From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

In the living room, only Burt and Anson remained, but the small apartment was still full of people and didn't feel deserted. The corners were filled with cream-colored light and busy figures, creating a warm and natural atmosphere.

After the crowd dispersed, the atmosphere didn't become awkward or cold; instead, it felt even more relaxed.

Burt loosened his tie, finally able to catch his breath. He simply sat on the back of the sofa, looking relaxed, and chatted with Anson.

"So, Anson, what do you do for a living?"

Anson thought seriously, "Yes, that's right. So, what do you do for a living?"

Burt sighed heavily, "I'm a stockbroker, nothing comparable to your industry. However, I also performed in off-Broadway theater."

"'Twelfth Night,' Shakespeare."

"To be precise, it should be off-off… uh, off-off-off-Broadway, in a corner of Brooklyn that no one knows or cares about. Aside from us, no one would think it has any connection to Broadway."

"Annie and I used to perform together in school, also Shakespeare, but that's a very distant memory now."

As he spoke, Burt couldn't help but sigh, seemingly thinking about his current situation, a hint of melancholy in his expression.

"I've always believed it's a very difficult industry. I mean, the income is simply appalling, right?"

Anson gently raised his chin, "Of course, of course."

Burt seemed to relate to himself, sighing again, "Look at Annie. 'The Princess Diaries' was one thing; she was just starting out and had no leverage. We all have to pay the price for being young. But the salary for 'Ella Enchanted' was still squeezed dry by Disney."

"If it weren't for 'The Princess Diaries 2,' where she had leverage, the situation would still be terrible."

"But in fact, Annie is considered lucky, very, very lucky. I met some friends in college—smart, clever, and talented—who have been in this industry longer than you but are still struggling, earning only seven or eight thousand dollars a year. I can't imagine that kind of life."

"So, what kind of performances do you mainly participate in?"

Anson said politely, "Movies. Mainly."

Burt's eyes lit up, and his expression relaxed, "Colleagues with Annie? Oh, great, well done! So, how's the movie income?"

"I mean, how much did you earn from your most recent movie?"

Anson looked embarrassed, "…I'm not too sure, my memory isn't very clear."

Burt immediately realized he had offended him, "Sorry, I didn't mean that. Please forgive my recklessness; it's just occupational hazard."

Anson waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, it's okay. I just haven't confirmed it yet. If I remember correctly, it should be between thirty and forty million dollars."

Burt: … …

His action of eating peanuts froze in place.

Then, Thomas's voice broke the stalemate, "Dinner is ready, please come to the dining room."

Anson politely greeted Burt, then turned to look at the kitchen, "Michael, where is the restroom, please?"

Michael pointed in the direction, and Anson thanked him before heading over.

Immediately, Drew pushed Annie into the kitchen, Michael and Thomas cooperating tacitly to surround Annie. Thomas was the first to couldn't help but ask.

"Quick, quick, quick, tell us, why is Anson Wood here? Are you dating?"

Annie waved her hands repeatedly, preparing to explain, but she didn't expect the peanuts in Burt's hand to fall to the ground, along with his jaw.

In an instant, all eyes were drawn over.

"Anson Wood?" Burt was stunned, repeating the name in a daze—

The sound exploded.

Everyone quickly signaled Burt to be quiet, "Shh," "Lower your voice," "Are you worried he can't hear us?" "Shut up!"

But Burt didn't have time to complain, his eyes wide, "Are you saying that Anson Wood? And Annie…"

No one answered or paid attention.

"Shh!"

"Quiet."

"Shh!"

But this response was already the best answer.

Burt glanced at the restroom, his heart sinking, "Oh, God."

Burt held his head, feeling like his brain was about to explode.

Michael was the first to react, an ominous premonition looming over his head, "What did you say to him?"

Burt looked around blankly, "I, uh, I think I need to leave. Michael, sorry, I probably won't be able to taste Thomas's terrible cooking tonight."

Thomas, "Hey!"

Drew looked at Burt, "Wait, sir, you didn't recognize him, did you?"

Burt was despondent, "You recognized him at first glance?"

Drew, "Of course, that's freaking Anson Wood!"

Burt: … … "Of course I know, but, but I didn't expect to see him here at all, God, I didn't make any connection."

Drew couldn't control himself, laughing silently, "You didn't think of him as a good-for-nothing loser, did you?"

Thomas shook his head repeatedly, "No, Burt wouldn't be that evil. At most, he just thought of him as a pretty face."

Haha, hahaha!

Even Annie couldn't control the corners of her mouth.

Burt spread his hands, looking like he was ready to be mocked, "Whatever, I feel like my life is about to end. My career is failing, my life is failing. Ah ha, right, Annie is dating Anson, and I'm the only single person here. Admit it, you guys are planning to murder me tonight, right?"

The conversation couldn't continue because Anson came out.

"Hey, my stomach is protesting. When can we have dinner?"

Thomas smiled smugly, lowering his voice and looking at everyone, "You can complain about my cooking, but look who's especially looking forward to it tonight."

Then he raised his voice and shouted, "Now, it's ready now, please take your seats."

Anson rubbed his hands and stepped forward, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, "I'm ready to enjoy a feast."

Annie took the initiative to meet him, leaned close to Anson, and asked in a low voice, "Are you sure you didn't fill up beforehand in Midtown?"

Anson chuckled and gave Annie an "OK" gesture, "Don't worry."

Dinner… was very pleasant.

In fact, this wasn't just politeness. The atmosphere at dinner far exceeded expectations; it was not only light and pleasant but also comfortable and relaxing.

Anson seemed to have this ability to subtly take control of the atmosphere, making everything feel natural.

It wasn't until Anson and Annie left the apartment, and the door had just closed, that reality returned to their bodies. An incredible cheer and scream erupted from behind them.

"Ah!"

"Ah ah ah, unbelievable!"

"Haha, what happened tonight?"

The rolling heat wave broke through the thin apartment door, with screams and jumps, bustling and noisy, so much so that Anson and Annie were startled, turning their heads to look back as if some tragedy had occurred inside.

Annie looked at Anson and blinked, "Sorry, it's a tradition in our family. They always do this when I leave. I know, it's stupid, I've told them I hate it."

Haha!