From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Anson wasn't crazy, and neither was Edgar. They both knew the fundamental premise of salary negotiations:

Anson was a newcomer.

At the same time, Sony Columbia had faith in Anson, a unanimous choice.

Therefore, how to strike the right balance and maximize benefits within a limited space became the second test of Edgar's professional abilities as an agent.

The first test was securing the role of Peter Parker.

In Edgar's view, seizing the opportunity to establish Anson as a leading actor in Hollywood's five to eight million dollar range was a golden opportunity; moreover, he was confident he could convince Sony Columbia to agree. However, the situation had changed slightly.

If the movie failed, everything would start from scratch. If a newcomer starring in a leading role encountered box office failure, then regardless of whether the movie grossed five million or ten million dollars, the position, treatment, salary, and everything else for the next movie would have to be completely overturned.

Hollywood is that cruel.

But what if the movie succeeded?

How to negotiate with Sony Columbia, how to project Anson's image while being assertive in negotiations, and ultimately placing all the weight on the success or failure of the movie – every step was a risk, like dancing on a knife's edge, where any misstep could lead to a completely different outcome.

But…

Edgar looked up at Anson, needing some confirmation. Those clear yet deep eyes met his gaze, and dappled sunlight rippled gently.

Confident, composed.

Firm, calm.

It was that simple.

Taking a deep breath, Edgar nodded. "I understand. Leave the rest to me."

The decision was made.

Edgar wasn't nervous or uneasy; instead, he was rubbing his hands together, eager to try —

Edgar knew that within William Morris, there were quite a few competitors waiting to trip him up, both senior and junior, waiting to see him make a fool of himself or to kick him when he was down. They hadn't anticipated that Anson would actually secure the role of Peter Parker, and now they should play it safe.

Compared to continuing to gamble, Edgar should be content with this, focusing on secure guarantees to ensure Anson's signing; otherwise, if negotiations broke down, those sharks at William Morris who smelled blood would definitely pounce at the first opportunity, and they wouldn't mind using their own clients to replace Anson.

However, if he had chosen the safe route from the start, he wouldn't have secretly slipped Anson's photo into that kraft paper bag.

Who could resist adventure?

The blood was already boiling; this was why he aspired to be an agent.

Edgar left. Not long after leaving, Edgar sent an email to Anson, containing an electronic version of the agent agreement.

The electronic version was for reading purposes only. If Anson had no objections, they would find a time to formally sign the agreement.

Anson didn't open it to read. He wasn't a professional in this matter; he immediately forwarded the email to Lucas Wood.

Lucas was busy, reading a large amount of information and reports, his eyes aching. Stacks of numbers filled his head, all intertwined.

Ding.

An email notification. Lucas reflexively glanced at it, initially not intending to pay attention, but then he saw an unexpected name and his lips curved upward.

Anson?

That guy hasn't made a peep in a century. Why is he suddenly sending an email?

He casually opened the email, quickly scanned it, and then opened the attachment.

Speechless.

He chuckled to himself, his fingers quickly tapping on the keyboard, immediately replying with an email.

"You should know I'm not a lawyer, right?"

Despite saying that, Lucas still read the contract. It was a good opportunity, with his head full of numbers, to switch to reading materials and reorganize his thoughts.

Ding.

The email actually came back. Actually!

When Lucas realized his surprise and unexpectedness, he shook his head slightly with a helpless expression and casually opened it.

"I know."

One sentence. The reply was just one sentence.

Lucas couldn't help himself and burst out laughing.

Outside the office, all was quiet and still. Everyone looked at Lucas's office with terrified expressions: Could it be that Lucas had lost his mind from reading too much data?

The laughter didn't last long, and the office returned to silence.

However, the gazes exchanged outside were even more panicked and frightened. This emotional roller coaster was completely unusual, so had Lucas really gone crazy?

Meanwhile, Edgar began to get busy.

And Anson also entered a completely new state.

Things hadn't actually been finalized. Only when the contract was signed in black and white could it be considered settled. Until then, everything was subject to change.

Moreover, the contract numbers, terms, cooperation models, and so on were precisely the most crucial and important parts of the negotiation. Not a day could be relaxed until the signing.

However, Anson wasn't prepared to wait anxiously and apprehensively at home, waiting and waiting, as wild thoughts would easily creep in. Even if nothing happened, anxiety and unease could drive him crazy. He wasn't prepared to put himself in such a predicament.

Taking a step ahead, Anson went to New York to begin training —

Martial arts training.

Firstly, for the role of Peter Parker, Anson needed to develop muscle definition.

Secondly, the movie required a lot of wire work and filming of fight scenes. Although stunt actors could be used, Anson hoped to do it himself.

Rather than being dedicated, it was more that Anson wanted to try different things. Since he had won a second chance, he had to dare to step out of his comfort zone.

Moreover, Anson also wanted to pick up the martial arts that he had abandoned for a long time in his previous life. He was certain that this body no longer had muscle memory, but he didn't know how much memory was still deep within his soul. Gradually awakening his interest and rediscovering the joy of childhood was also something Anson was determined to do.

Even if it wasn't for filming "Spider-Man," Anson was prepared to do this. Now, he had a legitimate reason and no excuse to continue being lazy.

At the same time, he could prepare in advance for potential future performance opportunities. Since he was a pretty boy, he had to add value to that pretty boy image.

No sooner said than done. Even without waiting for the progress of Edgar and Sony Columbia's negotiations, Anson had already returned to New York.

Why New York?

Chinatown.

New York not only had the largest Chinese community in North America, surpassed by San Francisco only many years later, but it was also one of the cities with the most comprehensive and thriving development of Chinese culture. It was a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, just like in the movie "Kung Fu," where the landlady and landlord might be masters.

For Anson, this was the most suitable place to cultivate wholeheartedly.

Second chapter.