“Can’t I go in and have a look?” Ryan blinked his eyes, trying hard to look innocent. After so many years of acting, he could easily fool the staff at Paramount, but he couldn’t get anything past the cool and beautiful woman who knew him all too well. Nicole Carter gave a direct warning, “Are you trying to make me send you to boarding school?”

Ryan immediately behaved himself, though he started grumbling in his heart. Fine, you’re my guardian now, I won’t argue with you, but when I turn sixteen, we’ll settle all these scores one by one.

After spacing out for a while, Ryan simply started chatting with Goldsley, and naturally, the topic couldn’t stray far from Hollywood, the land of fame and fortune. It wasn’t until more than forty minutes later that Nicole Carter finally came out of the audition room. But while she went in alone, she came out with someone else.

As for that extra person, Ryan really didn’t want to see him—it was Tom Cruise!

Even though Tom was wearing elevator shoes, which made him look much taller than his actual five-foot-seven, he was still at least five inches shorter than Nicole Carter in her high heels.

Every time Ryan caught Nicole Carter turning her head to talk and having to look down at Mr. Cruise, he couldn’t help but feel delighted. Those high heels he’d picked out for her were totally worth it.

However, this carefully orchestrated scene was destined to be nothing more than his own private joke. Tom Cruise didn’t seem to mind Nicole Carter’s height at all. As they walked up to Ryan and the agent, he issued an invitation, “Nicole Carter, if you don’t mind, may I invite you to dinner?”

Mind? I mind very much! Ryan widened his eyes and stared straight at Tom. If looks could kill, this charming heartthrob would have been riddled with holes by now.

“It would be my pleasure!” Whether in her past life or this one, Nicole Carter was always a master of social grace, so of course she didn’t refuse. After thanking him, she was about to introduce the two people in front of her, but Mr. Cruise completely ignored it and said directly, “There’s a very unique restaurant in Beverly Hills. How about we go there?”

“No way!”

Before Nicole Carter could answer, Ryan jumped down from the bench, crossed his arms and pinched his chin, giving Tom a sideways glance. He deliberately circled around Tom and Nicole Carter, then suddenly said to Nicole Carter, “Mom, you said you’d take me out for Chinese food tonight.”

Mom? Nicole Carter’s eyes widened in surprise, but knowing Ryan as she did, she instantly realized he was up to his usual mischief.

Tom was so shocked his jaw nearly hit the floor. He never would have guessed that this stunning Australian woman would have such a grown son.

“Ryan, where are your manners?” Although she didn’t understand the saying “spare the rod, spoil the child,” Nicole Carter knew she couldn’t let him get away with this. After scolding him, she explained to Tom, “This is Ryan Jenkins, my younger brother. He’s a bit too mischievous. Tommy, please don’t mind him.”

She then introduced the female agent to Tom Cruise.

With Ryan, Tom was still fairly polite, but when facing Ms. Goldsley, he put on quite the airs, proud as a peacock displaying its feathers. That must be the aura of a big star.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Tom Cruise.”

Maybe Tom didn’t know about the Chinese art of face-changing, but watching Ryan now, you could catch a glimpse of its essence.

Ryan knew he didn’t have much say, and unless he threw a tantrum, it would be hard to sway Nicole Carter’s decision about dinner. So, like performing a magic trick, he pulled out an autograph book and a pen from his backpack and handed them over. “Could you grant a little fan’s wish?”

“Of course.” Tom quickly scribbled in the book, “Ryan, may your life always be filled with sunshine and happiness!”

As long as you don’t steal my Nicole Carter, my life will always be full of sunshine and happiness! That was the only thought in Ryan’s mind as he put away the autograph book.

The Bentley sped along, racing into Beverly Hills. In the front seat sat Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman—the handsome man and the beautiful woman, looking every bit the perfect couple.

But from the back seat, Ryan couldn’t help but feel that the distance between them was as vast as the stretch from Sydney to Los Angeles. If he reached out his hand, he could definitely create a Mariana Trench beneath the calm surface.

What Ryan didn’t expect was that Tom actually took his words seriously and brought them to a Chinese restaurant. Seeing the sign “Mr. Chow,” Ryan muttered in Chinese, So it’s Mr. Zhou’s restaurant. I wonder if the food is authentic.

After entering, Ryan found the restaurant’s decor was Western-style, not what he’d imagined. Tom, being a big star, was led by the waiter straight to a quiet private booth. Once everyone was seated, the menus were brought out.

Ryan sat next to Nicole Carter, discreetly observing the waiter—black eyes, black hair, yellow skin, probably of Chinese descent. Judging by his manner and bearing, he was likely a first-generation immigrant, maybe even a student working part-time. This year, quite a few college students had come to America from across the ocean.

“Ryan, what would you like to eat?”