Chapter 84

"So, I'm your official spouse, and she's just a virtual character?"

"That's right."

"Very good, I like this script."

Lying on spa beds next to a hot spring pool, women from Latin America and Southeast Asia were giving massages to three people. After Emma Stone finished reading the script, she felt quite satisfied with the arrangement.

Some people are happy, while others are not, but Taylor Swift was clearly unhappy.

"Why is she the heroine, and I'm stuck in a supporting role?" she complained.

"What do you think?" Sister Shitou asked with a knowing smile. "Dear, say something."

"Stop!" Xu Can intervened sternly. "I've said this before—if you have questions about the script, report them to me. Please don't discuss irrelevant topics."

Swift pouted, clearly upset. She had always been proud. She became a sensation in the United States when she debuted at 16, with her first album going platinum five times and stunning even the most seasoned musicians. By the time her second album won the Grammy for Best Album, she was just 17!

Swift had never faced such a setback in the music world, but in the film industry, Emma Stone had already been nominated for two Golden Globes and an Academy Award. Swift knew she couldn't compete in that arena.

Her frustration wasn't just about the script; it was about not being Xu Can's "official match" in the story, which stirred insecurities she couldn't easily shake.

"The script is just a script. You are you. Stop overthinking," Xu Can added, making Swift smile despite herself.

Was this his way of reassuring her that she was more important to him than the role?

Sister Shitou felt a pang of discomfort. Watching their exchange, she couldn't help but feel it—there was something more going on between Xu Can and Taylor Swift. All the talk about "just a music collaboration" seemed like a lie.

Xu Can was slipping up, showing hints of something more. But Shitou wasn't foolish—far from it. She had noticed these subtle cues and had come to terms with the reality over time. She accepted it, though without major emotional upheaval.

Across the room, Swift cast a victorious glance her way, but Shitou no longer had the desire to fight back.

"Whatever," she muttered. She understood that sometimes, letting go is the best course of action.

The day had been long. After arriving in Las Vegas by helicopter, soaking in hot springs, and enjoying a spa, the last day of 2008 flew by. Night had fallen, and Xu Can led the two women to a restaurant where they indulged in both Chinese and Western cuisine. The atmosphere was casual, without the pretension of fancy dining customs.

Dinner was accompanied by a string trio, and though the conversation was limited, at least they found some common ground when discussing American TV shows. Despite their differences, Swift and Shitou managed to find topics they both enjoyed, and for a brief moment, they seemed like old friends.

After dinner, the trio strolled down to a beach—a faux beach at an artificial lake, crafted to resemble the oceanfront, with imported sand and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Xu Can found it reminiscent of Hawaii.

Both Swift and Shitou had casually mentioned a desire to see the beach earlier, and Xu Can had clearly taken their words to heart.

Although Taylor was frolicking in the water, acting like an excited puppy, Shitou sighed. She couldn't help but think how perfect things would be without the intrusion of Taylor Swift.

"Why..."

"What's wrong? Why the sigh?" Xu Can asked, easily picking up on her mood.

"Nothing, I just..." Emma Stone's voice trailed off.

"Maybe it's missing something? Just wait," Xu Can said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He clapped his hands, and the staff handed him a remote control.

"What's this?" Shitou asked, curious.

"Just watch," Xu Can replied with a grin, calling out to Taylor to come over.

"What's going on?" Swift asked, breathless from running.

"Look over there," Xu Can pointed towards the beach, pressing the button on the remote.

Suddenly, a golden streak shot into the sky, followed by an explosion of color. Fireworks filled the night sky, painting it with vibrant hues, twinkling like stars.

"Tay, Emma—Happy New Year."

Later that night, back in the room, both Shitou and Swift were still mesmerized by the private fireworks display. Xu Can had spared no expense, and it was clear he didn't mind as long as the two women were happy.

"Next year, let's do fireworks again—at a real beach!" Swift suggested, playfully tugging Xu Can's arm.

"You're already planning next year?" Shitou teased.

"What, I can't plan ahead?"

"Stop!" Xu Can cut in before things escalated.

"I'm tired. You two should sleep early as well," he said, retreating to the bedroom, where he promptly collapsed onto the large bed.

In the living room, Emma and Taylor exchanged uncertain glances.

"He's serious," Shitou muttered. "There's only one room."

"I'll ask for another one at the front desk," she said, standing up.

"You do that," Swift replied, casually playing with her phone, making it clear she wasn't planning on leaving.

Shitou frowned. Why did she get to stay?

Suddenly, Emma paused. "Actually, the bed in there is big enough for four or five people to sleep side by side."

With a smile, she dropped her suitcase and headed to the bedroom.

"I'm going to sleep. You do whatever you want. Just remember to turn off the lights."

"Wait—what the...?" Swift muttered, feeling like she'd just been outplayed.

Not to be outdone, she followed suit. Stripping off her coat, she turned off the lights and joined Xu Can in bed, holding his arm tightly as if staking her claim.

Shitou wasn't about to back down either. She moved closer to Xu Can, mirroring Taylor's action. The two women glared at each other across Xu Can's sleeping form.

After a tense moment, they both relaxed, realizing how absurd their behavior was. They didn't know when, but they both eventually drifted to sleep.

The night passed peacefully, with nothing improper occurring. Xu Can, sandwiched between the two, slept deeply.

When he awoke the next morning, he found the girls still asleep and quietly slipped out to the living room to handle some work. His company's production department was already gearing up for a new project, and preparations were underway.

As Xu Can dove into emails, Taylor and Emma woke up at the same time, their hands reaching out instinctively for Xu Can, only to find each other instead. Time seemed to freeze as they stared at each other, both caught off-guard by the strange intimacy of the moment.

Then, Swift couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst into laughter.

"What are you laughing at?" Emma asked, confused.

"It's nothing, really." Swift quickly looked away, but her laughter had already lightened the awkward tension.

Xu Can heard the commotion from the living room and walked in to check on them. He couldn't help but smile as he watched them—two women, dressed in casual sleepwear, fixing each other's hair like best friends.

On the first morning of 2009, Xu Can stood in the doorway, thoroughly bewildered. Were they awake, or was he still dreaming?

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