Anson wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he felt as if the black platform shoe lying in the golden sunlight was asserting its presence.
What to do?
But Anson didn't panic, quickly assessing the entire spatial layout; the platform shoe's position was temporarily out of the young man's line of sight. As long as he didn't make a move that screamed 'guilty conscience,' the young man might not notice the platform shoe's existence—
It was like a 'light under the bushel' situation.
His thoughts raced.
Anson showed a thoughtful expression, slightly raising his chin, "Over there, she just ran past with a cat from there. I saw her looking like she was going to hail a taxi."
"Ah!"
The young man exclaimed, completely unsuspicious and ignoring Anson. He turned around and looked in the direction Anson indicated, just in time to see a taxi passing by. He sprinted out as if in a 100-meter dash, muttering a string of curses, venting his anger.
His fierce demeanor, even when trying his best to control it, still exuded a powerful aura.
In a flash, the young man had disappeared around the corner.
Anson was about to tell the girl she was safe when a figure appeared out of nowhere like Catwoman, descending from above.
Whoosh.
Clap!
A dark shadow flashed across his vision.
Subconsciously, Anson extended his hands, not knowing if he was trying to catch or protect her; it was just a reflex.
However, she landed successfully, striking a "terminator" pose on one knee, not needing any help, and slowly stood up with a cool, dashing demeanor.
Then, with a flick of her hair, she smiled at Anson in a Hero's entrance pose, "Thanks for the help…"
Before she could finish her sentence, the girl started hopping around, grimacing.
"Ah, ah! My foot, my foot's numb, ah, it's cramping…"
The girl stomped her foot and gasped in front of Anson, wriggling like an earthworm on a rainy day, completely losing her earlier graceful posture.
Anson chuckled, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
The girl, however, straightened her back, trying to compose herself and maintain her image, clearing her throat, "No, no, no, I'm fine…"
With a turn, she hurriedly waved at Anson, then grimaced and silently winced in pain, but her steps didn't stop. She walked straight to the corner of the parking lot, carefully placing the small kitten she was holding next to a large cat lying on the ground sunbathing.
Stepping back, watching the kitten burrow under the big cat's belly, the girl showed a relieved smile.
But then her expression became ferocious again.
"Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear…"
At this point, many, many beats later, the girl realized she was missing a shoe—
The afternoon sun in Los Angeles was especially scorching. Although it was only April, the ground could already feel the hot waves, like a baking pan.
The girl tiptoed, limped, and gritted her teeth as she rushed back.
Anson picked up the lonely platform shoe lying on the ground, deliberately presenting it as if it were a crystal slipper displayed in a high-end boutique.
As the girl approached, Anson gestured with his eyes, "So, are you Cinderella?"
The girl paused slightly—
Pfft.
"Haha, hahaha."
The girl burst into laughter, her smile overflowing from her lips and brows, and she said frankly,
"Scarlett-Cinderella-Johnson, I think you can call me by my middle name."
Of course, this was a joke—
Scarlett Johnson, the goddess who would later captivate all, was still a slightly thin, somewhat unconventional little girl at this time. Her unfully developed features were not yet associated with sexiness or beauty, but she possessed a delicate charm and a hint of sweetness.
After all, she was only about to turn seventeen this year.
To be honest, Anson didn't recognize her.
Even standing face to face at this moment, she still felt a bit unfamiliar, and he even wondered, was this really not another girl with the same name?
Having grown accustomed to the Black Widow image that would dominate the big screen in the future, seeing her still-childish appearance now, it was normal not to adapt.
Despite the surprise, Anson's quick wit was timely and without hesitation. He replied smoothly, "Anson-Prince Charming-Wood."
Scarlett watched Anson complete a polite knight's bow and could no longer control herself, laughing heartily. But feeling the laughter reverberating in her chest, she immediately realized the urgency of the situation. What if her laughter exposed her whereabouts?
"Oh, sorry, I have to go." Scarlett waved at Anson, grabbed her platform shoe, and walked away in the opposite direction while putting on her shoe. After walking several steps, she came to her senses and waved again, "Thank you, I mean, thank you for the help, thank you for everything just now."
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap…
The girl in the cherry-red pants walked away just like that.
Now, Anson finally understood what that Los Angeles saying meant—
Throw a brick and you'll hit three Hollywood professionals.
As for whether they are actors, screenwriters, directors, or something else, that depends on the area.
Perhaps, the waiter currently serving customers is the next Hollywood superstar; of course, many more will fade into obscurity, piles and piles of cannon fodder unknown to anyone.
Anson withdrew his gaze and turned to enter Ralphs. He bought two cases of mineral water in the supermarket, pushed them out with a cart, and his Nokia in his pocket began to vibrate—
Taking out his phone, honestly, Anson was a little happy. He still remembered envying his classmates' Nokia phones in middle school. In the millennium, owning a Nokia was definitely being at the forefront of Fashion trends. Now, those memories came flooding back.
The caller ID showed Chris.
Anson was about to answer when a sound came from ahead—
"No! I've already told you, no! I don't want to!"
It was… Scarlett, who had returned.
And the young man who had been furious earlier.
At this moment, the young man tried to pull Scarlett's arm, but Scarlett resisted, shaking him off. However, the young man didn't give up, taking a swift step to block Scarlett's path, standing like a lone guardian, his eyes burning with anger.
Scarlett raised her hand and pushed the young man.
Unfortunately, their strength was unequal.
The current Scarlett was not Black Widow—
The young man stood firm, suppressing his anger with all his might, yet its surge was palpable. He reprimanded her fiercely, "You don't get to decide this matter."
"Now, you have two choices: either you come with me willingly, or I will use force to take you away. Scarlett, the choice is yours."
Was this really a choice?
Anson strode forward quickly without hesitation, shouting from a distance, "Stop! Didn't you hear what this girl said? She has already refused you, there's no need for you to keep pestering her here."
At the same time, Anson looked at Scarlett, "Are you okay? Do you need me to call the police?"
The young man didn't give Scarlett a chance to speak, glaring fiercely at her, warning her to shut up, and then turned to look at Anson.
"Get lost!"
"You'd better turn around and leave immediately. Don't meddle in other people's business."
While issuing the warning, the young man clenched his fists and walked towards Anson.