บท 82: Chapter 81
Due to her ongoing conflict with landlords, Kristen Stewart ended up staying at Sister Shitou's house that day.
However, Xu Can's bold idea couldn't be implemented, and Kristen was simply assigned to the guest room.
That night, Christine couldn't sleep well, disturbed by the commotion next door. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions, unsure who she envied.
Back in Los Santos, Xu Can was busy with the post-production of Dragon God and Inception. Since founding his studio, Galaxy Digital, the company had accumulated experience through hits like Iron Man, Spider-Man 2, and The Dark Knight Rises. By the time work on the new version of Inception began, their technology had matured, allowing them to handle more complex special effects.
Time flew by as Xu Can spent every day at the studio, and soon Christmas arrived.
And with it, Xu Can's dilemma.
"Baby, will you come home with me for Christmas this year?" Sister Shitou asked eagerly. She had long wanted Xu Can to meet her family, a clear sign she was ready to take their relationship to the next level—perhaps even marriage.
Xu Can would have gone, as being with Sister Shitou felt right, but things weren't that simple. With Taylor Swift in the picture, his situation became far more complicated. Xu Can found himself at yet another turning point, one that felt like a game-changing moment in life's grand narrative.
Taylor, too, had made a compelling offer.
"How about spending Christmas at my place? My mom makes amazing lasagna—you have to try it!" Taylor's eyes sparkled with excitement as she invited him to Nashville.
Faced with this, Xu Can could only rely on his "time management" strategy.
"Of course! I've been looking forward to it for a long time," he told both women, using the exact same line.
The problem? Taylor's home was in Nashville, Tennessee, near the East Coast, while Sister Shitou's home was in Scottsdale, Arizona, close to the West Coast. Traveling from one to the other would take at least five hours by plane, plus another two hours by car. Doing this on Christmas, when airports are jam-packed, seemed nearly impossible.
But for Xu Can, this wasn't a problem.
"Vanessa, book me a Gulfstream charter flight from Nashville to Scottsdale for Christmas Eve," he instructed his assistant.
"Boss, charter flights between those locations are scarce, so it'll be pricey," Vanessa warned.
"How much?"
"Well, flying from New York to Los Santos costs around $100,000. Flying from Nashville will likely run you $180,000."
Xu Can chuckled. "Only $80,000 more? I've spent that on a bottle of wine before. Book it."
"Got it," Vanessa said. She knew exactly what Xu Can was planning: spending Christmas Eve with Taylor, then flying to Arizona to spend Christmas with Sister Shitou.
Vanessa, who had started as a college student from a small town, was now an executive at Galaxy Entertainment, trusted implicitly by Xu Can. In just two years, she had gone from barely affording a bike to driving a Camaro and earning a million dollars a year. Of course, she handled Xu Can's requests without hesitation.
On Christmas Eve, Xu Can first accompanied Taylor Swift to her hometown in Nashville. Though originally from Pennsylvania, her family had moved to Nashville when she was 14. The quiet town was small, even by American standards, and Swift's family lived in a suburban home surrounded by woods and large farms.
Upon arriving, her entire family was already outside to greet them. Her father, Scott Swift, a stockbroker, looked the part—dressed in a suit and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. Her mother, Andrea, was a cheerful housewife whose face lit up upon seeing Xu Can. Her gaze was that of a classic mother-in-law approving of her son-in-law.
Taylor's younger brother, Austin, who worked in film and theater, was also warm and welcoming, though he couldn't compete with Xu Can's looks.
Though the Swift family's enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming, Xu Can handled it well. His charisma, not unlike Jamie's from Love and Other Drugs, charmed everyone. After a lively meal, Taylor whisked Xu Can away for a walk.
"Did my family scare you?" Taylor asked nervously, holding onto Xu Can's arm.
"No, they're all really lovely," Xu Can replied, easing her worries.
"Good!" Taylor smiled brightly, her eyes turning into crescents.
Suddenly, she had an idea. "Come with me!" she said, pulling Xu Can toward a nearby villa. The two-story house had a vintage 19th-century style but was newly renovated.
"How do you like it?" Taylor asked with a mysterious smile.
"It's beautiful. Are you planning to buy it?" Xu Can asked.
"Already did!" Taylor beamed. "And I bought it in your name. It's yours now, Mr. Landlord."
Xu Can was stunned. "Wait… mine?"
"Yes! I spent nearly five million dollars on it, just for you."
Although Swift had made significant strides in the music industry, with an income of around $10 million this year, spending half of that on a house for him was a touching gesture.
Moved, Xu Can embraced her tightly. Taylor, proud and happy, laughed, but her laughter faded when Xu Can suggested they "christen" the new house.
Later, after a quick flight, Xu Can arrived in Arizona, where Sister Shitou was already waiting for him at the airport.
"How come you're still working on Christmas Eve? I wanted to have dinner with you," she said with concern, her large eyes full of affection.
"I have to make money to support you," Xu Can teased, gently touching her nose.
"I can support you too, you know. My salary is almost $20 million now!" Sister Shitou pouted.
"That may be true, but I'm not the type to mooch," Xu Can responded, grinning.
"Hmm, or maybe you just want to support other people—like Taylor," Sister Shitou quipped, pretending to be jealous.
Xu Can laughed and quickly denied it, but the banter between them continued as they drove to her family's home for a quieter, more intimate Christmas.
Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway was attending the premiere of Love and Other Drugs in Los Santos, filling in for Xu Can, who was notably absent. Though she played a sweet role in the film, she couldn't help but feel a touch of bitterness, realizing that Xu Can was far from hers alone.
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