"We've already broken up, Claire," William interrupted gently. "You shouldn't need my help to fulfill any old agreements we made. Those are outdated. Besides, your new boyfriend, Thomson, has already made sure I know about your new relationship. The night we broke up, you were at his house."
"Will, I—" Claire's voice faltered, and she let out a heavy sob.
"Don't cry, good girl," William said softly.
Claire's sobbing grew louder, choking as she cried.
But William realized her tears weren't really about him or their breakup. She seemed to be venting emotions she'd accumulated for a long time. Perhaps, as a devout Christian girl with a strict upbringing, she was confused between joy and guilt after losing her virginity.
William glanced at the clock, waiting until 15 minutes had passed. Then he said teasingly, "If you keep crying, your eyes will swell up like you've been stung by a bee."
Claire let out a loud whimper and, miraculously, stopped crying. On the other end of the line, William could hear her rummaging around, presumably searching for a mirror.
"Remember to put some ice cubes on your eyes," he advised.
"Will, what did Thomson say to you?" Claire asked, her tone still shaky.
"Not too much nonsense. But I warned him not to spread rumors about your overnight stay at his house, or there'd be consequences."
"You're so kind, Will," Claire said softly. "Originally, I wanted to scold at you for being as bastard and not wanting to get back together, but I just can't hate you. You're such a good person."
"Don't hand me one of those 'good guy' cards, sweetheart. That's what you always say when turning someone down. Don't think I don't know that."
Claire was amused. "Anyway, you're the best ex-boyfriend I've ever had."
"And you're a good girl too," William said, smiling. "So, are we good now? Make peace?"
"Yes, Will, we're good." Then, as though something had just occurred to her, she added hurriedly, "Oh, and one more thing. Stay away from Linda. She was bragging in the dressing room today that she plans to seduce you within a month. Apparently, she wants to 'mark' you. Also, she has kissing disease!"
"Kissing disease?" William raised an eyebrow.
Kissing disease is a romanticized term for herpes, which was often spread through intimate contact like kissing or sharing food. Though treatable, the disease carried a stigma, especially in high school, as it often suggested that they have poor hygiene. Americans, being meticulous about oral care, tended to react the most with it.
"Thanks, Claire. I'll take a note." William said sincerely.
"By the way," Claire added with a giggle, "I want a Dean Cain autograph—not Terry Hatchell's. I don't like Lois from Lois and Clark. Danny told me you have one, so don't even think about denying it!"
"Sure thing."
…
The story of Beverly Hills 90210 begins with the Wilson family.
Tabitha Wilson, now in her sixties, was a famous Hollywood movie star in the 1970s. She lives in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, where she had once been showered in countless scandals and married multiple times. Now, however, she lives alone. Her son left home years ago to live independently. Tabitha is known for her sharp humor and occasional bouts of viciousness, as well as her vice—alcoholism. She often drinks to the point of oblivion.
Doctors at the Alcoholics Center contacted Harry Wilson, the 40-year-old son of Tabitha Wilson. Harry was a famous figure in American education, best known for transforming the infamous East St. Louis High School into a modern, high-quality institution. The doctors insisted that Tabitha needed to be supervised by her family, leaving Harry with no choice but to move back to Los Angeles. He brought along his daughter, Annie Wilson, and adopted son, Dixon Wilson.
Harry became the new principal of Beverly Hills High School, while Annie and Dixon enrolled as students. They struggled to adapt to the unique social dynamics of Beverly Hills High, and the story of <<90210>> began.
Upon transferring, Annie met Naomi Clark, a quintessential East Coast rich girl: blonde, blue-eyed, and strikingly beautiful. Naomi had been pampered from a young age, was obsessed with fashion, spent money extravagantly, and lived life with a carefree attitude. She was dating Ethan, a popular star athlete at the school, cementing her status as the "princess" of Beverly Hills High.
If this had aired 10 years later, critics might have said Naomi Clark was "a copy of Paris Hilton." Now, however, it might be more accurate to say Paris Hilton is the real-life version of Naomi Clark.
Annie and Naomi initially became good friends, but Annie found herself attracted to Ethan. After Naomi broke up with him, Annie quickly entered a relationship with Ethan, leaving Naomi feeling betrayed by her best friend. This animosity led Naomi to make Annie's life difficult, turning them into rivals.
Despite this, Annie and Naomi often shared overlapping social circles, which kept them connected. Their transition from friends to enemies—and sometimes back to frenemies—formed a significant storyline in <<90210>>.
In the fall of 1990, <<90210>> was in the latter half of its fourth season. Although the show remained popular, its repetitive themes—lavish Beverly Hills parties, campus rivalries, and the tangled love lives of the six main characters—had started to wear on viewers. Ratings declined compared to the previous year, creating a sense of urgency among the producers. To reinvigorate the show, the writers decided to introduce a new supporting character whose presence would shake things up, creating fresh suspense and drama.
That character was Princeton Hillings Brooke.
Princeton appeared near the end of the fourth season. Tall, handsome, and charming, he first met Annie Wilson at a charity gala, and they hit it off instantly. Later, he crossed paths with Naomi Clark, who fell for him at first sight and began a relentless pursuit. However, Naomi faced stiff competition. Her childhood rival, and even her own sister Jane Clark, had their sights set on Princeton.
Princeton's storyline introduced new layers of chaos to the tangled relationships in the show. For the producers, his role was clear: "Princeton just needs to be handsome—handsome enough to boost ratings," as Robert Singh, director of FOX's TV production department, bluntly put it.
Judging from the appearance setting of the first episode, the character of Princeton is very likable, charming and handsome. He is a proper heartthrob, satisfying all girl's desires.
Because of the popularity of the series, when the public audition was held, although the crew made it clear that Princeton would most likely not become a regular role, it received hundreds of audition applications.
Princeton Hillings Brook is a vase character designed to drive ratings, the actor doesn't need anything, as long as he is handsome. William's appearance can easily rank in the top three among the interviewers, plus he has a personal limited edition Bugatti Veyron sports car as a bonus. Thus the producer, screenwriter and supervisor from the American union unanimously decided that it was William Bradley!
The smile on William's face of getting the role has just bloomed, and before the good news has been informed to Ammon Goffman, William has received a new notice - this afternoon the entire crew of <<90210>> will fly to the Hamptons in eastern New York, and his role will be completed in luxurious beach villas in the Hamptons!
Hampton?
William immediately recalled about the Hamptons:
In winter, the Hamptons were far from picturesque. Like much of the East Coast, the area was dominated by overcast skies, biting winds, and a gray, desolate atmosphere that seemed to leach the charm from the town.
But during the other seasons, the Hamptons transformed into a paradise. The sky was a brilliant blue, with wisps of white clouds drifting lazily. The ocean shimmered like a flawless sapphire, and the pristine, snow-white sand felt soft underfoot.
This idyllic setting would serve as the backdrop for William's debut as Princeton!
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