Chapter 53: A Night Out with Scarlett

[Chapter 53: A Night Out with Scarlett]

On the steps at Century City, the young woman gazed brightly at Ian. His jokes had clearly lifted her spirits.

Yet she still hesitated to get in the car and said, "But I have to be careful with you. They say you're a guy who would risk anything just to get a scoop. If I am with you, you will not hesitate to create a scandal about me... you could ruin a lot of lives!"

She smiled, perhaps glad she had found a reason to keep her distance from Ian.

Ian chuckled, "Better than crawling into some producer's bed."

Scarlett's expression shifted slightly. "You..."

Ian laughed, "Don't be surprised. When you walked out of that building, your face was streaked with tears, showing all that fear and sadness. For girls like you, the things that cause fear, hesitation, and confusion are pretty few and far between."

His tone turned a bit more serious.

In such moments, a touch of comfort was needed, to create a sense of trust.

Every interaction required skill, just like flirting. As a former veteran in the game, both Ians had their methods for wooing.

Of course, dealing with seasoned Hollywood starlets might be simpler. Usually, it was about stripping down while saying, "Come on, let's have some fun; you'll get what you want."

Perhaps they wouldn't even need to enter a room; a corner would suffice.

But for Scarlett, who hadn't seen too much of the world yet, a bit more finesse was necessary. They had to seem impressive and genuinely caring.

As expected, Scarlett lowered her head and said, "You really are something else."

Gaining a woman's admiration was surely a pathway into her heart. Wasn't that how it worked?

Ian replied casually, "Get in the car, let's talk. Maybe I can offer you some useful advice... at least you don't need to worry that I'm a criminal."

Scarlett shot back, "My agent told me that reporters are much scarier than criminals. A criminal might just want some of your money, but a reporter could ruin your whole life!"

Ian laughed, "But they could also make it for you. In this industry, reporters are loved and hated in equal measure... When someone's unknown, they crave an interview, but when they're famous, they loathe them. They don't actually hate reporters; they just can't stand the ones who don't say nice things about them!"

Scarlett pondered this for a moment, then smiled slightly. "You're right, Ian Carr."

She slid into Ian's car.

...

On the highway, Ian drove with Scarlett, taking her for a spin.

Scarlett curiously studied Ian.

She wasn't sure why she had chosen to hop into his car. Was it his looks? Was it his fame that assured her he wouldn't harm her? Or was it his witty banter?

She didn't know the answers but felt good vibes toward him.

The night breeze tousled her hair. Sitting in the passenger seat, she propped her forehead on her hand and softly said, "I heard you're dating Miss Beckinsale?"

"Just some publicity," Ian replied, glancing at Scarlett and smiling. "Can you tell me who's threatening you? Maybe I can help."

His demeanor was easygoing, a face full of genuine concern.

Scarlett looked puzzled. "You'd help me?"

"Of course! Why else would actresses jump into bed with producers? It's because they decide whether you're suitable for good roles and whether you'll become famous. I can skip that process. Just think of Kate."

Scarlett understood now.

The relationship between actors and producers wasn't all about the latter holding the power.

For well-known actors, they didn't have to depend on producers at all; it was often the producers who sought them out to perform.

And Ian Carr? He was undoubtedly someone who could make targets famous without needing the typical Hollywood avenues!

Scarlett chuckled lightly, "But you'd have demands too, right? Nobody helps others for free."

Ian burst into laughter: "At least I don't force anyone; I'm still young with plenty of advantages, and a lot of girls are willing to come to me. So most of the time, I'm the one doing the rejecting!"

Although it seemed like bragging, it could also be viewed as predicting the future... Ian was already attracting plenty of online attention from girls, and soon the beautiful women would be swooning over him in real life!

A prophecy that would undoubtedly come true!

Scarlett lightly scoffed, wrinkling her pretty nose.

She looked out the window; the night was quiet, and the distant lights appeared dim. Yet the man beside her gave her no sense of insecurity.

A handsome, confident, and somewhat commanding man.

Very appealing!

She softly said, "It's Harvey Weinstein."

"Ah! Now I get it; that guy has a terrible reputation. But do you know what's even worse?" Ian responded.

Scarlett glanced at him, curious. "What?"

"He's a jerk and he's good at defaulting on his debts," Ian continued.

Despite the multiple allegations against Harvey Weinstein in the future, many were still up for debate. His real issue was that he was a freeloader, unwilling to provide benefits.

There was, of course, an element of truth buried in the allegations.

Scarlett stared at Ian in shock. "Are you saying he's the kind of guy who skips out on bills?"

Ian nodded. "Absolutely. Producers don't have an endless supply of roles to hand out, and Harvey's appetite far exceeds his abilities!"

Scarlett blinked, wide-eyed. "How can you be so sure?"

Ian grinned. "Because I'm a reporter, and I keep tabs on everyone worth investigating in Hollywood. Alright, I admit it. I wasn't just casually passing through Century City. Life isn't full of coincidences; it's about perseverance, waiting, and seizing opportunities."

He had to boast when the time was right.

Otherwise, why bother living in reality?

Scarlett kept her head down for a while, then said, "Thanks for the heads-up, though I doubt I'd have agreed without you."

He didn't think she had agreed; after all, she didn't come forward to accuse Weinstein in the end.

But as long as something hadn't happened, there remained a multitude of possibilities, even Scarlett couldn't be certain about that.

Ian replied, "But you still need opportunities, right? That's not contradictory!"

Scarlett looked at Ian, her beautiful eyes filled with caution.

Ian added, "Don't get me wrong; I'm not suggesting you sleep with me. I'd guess Mr. Weinstein scheduled an appointment with you at his company tomorrow."

Scarlett gasped. "Is this the insight of a reporter?"

Ian laughed heartily, "Just professional intuition... That guy is a jerk. I've always wanted to nail him down, but as a reporter, a lot of people recognize my face. Even if I wear makeup, strangers aren't easily let in. If someone could help me get in at Miramax, that would be much more convenient."

Scarlett exclaimed, "Are you saying I should sleep with Weinstein and let you film it?"

Ian laughed heartily, "Of course not. I just need you to help me get into Miramax. If we can catch him at his worst, I can help you deal with that jerk. And as a thank you, I'll promote you throughout, even help you land endorsements, making you the next star after Kate to be lifted by Ian Carr."

That thought made Scarlett feel much better.

The streetlights illuminated her stunning features, highlighting her captivating beauty.

Scarlett asked, "Am I going to be in danger?"

Ian chuckled, "The worst-case scenario is that you get assaulted by that pig, but I'll rush in to save you in time... If you resist firmly enough, he shouldn't be able to get too far before I intervene, and I would get a great story while you blow up in fame... with experiences akin to Kate. The only drawback is that I couldn't take him down, which would diminish the dramatic edge of the story."

That hardly counted as reassurance.

It didn't make her feel at ease at all!

Scarlett stared incredulously at Ian and said, "Has anyone ever told you that you are a real jerk? Ian Carr!"

Ian nodded cheerfully, "Kate says that all the time. Two hours after she said that, we ended up in bed... Assholes always seems to attract people."

Scarlett was left speechless.

After a long time, she shook her head. "I absolutely wouldn't do that."

Ian nodded. "I don't think you would end up in bed with me two hours later either, especially since we just met."

Scarlett held her head and screamed, "Fuck! That's not what I meant! I will NEVER sleep with you, Ian Carr! I'm only 17! I haven't experienced anything!"

"I like that part," Ian laughed.

Seventeen was already the legal age in America.

It wasn't easy to get virgins; one had to seize the moment.

Eventually, she was bound to be experienced; why not make it worthwhile?

Flirting required seizing the initiative, getting her to follow his rhythm!

Watching Scarlett's serene demeanor under the moonlight, he teased, "Want to see how I handle news?"

Scarlett looked at him in surprise.

Ian stepped on the gas pedal, "Let's show you something!"

*****

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