Chapter 54: Taking Scarlett to the News

[Chapter 54: Taking Scarlett to the News]

The Porsche roared down the open road under the Hollywood night sky, bringing with it the cool breeze of spring.

After spotting an open hillside, Ian parked the car.

This was a famous dating spot in Hollywood, and from time to time, you can see cars parked everywhere, and with the help of perspective, you can see pairs of men and women nuzzling each other.

It was possible that they weren't couples, or that they weren't even opposite genders; but for Ian, the convertible Porsche clearly wasn't the right choice for that kind of thing -- especially not with Scarlett.

He parked the car at the edge of the slope while he and Scarlett stepped out.

They stood on the hillside, overlooking the vast array of lights in the distance. The wind played with Ian's hair, enhancing his youthful charm and confidence.

Scarlett crossed her arms, watching Ian with a hint of confusion and curiosity in her gaze.

Ian smiled and said, "A lot of people wonder where Ian Carr gets his news from, but the truth is, this world is never short of stories. Los Angeles is a great place; sometimes, if you're willing, there are plenty of opportunities."

He gestured toward the cars in the distance.

Scarlett shook her head gently. "Most of them are no-names. You can't just walk up to every car, and most of the windows are tinted."

After one incident like this, the rest would scatter.

Ian laughed, "So you've got to be skilled."

As he spoke, he began tinkering with the camera in his hands.

Scarlett observed his face.

Confident, calm, and composed. It seemed that nothing could faze him.

He adjusted the camera and asked, "Are you ready?"

Scarlett looked at him in surprise. "You really want to do this?"

Ian nodded.

He handed the camera to Scarlett and said softly, "Just point the lens at me."

With that, he crouched down and edged into the nearby trees.

Scarlett watched in shock as he disappeared from view.

She instinctively felt it was dangerous, but the thrill-seeking nature of a young girl excited her.

After thinking for a moment, she finally pointed the camera at Ian and followed him.

...

There were many cars parked on the hillside, mostly scattered about. Although couples were present, as Scarlett said, most were nobodies, so taking their pictures wouldn't even qualify as news; it might even get them into trouble.

But Ian was confident.

He navigated through the trees quickly and soon found himself by a car.

Then, he turned around and gestured for Scarlett to come closer.

Crouching low by the luxury car, he pulled out a wire and began to pick the lock.

"Oh my God!" Scarlett gasped.

Was that even possible?

Ian moved like a seasoned burglar, proficiently picking the lock with a grin toward Scarlett.

This excitement bubbled in Scarlett as she approached the car. Ian waved her over, signaling her to hide behind a tree.

Scarlett felt an exhilarating rush.

She raised the camera, aiming it at Ian.

...

Ian threw up a victory V-sign and then took out a flashlight. He wrenched the car door open.

Inside, a man's furious roar erupted along with a woman's scream.

Ian shone his flashlight inside, yelling, "Mr. McKellen, I hope I haven't interrupted you and this lovely lady. Just wondering if your wife knows what you're up to?"

"Fuck!" McKellen shouted back, "Who are you? Get lost!"

The flashlight blinded him, and Scarlett was edging closer, snapping photos like a storm.

This seemingly drove McKellen crazy.

He was a well-known producer in Hollywood, and never thought Ian Carr would catch him in the act.

The woman in the car was scrambling to cover herself, exposing her fair thighs.

Scarlett hid behind the tree, excitedly filming the scene.

As an aspiring actress yet to hit it big, she hadn't yet reached that stage of having disdain for journalists; quite the opposite, because she wasn't famous, she craved the attention of reporters.

...

In the car, the couple was frantically getting dressed, even swatting Ian away.

Ian shook the flashlight and grinned, "Are you really not going to make any comments?"

"Ian Carr, is that you?!" McKellen finally recognized him.

I can't believe this punk caught me! He didn't even have time to fix his pants and charged at Ian.

Ian easily dodged him, saying, "You're fifty, sir, while I'm just in my twenties, and I've done some boxing. Don't try to rough me up, okay?"

As McKellen rushed out of the car, he spotted Scarlett, noticing her camera.

"Fuck!" he shouted as he lunged toward her.

Scarlett let out a startled scream.

Ian executed a swift kick, knocking McKellen down and remarked sternly, "First, don't be rough with the lady. Second, don't expose yourself in front of a young girl! At least fix your pants first!"

"Fuck! Fuck! Ian Carr, I'm going to kill you!" McKellen screamed in rage.

Ian laughed heartily, shoving McKellen away.

Then he grabbed Scarlett's hand and ran, shouting, "Let's go! I don't want to be charged with assaulting an old man, especially one not wearing his pants."

Scarlett laughed excitedly as she followed Ian, both of them in a wild sprint.

...

Behind them, McKellen frantically yelled, "Let's talk about this, Ian Carr! I can pay you!"

Ian abruptly came to a stop.

He pulled Scarlett back and looked at McKellen with a smile, "You're a veteran, Mr. McKellen, but I'm no extortionist. And you might want to keep your distance!"

McKellen adjusted his pants from a distance, glaring at Ian, "This isn't extortion. I can offer you a hefty advertising deal! Just a small portion will do!"

Ian shrugged.

After pondering a moment, he glanced at Scarlett.

Scarlett scoffed, "I'm not getting involved in this."

So Ian turned back toward McKellen and said, "Come to my office tomorrow. We'll discuss it."

McKellen stared wide-eyed at him, "I'm worried that you might keep a backup!"

Ian laughed, "I can't give you anything now, and you needn't worry about that. I'm Ian Carr; I never burn bridges!"

McKellen was left resigned.

He looked over at Scarlett and whispered, "Just remember what you said. Is this Miss Johansson I see with you? I know her, and I can offer her more opportunities!"

Ian nodded with a smile, "Alright! If you can truly deliver, maybe I could offer you... something bigger."

Ian initially intended to say a good deal but quickly reworded to something bigger.

Advertising space in newspapers wasn't worth much anyway; he could always print more.

McKellen sighed, "And don't bother me again later."

"That depends on how pleasant our dealings are and if we're friends!" Ian replied with a smile, "Hollywood is vast, with many celebs. Typically, I don't hound one person unless they annoy me!"

With that, he took Scarlett away.

McKellen resignedly returned to his car.

The woman in the car looked at him, half-dressed, and soft-spoken said, "I guess you don't want to continue now, do you?"

McKellen glared at her angrily, "No! I want to proceed. Damn it, I paid a hefty price for you. You'd better serve me well!"

He pushed the woman down.

...

Meanwhile, Ian and Scarlett returned to the Porsche, speeding off the hillside.

Scarlett, sitting in the front seat, shouted, "Oh my God! I can't believe I just went through that! How did you do it, Ian Carr? You even know how to pick locks!"

Her heart raced with excitement.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Ian laughed, "That's not important. What matters is, did you like it?"

Scarlett nodded enthusiastically, "Absolutely! That was thrilling, especially the look on his face!"

Girls loved excitement, didn't they?

The easiest way to impress girls was to provide them thrilling experiences!

But then her expression dimmed slightly. "Tomorrow, I'm going to face something even worse, right?"

With confidence, Ian drove on, "As long as I'm here, you'll be fine."

Scarlett gazed at him, sensing his self-assurance.

The wind tousled his hair, showcasing Ian's charm.

In that moment, Scarlett felt a stirring in her heart.

But just a tiny spark.

So she sat quietly.

They didn't speak, absorbing the beauty of the silence.

"Where to?" Ian asked, "CAA or your place?"

Scarlett replied softly, "Lake Street, my place, but I won't invite you up for a drink."

Ian chuckled; he understood her restraint.

He nodded, "That's fine; first dates are often awkward."

Scarlett, taken aback, took a while to realize.

She blushed and shot Ian a glare.

That guy...

...

The car finally arrived at Scarlett's residence.

Ian got out and opened the door for her.

As Scarlett stood at her doorstep, looking at Ian with her captivating eyes, she finally said, "Tomorrow at eleven, come pick me up here."

Ian smiled slightly, "It's a deal."

He made a gentlemanly bow, then returned to the car and drove off.

Scarlett watched him leave, swallowed by a mix of emotions.

Then she covered her face and muttered, "Oh my God, what am I doing agreeing to this?"

*****

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