The one asking the question was Tom Cruise. Although Ryan's behavior was a bit eccentric when they first met, his subsequent words and actions all displayed good manners and upbringing. Coupled with his somewhat thin appearance, it was hard not to feel a sense of fondness toward him.

Unfortunately, Tom? Cruise would never understand that being two-faced referred exactly to people like Ryan.

“Can I order for myself?” Ryan blinked his bright eyes—no matter how you looked at him, he was a very cute boy. Tom Cruise couldn’t help but laugh, “Of course you can. But, Ryan, do you know much about Chinese food?”

“In fact, Ryan is studying Chinese culture and has some understanding of Eastern cuisine and customs.” It seemed that the knowledge Ryan had acquired was Nicole Carter's greatest pride.

Tom? Cruise just smiled and handed over the menu. Ryan glanced at the menu, which was full of English. Probably due to translation issues, most of the dish names were hard for him to understand, so he scratched his head and looked at the Chinese waiter, asking, “Do you have a Chinese menu?”

“Ch... Chinese?”

Ryan asked in slightly accented Mandarin. The waiter clearly understood, but hearing such fluent Mandarin from a blond, blue-eyed foreign kid stunned him for a moment.

“Sorry, we don’t have a Chinese menu.”

Just as Ryan guessed, this waiter was indeed an international student. While cursing his luck inwardly, he still apologized politely.

“All right then.” Ryan only thought for a moment before rattling off a string of hometown dishes: “Scallion-fried sea cucumber, Dezhou braised chicken, nine-turn large intestine, sweet and sour carp, and Kung Pao chicken.”

The waiter couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat. He hadn’t expected this foreign kid to be so familiar with Chinese cuisine—some of the dishes he named, the waiter himself had never even tried.

Of course, Dezhou braised chicken, nine-turn large intestine, and sweet and sour carp weren’t available. After the waiter explained, Ryan didn’t want to make things difficult, so he consulted Nicole Carter and ordered spinach with prawns, Huadiao rich chicken, crab roe soup dumplings for the two of them, and even specially ordered a separate serving of Sichuan boiled beef slices.

Since it was Chinese food served Western-style, after Tom Cruise finished ordering, Ryan specifically instructed in Chinese, “I want my dishes prepared in authentic Chinese style. Also, for the boiled beef slices, add extra chili and red oil—I want it so spicy that just one bite makes you sweat all over.”

The waiter carefully noted Ryan's requests, but as he turned away, he rolled his eyes dramatically. Damn foreign kid—aren’t you afraid of being killed by the chili?

Chapter 6: Washing Your Face with Chili Water

“Yes, I just finished filming ‘Born on the Fourth of July’ recently. Director Oliver Stone is confident that I can get an Oscar nomination for Best Actor with this movie.”

While waiting for the food, Tom? Cruise and Nicole Carter seemed to be having a pleasant conversation, especially about all those Hollywood anecdotes and rumors. Hearing them from an insider was quite fascinating.

“Then I wish you success at the Oscars next year.” Nicole Carter offered him a small compliment.

Success? Success at winning air? Ryan kept a straight face, but inwardly scoffed—Even in twenty years, you still won’t get your hands on a little gold statuette!

“As for ‘Days of Thunder,’ you’re my top choice, but you know, this kind of thing isn’t up to me alone.” There seemed to be a hidden meaning in Tom? Cruise’s words.

“That’s all right.” Nicole Carter didn’t seem to care at all. “Of course, it would be great if I pass the audition. If not, I’m sure we’ll have other opportunities to work together in the future.”

Hearing Nicole Carter's words, Ryan felt half relieved. Everyone wants fame and fortune, but if you lose yourself in the pursuit, it’s not worth it. The woman beside him was ambitious, but her mind was still clear.

The dishes soon arrived. Ryan's order was clearly different from the other two, especially the bright red Sichuan boiled beef slices. Just looking at it made Nicole Carter click her tongue—in fact, just smelling it made sweat bead on her forehead.

Whether it was the scallion-fried sea cucumber, Kung Pao chicken, or the other dishes and crab roe soup dumplings he ordered later, they were definitely the most delicious food Ryan had tasted since his rebirth. Even though he’d eaten Western food for nearly ten years and his stomach had long adapted to things like cream and bread, those things deeply buried in his soul would never change with time.

Especially the specially ordered Sichuan boiled beef slices—not only did he find them incredibly satisfying, but he was also filled with confidence that the bright red broth would have the desired effect.

Frankly, Tom? Cruise was a bit arrogant, and his star attitude was a bit much—typical of those who become famous young. However, he was handsome, elegant, and witty. During the meal, not only did he make Nicole Carter laugh out loud, but he also didn’t ignore someone as inconspicuous as Ryan, often chatting with him about childlike topics.

Watching the happily dining Nicole Carter, Ryan could only sigh inwardly. To be fair, Tom Cruise really did have what it takes to attract any woman. It was only natural for Nicole Carter to be drawn to him.