I became a movie star at the age of three; Dilraba and I are childhood sweethearts.

Avril stared intently at Xiao Chen, making no attempt to hide her boldness.

"Your name is Chen?"

She repeated it, a smile spreading across her face, revealing two adorable little tiger teeth.

"So, Chen, do you have a girlfriend?"

She asked directly and frankly, with the impulsiveness typical of a twelve-year-old girl.

Xiao Chen was slightly taken aback.

He looked at the blonde, blue-eyed girl in front of him. She had a sweet and lovely face, but her behavior was so unrestrained.

Xiao Chen was at a loss for words, both amused and exasperated.

Was this what the rock diva who was so cool on stage in her past life looked like in her teenage years?

Seeing that Xiao Chen didn't say anything, Avril became even more excited. She even clung to the fence, almost leaning half her body over it.

"What, you don't have it?"

"So what do you think of me? Be my boyfriend!"

Xiao Chen was completely defeated by her bluntness.

He subconsciously took a half step back, a rare look of embarrassment appearing on his face.

"Avril, we've only just met."

Avril waved nonchalantly, her blue eyes sparkling.

"Love at first sight!"

"The moment I saw you, I knew you were my destined prince charming!"

"You are so beautiful!"

She was generous with her praise, her tone exaggerated yet sincere.

Xiao Chen smiled helplessly.

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment."

"However, I don't have any plans to be in a relationship right now."

Avril's eyes widened, her face full of confusion.

Why?

"Is it because I'm still young? But you're about the same age!"

Xiao Chen sighed, unsure how to explain it to the girl in front of him.

"It's not a matter of age."

"...I don't want to think about these things for the time being."

Avril drawled out her words, showing no disappointment whatsoever.

"oh--"

She tilted her head, looking at Xiao Chen with great interest.

"It's okay, if you don't agree, I'll still pursue you!"

"There's no one I, Avril Lavigne, can't win over!"

She clenched her fist, looking determined to win.

Looking at her, Xiao Chen felt a throbbing pain in his temples.

Why is this future rock diva acting like a little leech?

Xiao Chen felt that if she continued talking, she might say something even more shocking, so he decisively chose to retreat.

"I'll go in first."

Avril called from behind.

"Hey! Don't go!"

"I'll come visit you again tomorrow!"

Xiao Chen went into the house without looking back.

Ye Huimei was busy in the kitchen when she heard the noise and peeked out.

"Chenchen, who are you talking to?"

Xiao Chen gave a vague reply and went straight upstairs.

"The neighbor next door."

He needs some quiet time.

In his previous life, Xiao Chen was just an unknown extra; how could he have had the chance to come into contact with a superstar of this caliber?

Unexpectedly, in this life, they not only became neighbors, but also caught each other's eye.

This feeling is truly... strange?

The next morning, Wang Jinhua took Xiao Chen to the set of "Home Alone".

Because of the language barrier, Ye Huimei stayed at the villa to prepare lunch.

American food still doesn't taste as good as home-cooked stir-fries back home.

The filming location was a studio at Universal Studios.

As soon as Xiao Chen entered the film set, he keenly sensed several unfriendly gazes falling on him.

Although the various murmurs were not loud, they clearly reached Xiao Chen and Wang Jinhua's ears.

"Is it him? That Asian kid? That yellow-skinned monkey?"

"The director really wants to cast him as the lead? Are you kidding me!"

"Is he any good? He's so young, and he's Asian. Can he really play Kevin well?"

"I doubt it. I suspect some investor forced it in."

"Is it too late to change the actor now? What if the film turns out to be a mess and affects the box office?"

Wang Jinhua frowned slightly and gripped Xiao Chen's hand tightly.

These people are speaking very rudely.

Even though Wang Jinhua was an adult, she couldn't help but feel annoyed, lest it affect Xiao Chen's mindset.

Xiao Chen, standing beside him, didn't react much, as if the doubts had nothing to do with him.

In his previous life, he had struggled at the bottom of society for so many years. What kind of cold looks and ridicule hadn't he seen?

To be honest, the behavior of some big domestic brands is far more excessive than these people's mockery.

This small scene was not enough to move him.

Moreover, he was more aware than anyone of Hollywood's discrimination against Asian actors.

It's 1998 now, and it's rare to see an Asian face with a few lines in a Hollywood movie.

Not to mention starring in a big-budget movie.

This is absolutely unheard of.

Director Krido walked over, his expression also looking somewhat serious; clearly, he had heard quite a bit of these criticisms.

Several actors and producers surrounded him, whispering among themselves, glancing at Xiao Chen from time to time with eyes full of doubt and worry.

"I said with concern."

"Krido, are you really sure?"

"If we change the actor now, we still have time."

"It would be troublesome to change actors after filming starts."

The other echoed, his eyes showing a hint of disdain.

"Yes, he's too young."

"And...you know, audiences' acceptance of Asian faces..."

Krido raised his hand to interrupt them, looking at Xiao Chen, who stood there with a slender figure.

The boy was wearing only a simple T-shirt and jeans, with soft black hair falling across his forehead and clear, bright eyes.

Faced with the doubts and scrutiny of those around him, he did not feel uneasy, but instead displayed a composure beyond his years.

That face was so beautiful that it was impossible to look away.

Krido didn't know why he chose to use a young actor from the East, but he just felt that Xiao Chen could do it.

Xiao Chen left a very deep impression on him during the interview.

That kind of charisma, and that understanding of the character.

This is something an ordinary child could never have!

Krido spoke in a deep, firm voice.

"I trust my judgment."

"Use him."

He walked up to Xiao Chen, softening his previously serious tone.

"Hey, Chen, are you ready?"

"We're about to start filming."

Xiao Chen nodded, revealing a well-behaved smile.

"Yes, sir, I'm all ready."

Xiao Chen's clean and bright smile improved Krido's mood as well.

"Great, don't be nervous, just be like you were during your audition."

He patted Xiao Chen on the shoulder and then shouted to the entire audience.

"All departments, prepare!"

"Scene 1, Shot 1, Action!"

The clapperboard slammed down.

The studio immediately fell silent.

All eyes were on Xiao Chen.

There was curiosity, there was skepticism, but mostly there was anticipation to see what would happen.

They wanted to see what this young man from the East, chosen by the director against all odds, was capable of.