From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Anson didn't hide his worries, firing off questions one after another, trying to find clues in Jack's expression to answer his doubts.

This time, Jack was slightly stunned, not understanding Anson's worries. He hesitated for a moment before reacting, waving his hands repeatedly and revealing a big smile, "No, no, I'm fine, I'm fine."

"Well, it's not like absolutely nothing happened. During Christmas, Mom's old problem flared up again. She's too soft-hearted and said she's most afraid of being lonely during the holidays, so she couldn't resist calling that man, God!"

"But that man was drunk to the point of unconsciousness and didn't answer the phone at all, otherwise, who knows what would have happened. Luckily, Mom was worried I'd find out, so she secretly ran to a public phone to make the call. If I hadn't noticed her shoes were all covered in snow, I wouldn't have known she ran out. But this way, at least that man won't call back."

Jack took a deep breath halfway through his words.

Even though his words were simple, one could still sense the turbulent undercurrents behind them. Clearly, things weren't that simple. Even though they had escaped New York, the shadow of violence still lingered, a bomb that could detonate their lives at any moment.

Before Anson could speak, Jack put on a smile again, waving his hand, "Don't worry, everything is fine now, no need to worry."

Then he changed the subject.

"I came to San Francisco because of a class trip. Everyone came to San Francisco together for a three-day, two-night trip. I've always wanted to go out and see the world, so I worked part-time to earn the money and signed up."

"This is the first time I've participated in a class trip."

As he spoke, joy began to bubble up between his brows. At this moment, one could see Jack's youth and naivety, the way a middle school student should be.

But between the lines, one could still sense the young man's strength and courage in managing his affairs.

Anson gently raised his chin, a hint of doubt in his eyes, "Then, what were you doing here in the middle of the night?"

"Watching a movie," Jack replied without hesitation, the words tumbling out.

After a pause, Jack revealed an embarrassed expression, "Originally, we were going to watch the midnight showing, because we heard that the midnight showings here..."

He mumbled for a while, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to say it.

Midnight showings can be said to be another world. Some cinemas, in order to attract audiences, even painstakingly create amusement parks for niche film fans, with different movie themes such as horror, science fiction, and gore, shining in the cover of night.

However, what is truly widely circulated is still the most primitive and direct meaning:

Restricted.

That is, movies that underage viewers are not allowed to watch.

Back in the eighties, such midnight showings were all the rage. Underage viewers sneaking into movie theaters while ticket sellers were dozing off to peek into the adult world had become a kind of adventure.

Unfortunately, after entering the millennium, chain theaters became increasingly powerful, so that the living space of independent theaters was compressed, the cost of operating midnight showings became higher and higher, and with the prosperity of the videotape rental market and the prevalence of online downloads, the tradition of midnight showings slowly disappeared in the river of time.

In small cities like Portland, unless it's a summer blockbuster premiere, there are very few dedicated midnight showings. After ten o'clock in the evening, the city is shrouded in darkness and enters a dream, and the only nightlife exists in bars. Movie theaters are no longer the choice of young people.

However, in big cities like San Francisco with a rich nightlife, some cinemas still maintain the tradition.

At this moment, looking at Jack's slightly restrained and shy expression, it was clear without words.

Anson gently raised his chin, "An adventure?"

Jack grabbed at the lifeline, nodding repeatedly, "Adventure, yes, adventure."

"Haha." Anson couldn't help but laugh cheerfully, "So, you watched one show already, and now you're still waiting for the midnight showing? What's playing tonight?"

Jack muttered a few words in a low voice, unable to make a sound.

Jack's appearance was truly rare. Only now could it be confirmed that he was indeed still a child.

A smile crept onto the corner of Anson's mouth, but he controlled it, not wanting to make Jack even more embarrassed, and asked with a sincere face, "Do you need me to help you buy tickets?"

Midnight showings, most of the movies are strictly rated, and it's difficult for minors to buy tickets—

So, that's why it's an adventure.

First, test how to get in.

Second, even if you're seated inside, someone will come in to patrol during the movie screening and throw out underage viewers by the collar, so you can't relax your vigilance.

Naturally, being able to watch a midnight showing and stick it out to the end, your status among friends will immediately be different.

Jack suddenly raised his head, almost nodding, but slammed on the brakes before he could speak, "No, it's still better not to."

As if remembering something, a blush flew onto his cheeks, and his ears turned red.

That look was clearly a case of protesting too much.

Anson tried his best to control the corners of his mouth, trying to avoid revealing those little secrets of teenagers—

Although he still looks like a college student on the outside, the soul inside is mature enough. He knows that leaving some space for teenagers is the right thing to do.

So.

Anson spread his hands, "In any case, I wish you a smooth adventure."

Just then.

There was movement behind him. Anson looked back and stood up from the chair again to confirm:

Lucas was back, holding a pile of things in his hands.

Anson didn't turn around, saying to Jack, "Oh, my brother is here, wait a moment, I'll introduce you."

"Hey, Lucas, need any help?"

Popcorn. Cola. And two bags of potato chips.

At a glance, you could tell that Lucas hadn't forgotten Anson's favorite, coaxing Anson with potato chips like coaxing a child.

But this trick worked. The smile on the corner of Anson's mouth rose again, "Lucas, I promise I won't tell Mom."

Lucas glanced at Anson speechlessly, refusing to respond.

Anson picked up a bag of potato chips and was about to open it. Lucas saw that his hands were full and that this young master was obviously not going to help, so he resigned himself to closing his mouth.

Anson didn't forget Jack, "Lucas, this is Jack, a friend I met when I was filming 'Catch Me If You Can' in New York—"

Things suddenly connected.

Anson met Jack when he was filming "Catch Me If You Can" in New York, and now Jack came to the cinema to watch "Catch Me If You Can", everything formed a circle.

Lucas looked at Anson with a confused face, "Where's your friend?"

Anson:?

The smile froze. Anson turned his head to look behind him, but there was no one there. Where was Jack's figure?

Anson looked over from the other side of the bench, a vast emptiness, without any sign of anyone.

What's going on?

Anson himself was also confused, "Could it be that his friend called him away? Or..."

It's also possible that he's shy. He doesn't want to make new friends.

It was the same on the "Elephant" set last time, Jack didn't want to get to know the crew members.

The words came to his lips, but he swallowed them back. He searched again, confirming that Jack wasn't there, and he didn't see any other students around. He looked back at Lucas in front of him.

"Sorry, you're too scary, my friend got scared away."

Lucas: ... Whatever makes you happy.