Kristen Stewart not only followed Eva but also left a comment under her post. "Great job." Eva was stunned.
After "Girl on the Ruins" successfully made it onto major music charts, Eva and Arsha received their payment. Eva sighed in relief, as her finances were finally starting to improve, and she didn't have to worry about money for a while.
Arsha had a sudden idea and suggested using part of their earnings to take a trip to Los Angeles, Hollywood. At first, Eva was hesitant, considering the cost. The reward was only 50,000 euros, and a trip to the US would likely be expensive. However, Arsha's argument that they had been working hard and needed a break to restore their creativity convinced Eva. Although she felt Arsha was trying to persuade her, Eva recognized the need for some relaxation and agreed.
The two girls packed light and boarded a flight to the United States. During the flight, Arsha excitedly chattered to Eva, "Do you know why I chose Los Angeles? Because I want to see what Hollywood looks like. Someday, I want to be there!"
Eva stroked Arsha's soft, golden hair and smiled, "Arsha, don't be so excited. Every actor has that dream. You will succeed."
Arsha hummed a little tune, clearly in high spirits, "Eva, don't you want to go to Hollywood?"
Eva replied with a smile, "Of course I do. But generally, whether you're a director or an actor, if you're from Europe, it's better to make a name for yourself here first before trying to break into Hollywood. It's easier that way. Competing as a newcomer directly in Hollywood is tough against local American newcomers."
Arsha agreed, "You're right. Not many European actors who go to Hollywood manage to do well."
Eva added, "Competing against local Americans is inherently disadvantageous. So it's better to build some fame in Europe first."
They continued to chat about other topics, putting their worries aside for now.
When they arrived in Los Angeles, they quickly dropped off their luggage and headed to Hollywood. Using Google Maps, they made their way to the world-famous Beverly Hills.
It's said that in Beverly Hills, you can't walk ten steps without encountering a celebrity. And it turned out to be true. After arriving, they spotted several familiar faces.
Hollywood is a paradise for movies, the world center of film, and Beverly Hills is a gathering place for movie professionals. Arsha was ecstatic, "Hey, look! Isn't that Naomi Watts? Wow, she's followed by paparazzi and four bodyguards!"
Eva glanced over and saw Naomi Watts. Then Arsha exclaimed again, "Isn't that Angelina Jolie with her kids!?"
Indeed, Eva saw Angelina Jolie with a bunch of kids getting into a van and driving away.
There were many celebrities around, and the only difference from paparazzi photos was that most of these celebrities were accompanied by bodyguards. Arsha and Eva passed by a bookstore, and through the window, Arsha spotted a magazine with her idol, Kristen Stewart, on the cover. She quickly pointed it out to Eva, "Look, that's my idol on the cover! Someday, I want to be on the cover of V Magazine too."
Eva flicked her forehead, "Stop dreaming, kid."
Beverly Hills was filled with high-end fashion stores, upscale bars, and luxury jewelry shops. Everything was high-end, catering to the wealthy residents. Arsha and Eva didn't dare enter these stores, intimidated by the price tags.
After touring Beverly Hills, they decided to take a break and head to another part of Hollywood, like West Hollywood. Arsha admired the well-dressed people entering and leaving the high-end stores, often with bodyguards and followed by paparazzi, and couldn't help but feel envious, "I really envy them."
Eva asked, "What do you envy?"
Arsha licked her lips, "I envy that they can roll in money, have handsome men and beautiful women around them, and be famous in Hollywood!"
Then she turned to Eva, "Eva, don't you want that? I don't believe you don't!"
Eva smiled knowingly, "Of course I do. I'm not that high-minded; I'm quite ordinary, actually."
Arsha, who was taller than Eva, put her arm around Eva's shoulders and said, "So, for this ordinary goal, we have to work harder!"
As they walked down the street, Eva suddenly noticed someone interesting and nudged Arsha, "Look, isn't that your idol?"
Arsha looked over and froze, "Oh my god! It's my idol! Kristen Stewart!"
Kristen Stewart was walking down the street in a casual T-shirt and denim shorts with small high-heeled sandals. She found a place to sit and wait for someone. She was alone, without her "boyfriend" Robert Pattinson. Arsha quickly shook Eva's shoulder, "Do you think I can ask her for an autograph?"
Eva reluctantly poured cold water on her enthusiasm, "If you think you can get past her six giant bodyguards..."
Arsha then noticed the six bodyguards following Kristen, ready to intercept any suspicious individuals. She said dejectedly, "Ah, finally seeing my idol in person, and I can't get close. This is killing me!"
Eva watched Kristen from a distance. Though they were the same age, Kristen, as a popular actress, exuded a different aura, filled with the presence of a big star. She walked as if with the wind. Eva suddenly suggested to Arsha, "Why don't I send her a message on Facebook and ask if we can get an autograph?"
Arsha looked at Eva, puzzled, "I thought only people she follows can send her messages?"
Eva replied, "She followed me."
Arsha: "..."
Eva opened her phone and sent a private message to Kristen Stewart on Facebook. Kristen, who was also looking at her phone in the distance, responded quickly. Her reply was straightforward, "Sure, come over."
Eva then took Arsha over, who was bubbling with excitement. They passed through the six bodyguards like a human wall and approached Kristen. Kristen made room for them to sit, her face showing a polite but indifferent smile, "It's you."
Arsha's eyes were glued to Kristen, "Wow, I never thought I'd get to meet you in person one day!"
Kristen's deep-set eyes, shaded with earth-toned eyeshadow, made her look aloof and cool. She said, "I've seen your MTV. I recognize you."
Arsha was so excited she didn't know what to say, "Really? I'm so happy! Can I have your autograph?"
"Of course." Kristen's thin lips curved slightly into a smile that seemed both polite and sensual. "Are you the director?"
Eva realized Kristen had turned her gaze to her, her eyes scanning Eva's features. Eva blinked and smiled, "Yes, it's me. Nice to meet you."
Her smile was both charming and alluring, as always. Kristen didn't look at her again but handed Arsha an autograph and put on her large sunglasses, "Enjoy your time here."
After that, Eva and Arsha knew they shouldn't stay too long and left. Walking away, Arsha was still in a daze of excitement, "Wow, I got my idol's autograph!"
Eva knocked on her head, "Look at you, all excited. Your idol didn't really pay us much attention."
Arsha retorted, "How do you know? She said she watched our MTV!"
Eva sighed, "But did you notice she didn't even ask for our names? To someone like her, who we are doesn't matter. She's just being polite by giving us a chance to meet her or an autograph. That's the most she thinks she can offer."
Arsha was a bit deflated, "You might be right... I was hoping to ask for her personal email."
Eva patted Arsha's head and said gently, "It's good you didn't. She wouldn't have given it. She's shown basic respect, and we can't ask for more. If we want more, we need to be on the same level as her. Mutual respect comes from equal standing."
Living in Beverly Hills, these people are always surrounded by luxury. They walk with an air of confidence, live freely, and enjoy the admiration of many. When they're in a good mood, they might grant you a little favor, but that doesn't mean they see you as an equal.
Arsha suddenly declared, "Eva, one day, we will also live in this glamorous place, roll in money, have paparazzi chasing us, go out with bodyguards, be with handsome men, and be famous in Hollywood and the world!"
Then she paused and looked at Eva, "Do you think that day will come for us?"
Eva smiled and said softly, "If you work hard enough."