From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

On this side, Anson's preparations went smoothly. He not only reached a consensus with Edgar but also sat down with the band members for a calm discussion.

Putting aside the "elephant" in the room, the fact remained that the album recording wasn't going well. They needed to sort out their thoughts, adjust their mindset, and regain their focus.

After discussing it, Miles and the others also agreed that it was necessary to pause the recording for a few days to clear their minds and relax.

Anson didn't hide anything and frankly mentioned a potential film project, which caused Conner and the others to tease him, deliberately saying that Anson suggested the break for the sake of filming a movie.

Anson didn't try to argue. He raised his hands and said, "Please let it become a reality. Please let that movie happen, so I can try juggling two things at once."

His candid demeanor made everyone burst into laughter.

However, Anson wasn't lying; the decision wasn't up to him.

On the other side, Darren relayed his suggestion to HBO, for the TV station and Gus to discuss.

Unexpectedly, but reasonably, Gus didn't immediately agree or refuse. He said he needed to consider it, and then he went back.

From fashion to bands to talk shows, Anson had generated a lot of news in the past six months, which would be a positive factor for others; but for Gus, these off-field distractions were a negative —

He needed to see Anson's work, eliminate distractions, and return to his identity as an actor.

No one knew what Gus was thinking. HBO didn't urge him. After Gus went back, there was no news for three whole days, as if a stone had sunk into the sea.

Just when HBO was about to give up and make other plans, Gus gave a reply.

"Okay."

The concise and straightforward response immediately changed everything.

Unexpectedly, suddenly, and instantly, Anson's next project was finalized. Moreover, it was actually a project in cooperation with HBO, which was definitely something Anson hadn't anticipated.

However, Gus had one request —

Keep a low profile.

"Don't bring those flies to Portland."

These were Gus's exact words.

Anson didn't have a face-to-face conversation with Gus and wasn't sure why Gus nodded in agreement, but he could taste the disgust and rejection in these words, even with preconceived prejudices, making his position clear from the start.

But at least one thing could be confirmed:

Low profile. Low profile. Still low profile.

Originally, the subject matter focused on by this project was sensitive and needed to be handled with caution. If Anson's joining brought unpredictable attention and discussion, the crew would face heavy pressure, which might affect the shooting.

Low profile, in other words, is focus.

It could be seen that Gus was a director who wholeheartedly focused on filmmaking, putting the film first in everything.

Before even meeting him, Anson had a deep impression of this director.

This meant that before heading to Portland, Anson still had some things to deal with —

The tails, also the flies.

Knock knock!

Harry Percy turned his head and saw Anson, and the air rushed into his trachea, causing him to cough violently, almost flipping over.

Honestly, after Anson grew a beard, that smile was hidden behind the beard, which was different from his usual image, and he seemed unfamiliar; but those eyes, clear and bright eyes, could still be recognized at once, following him like a shadow, as if he could easily see through any disguise.

Someone with a slightly weaker heart might have rolled their eyes at this point.

Harry held his breath, staring blankly at the smiling face outside the car window for a long, long time. Seeing Anson standing there, exceptionally patient and exceptionally calm, made him recognize reality, droop his head, slump his shoulders, and accept his fate.

Squeak. Squeak.

The car window slowly rolled down, seemingly endlessly, as if it would never open.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

Harry's expression also became awkward, pointing at the car window trying to explain, but then he thought that there didn't seem to be anything worth explaining, so his words churned in his throat until the car window was completely rolled down.

"Cough cough, Anson."

Harry greeted him.

Anson didn't show any anxiety or impatience, always remaining patient, but when he spoke, he didn't hesitate or waver and went straight to the point.

"Kevin, are you interested in making a deal?"

Harry choked, his cheeks flushed red, "I'm not Kevin."

"…I'm not interested in trading with you."

Harry's words were blocked. He was worried that if he traded with Anson, he might accidentally sell himself and still be happily thinking he had gotten some big exclusive.

Once bitten, twice shy. In front of Anson, he needed to be extra careful.

But he never expected that Anson wouldn't be frustrated and said something unconventional, "What should I do? I really want to make this deal."

Harry blinked his eyes, staring blankly at Anson.

On one hand, alarms were blaring, signaling that something was wrong.

On the other hand, curiosity was ignited, almost unable to be suppressed.

Torment, absolute torment.

Sure enough, every time he dealt with Anson, he needed to be cautious, cautious, and cautious again. He had no idea what Anson's next move would be.

Thinking of this, Harry decided to fight back. He couldn't always be passive, right?

"But, why?"

"What reason do you have to trade with me?"

As soon as he said the words, Harry immediately shook his head, stopping Anson.

"No, no, no, don't tell me. I don't want to know and I'm not interested."

Once Anson opened his mouth, he might be drawn into Anson's rhythm. Rather than that, it was better to distance himself early. That was the best way.

A hint of a smile appeared in Anson's eyes, "Okay."

Harry: ???

After speaking, Anson didn't stop. He turned around and strode away, so decisively, without hesitation or pause, leaving him behind.

Harry: That's it?

Wait, after Anson dropped a bunch of words, he retreated so easily?

What was this?

What was Anson planning?

If he didn't cooperate, would Anson find other paparazzi to cooperate with?

Thoughts exploded in his mind, and then Harry couldn't control himself anymore. He opened the car door and chased after him, "Anson, what deal?"

Anson didn't stop immediately. Harry became anxious, both curious and nervous, "Anson, wait, Anson!"

Finally, Anson stopped.

Harry almost bumped into Anson's back, and then he saw Anson's calm smile, and the alarm rang again.

Anson spread his hands, "Kevin, playing hard to get, such a simple strategy, and you still fell for it. Are you sure this is really okay?"

Harry: …

Could he swear?

"Can I swear?"

"Haha, of course."

One beat too late, Harry looked at the happy smile on Anson's face and realized that he had actually said the complaints in his mind.

Moreover, Anson actually responded.

This was really…

Fuck!

He was so embarrassed, he wanted to die immediately.