Hollywood: Star Kid

Sitting in the black Bentley, Ryan felt a little uneasy. Although he had met many prominent figures in this life, riding in the same car as the Princess of Wales still made him somewhat nervous.

The motorcade departed from Los Angeles and headed toward Orange County. Including the bodyguard vehicles, there were only five cars in total. But the convoy of media vehicles following behind numbered at least forty or fifty.

"You look a bit nervous, Ryan," Diana said with a smile, looking over. "Or do you think I'm a tiger or a lion?"

"Because it's my first time sitting beside an angel, Your Highness," he answered solemnly.

"An angel? You're quite the sweet talker." Diana's smile grew even brighter. Being praised like that by a child — who wouldn't be happy? "Ryan, this isn't Britain either. You can just call me Diana."

"No, no, Your Highness." Ryan shook his head like a rattle-drum. "I lived in London for two years and studied British etiquette. Calling you that would be too disrespectful."

From the bottom of his heart, Ryan didn't want to be too closely associated with political figures. Diana would be a major problem in the future.

When Ryan mentioned London, Diana recalled Harry Potter and the news reports, and asked, "I remember reading in the paper that your and Nicole's residence in London is near Kensington Palace. When you return to London, you're welcome to visit Kensington Palace. I could introduce you to William and Harry — they're big fans of your books."

"We'd be honored." Even in the car, Ryan maintained proper etiquette.

The convoy soon arrived at their destination — a medical research institute focused on leukemia. It was funded by Diana's charitable foundation and admitted many children suffering from leukemia. Last night's fundraiser and today's visit were both for these sick children.

Aside from a few major media outlets' vehicles, the rest of the cars were stopped outside the facility. When the bodyguards opened the car doors, Ryan and Diana, both dressed formally, stepped out.

The head of the institute, accompanied by a few assistants, was waiting outside and gave a slight bow. "Welcome, Your Highness."

This was practical North America — they didn't do much pomp and ceremony. In fact, aside from Mr. Hansen, the director, and his assistants, the other staff members were busy with their own work. In their eyes, even the noble Princess of Wales wasn't more important than saving lives.

"Hansen, thank you for your hard work. Please take us to see the children," Diana said.

Following the group, Ryan walked through the facility and found that both the environment and the equipment were top-notch. As he listened to Diana's conversation with Dr. Hansen, he gradually understood that nearly all of the institute's expenses were covered by Diana's foundation. He couldn't help but sigh softly.

Running a medical institution like this required a considerable amount of money. He knew Diana had several similar institutions across Europe and Africa. Whether it was for show or not, she had indeed helped many people in dire need.

"Please keep quiet and don't disturb their rest, alright?" Diana said softly to those following as they entered the patient ward area.

Naturally, the paparazzi weren't invited. The few reporters nodded quickly. Diana smiled slightly and walked over to one of the rooms. Ryan hurried to follow her.

"His name is Mikel. The last time I came, his condition wasn't very good. They still haven't found a matching bone marrow," Diana said, her voice tinged with sadness. Through the glass wall, Ryan looked toward the hospital bed. There lay a white boy of about ten, emaciated, completely bald, his brows furrowed in what seemed to be a painful sleep.

At that moment, Ryan's heart softened a great deal.

The group soon left the intensive care area and entered a large children's activity room. Many sick children played under the watchful eyes of caregivers. Every day, they were allowed a short period of play here.

One had to admit, Diana's natural affinity was remarkable. Compared to Ryan, the children were more drawn to her. Even after hearing Ryan was the author of Harry Potter, things didn't change.

These children's conditions didn't allow for long periods of activity. After Diana spent some time speaking and laughing with them softly, she came over. Ryan gestured for George to come forward and distribute the gifts he had brought — nothing expensive, just hardcover editions of the first three Harry Potter books.

"They're all such lovely children," Diana sighed.

"Their condition will improve, Your Highness." With only the two of them there, Ryan had no choice but to pick up the conversation.

"Bone marrow is hard to match. You know, Ryan, out of every ten children, it's rare for even one to be cured. We…" Diana let out a soft sigh, visibly saddened. "We can only watch them leave this world. Other than offering free treatment, there's nothing else we can do."

Ryan sighed quietly. In both his past and current lives, he started at the very bottom of society. His empathy far exceeded Diana's. But he also understood better — this world was filled with helplessness.

Just then, a child ran out from the group. His hair was sparse, but he looked slightly healthier than the others. He seemed timid but also a bit excited.

"You're Ryan Jenkins, right?" the boy asked, looking at him nervously.

"Yes." Ryan bent down slightly — he was just a bit taller than the boy — and asked gently, "And you? What's your name?"

"Jeremy."

"How long have you been staying here, Jeremy?" Ryan continued.

"More than half a year…" the boy replied, his mood falling a bit. Then he looked at Ryan again, seemingly mustering courage. "I really like Harry Potter. Everyone here does. I wanted to ask… when will the fourth book come out?"

"I'm honored that you all enjoy my work." Ryan patted his arm lightly. To be honest, growing up in cold environments in both lives, he had a far tougher heart than most. But even now, he was a little emotional. This was, after all, the most basic form of human empathy.

"Very soon. I promise you'll be the first to see it."

Under the caregivers' guidance, the children returned to their rooms. Diana and Dr. Hansen continued to discuss how to improve the children's conditions. Judging from their heavy voices and solemn expressions, it was clear that this wasn't simply a matter of money.

"George." Ryan called over his bodyguard and assistant. "Remind me that when the sample copies of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire arrive, the first shipment should come here."

The group didn't stay long. After all, this was a medical institution, not a fashion show. Those photo-op scenes of hugging sick children for the camera were beneath both Diana and Ryan.

Though one was a political figure and the other an entertainment star, neither would stoop to such publicity stunts.

"Why is there always so much sadness in the world?" After getting back in the car, Diana sighed, though it was unclear whether it was for the children — or for herself.

"Your Highness, you've done your best. As long as you keep going, you'll help those who truly need it," Ryan said, though he didn't really know what else to say. "As long as we can raise society's awareness of them."

"Yes. I will definitely keep going." Diana gave Ryan a small smile.

Including him, the vast majority of people in this world lived revolving around their own interests. But undeniably, some people did possess genuine virtue. Even if they had unsavory sides, their brilliance couldn't be hidden. Perhaps that's why, after her death, millions spontaneously came out to mourn her.

Maybe what he saw today really did touch him. After thinking for a moment, Ryan said firmly, "Your Highness, after the New Year, I'll be releasing my second single. It should sell reasonably well. I'd like to donate the royalties to your foundation. Is that alright?"

"Really? Then I must thank you, Ryan." Diana smiled.

That was all he could really do. What? Donate the revenue from his entire second album? Sorry, that thought never even crossed his mind.

The motorcade returned to the hotel where the Princess was staying. After a courteous farewell, Ryan strode out of the hotel, only to be immediately surrounded by reporters and paparazzi.

Unsurprisingly, this public outing with Diana had once again made Ryan the center of media attention.

"Ryan, why did the Princess invite you?"

"Mr. Jenkins, is it true that you've known the Princess for a long time? It's said that during your two years in London, you lived near Kensington Palace. Did you meet her back then?"

"Ryan, we heard you've signed a deal with Universal Pictures. Can you share any details? Some sources say you've finished the first draft of the script. Is that true? Is production for Jurassic Park about to begin?"

"Sorry." With George and hotel security shielding him, Ryan made his way to the car. He had no interest in answering any of these questions.

Of course, these guys weren't going to give up easily. One even shouted, "Ryan, there's a rumor that the Princess's lover came to Los Angeles too. Have you met him?"

Ryan frowned. These guys would do anything for eye-catching headlines. Even if Diana's private life wasn't exactly pristine, couldn't they give her a little space?

If they could, Ryan was sure they'd sneak under her bed to take pictures — even if the room was surrounded by armed guards.

Sitting in the Audi, Ryan rubbed his temples. He knew very well — this wasn't even the craziest these people would get. In a few years, with the rise of the internet, an era of mass entertainment would begin. By then, they would truly become a pack of lunatics.

Although Ryan didn't claim to be a good person — he only cared about a limited number of people — he was still far more decent than these vultures.