I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

After getting into the taxi, Gu Ran took out his phone and sent a message to Sophie.

[Sophie, I'm on my way to Southampton train station. I'll meet you there.]

[Oh, and bring the books I gave you. We'll talk about them on the train.]

The distance from Southampton to London was just over 120 kilometers. Without a private car, taking the train was the most comfortable option.

A few moments later, his phone beeped.

[I don't want to talk to you! You called me dumb like Sansa this morning! I'm still mad at you!]

Gu Ran quickly replied.

[I didn't explain it well this morning. I'll clarify on the train.]

Sophie didn't respond.

After arriving at the station, Gu Ran went to the ticket counter and bought two luxury first-class tickets, each costing £300.

Most trains in the UK had affordable fares, but there were also exclusive luxury lines—these were even more expensive than some flights, offering first-class suites that rivaled five-star hotels, with royal-level service.

After farming so much emotional value from Sophie, it was only fair to compensate her properly for this trip.

Once he had the tickets, he found a noticeable spot in the station and sat down to wait.

Half an hour later, Sophie finally arrived.

She was dressed more maturely than in the morning, clearly putting extra effort into her appearance.

Gu Ran walked up and took her suitcase. "Perfect timing, our train just arrived."

"I'll buy my ticket," Sophie said.

"I already got it for you," Gu Ran replied.

Sophie lifted her chin proudly. "Southern girls are independent. We never let men pay for us. How much did you spend? I'll pay you back."

"It's fine."

"Tell me how much! I insist!" Sophie pulled out her wallet, ready to pay him back.

Gu Ran shrugged. "Not much. Just £300."

Sophie froze.

"…W-what??"

She had been secretly saving money for this audition, but even with all her savings, she only had £200 on her!

Before she could protest, Gu Ran casually grabbed her suitcase. "Come on, let's board."

Still in disbelief, Sophie followed him while frowning. "Gu, I know you're trying to be generous, but you don't need to lie! I've bought this train ticket before—it's only £3.60! How can you say you spent three hundr—"

Her words died in her throat.

Two British butlers in formal black tailcoats greeted them with impeccable manners, escorting them into the exclusive luxury suite.

The entire train smelled of elegance.

Even the floorboards leading to the cabin were made of high-quality pinewood.

Everything inside the private suite gleamed with gold-trimmed luxury.

Sophie's heart raced.

But what truly made her pulse spike—

Was the bed.

A massive, plush bed sat in the middle of the suite, covered in rose petals arranged into heart shapes.

"Sir, Miss, we wish you a pleasant journey. If you require anything, please summon us."

One of the butlers accepted a tip from Gu Ran, bowed slightly, then closed the suite door behind them.

Gu Ran immediately flopped onto the bed, stretching out comfortably.

"This is amazing," he sighed happily. "Just £300 per person for a royal-level experience. Totally worth it."

Sophie panicked and started stomping her feet. "Gu Ran! Why did you mess up the bed?! I was going to return the tickets and downgrade to a regular cabin! This is way too expensive!"

Gu Ran chuckled. "No need. I'm covering all expenses for this London trip. Sophie, all you need to do is relax and enjoy."

"You—!" Sophie clenched her fists. "Even if it's your money, you shouldn't waste it like this! Get up, help me fix the bed, and let's exchange these tickets before the train leaves!"

Gu Ran grabbed a handful of rose petals and tossed them at her.

Sophie: …

Gu Ran grinned. "Too late now. There's no turning back. This train ride will take around two hours, so let's make good use of our time… and have a serious discussion."

Sophie's face turned bright red.

"What are you talking about?! I came here for business!"

"Exactly. So let's not waste time."

Gu Ran opened her suitcase, pulled out the first volume of A Game of Thrones, and flipped to a marked page.

"Let's talk about Sansa Stark."

Sophie: …

Gu Ran activated his Director's Communication Skill, seamlessly guiding the conversation.

At first, Sophie wasn't too interested.

But within a minute, she was hooked.

She was completely captivated by Gu Ran's breakdown of Sansa's character arc.

Gu Ran wasn't just summarizing—he was analyzing the deeper themes, the character's emotional journey, and how her evolution from a naive girl to a cunning survivor made her one of the most compelling female leads.

Sophie's perception of Sansa shifted.

She had hated the character before.

But now, she understood—Sansa wasn't just some shallow, romantic idiot. She was a tragic heroine who grew, suffered, and ultimately became a true queen.

Gu Ran continued, "You can't judge Game of Thrones with the same mindset as Twilight. It's not an idol drama. It's a raw, political, survivalist story. Sansa starts as a delusional aristocrat, is crushed by reality, and eventually transforms into a ruthless leader. This is peak female protagonist writing."

Sophie listened intently, her admiration for Gu Ran growing by the second.

For the first time, she saw his true charisma.

"Gu, how do you know so much? How do you know what happens later?"

Gu Ran smiled mysteriously.

"I… used logic to predict it."

His delivery was so convincing, so natural, that Sophie believed him completely.

"You're amazing," she murmured. "It's like you know exactly how Martin will write the rest of the series! I always thought you were just a study machine, and later I realized you were a great footballer—but now, I see your true talent is in the film industry.

"Gu, you should be writing screenplays! With your talent and insights, you could become one of Hollywood's top screenwriters!"

Gu Ran's eyebrows twitched.

…She has a point.

If I run into struggling actresses, I could hand them a script. Wouldn't they fall in love with me instantly?

If I meet a washed-up singer, I could write her a Grammy-winning song. Wouldn't she owe me forever?

But…

Writing scripts sounds exhausting.

And honestly? Football is more fun.

Gu Ran leaned back lazily. "I just want to play football."

Sophie sighed, but before she could argue, he waved her off.

"Let's stay on topic. Sansa isn't just a good character—she's a real test of an actor's skills. A young girl, innocent and naive, then broken and desperate, and finally, a fearsome, commanding queen. It's a highly demanding role—and you, Sophie, are perfect for it."

He flipped through the book, pointing to scenes he had highlighted.

"Tonight, I want you to act out a few key scenes."

Sophie hesitated. "Gu, I have an audition tomorrow. I should rest—"

"Nonsense," Gu Ran said. "What if the casting director asks you to perform a Game of Thrones scene?"

Sophie laughed. "That's ridiculous! What are the chances?! If that actually happens, I'll give you my entire life."

Gu Ran smirked. "You said it. Tonight, we practice Sansa."

Sophie shrugged. "Fine. Not like it'll happen."

Gu Ran stretched comfortably on the bed.

Sophie felt a strange feeling in her heart.

…Could it actually happen?

She stole a quick glance at Gu Ran.

If it really did…

Would that be so bad?