From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Viewership: 30 million.

Rating: 16.1.

Numbers are always the most objective and calmest evidence, cold but direct, like a coordinate, clearly marking the position of this achievement.

This achievement is far more than it seems on the surface.

This is not a new season premiere nor the last episode of a broadcast season, but just an ordinary episode in the sixth season. This is the first time such a situation has occurred since the twelfth episode of the third season became the highest-rated episode of the entire season.

Of course.

All things considered, this viewership performance can rank among the top ten in the six-season history of "Friends," currently ranking eighth.

This is the most powerful proof.

Who says "Friends" is declining? Who says "Friends" lacks innovation and vitality? Who says "Friends" can no longer replicate the glory of the first three seasons?

Who says "Friends" is becoming a retirement home? Who says "Friends" is becoming a shackle for the six actors? Who says "Friends" can no longer show explosive power?

All doubts, all controversies, all complaints, now shut up obediently. David Crane, together with Marta, gives the most powerful counterattack.

A complete success.

Just a set of numbers, cold numbers, but when used correctly in the hands of the right people, they can become a powerful weapon.

Anson achieves "Friends," and at the same time, "Friends" achieves Anson. A two-way endeavor.

Even David Crane, who had a sudden inspiration at the time to use a plan within a plan, did not expect things to go so smoothly and develop to this point. This is a surprise, a complete surprise.

Now, everything is sprinting towards the established goal at full speed. He has absolute confidence—

They are sure to win this summer's salary negotiations.

David Crane and Marta have never lacked confidence and believe they can convince NBC to break the salary ceiling, but they are still inevitably excited to be in their current position, with the situation so favorable. How did all this happen?

Thinking carefully and looking back at the whole story, David Crane has a bold idea:

Perhaps, the real turning point of everything was not his riding the wave nor Anson's excellent performance, but the clash between Anson and the reporter in the parking lot of Stage 24.

The collision of accidents, the display of personality and charm, completely detonated the media's reaction, and then triggered a comprehensive discussion craze, showing a brand new image. The fourth wall from the screen to real life was broken, and Anson and Paul's images overlapped and a new side was discovered.

Then, the craze came.

Even David Crane was greatly surprised by Anson's performance, let alone others?

This idea is not only bold, but completely crazy.

However, those are no longer important. Compared to the reason, they now need to focus on the result.

The "Friends" crew, from top to bottom, are jubilant and collectively devoted to the filming of the two-episode finale, and a whole year of hard work is about to be rewarded.

So, what about Anson?

Leaving Stage 24, daily life seems to have finally returned to normal. Since the time travel, in this short period of less than a month, things have been happening one after another, and climaxes have been coming one after another. There has been no time to breathe or adjust. The roller coaster experience is finally over.

He can have a good rest.

However, the tree desires calm, but the wind will not cease—

Ding-dong.

The doorbell echoed in the first-floor lobby, but no one responded. The entire space seemed quiet and far-reaching, quietly listening to the footsteps of summer approaching slowly.

Ding-dong.

The doorbell was pressed a second time.

James Franco, lying on the sofa, rolled over and free-fell. The force of gravity pulled his body heavily to the ground, and the oncoming reaction force made him grunt involuntarily, but his drowsy brain finally became a little clearer. Half-asleep and half-awake, he groped forward and walked towards the door.

Creak.

James opened the door, leaning against the door panel in the posture of a sloth, and opened his eyes with difficulty. "Who's there?"

"Hey, James, is Anson home?"

A voice came from his ear, very unfamiliar, slightly familiar; and the other party was able to accurately say the names of the two residents. James was finally willing to fully open his eyes, and his focus gathered, carefully looking at the face in front of him.

Strange.

Still strange.

But why does it feel vaguely familiar?

James's brain didn't turn at all, but an image blurted out, "Ah, it's you, the agent. William Morris."

Edgar Cook showed a smile, "Yes, Edgar, you remember me."

James was full of question marks, "Yeah, why do I remember you?"

Involuntarily, James took another look at Edgar—

An unremarkable face, with no special features. You wouldn't notice it at a glance, but if you are patient and take a second look, you can capture the gentle and jade-like temperament between his eyebrows, and the slightly raised corners of his mouth change the attitude of the conversation at any time.

Unconsciously, the impression remains in the mind, lifelike.

James had a splitting headache, "God, how did you find me? Wait, you're not unemployed, and now you're coming to sell goods, are you?"

"I'm not interested in any product catalogs."

As he spoke, he was about to close the door.

Edgar had to speak to stop him, "James, I'm here for Anson."

James paused in his action of closing the door, "Anson doesn't need an agent."

Edgar was not surprised by this answer, and showed a friendly smile, "I guessed it, but I think there's no harm in having one more choice."

This time, James didn't speak immediately, but looked Edgar up and down, "You are the seventh agent this week to come to recommend yourself."

"Let me tell you, I understand your type. Like fleas, you look inconspicuous, but if you're not careful, you'll let you take root."

"But, can you help?"

"No. You only suck blood, and you can't help with anything except sucking blood. And then when we have no value, or find a better host, you immediately move your position, leaving a mess behind."

"If you want to deceive Anson, I won't let you succeed."

"I will be watching you, understand? I will be watching you."

After saying a long string of words, James gestured at his eyes with two fingers, and then pointed at Edgar, indicating his seriousness:

I am watching you.