[Chapter 539: Refusal]
After spending an entire day exploring several museums on Museum Island in Berlin, the two of them finally stepped out of the last historical museum shortly after four in the afternoon.
Caroline remained very enthusiastic. As they reached the street, she pointed to the west and said, "Just ahead is the Brandenburg Gate, only a kilometer away! Eric, do you want to check it out? It's Germany's 'Arc de Triomphe'!"
"Alright," Eric nodded. Since it was close, he saw no need to take a car, so he started walking towards their destination along the street.
Caroline walked on Eric's right side, sneaking glances up at his profile. Then, like a thief, she quickly looked away. After a moment of thought, she found a topic to discuss. "Eric, after a day at the museum, did you get any movie inspiration?"
Noticing the girl's somewhat awkward attempt at conversation, Eric smiled and nodded, "I did."
Caroline leaned in a little closer, tilting her face up to look at Eric. "Then, can you tell me about it?"
"Of course, Caroline. Have you ever thought about what would happen if the exhibits in the museum suddenly came to life?"
"Ah, I... I haven't thought about that," the girl honestly shook her head.
Eric chuckled, "Then what did you think about when you saw those exhibits?"
"Their ages, their artistic value, or the historical events they relate to..." As she spoke, Caroline's head couldn't help but lower as she murmured, "Eric, am I useless? All I can remember are these textbook things."
"Of course not, Caroline! You have no idea how brilliant you are. I admire your keen mind," Eric said, raising his arm slightly as if to pat the girl on the head. However, considering her shy nature, he abandoned the move.
Caroline noticed Eric's gesture and instinctively shrank her neck, feeling a flicker of anticipation. But when she saw him withdraw his hand, disappointment washed over her, and she said, "But actually, I know that they often say behind my back that I'm... a nerd."
Eric stopped walking, turned to look at the petite girl before him, and stated earnestly, "Caroline, never think that way. Those who say such things are definitely jealous. A strong memory is a gift bestowed upon you. The more knowledge a person possesses, the easier it becomes to connect ideas and accomplish things that ordinary people cannot."
Caroline gazed at Eric with wide, sparkling eyes. After he finished talking, she nodded eagerly, like a student praised by a teacher, and said, "Thank you, Eric."
Eric mimicked the girl's slight British noble accent, "You're welcome, Caroline."
"Hehe," Caroline chuckled. "By the way, what was the inspiration you just mentioned?"
"Oh, right! We could set up a story where the male lead finds a new job as a night guard at a natural history museum. On his first night on duty, while patrolling the empty, eerie museum, he suddenly hears strange noises..."
Eric briefly outlined the main plot of Night at the Museum. Before he could finish, he noticed the girl beside him was looking at him with admiration in her wide eyes, completely entranced. Eric was even sure that if he offered her a lollipop right then, this girl, who emanated a Lolita vibe both inside and out, would happily go home with him.
Uh... that was quite naughty.
"Eric, what happens next?" Caroline asked, puzzled as Eric suddenly paused in his storytelling.
Eric shook his head, not wanting to inflate Caroline's expectations. "I haven't thought it through yet. You know, writing a script isn't that easy."
But Caroline instinctively defended him. "It's okay! It already sounds amazing! I couldn't come up with such a fun story. If it were made into a movie, I think it would be just as good as Jurassic Park!"
"Let's hope so," Eric smiled, but Caroline seemed a bit dissatisfied with his somewhat dismissive tone and nodded emphatically, "It's a guarantee!"
...
The Brandenburg Gate was one of Berlin's most famous landmarks, surrounded by tourists. The two of them walked to nearby Paris Square. To avoid being watched, Eric quickly put on his sunglasses. Caroline also took a pair out of her handbag but thought better of it and put them back, deciding she probably didn't need them. If it weren't for the occasional paparazzi snapping pictures of them, Eric wouldn't have needed his sunglasses either. Having stepped back from the limelight for a long time, most of the media appearances were merely altered photos that bore little resemblance to him in real life.
The paparazzi understood the unspoken agreement: Eric's bodyguards did not stop them from trailing, and the photographers wouldn't recklessly approach them with lots of questions.
After wandering around the Brandenburg Gate, they started to feel tired and sat down on a bench near the fountains on the sides of Paris Square.
"Feeling tired? Should I have someone from the hotel send a car to pick us up?"
Having walked quite a distance with her cheeks slightly flushed, Caroline nodded. Watching Eric signal a nearby bodyguard, she waited until he averted his attention before she continued, "Eric, when I came here, Rachel asked me to check with you about the movie you promised her last time."
The timing had been a bit awkward last time, and Eric had no intention of hiding anything. "It's about the story of the Titanic."
"That... Titanic?" Caroline's eyes widened in surprise.
Eric nodded. "Yes, the Titanic that sank on its maiden voyage in 1912. I think Rachel's aura fits the female lead perfectly. The film is essentially a love story set against a disaster backdrop. The heroine, Rose, from a noble family, is forced by her mother to marry an American businessman. On the way to America, she meets a talented man named Jack on the Titanic, and due to a series of events, they fall deeply in love with each other."
Listening to Eric's story, Caroline felt a sense of deja vu and asked, "So, do they end up together?"
Eric glanced at the hopeful girl, shaking his head.
Caroline bit her lip and whispered, "Why can't they be together?"
"Because that's reality. In truth, Jack and Rose are not meant to be together. They're simply from different worlds. A spur-of-the-moment romance is beautiful, but it can't withstand the test of everyday life. So, in the end, Jack sinks into the sea but lives forever in Rose's memory, and Rose finds her own place in the world."
Girls' thoughts often ran deep and sensitive. Upon hearing Eric's words, Caroline realized Eric seemed to be indirectly rejecting her. A wave of strong disappointment and sadness surged within her. After a moment, she thought perhaps she misunderstood him. After all, those around her had told her more than once that she was very naive in this regard.
Thinking of this, Caroline mustered some courage and looked up at Eric. "Eric, actually, there's something I haven't said."
"Hmm?"
Caroline fidgeted with her fingers and whispered, "My father wants me to invite you to my home."
"That's really not necessary," Eric said, observing the girl's somewhat pitiful expression and carefully choosing his words. "Caroline, I'm sure you've seen some things about me in the newspapers."
Immediately, Caroline shook her head. "I don't believe it, Eric. They must be making it all up. You're a... a really amazing person. I know that from my own experience. I know I'm a bit naive, but I trust my feelings."
Eric finally couldn't help himself. He reached out to pinch Caroline's cheek. Watching her cheeks flush in an instant, he said, "Silly girl, actually, a lot of what they say is true."
At first, Caroline felt a bit shy. However, upon hearing Eric's words, she suddenly stood up with her eyes wide open. "I don't believe you! You must be lying to me!"
In her agitation, her voice raised a bit too high, attracting the attention of several onlookers, while the paparazzi nearby raised their cameras.
Not wanting to be the center of attention, Eric didn't care about anything else at that moment and got up, pulling Caroline along to walk elsewhere. As soon as the girl felt Eric's hand gripping hers, her bravado immediately melted away, and she obediently followed him down June 17 Street.
...
A car from the hotel arrived quickly. After getting in, Eric spoke up again, "Caroline, thank you for keeping me company. It's always a joy to be with you, but I think you should head back to London now and return to your life."
Remembering her earlier outburst, Caroline felt both lost and sad. Hearing Eric's request for her to leave, tears began to fall uncontrollably. When she felt the tissue Eric handed her, she didn't take it and instead shuffled to the other side of the car, seemingly trying to create some distance.
They soon arrived at the hotel parking lot. Eric instructed the driver to leave as he sat with Caroline in the car for a while. When he confirmed her emotions had calmed down, he led her towards the hotel.
As they reached the hotel lobby, Caroline lightly tugged at Eric's sleeve. Once he stopped, she quietly said, "Eric, I'm so sorry. I overreacted earlier. I... I'll head back to London tonight."
Eric took out a tissue and wiped away the tear stains on Caroline's face. This time, she didn't refuse, but her cheeks still flushed. After he withdrew his hand, she softly said, "Thank you."
Eric sighed gently, "It's late today. Tomorrow, I'll have someone take you back."
"Thank you," Caroline replied softly again.
They fell into silence. Just as Eric entered the hotel lobby, a woman sitting in the lounge area with a magazine immediately stood up to greet him.
The woman had blonde hair, was tall, and had an exquisite figure. It was none other than Claudia Schiffer, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
"Eric," Claudia approached him, glancing at the petite girl beside him, hesitated a moment to slow her steps. She initially planned to extend her hand for a handshake, but saw Eric reaching out his arms to her instead. Without hesitation, she rushed into Eric's embrace and warmly greeted him with kisses on the cheek.
Eric knew Claudia was German but had not kept up with her movements for some time. Running into her in Berlin took him by surprise.
"This is Caroline Wilson from London. Caroline, this is Claudia Schiffer. I'm sure you've seen her in movies," Eric said as he let go of her slender waist and introduced the two girls.
Claudia looked at Caroline with a puzzled expression. The girl appeared somewhat forlorn yet had a flicker of hostility in her gaze. Nevertheless, she reached out her hand warmly, "Hello, Miss Wilson."
"Hi, Miss Schiffer," Caroline instinctively grasped Claudia's hand, a habit she'd long cultivated. After the introduction, the girl quickly released the handshake and turned to Eric, saying, "Eric, I'm heading back to my room now."
"Alright, see you tomorrow."
Caroline walked towards the elevator. The moment the doors closed, she caught a glimpse of Eric embracing Claudia, heading towards the hotel restaurant. The girl bit her lip, lightly stomped her foot, and muttered, "You did that on purpose! You must have done that on purpose, you bad boy."
...
In the hotel restaurant, Eric and Claudia chose a seat by the window, and he asked, "What brings you to Berlin?"
"Is it strange for a German to be in Berlin?" Claudia laughed lightly before clarifying, "I received a collaboration invitation from a brand and came to participate in some events."
"A car brand?"
Claudia rolled her eyes, "Do you think Germany only has car brands?"
"That's just the impression I got," Eric chuckled, then added, "Since you're here, I can't speak German. Would you join me for a cocktail party tonight? Constantine Films is hosting; it might give you some good opportunities."
"Sure, but I still have two film projects lined up. Honestly, I feel like modeling was easier. I've acted in multiple movies, but before each film's release, they always mock me for being just a pretty face. Come on, I admit it, I'm a pretty face, but they can't call me something different?"
"Though you are so beautiful, if you want to seek some breakthroughs, you could try playing ugly in a few films."
Claudia shook her head in refusal, "I'm not aiming for an Oscar. I'm fine being a pretty face. I just want to look good on screen."
At that moment, the waiter arrived. Due to the party that evening, they didn't order any food but simply requested two cups of coffee and continued their chat.
*****
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