Everyone knows the saying: never judge a book by its cover, because appearances can be deceiving. But in reality, humans are visual creatures, and the first impression often forms the basis of judgment.
This applies when others look at Anson, just as it does when they look at Rachel.
Anson realized, just a beat too late, that Rachel was a smart person. She didn't fail to understand his teasing; instead, she played along with it, leaving Anson momentarily flustered.
A hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.
Originally, Anson just wanted to give Rachel a chance to finish her audition. But now, his interest was piqued. Maybe it was time to change the approach.
"Sorry."
Anson spread his hands and shrugged lightly, signaling that he meant no harm. Marcia and Nicholas both looked at him in surprise:
Apologizing? Why?
Was it because of his earlier comment about "anything"? It wasn't a hint or a tease, just a harmless joke. Why apologize?
In fact, not only were Marcia and Nicholas surprised, but Rachel was also caught off guard.
This time, it was Rachel who felt a bit uneasy. She was about to offer an apology or explanation, but Anson continued speaking, leaving no room for her to interrupt.
"It's been a while. Clearly, I'm not sure how to start a conversation."
Rachel: ?
A while? She was certain this was their first meeting.
"I'm still the same. School is the same. Mom is still the same. God, even I find my life boring."
"And you?"
Rachel: …
Rachel realized she couldn't keep up with the rhythm. She was being completely drawn into Anson's flow. But his words, like a warm current, painted a picture of old friends reconnecting.
Moreover, Rachel noticed a detail: Mom.
He mentioned his mom.
This implied they might be neighbors, with their parents knowing each other.
Rachel had no time to think and could only react instinctively.
"Boredom is a good thing. It means no surprises, no incidents, no disasters. Everything is going smoothly, unless you're hoping for some excitement."
She was referring to her acting career.
In the blink of an eye, one year, two years had passed, and she was still one of the countless aspiring actors in Los Angeles, repeatedly told that Hollywood isn't easy. She kept bouncing from audition to audition, not knowing what she was doing.
The confusion was brief, and then she masked it with a smile.
Rachel reminded herself that this was the path she chose. No one forced her into it, so she should face her current situation calmly, with less complaint and more persistence.
But the feelings of disappointment and bitterness were real.
Rachel looked at Anson with bright eyes, quietly hiding those shadows.
A voice came from the front, "You should believe in yourself."
Rachel was stunned. "What?"
Anson repeated, "You should believe in yourself."
Rachel froze.
Anson continued, "You know, when you pursue what you love, you shine. It's like all the light in the world gathers on you. Even if you don't do it perfectly, you still enjoy it."
Without warning, Rachel's eyes welled up. She quickly turned her head, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand and mumbling, "Ah, I've been wearing these contact lenses for too long, sorry."
She quickly composed herself, turning back to Anson with a big smile, even more radiant and sweet, but slightly exaggerated to cover her embarrassment and awkwardness.
The line between performance and reality, fantasy and truth, blurred seamlessly.
Marcia was completely engrossed—
She couldn't see Anson's face as his back was turned to her, but she could feel the power and warmth in his words, and Rachel mirrored the emotions Anson was releasing.
This was a side of Rachel she hadn't noticed before.
Fragile yet resilient.
Then.
Anson said, "That's why I had a crush on you back then. I liked that side of you."
Time seemed to stop at that moment.
A simple confession, yet it struck Marcia's heart heavily—
Her pulse raced, and her ears buzzed.
Rachel gazed quietly at Anson. This was their first meeting, but in that fleeting moment, time seemed meaningless. It felt like they had entered another world, and her heart skipped a beat.
His eyes were clear and bright, without hesitation, shyness, or reserve. Like a gentle stream flowing under bamboo leaves, reflecting sunlight, clouds, and tree shade, with only the sounds of wind and birds.
Then, her heartbeat echoed in her ears.
He was calm, standing tall and steady.
But she was flustered.
Her lips curled into a shy smile as she lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes, trying to hide her anxiety. Yet she couldn't help but look back up, her smile fully blossomed, searching for the light in his blue eyes.
"But."
"Why didn't you confess back then?"
Rachel asked.
Then, even she couldn't help but laugh softly.
This time, it was Anson who was stunned. How should he respond?
Anson nodded slightly, repeating to himself, "Yes, why didn't I confess back then?"
A faint sense of melancholy and regret filled the air.
Rachel was completely composed now, smiling as she looked at Anson. "Maybe, you didn't like me that much after all."
"Or maybe, you only liked the idea of me."
"You know, painting a perfect image in your mind to hold all your hopes, but not daring to get close. You think it's because you lack courage, but deep down, you know perfection doesn't exist. It's just an illusion. Once you get close, the illusion shatters."
"Like the Little Mermaid turning into sea foam."
In the quiet air, emotions surged, seemingly calm and serene, yet the underlying emotions were so intense and overwhelming.
Rachel's smile remained, with no trace of sadness or pain. But the complex mix of strength and vulnerability gradually surfaced.
Marcia and Nicholas were completely focused on Rachel, yet it felt like they were seeing Anson through her—
A vivid image.
Anson didn't deny it. Instead, he replied softly.
"Maybe because I was a disaster, so I placed all my hopes and dreams on you, believing you were happiness itself, but I didn't think I deserved to get close or to touch it."
"I doubted if I was worthy."
A calm answer, yet it carried an incredible weight of despair and pain, without any concealment or dilution, hitting Rachel's heart hard.
She was stunned too, opening her mouth to say something, but finding her words utterly inadequate and powerless.
In the end, she could only smile again, "So, do you think you're worthy now?"