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"Don't worry, that camcorder is probably for filming me," Gu Ran whispered into Anne's ear reassuringly.

Hearing those words, Anne felt as if she had stepped into a parallel world.

She was supposed to be the world-famous Hollywood star, yet here she was, watching fans and cameras all directed at Gu Ran.

It was as if he were the true superstar, and she was merely his assistant.

A strange sense of admiration for Gu Ran crept into her heart. Was she getting too immersed in this role?

Gu Ran stepped forward to face Carter. "Coach, here's the thing—this is my personal assistant. Since today's match is crucial, I want her with me so I can focus entirely on the game."

Even as he spoke, Gu Ran wasn't entirely confident in his own reasoning.

Coach Carter had sharp eyes—there was no way he wouldn't see through this.

In professional leagues, star players often traveled with personal assistants. The more famous the player, the more help they needed managing daily tasks, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to the game.

One of the best-known examples was Mario Balotelli.

Nicknamed "Super Mario," Balotelli was infamous not only for his outrageous antics on the field—slowing down mid-breakaway to ponder life, celebrating a goal by stripping off his shirt (and then getting a second yellow card for it), and once, in a fit of defiance, yanking an opponent's jersey off to avoid another booking—but also for his off-the-field chaos, like setting off fireworks in his bathroom the night before the Manchester Derby and nearly burning down his house.

Simply put, Balotelli had zero ability to manage his daily life.

He couldn't dress himself properly—he famously struggled with pullovers—and he didn't even know how to tie his shoelaces. Not out of laziness or arrogance, but simply because his brain couldn't process the task.

A world-class athlete from the neck down, but utterly hopeless from the neck up.

Because of this, Balotelli's cousin handled everything for him as his personal assistant.

In fact, some professional clubs even assigned assistants to their players to ensure they could focus entirely on football.

Almost every well-known footballer had a personal assistant.

After all, footballers were celebrities too.

But… assistants were usually men.

Male assistants could enter locker rooms and take care of things conveniently.

Yet here Gu Ran was, bringing a female assistant.

A female assistant—what could she possibly be assisting with?

And this wasn't a professional team; it was just a high school squad.

A high school player bringing a female assistant to a school match wasn't just over-the-top—it was absolutely outrageous.

Coach Carter's eyebrows twisted into a knot.

The other players snickered, eager to see Gu Ran get shut down.

Carter glanced at Anne.

Just one look.

And the coach's harsh expression softened instantly.

Even with her face obscured, Anne Hathaway's presence was undeniable.

Carter's voice lost its edge. "Oh… an assistant? Well, why not? Gu! You're showing real dedication. The Bucks need this kind of professionalism! Sure, she can come. I'll arrange a seat for her in the stands so you can perform at your best on the field."

Every single player froze.

What the hell?!

Coach Carter actually agreed?!

This made no sense!

Was Coach Carter really this biased toward Gu Ran?!

Even Gu Ran himself was stunned.

He had fully prepared to argue his case—he never expected it to be this easy!

He quickly said, "Thank you, Coach."

Carter then added, "But… you'll have to pay for her train ticket yourself. The school isn't covering that expense."

Gu Ran let out a quiet breath of relief. "Of course. I'll buy the ticket once we're on board."

Carter waved him on. "Alright, get on the train!"

The players were speechless.

That's it?!

Gu Ran took Anne's hand and led her onto the train.

As she passed Carter, she gave him a small curtsy as a gesture of thanks.

Carter quickly returned the gesture with a respectful bow.

Though he didn't know who Anne was, he could tell she was no ordinary person.

Damn kid, getting a superstar-tier beauty as an assistant… If I had a woman like that cheering for me in my youth, I'd have scored a 9.0 rating every match!

Carter couldn't help but feel envious.

Watergate immediately dragged his girlfriend, Betina, over to Carter. "Coach! I want to bring my assistant too!"

The other players joined in, all shouting, "Coach, we want assistants too!"

Rusty looked devastated. "You guys… are killing me here! Coach, stop them!"

Carter snapped. "Fuck off! You're not bringing assistants—you're bringing your girlfriends! I won't allow it!"

"That's unfair!"

"Why does Gu Ran get to bring his?"

"Coach, I bet Gu Ran just wants to have fun with his assistant!"

"Coach—"

The players wailed in protest.

Carter growled, "You think I can't control you lot? Listen up—if you don't play your best today, I'll be doubling your training punishment after we lose! Now get on the damn train!"

"Yes, Coach…"

Grumbling, the players kissed their girlfriends goodbye and boarded.

Meanwhile, Gu Ran didn't sit in the regular school team section—he led Anne straight to the luxury car.

After paying £600 for a first-class double cabin and tipping £50, the train steward ushered them into a private couple's suite adorned with rose petals.

Despite being a Hollywood princess, Anne had never ridden in a luxury train suite before.

Blushing, she looked at the flower-covered bed. "I had no idea British trains had compartments like this."

"Yeah, me neither. I thought it'd be two separate beds." Gu Ran stayed calm. "Should I ask them to switch us to a regular cabin?"

Anne bit her lip. "No need to trouble them."

"Right. It's only a two-hour ride. No point in moving now."

"Yeah… Plus, it's private here."

Click.

Gu Ran locked the door.

"So no one will disturb us. You can take off your hat and glasses now. Relax."

Anne obediently removed her sunglasses and hat, revealing her breathtaking beauty.

Gu Ran's heart skipped a beat.

Just then, the train lurched forward.

Anne lost her balance.

Gu Ran reacted instantly, catching her—his hands landing on her waist and hips.

Holy—

The feel of it.

Gu Ran swallowed hard. "You okay?"

Anne, blushing furiously, nodded. "Yeah… This train shakes a lot."

"Right? British infrastructure is outdated. Speed's slow too. Nothing like China's high-speed rail… Maybe we should lie down?"

"…Huh?"

Was she hearing things?!

Did he just say that?!

It had to be a misunderstanding.

Gu Ran was too upright, too proper, too noble to mean it that way.

How could she think such dirty thoughts?!

Gu Ran clarified, "I mean, standing might make you motion sick. Lying down is more comfortable."

…Of course.

Of course, he meant it innocently.

Anne scolded herself internally.

"You rest. You've got a match soon."

"The bed's big. We can both lie down."

"Oh… okay."

"You first."

"No, you first."

They hesitated, then lay down together.

Neither spoke.

After a long silence, Gu Ran cleared his throat. "Anne?"

"Mm?"

"My jacket is uncomfortable. You mind if I take it off?"

"Of course not. Go ahead."

Just as he unzipped it—

His zipper snagged Anne's black stockings.

The high-quality fabric stretched but didn't tear.

Anne gasped.

Gu Ran quickly said, "Sorry! Don't move—I'll fix it."

But the moment he touched it—the stockings tore open.

And the top part rolled up under her skirt.

Anne: ...

Gu Ran: ...

Crap.

Why does my body instinctively know how to undress stockings?!

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