"I don't think so. Oh, by the way, have you heard the news? He got the role of the male lead in my manga, 'Just Want to Stay Home with You.' The female lead is Scarlett Williams. Aren't you a fan of them as a couple? Now you can see them acting together." I didn't know how to discuss Nicholas Scott and me, so I changed the subject and tried to say something else. Luckily, Shannon played along and followed my lead. "I know about this. Didn't James Dalton hold a press conference a few days ago? And it's been officially announced on Weibo as well." "Your manga is really popular now. The publishing company called me early this morning and said that it's sold out everywhere. They're preparing for an emergency reprint, and they also want you to release a deluxe edition and hold a few signing events." I was stunned. They want to reprint it? And release a deluxe edition? Hold signing events? Is it because Nicholas Scott is playing the male lead that the manga suddenly became popular? I remember when this manga was first released, it didn't flop, but the response was just average. After all, Dominic Hartnell isn't a professional manga artist. But now, things have changed. The celebrity effect is so significant. "Shannon, are you sure the publishing company didn't make a mistake? This manga has been out for so many years. Reprinting it and releasing a deluxe edition, won't they lose money?" "Even with the support of Nicholas Scott and Scarlett Williams' fans, it shouldn't be this exaggerated, right?" Just then, a waiter came over to take our order, but Shannon sent him away before turning to me and saying, "It's not exaggerated at all. Weibo has exploded. Many people are spamming Nicholas Scott's Weibo, hoping he will come out and explain or debunk the rumors." Shannon was getting excited while talking, but I was getting more and more confused. They want Nicholas Scott to explain and debunk rumors? Did something happen again? "Wait... why don't I understand? What's happening on Weibo? Why do we have to wait for Nicholas Scott to speak up?" Shannon gave me a blank look and took out her phone from her bag. She operated on her phone while answering, "Miss Zhong, have you gotten married and become Mrs. Han? Have you become oblivious to the outside world, not even paying attention to gossip news or hot topics on Weibo?" "Here, take a look for yourself! I'm telling you, not only the ordinary fans, but even the entertainment industry is in an uproar." I took Shannon's phone, confused, and looked down. As soon as I looked, I was shocked, almost dropping the phone. "The national heartthrob, the talented actor Nicholas Scott, announced that he will soon retire from the entertainment industry. 'Just Want to Stay with You' will be his last drama." What's going on? Nicholas Scott wants to retire from the entertainment industry? What kind of international joke is this! I widened my eyes and read the news on the phone several times, finding it hard to believe. After being stunned for a while, I looked at Shannon with a bewildered expression and asked, "Is Nicholas Scott's Weibo account hacked? How could he retire?" Upon hearing my words, Shannon became excited and slammed the table, "I don't know either. This Weibo post was made in the early morning today, and Nicholas Scott hasn't said anything since then." "I went to bed early yesterday, and I only found out about this when I received a call from the publishing house this morning. I thought I could ask you about it since we had plans today, but you seem just as confused as me." "I'm asking you, haven't you two been in contact recently? You went to James Dalton's press conference a few days ago, and there was also a dinner. Since he is the male lead, there's no reason for you two not to meet." I felt a bit uncomfortable, not knowing how to respond. We did meet, but the situation has gone beyond normal. Thinking back to what happened at the dinner, my temples twitched a few times. Could it be because of that, that Nicholas Scott suddenly announced his retirement from the entertainment industry? Oh my heavens, oh my earth, if that's the case, then I'm in trouble. "Liliana Zanetti, what's with that expression? Have you seen a ghost in broad daylight? Don't space out, quickly call Nicholas Scott and ask. I've already tried calling, but no one answered.""He's closer to you, maybe he'll answer your call and explain things." "Setting aside our friendship, I'm also his loyal fan! Just like thousands of true fans, I refuse to believe that Nicholas Scott would quit like this." With a mournful face, I looked at Shannon, feeling like someone had stuffed something down my throat, making it difficult to breathe. I couldn't even utter a complete sentence. "He... Shannon, I can't call him, I..." Shannon looked at me blankly, "Why can't you make the call? Are you afraid of making Dominic Hartnell jealous? That's unlikely, he's not here and wouldn't know." "Oh come on, you can't prioritize a romantic interest over your friends, call him quickly!" I shook my head in distress, feeling a bitter taste in my mouth. "It's not... it's a bit complicated, I..."Just as I was halfway through my sentence, my phone suddenly rang. I had no choice but to pause, take out my phone, and without even looking at the caller ID, I answered the call. On the other end of the line, a somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar voice reached my ears. "Liliana Zanetti, I want to see you, I have something to tell you." Distracted, I brought the phone from my ear to in front of me, no caller ID, an unknown number. But this voice, I was certain I had heard it before, a strong sense of familiarity. "Um... who is this?" "Scarlett Williams." It suddenly dawned on me, no wonder the voice was both familiar and unfamiliar. But how did Scarlett Williams have my phone number? I don't recall giving it to her, and why would she suddenly call me?We weren't that close, what could she possibly want to talk to me about? Wait... could it be related to Nicholas Scott? It must be, besides Nicholas Scott, I couldn't think of any other reason why Scarlett Williams would reach out to me. I hesitated for a moment, holding onto my phone, and decided to meet her. Even though I promised Dominic Hartnell that I would have no further involvement with Nicholas Scott, his sudden withdrawal from the entertainment industry was too unexpected, I couldn't just turn a blind eye. I was really worried about what his current situation might be. "Um... alright, tell me the address, I'll come by myself." "OK, I'll send you the address via text in a moment." After I hung up the phone, Shannon asked me who had called and where I was headed.Lost in contemplation, I gazed at my phone, unable to reply.