From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

"Gretel, now is not the time for flirting. Clothes, makeup, styling, tick-tock, we don't have all day to laze around here."

The voice was slightly impatient.

But Gretel didn't mind, remaining calm and meeting Anson's gaze, "Bruce, today's photographer is clearly eager to start working."

With a clever remark, Gretel successfully defused the atmosphere.

Meanwhile.

"I'm the editor, responsible for the on-site coordination today, including the interview later. After the shoot, we can sit down and chat at length."

"If there are any problems during the shoot, please feel free to communicate with me. I mean, any problems."

Anson slightly raised his chin, indicating understanding, a glint in his eyes, "I have a problem right now."

This was unexpected.

Originally, Gretel was just being polite, but she didn't expect Anson to throw out a question immediately.

Gretel didn't panic, slightly straightening her back. Despite the help of high heels, she still needed to look up slightly when standing in front of Anson, able to see the spring-breeze-like curve of his lips at a glance. She looked at Anson generously, not speaking, but using her eyes to show that she was listening patiently.

Anson extended his right hand, "Wood. Anson Wood."

Gretel: ?

After a slight pause, Gretel understood—

Anson meant that their introductions hadn't finished yet.

Gretel hadn't anticipated this at all.

In fact, Gretel had already completed her introduction. In situations like this, most artists would assume that the greeting was over.

Because artists always assume that all on-site staff already know their identity and don't need introductions; their face is their business card.

Of course, this was also true. Although Anson was still a newcomer, today's shoot focused on Anson, and the team had held more than one meeting. Everyone, from top to bottom, recognized that face. It would be strange if they didn't. It seemed that not introducing himself hadn't had a significant impact.

However, Anson didn't.

Moreover.

Anson's eyes and smile didn't give the feeling that a newcomer was trying to promote himself or build an image; there was no humility, no flattery, and no calculation.

Honest, bright, and clear.

Purely the first meeting between two strangers, who needed to work together next, so they completed a formal introduction, standing on equal footing.

Recently, "Anson" had been very popular. There were quite a few rumors about Anson in Hollywood, not just about "Friends", but also scandals.

Positive, negative, active, passive, countless. This was also a key reason why Anson was able to get the "GQ" shoot opportunity.

However, honestly speaking, it didn't mean much to Gretel. This was just a job, no feelings involved. Even if it wasn't Anson, if they changed the subject of the shoot, the work would still need to continue, including shoots with Hugh Jackman and Brad Pitt. In essence, there was no difference.

But now.

Gretel also understood somewhat what those rumors about Anson's charm were all about. One glance, like a spring breeze.

Involuntarily, the corners of her mouth slightly curved upwards, and she politely shook his right hand, warm and thick, "Gretel Winfield."

A smile, a little respect, some etiquette.

Actually, it's not difficult.

After all, why should working stiffs make things difficult for other working stiffs?

Anson gave a smile, "I hope everything goes smoothly today. So, where do I need to go now?"

Gretel then realized that she was somewhat distracted, slightly embarrassed, and subconsciously changed the subject, "Don't you have your own team? An agent?"

Although he was a newcomer, without the promotion of an agent and publicist, a "GQ" inside spread shoot would be impossible.

Anson didn't directly answer the question, "They are evaluating whether today's shoot is worth their time."

A double entendre.

Perhaps the words answered Gretel's question about the agent; but at the same time, it was also teasing "GQ", that this job wasn't worth it.

Gretel immediately reacted, deliberately threatening with a straight face, "Be careful, the work hasn't even started yet, don't offend the magazine staff."

However, as soon as the words fell, her smile fully bloomed, the threat having zero effect.

Gretel summoned an assistant to guide Anson to change clothes, do makeup, and prepare for the shoot.

Turning around, Gretel walked towards Bruce.

Even Gretel herself didn't realize that her tense and anxious heartstrings had slightly relaxed. Although the problem in front of her hadn't been solved, at least she could now face it with spirit. The subtle change in mood was indeed helping.

Even seeing Bruce with his low-pressure aura, Gretel remained calm.

"Hey, do you have any ideas now?"

Relaxed as she was, she maintained a serious and earnest expression and words, Gretel showing her professional attitude—

They could all see Bruce's irritability.

Bruce glanced at Gretel impatiently, "If I don't have any ideas, would you be willing to postpone the shoot?"

Gretel was also somewhat helpless, "Bruce, if we weren't at our wits' end, we wouldn't be asking you for help. Believe me, you are our savior."

"GQ" also had its own considerations and couldn't risk its magazine.

They all knew that Bruce had completed a lot of work this month, including the suit settings shoot for two actors. They really shouldn't be continuing to look for him.

But the bad thing was that the original photographer, Mario Testino, hadn't been able to complete the shoot for the French "Vogue" cover on time; coupled with the "GQ" layout deadline being tomorrow, they had no choice but to urgently call Bruce to help out.

Bruce didn't buy it at all, rolling his eyes, "Savior? Are you sure it's not a cleaner tidying up the mess?"

Gretel exhaled, "Bruce."

Bruce didn't even turn his head, not even looking at Gretel, "Don't worry, I'll get the job done, as long as the money is right, everything is easy to talk about."

Isn't that how life is?

They were all working stiffs, dreaming of early retirement, panting and persisting.

Lights.

Set.

Camera.

Everything was ready.

Rustle, rustle, rustle…

Whispering discussions came, Bruce's heart was as still as water. What was wrong with these people? One or two of them acting like they hadn't seen the world before.

Was it necessary?

Of course, Bruce admitted that when he saw Monica Bellucci at the premiere of "Malèna" at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year, he had also rarely lost his composure, but Anson wasn't Monica Bellucci, there was no need, really no need.

Turning around, Bruce saw that figure.

Ninth chapter.