Chapter 193

Sunlight streamed through the café windows as Jason Roscente absently traced the rim of his coffee cup.

The moment Vivian Ashcroft pushed open the door, his breath caught.

Those almond-shaped eyes still sparkled like stars, her red lips curved in the exact same smile he remembered. Jason's Adam's apple bobbed as his knuckles whitened around the cup.

"This is my best friend, Vivian Ashcroft." Sophia Lowell's voice snapped him back to reality.

Jason's gaze locked onto Vivian with an intensity that could have burned holes through her.

"You know me?" Vivian tilted her head, her crimson lips quirking in amusement.

"The young princess you played in Midnight in Chang'an," Jason's voice dropped low. "That red dress dance scene in episode three—I watched it twenty-seven times."

Vivian's lashes fluttered. That web series had flopped so badly even she'd nearly forgotten the plot.

"So I've got a little fanboy," she chuckled, pulling a compact from her bag. Her fingertip dabbed at the gloss on her lips. "Want an autographed photo?"

Jason suddenly leaned in until his nose almost brushed her hair. "I want your lip print." His eyes fixed on the smudge of red on her finger. "Right here."

Sophia's spoon clattered against her saucer.

The tips of Vivian's ears turned visibly pink. She instinctively licked her lips before pressing a kiss to the corner of the photo. "Kids these days sure know how to flirt."

"I'm not a kid." Jason's fingers grazed her wrist as he took the photo. "I'll be at the fan meet for your new drama next Wednesday."

Vivian's head jerked up. She'd never publicly announced that filming schedule.

"How did you—"

"I'm Jason Roscente." He cut her off, tucking the photo inside his jacket. "From now on, I'm calling you Viv."

Outside, plane tree leaves rustled. Vivian suddenly realized this "fan's" gaze resembled a wolf eyeing its prey.