Turning her head, she glanced outside through the window. The thriving scene of the beach was vividly displayed. The paparazzo, still lingering within the crowd, continued his search. The bus stood boldly by the roadside, yet it went entirely unnoticed by the paparazzo. Subsequently, the bus rumbled to life, and the paparazzo's figure gradually receded from view, ultimately disappearing without a trace.
A bus. Unexpectedly, Renly had chosen the bus.
America was a nation on wheels, each person possessing an average of two cars. The preferred mode of travel was self-driving, to the extent that jests were made that even for a quick trash disposal trip, they'd use a car. In essence, their public transportation system was woeful, including the railway system. Only cities like New York, with a century-old legacy, still heavily relied on the subway as a primary means of transportation. As for other cities, even places like Los Angeles, mass transit was a mess.
Honestly, this was Scarlett's first time riding a bus in her recollection. Not to mention the paparazzo, even Scarlett herself was taken completely by surprise.
Should someone leave in a car now, amidst the fervent competition, it would surely attract the paparazzo's attention. However, the departure of the bus elicited no attention whatsoever. And so, they slipped away from under the paparazzo's nose with such audacity.
Scarlett withdrew her gaze, turning to the side to look at Renly. He sat poised and dignified, spine straight, legs slightly apart, his right hand steadying the surfboard resting on the ground. His upright posture spoke of a well-bred upbringing, a detail hard to find among Americans, even in New York's Upper East Side.
However, such elegance was now displayed on a bus, a juxtaposition that was somewhat discordant and even brought a chuckle.
Free from the paparazzo's grasp, Scarlett felt elated. Clouds cleared, and she mimicked Renly's posture, sitting up straight with proper decorum, gaze fixed forward without deviation.
On the bus, such a whimsical and uninhibited scene unfolded. The two sat right in the middle of the last row, swords crossed, chests high, their bearing elegant and graceful. Golden sunlight streamed through the window, casting a spotlight-like aura upon them. They looked like characters from a silent play, the humorous contrast of artistry capturing everyone's attention.
Although the bus was not densely packed at the moment, only four other passengers present, everyone couldn't help but cast their glances backward. Even if Scarlett and Renly weren't recognized, their brains' initial reaction was, "A performance art group?" Even the bus driver's gaze continually drifted to the rearview mirror.
Scarlett's lips couldn't help but curl upwards. It seemed that after graduating from high school, she hadn't attempted anything like this. In front of a crowd, offering up an eccentric performance, anywhere could be a stage, any form could be a performance. That simple joy and happiness seemed to have faded into the depths of her memories.
"Are you sure this is the right bus?" Scarlett attempted to purse her lips, conveying her words through lip movements.
"No," Renly's response was succinct, causing Scarlett to roll her eyes. So, they had hopped onto a random bus like this, heading towards an unknown destination?
"Do you mind?" Renly's voice came through again.
Scarlett fell silent for a moment before answering, "No."
Why did she mind? Wasn't this the epitome of perfection? To head toward an unknown destination, even not knowing the direction herself, gradually escaping the paparazzi's entanglement and the clamor of news. As she gazed at the dreamlike scenery outside the window, the bus raced relentlessly forward, as if it would never stop. If they continued like this, could they reach the end of the world?
Rocking and swaying, stopping and starting, the bus continued along Oahu Island's circular road. The bus was filled with island residents, many of whom were staff members from nearby resorts. Upon boarding, everyone's attention was drawn to the two performance artists seated at the back row. There was bewilderment in their expressions, and passengers exchanged glances, whispered to each other, unable to help but chuckle.
"Alright, we've arrived," Renly's voice broke the tranquility, startling Scarlett for a moment. She then saw Renly standing up first. In an instant, all eyes turned toward them.*
Renly looked back at Scarlett, smilingly extending an invitation.
In the end, they hadn't reached the world's end, and the bus ultimately came to a halt. The disturbances and chaos of reality couldn't be escaped. An inexplicable sense of loss settled upon Scarlett's heart, as if Alice was bidding farewell to Wonderland. The carefree dream had to awaken to reality.
She lowered her gaze, concealing her true emotions, then lifted her head once more, earnestly observing Renly. She promptly deciphered the profound meaning in his gaze and couldn't help but smile. Following suit, she stood up and stood shoulder to shoulder with Renly. Both of them bent their knees and bowed in the manner of a theatrical curtain call.
This simple gesture prompted applause and whistles from everyone in the carriage, a reflection of the warm and hospitable nature of the island's inhabitants, who never hesitated to display their friendliness. Thus, they escorted Renly and Scarlett off the bus, applause echoing all the way, as if they had just witnessed a genuine performance.
As the two stepped off the bus, Scarlett's gaze fell upon the scarf in Renly's hand. It was hers. The temperature difference between day and night on Oahu Island was considerable. Wearing that scarf was meant to keep warm and shield from the wind in the evening. Unexpectedly, it had become their "street" performance collection bag. Just now, someone on the bus couldn't remember who, had come forward and given them coins, and after that, it didn't stop.
Renly weighed the coins in the scarf, saying with a cheerful smile, "Dinner tonight is sorted."
Scarlett couldn't help but chuckle, "Hurry and put them away, or the police might catch up."
In the U.S., street performances required permits from the city hall. It wasn't something anyone could do anywhere.
Unexpectedly, Renly remained composed, "Perhaps spending a night in jail wouldn't be a bad option. Imagine this headline: "Two actors arrested for challenging social regulations, Hollywood privilege questioned once again." Doesn't that sound enticing?"
Scarlett burst into laughter, nodding repeatedly, "I love that headline. Or how about, "Bonnie and Clyde once again challenge societal limits, recklessly disrupting the peaceful lives of Oahu Island residents." What do you think of that?"
"Bonnie and Clyde" was acclaimed as a turning point in Hollywood's film industry, marking the entrance into the Golden Age and possessing an indisputable historical status.
"I love that," Renly nodded repeatedly in agreement, causing Scarlett's smile to become even more radiant.
Finally, her smile softened a bit. Scarlett surveyed her surroundings, "We're back in Waikiki again. You know, did you anticipate that this bus would definitely come here?"
After circling around, they found themselves back on Waikiki Beach, the most bustling area of Oahu Island, teeming with people in constant motion. They hadn't reached the ends of the earth, but rather returned to the embrace of urban life. Scarlett felt somewhat uncertain. Standing amidst the crowd meant there was always a chance of being recognized. It was just a matter of time before the paparazzi caught wind of her whereabouts.
"This isn't Los Angeles, nor is it New York. Going around and around, we can always come back," Renly's response left Scarlett momentarily dumbfounded, then she chuckled softly, realizing she had been overly cautious. She quickly adjusted her emotions, "So, what should we do now?"
Renly raised the surfboard in his hand, "Unless you're really planning to learn surfing from me." Otherwise, they'd better return the surfboard to the shop.
Scarlett's smile, which had briefly faded, curved up again. She intentionally furrowed her brow and said earnestly, "Do you think I'm foolish?"
Renly immediately pursed his lips, shaking his head, and then shifted his gaze. He hoisted the surfboard and strode away.
Originally, Scarlett was just joking, but seeing Renly's response, her eyes widened, "Hey! Beach Boy! Don't walk away. Explain clearly to me, what do you mean? Your actions imply that I'm truly stupid, right? Is that it? Tell me!"
Side by side, they walked briskly, disappearing into the dense crowd, seeming like just two ordinary tourists among the countless on the small island, attracting no attention whatsoever.
After returning the surfboard, the two stood once again by the roadside, observing the never-ending stream of people. "If we're going to keep hanging around the main street area, you better change into a different outfit," Scarlett crossed her arms in front of her chest, a serious expression on her face.
Renly looked at his attire, a perplexed expression on his face, "Is there a problem?"
He was dressed quite casually and ordinarily today: navy blue shorts paired with a white t-shirt, and a pair of dark blue boat shoes on his feet. No particularly eye-catching accessories, no elaborate coordination. A glance around Oahu Island revealed that everyone had this kind of appearance, as commonplace as can be.
Scarlett shook her head, "There is certainly a problem, and it's a severe one." Then she thoroughly examined Renly from head to toe, an exacting look in her eyes, "Don't you realize, your legs are really long? It feels like everything except your head is legs. Walking in a crowd, you're seriously too conspicuous."
"..." Renly had nothing to say. Scarlett was clearly teasing him. Regardless of how he responded, she would likely have a retort ready. So, following her lead, Renly replied in all seriousness, his face filled with concern, "Then what should I do? Should I chop my legs off?"
"That's indeed a good solution. I seriously considered it just now. But considering that the scene might become chaotic, I had to give up on it." Scarlett nodded, tapping her chin, appearing deeply engrossed in thought, "Now we can only choose a slightly less drastic approach. Follow me."