city full of opportunities, was a place where music producers, magazine editors, and professional music critics could appear at any corner, scouting for the next big star.

It goes without saying that no one would want to miss out on such an opportunity to perform.

And now, the same is true.

A singer is performing jazz, and the lazy, dreamy melody has set a relaxed tone in the café. Muscles and nerves naturally unwind, creating an ambiguous atmosphere that feels just right.

Annie immediately understood what Anson meant, and her eyes brightened. But then she looked confused, "But isn't this music perfect?"

Anson gently shook his head. "No, you should listen to the lyrics."

Annie quieted down and listened intently, and then she froze.

Lines like "hands filled with tears, heart full of alcohol, wandering like a walking corpse" and "in the vast ocean, I wish to die in joy" were not exactly romantic.

Clearly, this wasn't a love song.

Annie looked at Anson, her smile somewhat awkward.

Anson shrugged lightly, "Unless it's two scarred hearts wandering the world and clinging to each other, it would be hard for them to exchange glances."

Annie noticed the playful teasing in Anson's eyes and couldn't help but smile. She covered her mouth to stop herself from bursting into laughter, but her shoulders still shook uncontrollably.

After finally calming down, Annie asked, "So, what should we do?"

Anson looked serious. "I have an idea. Maybe we need to carry out a 'Mission: Impossible' task and kidnap the singer."

Annie was about to respond with sarcasm when the music ended.

"Thank you, that concludes tonight's performance."

Annie looked at Anson.

Anson looked at Annie.

They exchanged glances, and Annie couldn't hold back anymore; a grin spread across her face, so exaggerated that even Hannah noticed the commotion.

Anson signaled Hannah with his eyes, then gestured for Annie to calm down. He already had a plan, but without explaining, he got up and left his seat.

Hannah approached, lowering her voice to ask, "What were you two whispering about just now?"

Annie wasn't sure how to explain. "We were discussing the live performance. That singer was pretty good, right?"

Hannah: ??? "Who chats in a café and still pays attention to the background music?"

Despite the banter, both Hannah and Annie watched Anson's movements closely.

Anson spoke with the waiter at the front desk for a moment, then exchanged a few words with the café manager before disappearing backstage with him.

Hannah and Annie exchanged puzzled looks, both unsure of what was happening.

They didn't have to wait long before Anson reappeared, now holding a guitar in his hand, heading straight towards…

The stage!