The two rode on the scooter again, with Hepburn visibly more relaxed, her hands resting comfortably on Hardy's waist.
Before long, they arrived at the Trevi Fountain. They parked and approached the iconic landmark, where many tourists tossed coins into the fountain, each making a wish. Hepburn's eyes sparkled with excitement.
At that moment, a large hand extended toward Hepburn, offering a handful of coins—both large and small.
Her eyes lit up.
"Take one and make a wish," Hardy suggested.
Hepburn hesitated for a moment, then took a small coin from Hardy's palm. She held it in her hand, made a silent wish, and tossed it into the fountain.
"Can you tell me what you wished for?" Hardy asked.
Hepburn blinked, a hint of shyness crossing her face.
"My wish is to be the heroine of a movie," she whispered.
Hardy smiled softly. "I believe your wish will come true soon. This is something that can be fulfilled without divine intervention—it's within my power."
In this world, some people reach such heights of power that they become akin to gods to others, able to grant wishes and fulfill dreams with ease.
After enjoying the Trevi Fountain, they wandered into an alley filled with various shops. Hardy recalled a visit he'd made to Italy where he stumbled upon a 'Ferrero' chocolate shop. He ended up acquiring Ferrero's shares and becoming its largest shareholder.
They soon arrived at Ferrero's chocolate shop, which was bustling with customers.
The scent of chocolate wafted through the air, catching Hepburn's attention.
"Shall we go in and take a look?" Hardy asked.
"I've heard of this chocolate shop. It's also available in the United States, but it's so expensive," Hepburn replied, lowering her voice.
Hardy smiled. "Here's a secret: this store is mine. If you like, I'll get you some."
Hepburn was taken aback. As the realization dawned on her that Hardy was one of the wealthiest men in the U.S., her simple and innocent nature made her forget this fact as they played earlier.
The two entered the shop, and Hepburn left with a box of assorted chocolates. Hardy paid for the box, which cost more than ten dollars—significantly more than Hepburn's weekly salary of 80 dollars. She was thrilled but also astonished by the price. The chocolates were delicious, and she couldn't help but savor them.
They continued their walk, and Hepburn's attention was drawn to a barbershop displaying photos of haircut styles. One photo featured a girl with short hair.
"Thinking of trying it out?" Hardy asked.
Hepburn shook her head. "I've considered short hair before, but I'm afraid Trish would go crazy if I cut it without permission," she said with a smile.
"It's okay, let's try it," Hardy encouraged, stepping into the shop first.
Hepburn sat in the barber's chair, still uncertain. She looked at Hardy and asked, "Do you think I'd look good with short hair?"
"I think you'd look great," Hardy replied, popping a chocolate from the box into his mouth.
"Will Trish be upset?"
"Don't worry, I'll handle her," Hardy reassured her with a smile.
The barber began cutting Hepburn's hair, following Hardy's instructions. After a few adjustments, Hepburn's classic short hairstyle emerged. The transformation was stunning; Hepburn looked more lively and agile, as if she had stepped out of a Roman sculpture.
Hardy appeared behind her and asked with a smile, "How do you feel?"
Hepburn, still in awe of her reflection, said, "I feel much more cheerful. I didn't realize hair could affect my mood so much."
"Everything affects our mood," Hardy said, dropping a banknote on the counter as he took Hepburn's hand and led her out.
Hepburn was slightly startled by the sudden contact but didn't resist, letting Hardy guide her. Once outside, Hardy let go of her hand, and they continued their stroll.
They crossed a promenade and arrived at the Grand Staircase of Plaza de España in the Holy Trinity Church. Hardy ordered two ice creams and handed one to Hepburn. They found a spot on the steps to enjoy their treat, relaxing under the warm afternoon sun.
"I have a story about Rome. Would you like to hear it?" Hardy asked Hepburn.
"Certainly," Hepburn replied eagerly.
"This story is about a princess named Anne. She traveled to many countries and experienced a love story in Rome, Italy…" Hardy began.
Hepburn was initially curious but soon became engrossed in the story. It was a romantic tale of a princess and a reporter in Rome.
The story's climax came when the princess, after a night out, fell asleep on a bench by the fountain. A reporter named Jon found her and took her to his home, leading to a developing romance despite the princess's imminent return to her royal life.
Hepburn was captivated, and as the story ended with a bittersweet farewell, she felt a pang of sadness for the separated lovers.
Hardy then asked, "Do you know why you're in Rome?"
Hepburn shook her head.
Halfway through her response, she realized, "Mr. Hardy, are you saying you want me to star in this movie?"
Hepburn's realization was quick. She had been so absorbed in their playful adventures that she hadn't considered the true purpose of their time together.
Hardy smiled and nodded. "Yes, I want you to play Princess Anne. I'm the screenwriter for this film, and you're the heroine I've personally chosen. I brought you here to experience the story firsthand."
Hepburn's excitement was palpable. "So my wish at the Trevi Fountain is coming true."
Hardy laughed warmly. "Indeed. For the next few days, think of yourself as Princess Anne, and I'll be Jon. We'll explore the story together and reenact the scenes."
Hepburn nodded enthusiastically. "What should we do next?"
"It's simple. We'll continue exploring and embodying the characters. You'll immerse yourself in the role, and we'll recreate the film's moments," Hardy explained.
Hepburn had a sudden thought. "Mr. Hardy, is the American reporter in the story also named Jon?"
"Yes."
"And is that a reference to you?"
"You could say that."
She blinked and asked, "What about the prince in Barbie? His name is Prince Jon. Is he based on you?"
"That's correct."
"And the first Ultraman was named 'Altman Hardy'. Is that also a reference to you?"
...
The day continued as they explored more of Rome. Hepburn was drawn to a flower stand, and despite Hardy's struggle with the language barrier, Hepburn managed to buy flowers with ease.
"Do you know Italian?" Hardy asked.
Hepburn beamed with pride. "I speak Dutch, English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese."
Impressed, Hardy marveled at her linguistic skills. Though he was fluent in English and Chinese and knew a few Japanese phrases, he had little interest in learning more languages.
As the day turned to evening, Hepburn and Hardy had dinner at a roadside restaurant, enjoying the city's night view. It was chilly, so Hardy bought Hepburn a cashmere coat, which left her speechless at the price.
Their evening ended with a dance party by the river. Hardy suggested they join, and although Hepburn was initially hesitant, they were welcomed warmly. They danced, with Hardy's strength complementing Hepburn's ballet grace, and the crowd cheered them on.
After the party, they returned to the hotel around 11 o'clock. Hepburn's assistant, Trish, was surprised to see Hepburn's new look and asked about the haircut.
"Mr. Hardy suggested it. He said it fits the heroine's image in the movie," Hepburn explained.
Trish was impressed but curious. "The script for this film, written by Mr. Hardy, is highly anticipated. It's an incredible opportunity."
Hepburn shared details about the movie and her excitement about the role. Trish, recognizing the significance of Hardy's involvement, urged Hepburn to fully embrace the opportunity.
Hepburn nodded, determined. "I'm excited about the role of Princess Anne and will work hard to bring her to life."