Ryan could hardly contain his excitement.
Just a few days ago, he'd joked about liking Elizabeth Olsen—"奥妹" as she was called by Chinese fans—and now, here she was. Not just meeting him. Not just sharing a meal. But being introduced as someone who might help Taylor… "share the load."
And Taylor had made it very clear what kind of load she meant.
Ryan pulled Taylor close and kissed her, slow and deep. She let out a soft hum against his lips, just before pulling away with a flushed face and a teasing smirk.
Elizabeth, standing nearby, blinked. Her lips parted ever so slightly.
She wasn't expecting that.
She'd seen countless pictures of Ryan these past few days—most sent by Taylor herself. Pictures drenched in masculinity. Posture, physique, subtle smirks caught by the camera. She'd been curious.
Now, standing here, watching them together?
That curiosity was evolving—fast.
Taylor stepped forward and gently took Elizabeth's hand, pulling her close to Ryan.
"Lizzie, this is my boyfriend—Ryan Li. LAPD officer, ex-special agent, master chef, and... well, you'll see."
She turned to Ryan, her voice playful but proud.
"Ryan, this is my bestie—Elizabeth Olsen. But in China, your fans have a nickname for her... right?"
Ryan smiled, reaching out his hand to shake Elizabeth's.
"Nice to meet you, 奥妹."
Elizabeth tilted her head, confused for a second. "Oh-mei?"
Ryan chuckled. "It's your nickname in China. A term of endearment. Fans there love you."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "That sounds… kinda adorable. I like it."
Taylor immediately pouted.
"Wait—what about me? Do I have a nickname in China?"
Ryan turned to her, grinning. "霉霉."
Taylor blinked. "That sounds like... mildew."
Ryan laughed. "It's a play on the word '美'—which means beautiful—and '霉,' which sounds the same but means unlucky. It started as a joke because you always run into strong competition on the charts. But over time, it became a sweet, affectionate name. It means you're so beautiful, you break the charts."
Taylor's eyes sparkled.
"Awwww. I love it! 霉霉~" she giggled, clearly pleased.
Ryan ruffled her hair gently. "As long as it makes you smile."
Elizabeth watched the way they interacted. Sweet, casual, comfortable. The kind of relationship you didn't see often—especially not in Hollywood.
The three moved into the dining area—a wide outdoor terrace with a sunset view over Los Angeles and the Pacific. The table was laid out with ten masterfully prepared Chinese dishes, from spicy lamb shanks to abalone-braised pork belly, with five-star plating and aroma.
"OH MY GOD!" Taylor cried, chomping into a spicy lamb bone, completely abandoning her usual Grammy-winning composure.
Elizabeth's chopsticks hovered over the fish before she sampled the red-braised pork—and promptly moaned in delight.
"This… This is divine," she said. "I thought I knew Chinese food. I've been lied to."
Ryan smirked, pouring each of them a glass of chilled Tsingtao beer. "That was the fast-food version. Welcome to the real thing."
Elizabeth looked around the table, at the view, the food, the company—and smiled wider than she had in a long time.
"You're lucky," she said to Taylor. "He cooks like a dream."
Taylor swallowed a mouthful and pointed her chopsticks at her friend. "You want in? Join us."
Elizabeth blinked. "W-What?"
Taylor leaned in, half-teasing, half-serious.
"This man is too powerful. I'm gonna die in my California King if I don't get help."
Elizabeth turned bright red.
"Taylor! That's not— You can't just—" She stopped herself, caught between embarrassment and… something else.
"You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Taylor said, eyes sparkling. "We already talk about everything. Why not share the best part?"
Ryan raised his glass silently, letting the moment hang.
Elizabeth bit her lip, looking at him. Then at Taylor. Then at the food. Then back at Ryan.
His strong jaw. That calm, confident aura. The tailored suit. And let's not forget—the cooking.
"I mean… I could… maybe try spending more time together." She said it softly, like she was testing the idea out loud.
Taylor clapped. "Yes! That's a yes!"
Ryan leaned back in his seat, eyebrows raised in amusement.
That night, Elizabeth left after dessert. They'd agreed to meet again the next day—an official "first date."
But ten minutes after she left, Ryan was startled by the sound of high heels clicking across the marble floor.
He turned.
Standing at the top of the stairs, bathed in the golden light of chandeliers…
Was Taylor.
Wearing a perfect replica of the Scarlet Witch costume.
Red leather corset. Crimson cloak. Thigh-high boots. Even the glowing tiara headpiece.
"Ryan," she said in a sultry voice, "Tonight, I'm your Wanda."
She winked. "Call me 奥妹, and I might let you live."
Ryan was already walking toward her.
She yelped as he lifted her clean off the ground.
"Noooo! B-Ba—Baba! I was kidding!" she squealed, laughing.
"Too late," he growled.