A smile crept up to Kate's face, brightening her mood instantly.
"…Thank you."
Although she had already said thanks, after a brief pause, she repeated it once more. This repetitive expression of gratitude caught Anson's attention, and he glanced at Kate curiously.
Kate noticed.
"You know, you have this magic about you, always able to lighten the mood."
Anson thought for a moment, then said seriously, "Kate, be careful. Falling in love with me would bring bad luck."
"Haha. Hahaha." Kate burst out laughing, then nodded earnestly. "Alright, thanks for the warning."
It was these casual, lighthearted jokes, effortlessly thrown into the conversation, that kept things cheerful and brightened the atmosphere.
"I, uh, I'm a bit unsure."
"On one hand, I'm excited and eager to return to the set and continue working."
"But on the other hand, I'm full of worries. To be honest, I don't like Sam's suggestion—having an extra 'tail' feels like having an extra surveillance camera."
"At the same time, I'm frustrated. This unexpected situation has completely thrown off my plans. I should be thrilled about welcoming a new life, but I can't shake the feeling of frustration. It makes me feel guilty toward the life growing inside me."
"I don't know… Anson, I don't know."
Kate's words tumbled out quickly, somewhat jumbled and without much thought—a pure, instinctual reaction.
Anson didn't rush to respond. Instead, he signaled for Kate to take a deep breath, using his expression and gestures—
Once. Then again.
Kate followed his lead, breathing deeply and slowly calming down.
Only then did Anson speak, "Hormones. This is all just the hormones messing with your head."
Kate pouted, "I should really just grab those hormones and beat them up."
"Haha." This time, it was Anson's turn to laugh heartily. "Sorry, I can't do that for you."
"Don't be so down about it. Just let these emotions out, then shift your focus to something else. It's just a phase."
"So, do you really want to keep filming?"
Kate was momentarily stunned, noticing the concern in Anson's eyes.
"Kate, what I mean is, you shouldn't feel like you need to force yourself for me, the director, or the crew. You should follow your heart."
"Work will always be there. If you miss this project, another one will come along. But you, you're irreplaceable. We need to be kind to ourselves."
This was wisdom Anson had gathered from his past life—
Never sacrifice yourself for work, not to the point where it hurts you.
It's just not worth it.
Of course, the harsh reality is that most people don't have a choice, especially in the working world. But now, they had the power to choose, and Anson didn't want Kate to stay out of guilt.
Kate studied Anson intently.
"Huh."
She chuckled, then her smile widened, and she rocked back and forth, laughing heartily.
"Haha."
"Anson, you're really thoughtful. You don't seem like a twenty-year-old at all."
"But I truly want to continue."
"God, look at last night. After that performance, that work experience, how could I say no? I can't find a reason to leave the set."
"In fact, I can't wait to get back and start shooting again."
It was clear that Kate was sincere. Her words were filled with excitement and joy, a pure and simple emotion that radiated brightly.
Anson couldn't help but feel the same, his heart racing with enthusiasm.
"I just wanted to make sure."
"You know, you made this decision in just one afternoon. It's a bit rushed, and sometimes we let our impulses drive us without even taking a moment to think."
"And besides…"
Anson paused, glancing at the "tail" positioned slightly behind Kate.
"This isn't just about you."
Kate finally understood.
She opened her mouth, ready to argue with Anson, to explain herself. But as the words caught in her throat, she realized that maybe Anson was right.
Too many things had happened, too many emotions had rushed in all at once, and she had been too quick to make a decision. Her heart hadn't even had time to breathe.
That's why she felt so agitated.
But how could all of these things be sorted out in just a few words?
Sigh.
A thousand thoughts and feelings turned into one long sigh, finally released.
Kate thought for a moment.
"Maybe I still need some time to sort everything else out, but, Anson…"
Kate lifted her head and looked at Anson, her eyes bright with determination.
"I truly want to finish filming. I love this script, this character. I love you. I love the torment we went through last night just to get one scene right—it reminds me that I still love what I do."
"That's why I'm here, to tell you that."
It was then that Anson understood just how much Kate truly loved acting—
Now he could see why she fought so hard for the role of Rose in Titanic.
Looking back, people might say Kate chased after fame and fortune, hoping to land a part in a box-office hit.
But back then, no one knew—Kate, Leonardo, James Cameron, nor 20th Century Fox—none of them knew the film would be such a success.
Kate's pursuit was purely out of love.
And when you love something, you should chase after it with all your heart.
Kate fought for the role, got it, performed brilliantly, and achieved incredible success. She deserved all the praise she received.
It was hers, rightfully.
This purity in her passion made Anson's heart feel lighter too.
"Oh."
"If I could, though, I'd still prefer the filming process to be a little less torturous."
"God, I slept the entire day today and still haven't fully recovered."
His serious tone caught Kate off guard, and she couldn't help but burst into laughter, clutching Anson's shoulder as she rocked back and forth.
"I agree, 100%."
As they laughed, the "tail" quietly approached, his face serious as he interrupted Kate and Anson.
"Kate…"
"Kate!"
"You should watch your emotions. Try to avoid extreme highs and lows; it's not good for your health."
Kate's smile froze, and without any hesitation, she rolled her eyes. She wanted to snap back, but just as the words reached her lips, she paused.
"Hormones. It's all hormones. I can't control it."
As she spoke, her tears started to fall, and Kate covered her face, wailing uncontrollably.
Anson noticed Kate winking at him through her fingers—it was a fake cry. Not a single tear had fallen.
But the "tail" didn't see through the act. He hurriedly pulled out a large backpack from behind him and began searching through it.
It was only then that Anson noticed the "tail" was carrying a massive sports bag, almost like a tennis gear bag, packed full of all sorts of tools.
Anson couldn't help but laugh.
In just one afternoon, where had Sam Mendes found this guy?
Always silent, yet stepping in at the critical moment, this guy was like a hidden master.
And then—
"Aha!" The "tail" pulled out… a bath towel.
Not a handkerchief, but an actual bath towel, big enough to wrap around half a body. He handed it to Kate to wipe her tears.
Kate stared at the bath towel in her hands, completely stunned, momentarily forgetting to cry.