114.
Gu Ran emerged from the kitchen, holding a steaming cup of sweetened milk coffee, his expression composed like that of a wise sage.
After his internal analysis, he was now 99% certain that the woman in front of him was Anne Hathaway. His initial excitement had settled, replaced with a calculated calmness.
Step one: secure the cohabitation.
Only after that can I celebrate.
"Miss, your coffee."
Gu Ran gracefully presented the coffee to Anne, who was currently exploring the master bedroom.
"Thank you," Anne responded politely, taking a small, delicate sip out of courtesy.
"Wow! It's so sweet!" she exclaimed in delight.
As a professional actress, she had spent years controlling her diet—no sweets, strict carb intake, all in the name of maintaining her figure.
Anne loved sweets as a child, but her manager, assistants, and trainers had strictly forbidden them.
Now, for the first time in years, she tasted pure sweetness—and it felt like the greatest indulgence of her life.
Jackpot.
Gu Ran fist-pumped internally.
Every female celebrity is deprived of sugar—except Jia Ling.
He smiled casually, "I figured someone as graceful and refined as you might not enjoy bitter coffee, so I took the liberty of adding extra sugar. If you don't like it, I can make you another."
"No, no! I love it!" Anne quickly reassured him. "This is honestly the best coffee I've ever had!"
"If that's the case, I'll make it for you whenever you like."
"Thank you…"
Anne felt a strange nervousness creeping up.
"Um… sir, perhaps you should… put on a shirt?"
This six-pack, mermaid line, and sculpted chest were simply too dazzling.
Gu Ran remained unfazed.
"It's fine. I'm not cold."
Anne: …
Gu Ran chuckled. "So, have you had a chance to look around? What do you think of the place?"
"It's even more wonderful than I imagined. I love it here."
"Then let's talk about the rental arrangement. First, how should I address you?"
He unleashed his "Charming Smile +1" skill.
The smile was usually devastating—for example, it had left Maria blushing furiously.
However, Hollywood actresses were different.
They had seen countless handsome smiles.
They were likely immune.
Still, it should be enough to establish a positive first impression.
His direct approach served another purpose—to gauge Anne's sincerity.
If she truly intended to stay, she couldn't possibly hide her identity for long.
If she was hesitant, she would avoid revealing the truth.
Anne hesitated briefly.
"…I'm Anne. You might know me, but I don't mean to assume I'm famous or anything. My full name is Anne Hathaway, and I'm an actress."
Bingo.
HAHAHAHA!
It's really her!
A self-delivered Hollywood princess!
Gu Ran barely contained his excitement.
You, a Hollywood A-lister, coming to co-rent with a stranger?
Good thing you ran into me.
A good, honest man.
…
Alright, maybe not entirely honest.
But I just want to farm you! That's all!
I swear!
Gu Ran forcefully suppressed his emotions, activating "Oscar-winning composure".
With a neutral expression, he simply said:
"Oh, you're Anne Hathaway. Nice to meet you."
Anne blinked.
She wasn't expecting such a calm reaction.
She knew she wasn't universally recognizable, but…
For him to remain so composed even after hearing her full name?
She had to test this further.
Taking a deep breath, Anne removed her hat and sunglasses.
Her chestnut waves cascaded down, framing a face so breathtaking it radiated warmth and light.
Her amber eyes shimmered as she tilted her lips into a soft, melancholic smile.
Gu Ran's heart nearly stopped.
She's at least three times more beautiful in person than on screen.
Absolutely criminal.
Even as a reincarnator, even having seen his fair share of beauties, this was—
Too much.
For a moment, Gu Ran struggled to breathe.
He felt his body heat up—a primal reaction.
Stay cool.
Stay aloof.
You can't let a celebrity look down on you.
You're gonna be a global superstar yourself!
Football transcends language!
One day, YOU will be the most valuable celebrity in the world!
With newfound self-confidence, he steadied himself.
"Yes, Anne Hathaway," he said coolly. "I know you. I've seen many of your films. Your latest release, Alice in Wonderland, you played the White Queen."
…
The same White Queen who had appeared in a certain dream he once had.
He almost blurted that part out.
Instead, he locked eyes with Anne, holding his ground with a calm, unwavering gaze.
Anne was shocked.
She had never encountered such a steady, self-assured look.
Most men who recognized her would either fawn over her or act awkward.
But this man?
He knew her name.
He knew her movies.
Yet he wasn't flustered at all.
Intriguing.
Very intriguing.
For the first time, Anne's interest was piqued.
"Mr. Landlord, how should I address you?" she asked, her voice soft.
"Gu Ran, from China."
Her eyes lit up. "Oh! You're Chinese, Mr. Gu!"
"Yes," he smiled. "Let's drop the formalities. You can call me Gu, or just Gu Ran."
"Alright… Gu." She smiled warmly.
"By the way, since you're Chinese… I have a question I've always wanted to ask."
Gu Ran chuckled. "Go ahead."
Anne leaned in, her face serious.
"I heard that every Chinese citizen receives a panda when they become an adult. Is that true?"
PFFFT.
Gu Ran almost choked.
Who the hell is spreading these lies?!
He decided to play along.
"Not only that," he said dramatically, "we also have to train our pandas in kung fu."
He figured any rational person would immediately understand the sarcasm.
Instead—
Anne's eyes widened in shock.
"What?! You train pandas in kung fu?! My God! I KNEW Kung Fu Panda had some truth behind it!"
…Oh, no.
I've created a monster.
After a lengthy clarification session, Gu Ran steered the conversation back to renting.
"Look, Anne," he said seriously, "if you were an ordinary person, this would be simple. But you're a celebrity. I like peace and quiet, not chaos. So…"
He shrugged, pretending to be reluctant.
PUA activated.
Anne panicked.
"Gu! You don't have to worry! I came here precisely because I want to escape all that! I don't want work! I don't want Hollywood! I just want to be a normal person!"
Gotcha.
Gu Ran hid his smirk.
Step one: complete.
"Alright," he sighed. "We can do this, but we need an agreement."
He outlined strict rules—one month minimum stay, no media, no work, no guests.
Anne agreed immediately.
Then, Gu Ran added:
"Oh, and since I'm out most of the day, you'll be in charge of housekeeping."
Anne's eyes sparkled.
"Really?! I've always wanted to do normal housework!"
Gu Ran: …Did I just discover an M-side of Anne Hathaway?
In the end, they signed the contract, officially becoming roommates.
Gu Ran's real mission?
Find a way to farm this Hollywood princess for talent points.
Let the grind begin.
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