From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Everything was new and unfamiliar.

This was no exception for Edgar. Besides excitement, he was inevitably a little uneasy.

Generally speaking, agents don't care, nor should they care, about the psychological quirks of actors. They should try to persuade actors to look at the money—

It was precisely because of this that countless Hollywood A-list superstars went to Japan to shoot commercials from the late 1990s to the early 21st century.

The endorsement fees were exceptionally generous.

Including, but not limited to, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, and other top A-list superstars. Even European actors represented by Alain Delon went to Japan in large numbers to shoot commercials and endorsements.

Such actions were often scorned and even ridiculed in the film industry, but because the internet was underdeveloped, those Japanese commercials rarely circulated in Europe and the United States. Agents used this as a reason to encourage actors to take on the work, selling their smiles for a reward.

At this time, Edgar should have done the same, after all, the check was already in hand.

The superstars who went to Japan to endorse might not have actually been endorsing diapers, but they were often endorsing daily necessities, which had some discrepancy with their image, which was indeed puzzling.

"We don't need to discuss art all the time. Art is certainly important, but art without economic roots is ultimately just talking to oneself. Everyone admires Van Gogh, but no one wants to become Van Gogh."

Vincent van Gogh was poor during his lifetime, frustrated and unsuccessful, but he was only appreciated after his death. His paintings were auctioned off for sky-high prices—

Unfortunately, he himself would never know.

Edgar also relaxed, "Then what were you looking at just now?"

Anson blinked, "Oh, I was just amazed by the photographer's ability. Honestly, I don't think it looks like me at all."

"Wait, are you saying they heavily photoshopped it?"

Edgar, "Photoshop? What's Photoshop?"

Anson forgot that computer retouching technology was not so advanced yet. Photographers relied more on their skills, and models relied on their skills as well.

"No. I was just feeling a little emotional."

"So, for the next three months, I'm going to be Dior's face. This feels pretty good."

The fact was as Edgar had expected: Anson's recognition and popularity soared.

Anson originally thought that it might only be limited to the fashion circle, or perhaps only to Fashion Week. After all, fashion is just a small circle. The noise and excitement were just self-entertainment for fashionistas. Once away from Fashion Week, all the glory and applause would disappear, just like Cinderella returning to her original state after midnight.

However, it didn't.

A bustling, dark mass of people, with cameras and microphones, were waiting for Anson in the airport check-in hall. This treatment was comparable to that of a superstar.

In 2001, airport photography had not yet become popular. Not to mention Paris, even Los Angeles was not so enthusiastic. Reporters would not go to airports to surround artists and capture their姿态 as they entered and exited the airport. Only a very, very few superstars could enjoy such treatment.

And now, Anson saw this scene at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

"If I had seen this after just attending the Cannes Film Festival, it would have been perfect; but there's no need to be picky, this is pretty good too."

Anson joked, then got out of the car and plunged into a sea of flashing lights.

Despite encountering a siege at the airport for the first time, Anson behaved calmly and composedly, continuing the open and aboveboard demeanor he had shown at Paris Fashion Week.

"Anson, what is your relationship with Winona?"

"Did you know each other before Fashion Week?"

"Did you exchange contact information with her?"

"How do you feel about coming to Fashion Week this time? Will we see you again at next year's Autumn/Winter Fashion Week?"

"Do you have plans to walk for other brands? Like Chanel."

"Are you the third party in Winona's relationship?"

"What exactly happened at the Chanel fashion show that day, can you respond to it?"

Bla bla bla, one question after another came rushing in, hitting Anson's head like a wave. Even though he was on flat ground, he had a sense of surfing, with one wave after another never stopping.

However, Anson always maintained a smile and did not answer any questions—this was not a press conference, and he had nothing to clarify; but he was not in a hurry to leave, but stood in place and accepted the baptism of flashing lights. His upright demeanor made all the reporters' attacks fail.

Patience, calmness, composure.

Anson seemed to consciously stay in place, waiting for the reporters to throw out all their questions, letting these jackals and tigers vent for a round, and then nodded slightly with a smile before leaving calmly under the protection of Edgar and the airport security personnel.

Leaving everyone looking at each other—

The reporters were all red-faced, sweating profusely, and embarrassed; but the object of their siege was calm, composed, and at ease.

Something seemed a little off.

Meanwhile, Anson had already entered the airport feeling refreshed, and smoothly completed the check-in, baggage check, and boarding procedures through the VIP channel, all the way through.

Edgar couldn't help but let out a long breath.

No matter when or in what city, these media and ubiquitous paparazzi are always the most troublesome. They did not expect to encounter such a situation in Paris, nor did they expect it to be resolved so easily.

Edgar looked at Anson, "If this continues, Eve might lose her job."

Anson shook his head gently, "That's not necessarily true. I'm good at improvising, Eve is good at planning in advance and cleaning up the mess. She's a strategist, we always need a strategist."

Edgar looked bewildered, "Wait, did you just use 'The Art of War'?"

"Oh, you actually know 'The Art of War'?"

A second ago, Edgar had discovered a new continent; the next second, the initiative fell into Anson's hands, and Edgar was confusedly drawn in.

They had just boarded the plane, and there were no other passengers in the cabin yet. The flight attendant who came to greet them showed a smile and offered a morning greeting.

"Good morning, Mr. Wood."

Anson was very surprised that the flight attendant could accurately say his name, but obviously, that wasn't all.

"We have upgraded you to first class and hope you enjoy a pleasant journey."

Actually, they were worried that Anson might cause unnecessary commotion in economy class; but the airline's clever wording could make customers feel special treatment.

Anson turned to look at Edgar, but Edgar also looked confused—

They had booked economy class, both ways.

They never expected such VIP special treatment.

Seeming to notice Anson's inquiring gaze, the flight attendant added, "Mr. Cook too."