From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Summer's footsteps were slowly approaching, and even New York was gradually heating up.

The sun gradually peeked out from between the skyscrapers, and the harsh winter finally left completely, with people who had been trapped in their homes for nearly half a year rushing out, changing into short sleeves and shorts to frolic freely.

The small islands around Manhattan became resort destinations, and every day after work, large groups of people could be seen swarming out like sardines.

Precisely because of this, the city became slightly quieter, and people didn't notice Anson and Annie's figures at all, as if even the paparazzi had gone on vacation.

In the vast city of New York, the figures of two young people traveled through the streets and alleys and among the crowds, laughing, jumping, embracing the coolness and warmth of early summer, briefly escaping from the spotlight of the Hollywood scene, returning to ordinary life, releasing joy and happiness, and blooming freely.

Anson and Annie went to Off-Broadway to watch a play, and the experimental theatrical performance opened their eyes. Although the actors' performances were not mature, the original vitality contained within was remarkable.

To some extent, the actors' enthusiasm for acting became a kind of inspiration, bringing excitement to the minds of the two "vases," igniting a chemical reaction.

Later, Annie, led by Anson, went to Brooklyn to visit an art studio and experience the fun of painting. It was at this time that Annie realized for the first time that Anson could actually paint, and was more versatile than she had imagined—

Definitely not just a pretty face.

No wonder Anson bought Michael's paintings in the first place; it definitely wasn't a coincidence.

By the way, Anson bought Michael's paintings mainly to create buzz for the art exhibition held by Nora, but unexpectedly, he put Michael under the spotlight, making a small name for himself in the New York painting circle.

Anson's invitation to the art studio was intended to give Michael a further push; but whether he could seize the opportunity depended on Michael himself.

However, according to Annie, Michael had just sold his second painting.

This was good news.

The days of their dates were happy, quietly hiding their tracks in the vast sea of people in New York.

Appreciating paintings under the twilight of Brooklyn, waiting for the sunrise at the Hudson River pier, reluctantly kissing goodbye on the cold morning streets of Manhattan, holding hands and running wildly on the grass of Central Park in the early summer rain, embracing each other tightly on the cruise ship heading to the Statue of Liberty, gazing at the end of the horizon.

Unfortunately, happiness is always short-lived—

Annie was promoting "The Magic Cinderella," and her schedule was full, constantly running around, which clearly showed Disney's ambition and determination.

If Anson remembered correctly, this was the first step for Disney CEO Bob Iger to expand his territory, and the later Marvel Universe and "Star Wars" series all originated from this:

Live-action princess project.

It was relying on this project that Bob Iger's subconscious thoughts quietly sprouted and gradually took shape. They should not be led by the nose by directors or actors, but should establish a project that the film company could firmly control, keeping the directors and actors in their own hands.

Then, relying on this project, expand to the surrounding areas and theme parks.

After all, movies do make money, but no matter how much money movies make, they are only a small part of entertainment life. The top Hollywood film companies still rely more on DVD rentals and sales after the film's release to make profits. It is unrealistic to build an empire solely on box office revenue.

At the same time, for Disney, peripherals and theme parks are the real money-making projects.

It's hard to believe, but the fact that the Marvel Universe and the DC Universe later spread all over the world, and the power structure of the Hollywood industry completely changed, actually originated from... "The Princess Diaries"?

Of course, it's a bit of an exaggeration to say that, but without a doubt, "The Princess Diaries" was a spark of inspiration.

Now, Bob Iger is exploring and determined.

"The Magic Cinderella" is linked to "The Princess Diaries 2," which is scheduled to be released in August, and continuous live-action princess movies will build a universe to mobilize the market.

Therefore, Annie's promotional schedule couldn't stop, and it would continue intermittently until August.

Non-stop.

In addition, the film projects that are now finding Annie one after another are all similar types of roles, with no time to breathe or space to think. No wonder Annie is beginning to feel suffocated, confused, and perplexed, and hasn't even had time to properly enjoy the brilliance of the entertainment world before being swept into the storm.

After a brief respite by Anson's side, Annie had to embark on the promotional journey again.

But now, Annie's mentality has been adjusted.

"Just treat it as groundwork."

"Only by experiencing these trials and tribulations can I become stronger. In the near future, I will be able to freely choose the roles and scripts I desire to play, and even become a producer to create projects that suit me."

"Just like you."

"So, I need to actively cooperate. Only when the movie is successful can I win the right to speak."

After clenching her fists and cheering herself on, Annie cautiously stood up and peered outside, confirming that the coffee shop was peaceful and that no one had noticed this corner. Only then did she let out a long breath, turn her head to look at Anson sitting in the corner, wave her hand, and indicate that Anson didn't need to get up to escort her.

"The car is already outside. I'll get straight into the car to avoid attracting any attention."

Annie showed Anson a smile, wearing a New York Yankees baseball cap, and strode away.

Annie had just taken a breath, sitting in the car organizing herself, when her phone vibrated. She took out her phone and looked at it, and the smile on the corner of her mouth couldn't help but rise.

"Remember to breathe."

Quietly looking at the phone screen, Annie's mood couldn't help but soar above the waves. She looked back at the streets outside the car window, and the early summer in New York was full of vitality, and then she let out a long, long breath.

Putting the phone back on the table, Anson picked up the book again, curled up on the sofa in the corner of the coffee shop, a cup of coffee, a book, and a leisurely afternoon of doing nothing—

He was serious about resting.

Even when recording an album, he didn't set a time limit for himself. He needed a long vacation to truly relax.

He could hear the rustling white noise in the coffee shop, and the world became completely quiet, until someone accidentally bumped into his table.

Clang.

The table almost overturned, "Sorry, oh, God, sorry!"