Went Abroad to Be a Director, Shook Hollywood’s Box Office - Chapter 11 

The man standing at the doorway was Josh, the male lead of the film.

 

He had admired Scarlett for a long time—both on and off the set. He constantly looked for opportunities to approach her: inviting her to dinner, buying her flowers—anything to win her favor.

 

Unfortunately for him, he simply wasn’t Scarlett’s type. She always kept her distance, which irritated him to no end.

 

Was this woman clueless in the ways of romance? Or did she just… not like him?

 

He had his doubts sometimes, but as a celebrity, he maintained strong confidence in his own charm.

 

He was prepared for a long campaign.

 

“Beautiful Scarlett, would you join me for dinner?”

 

Scarlett was touching up her makeup in the mirror. She turned her head toward the door.

 

“Sorry, Josh. I’m afraid I don’t have time.”

 

“No rush. I can wait.”

 

“No, it’s not like that. I already have plans today. I truly am sorry.”

 

“I see…” Josh spread his hands helplessly. “Then next time. I know a restaurant—not close, but the atmosphere is amazing. It would complement your beauty perfectly. We could take the sports car and—”

 

Scarlett looked at him, smiling slightly.
“Josh, you’re the male lead—the big star. All you need to do is lift a finger, and countless young girls will throw themselves at you. Why waste your effort on me?”

 

“Scarlett, then why do you always—?”

 

“Josh.” Scarlett cut him off. “I separate my work and personal life very clearly. I hope you can do the same.”

 

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to change. We’ll talk later.”

 

“Alright…”

 

Josh shut the door, brow furrowing.

 

This Scarlett—she doesn’t give a damn about my damn charm!

 

And I’ve been flirting with her like crazy on set!

 

How could a woman reject someone as handsome as me?

 

Forget it, I’ll just find another girl.

 

That supporting actress from last time seemed naïve enough. Do I still have her number?

 

He snickered to himself and pulled out his phone.

 

……

 

A Chinese restaurant with elegant, traditional décor.

 

The walls were lined with posters of dishes, each table separated by screens. Waiters moved quickly between them.

 

The place was busy—Chinese and Americans dining together.

 

Qin Feng had made reservations earlier and now sat waiting, arranging the plates and chopsticks neatly.

 

From afar, he spotted Scarlett coming in.

 

She wore a large, lacy sunhat and a pleated dress that traced her stunning figure—impossible to overlook.

 

“Over here!” Qin Feng jumped up, lifting a bouquet of fresh flowers and waving.

 

Scarlett’s face lit up. She walked over quickly as he offered her the flowers.

 

“For you.”

 

She inhaled the soft fragrance of the pink petals.

 

“Ah! They smell wonderful—thank you!”

 

They took their seats. Qin Feng handed her the menu, smiling.
“I don’t know if you’ve had Chinese food before. Why don’t you order first?”

 

“I have.”
Scarlett removed her hat and studied the menu seriously before ordering two dishes.

 

“All done. General Tso’s Chicken and Crab Rangoon. The rest is up to you.”

 

Qin Feng smiled. General Tso’s Chicken—the most popular “Chinese” dish in America—yet almost unheard of back home.

 

He ordered two more dishes and drinks, passing the menu to the server.

 

Scarlett rested her chin lightly on her hand, watching him with radiant eyes.

 

“You look beautiful today, Miss Scarlett,” Qin Feng praised.

 

“Thank you. Are you implying there are days when I’m not?”

 

“Uh…”

 

“Hehe… Qin, you look handsome today too. How have things been? Has filming started yet?”

 

“Not yet. We’re still in pre-production. Probably rolling cameras next month.”

 

“Oh? Then I’ll wish you success in advance—and a massive box office!”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Before long, the food arrived.

 

“And you, Miss Scarlett? How are things?” he asked.

 

“Same as always—scripts, sets, shooting every day. Sometimes it’s just so boring.”

 

“As an actress, having roles to play sounds like a blessing.”

 

“Well, true.” She ate a piece of chicken and looked at him. “Qin Feng, when you become a director, you must cast me.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“And I want to be the female lead!”

 

“Guaranteed.”

 

“You’d better not go back on your word!”

 

“Never.”

 

They clinked glasses and shared a knowing smile.

 

Just then, several customers entered—men and women.

 

One woman paused by their table, then exclaimed in surprise:
“Qin Feng? I didn’t expect to see you here!”

 

The others recognized him too.

 

“Mr. Qin!”

 

“Qin!”

 

Qin Feng looked up—it was a few colleagues from the art department.

 

He spent so much time there that he’d gotten familiar with everyone. They had finally gotten a day off after more than ten days of work and had come out together for dinner.

 

They happened to love Chinese food… and fate had brought them right here.

 

The woman who spoke was Kelly, a storyboard artist.

 

Qin Feng smiled. “Kelly, you’re here for Chinese food too?”

 

Kelly’s eyes shifted—and widened when she noticed the beautiful woman sitting across from him.

 

Everyone here worked in the industry. They could recognize stars instantly.

 

Her eyes grew round.
“Oh my gosh… You’re… Miss Scarlett Johansson, aren’t you?”

 

Scarlett smiled and nodded.

 

“Wow~~! You are gorgeous!”

 

The others chimed in—

 

“It really is Scarlett!”

 

“You’re even prettier than on screen!”

 

“No kidding!”

 

Kelly teased Qin:
“No wonder we couldn’t find you! Already out dating a movie star, huh?”

 

“And you never said a word about it! This is big news!”

 

Kelly laughed happily.
“Miss Scarlett, we’re colleagues of Mr. Qin. Would it be okay if we took a photo with you?”

 

“Ahem…” Qin Feng cleared his throat. “You haven’t eaten yet, maybe you should—”

 

Scarlett caught his glance and gently waved him off—it’s fine.

 

She stood up.
“Of course! Come on, everyone!”

 

Qin Feng relaxed when he saw she was genuinely pleased.

 

Kelly handed him her phone.
“Qin, I’m counting on you.”

 

They crowded around Scarlett, striking poses with beaming smiles.

 

Qin Feng glanced at the old Samsung slider phone—yeah, the resolution was definitely nothing to brag about.

 

“Alright, look at me—one, two, three!”

 

“Yay!”

 

Kelly quickly took back the phone and checked the photos, eyes sparkling.

 

“Perfect! Thank you so much, Miss Scarlett. We’ll let you two enjoy your meal!”

 

“Yes, we won’t disturb you. Please enjoy.”

 

Scarlett smiled warmly.
“Not at all—lovely meeting you.”

 

After they left—

 

Qin Feng rubbed his neck awkwardly.
“Sorry about that. Didn’t expect to run into coworkers.”

 

Scarlett waved it off.
“It’s fine. Just a few photos. I don’t mind at all.”

 

……

 

After dinner, they stepped outside.

 

Qin Feng was about to call a ride when Scarlett stopped him.

 

“Qin Feng, I want to see a movie.”

 

“Oh? Sure. Is there a theater nearby?”

 

“There is! I’ve been here before. It’s just down the street.”

 

They walked one block and indeed found a cinema. They went in.

 

Qin Feng looked up at the big screen showing current showings.
“What would you like to watch?”

 

Scarlett stared for a while.
“Up. This one’s super popular right now.”

 

“Uh… an animated movie?” Qin Feng blinked.

 

“Yes!”

 

“Well… alright.”

 

He bought two tickets and popcorn. After a short wait, they had their tickets checked and entered the theater.

 

(End of Chapter)