From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Unbelievable! Inconceivable!

Kitscher knew that time was passing, eras were progressing, and nothing was immortal. Johnny Cash was no longer the influential figure he once was.

But—

That was Johnny Cash!

Even if his glory days were over, how could Anson have never heard of Johnny? How ignorant, arrogant, and conceited was that kid?

Kitscher couldn't control himself; anger was bubbling in his chest.

Kitscher had known Johnny Cash for over thirty years. He had witnessed the peak of Johnny's career and the lows, and he had always been Johnny's close friend.

He couldn't accept the humiliation of the superstar in his heart.

However, a voice deep inside Kitscher told him that Mangold was right, and he shouldn't let his emotions blind him.

This thought stung Kitscher.

Even after sitting down in the cafe, Kitscher refused to talk to Mangold, completely immersed in his own world. Mangold didn't bother Kitscher either, because he knew Kitscher needed some time and space to come around.

Kitscher turned his head to look out the cafe window. Sony Columbia Studios remained busy, the bustling scene of people coming and going never stopping. Immersed in his thoughts, he gradually became lost in thought, and his focus blurred.

Then, a figure appeared in the crowd, easily standing out in the bustling noise, and Kitscher's focus re-sharpened.

A black tennis shirt, black casual slacks, and black skate shoes—the outfit had no other color, yet it made his slender figure even more upright. The balanced proportions and simple lines outlined a heroic temperament. Although more low-key, it could still firmly grab attention.

Approaching gracefully from afar.

Anson Wood was pleasing to the eye in every move he made.

Just now, they had witnessed the bright and sunny temperament of Anson, unrestrained and free, like a small sun.

But now, Anson had changed his clothes, and his entire temperament was completely different. The damp hair and low-key aura exuded a Lucifer-like bearing, making all the surrounding noise and clamor disappear.

This was the second time—

Kitscher felt the impact of the aura for the second time because of Anson's appearance.

The hustle and bustle, the various pulls and shocks in his mind were all cut off, eventually evolving into a surge of stormy impulses.

Slightly stunned, Kitscher turned to look at Mangold, who was lost in thought beside him, "It's him."

Mangold was immersed in his own thoughts, completely unaware of what had happened. His round eyes looked at Kitscher, "Who? Who is it?"

Kitscher didn't explain, desperately suppressing his excitement, "We must seize the opportunity to convince him. He is the perfect choice."

Mangold still couldn't keep up, "Huh?"

Before Mangold could continue to ask, the door of the cafe was pushed open directly, the wind chimes rang, and Anson in black appeared in front of them.

Anson stood at the door, looking around, and finally saw the two Jameses in the corner by the window, showing a smile and waving hello.

As Anson was about to approach, a guest next to him came forward with a shy and excited face, asking if he could take a photo. Anson readily agreed, satisfying the other party's request; other guests next to him shouted, "Anson, you're the best!" Anson turned around and responded with a smile.

After a slight delay, Anson finally started walking.

"Sorry, I was delayed for a moment."

Throughout the whole process, Mangold stared at Anson intently. Now he finally understood what Kitscher's excitement was all about—

"The Man in Black."

This movie became famous because of Will Smith and had excellent box office results; but the older generation all knew that the title of Man in Black originally belonged to Johnny Cash.

Now, Anson in black clothes is handsome and unrestrained, as if he walked out of an oil painting, easily grabbing attention and making people unable to take their eyes off him.

No wonder Kitscher was slightly out of control.

Even Mangold slightly opened his mouth—

Purely from the appearance, Anson and Johnny Cash are completely different styles, and they don't even look alike. Johnny has a grassroots American temperament, but Anson has more of a French gentleman's unrestrainedness. The two are worlds apart, and Mangold didn't have confidence in this regard, and could only say that because of "Spider-Man", he had some expectations.

But now, Mangold could feel that aura on Anson, an indescribable but real superstar aura.

Involuntarily, his heart was pounding.

Mangold cleared his throat, "Anson, do you really not know Johnny Cash?"

Anson gently shrugged, "Although I don't want to be rude, I really don't know. I just asked the director, and he told me that he was a great singer. Obviously, I unfortunately missed his era."

Mangold leaned forward slightly, "So you haven't heard of 'Man in Black'?"

Anson looked puzzled, "Will Smith?"

Mangold: … …

Kitscher: … …

Speechless as they were, they couldn't refute it.

The same thing often means different things to different generations. Perhaps this is the generation gap?

Kitscher was also helpless, oscillating back and forth between positive and negative, but this time, Kitscher took a deep breath and secretly gritted his teeth to make a decision.

"Anson, we are preparing a biographical film about Johnny Cash. We hope to present his life, his greatness, his struggles, not a biography of a great man, but a real and complex Johnny Cash."

"We hope you can play him."

Straight to the point, direct and clear.

Anson blinked his eyes—

So that's how it is.

It could be said to be unexpected but not surprising. It was indeed a film project.

Anson gently raised his chin, "But, why?"

"What I mean is, I guess, you came here specifically today just to test the waters. Obviously, you should also have some considerations."

"I thought we should start a discussion, exchange some opinions, and after you go back and discuss, then formally extend an invitation."

"But now?"

"So, what happened?"

Smart! Wise! Alert!

Anson had almost deduced the whole story!

Absolutely correct.

Kitscher and Mangold exchanged a look. Both of their eyes revealed shock, unable to believe their ears.

It was unimaginable that two old guys were repeatedly losing their composure in front of a young man in his early twenties.

Mangold now realized that perhaps from the first moment they met, they had already lost the initiative, and then step by step allowed themselves to fall into a predicament.

So, what should they do now?

Tell the truth?