Chapter 356: Subtle

Chapter 356: Chapter 356: Subtle

"So, I want to leave Hollywood for a while," Henry continued, his gaze firm.

"I plan to go to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London for further study, to systematically learn acting theory and stage performance. I’ve always felt that stage performance can better hone an actor’s delivery and ability to adapt on the fly, and it can also allow me to understand a character’s inner world more deeply."

"While studying, I also want to try some different types of scripts, such as independent films or art-house movies. I recently saw a story about the World War II era, about the struggles and growth of an ordinary soldier during the war. This character is very challenging and completely different from Will Turner. I want to use this role to prove that I can not only play a pirate hero well, but also handle more complex and nuanced characters."

A flash of approval crossed Irene’s eyes. "That’s a very good idea. Settling down to learn and trying different types of roles will be very beneficial for your career."

"I believe that with your talent and dedication, you will definitely achieve even greater success. Whatever decision you make, I support you."

Hearing her support, a brilliant smile appeared on Henry’s face, his eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you, Irene. Gaining your approval is the most important encouragement for me."

He looked at her, his gaze so gentle it was almost dripping with emotion, and the long-suppressed feelings in his heart surged up once again.

He wanted to say something, to express his feelings for her, but looking at her clear and calm eyes, the words died on his lips. He knew that right now, she only had work and future plans in her heart, and he didn’t want to disrupt her rhythm because of his own feelings.

Irene seemed to sense his peculiarity. The smile on her face faded slightly, and she subconsciously avoided his gaze, turning her head to look at the fireworks in the distance. "The fireworks are truly beautiful."

Henry followed her gaze. The brilliant fireworks were still blooming in the night sky, but they seemed unable to dispel the subtle awkwardness between them.

He sighed softly and raised his champagne glass. "To our future, cheers."

"Cheers." Irene also raised her glass and clinked it with his again.

This time, neither of them spoke, just quietly watching the fireworks in the night sky, each lost in their own thoughts.

The revelry at the scene continued, with the laughter and singing of the staff and the clinking of champagne glasses interweaving to create a lively and warm scene.

Jerry Bruckheimer walked over and patted them both on the shoulder. "Irene, Henry, you two are the heroes of this film. Come and celebrate with everyone!"

Irene snapped back to reality, a smile returning to her face as she followed Jerry toward the crowd.

Henry followed closely behind, but his gaze remained fixed on Irene’s figure, silently resolving in his heart: once she had rested enough and he had settled down, he would definitely confess his feelings to her.

The wrap party lasted until late into the night. After the fireworks died out, the studio remained brightly lit.

Irene had drunk quite a bit of champagne, and a faint flush appeared on her face as fatigue washed over her again. After saying goodbye to Jerry and the staff, she got into the car with Vera’s accompaniment.

The car was quiet. Irene leaned against the window, watching the streetscape fly by outside, her mind going blank again.

"Irene, tomorrow is your 22nd birthday," Vera said softly. "How do you want to celebrate?"

Irene was stunned for a moment, only then remembering that tomorrow was her birthday.

"No need for too much trouble," she said softly. "Tomorrow, I’ll just get a good sleep, then go to Malibu to chat with my parents. That will be enough."

Vera nodded. "Alright. By the way, Mr. Henry asked me to pass on a message: he wishes you a happy birthday in advance. He left a birthday gift in the back. You can take a look."

Upon hearing this, Irene saw a gift box on the seat next to her. She opened it gently, and a diamond necklace came into view. It was a Van Cleef & Arpels clover design. It certainly wasn’t cheap.

Her heart stirred slightly. She didn’t speak, just closed her eyes gently.

Henry Cavill’s sentiments, like the embers of fireworks not yet extinguished in the night sky, left a faint warmth in her heart.

Perhaps, one day in the future, when she slows her pace and he is mature enough, this hazy affection will bloom with its own brilliance.

But for now, Irene just wanted to get a good sleep, to welcome her 22nd birthday and the more exciting future that belonged to her.

The black sedan drove steadily into the affluent area of Santa Monica, the streetlights stretching the car’s shadow long across the leaf-strewn driveway.

The car stopped in front of Irene’s detached villa. She pushed open the car door and walked into the courtyard with somewhat unsteady steps.

The fingerprint-locked door opened slowly. Greeting her was not the warm light she had expected, but a silent darkness.

She fumbled for the switch and pressed it. The crystal chandelier lit up, illuminating the empty living room in every detail.

At this moment, without the hustle and bustle of the film set and without the team surrounding her, the huge house seemed exceptionally desolate.

The sofa in the living room was as neat as a showroom, the long table in the dining room had only one set of tableware, and the bedroom door at the end of the hallway was tightly shut. The entire space was so quiet she could hear her own breathing.

"It really is too desolate," Irene sighed, fatigue and loneliness washing over her together.

After months of high-intensity filming, she had long grown accustomed to the liveliness of being surrounded by crowds, and now, suddenly being alone, she felt somewhat at a loss.

She walked to the sofa and sat down. Just as she was about to raise her hand to rub her throbbing temples, she realized that in this huge house, she even had to boil her own water. She seemed to have forgotten to hire any domestic staff for the house.

The drawbacks of a big house were exposed at this moment. It could provide a decent living environment, but it couldn’t fill the emptiness in her heart right now.

At this moment, she missed the warmth and vitality of her parents’ home immensely.

Irene stood up abruptly, grabbed the coat on the sofa, and rushed out of the house.

"Driver, wait!" she shouted toward the car that hadn’t gone far yet.

The driver stopped the car quickly and poked his head out. "Miss Irene, is there anything you need?"

Irene said quickly, "Could you please wait for me a moment longer? I need to grab some things to take to Malibu."

She quickly returned to the upstairs walk-in closet, grabbed some change of clothes, packed her luggage quickly, changed into a comfortable cashmere sweater and jeans, and got back into the car.

The sedan drove along the coastline. The Pacific Ocean in the night was magnificent, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks could be heard faintly.

Irene leaned against the car window, watching the night scenery fly by outside, and the irritability in her heart gradually subsided.

Her parents’ home in Malibu, her mother’s signature hot soup, her father’s collection of old records, and Lucky’s cheerful barking — that was the harbor that could make her feel at ease, no matter how far she went.