From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

In Anson's view, Thomas Keller was a smart man, just like Banksy.

The key point was the accent.

In Britain or France, if you could speak fluent, unaccented, standard local language, you would win the applause and affirmation of the locals and quickly integrate into their lives; but in the United States, this wasn't the case. The locals wouldn't particularly reward it. On the contrary, they liked these accents—

Of course, if you elaborate, this matter becomes very complicated and not so simple. But the point is that it’s not surprising for a Frenchman to speak fluent English, but it’s particularly charming for a Frenchman to speak English with an accent.

Precisely because of this, some French people, including Spaniards, Italians, and Argentinians, even if they can speak fluent standard English, will still deliberately retain their accents, in order to add points to themselves in this way.

Sofia Vergara, who plays Gloria in "Modern Family", undoubtedly has her Spanish-accented English as a highlight in the series; but in real life, she can speak beautiful standard English.

In an interview, Sofia once jokingly said, "This skill is a basic survival skill for every Colombian in the United States."

Behind the accent, there is obviously discrimination with stereotypes, but sometimes, such stereotypes can become a weapon to improve one's living space.

Just like those blondes in Hollywood, they can play dumb and innocent, cater to stereotypes, and quietly hide their intelligence.

Right now, Thomas was doing just that.

Thomas didn't deliberately modify his French accent, and even took the initiative to add some accents, in order to cater to the stereotypes of the guests. Whether it was to make them feel happy or to add to his own charm, the seemingly humble Thomas was actually firmly in control of the social initiative.

Rumor had it that Thomas was aloof, arrogant, and out of touch with the world, with terrible social skills.

But at least from one meeting, Anson thought it was an exaggeration. Perhaps the Thomas in the rumors was just a mask created by this chef.

Otherwise, a troublemaker who really didn't understand the ways of the world would never be able to have his own high-end private restaurant in New York.

Of course, all of this was just Anson's own speculation.

After a brief greeting, Thomas's gaze had already quietly shifted, "...Mr. Wood said he didn't mind me coming over to say hello."

Originally, they thought Thomas was talking about Lucas, but they didn't expect Thomas to turn around and look at another Wood.

"Anson, you look even more handsome than on the movie screen."

The situation was a little strange. What was going on with this inexplicable greeting?

Nora looked at Lucas, and Anson also glanced at Lucas out of the corner of his eye.

But on the surface, Anson still maintained his etiquette and showed a bright smile, "Thank you. I hope my appearance tonight hasn't violated your restaurant rules."

Formal French restaurants often require formal attire, especially for dinner.

At this time, Anson was wearing a hoodie, which, in theory, was not allowed to enter, unless he put on a suit jacket, otherwise such an outrageous outfit would inevitably be swept out the door directly, as was always the case in New York.

Originally, Anson thought that "Self-Help" was a private restaurant, so the rules were relaxed; but now it seemed that there was another reason behind it.

Thomas tilted his head slightly, sized up Anson's outfit, "I hope you won't be seen by others tonight."

The disgust in his words was serious.

Anson didn't mind, "Then, I can only rely on the privacy measures here."

A counterattack.

Thomas was slightly surprised, but the expression between his eyebrows relaxed, "Now I understand why everyone says Anson Wood is eloquent."

"Ha, if this is called eloquence, then the definition threshold for talent in eloquence is too low. I should feel injustice for talk show actors."

The complaint was also self-deprecating, killing two birds with one stone.

This time, Thomas really looked at Anson a little more.

There was a little more sincerity in his eyes, "My daughter really, really likes you. She has collected every one of your works. I would like to ask, would you be able to sign one for her?"

So that was it—

The one who really liked Anson was not Thomas, but his daughter.

Anson readily nodded, "Of course, no problem."

At this time, Thomas took his hands out from behind his back:

"Midsummer Midnight."

It wasn't a movie poster, nor a movie DVD, but an album.

Anson was also a little surprised, "Now I can be sure that she is indeed a loyal supporter. You know what? This is the first time someone has brought an album outside of the tour. I'm really honored."

Thomas silently placed the album on the table, "I definitely won't tell you that I have two whole boxes at home."

Anson, "Haha, it seems that our dinner tonight should be a little more lavish."

Thomas couldn't help but take another look at Anson. This was the second time tonight that Anson had impressed him—

And it was within just three minutes.

"Of course. I will do my best. After all, that's the purpose of you coming to 'Self-Help', right?" Inadvertently, Thomas showed his pride, straightened his back without being humble or arrogant.

Sure enough, as Anson guessed, this Thomas was a smart man, definitely not the ignorant of the world as the outside world rumored. Everything was just a disguise.

Thomas noticed Anson's meaningful gaze. This time, he didn't continue to hide it, but faced Anson's scrutiny openly, with a raised corner of his mouth and a slight nod, showing knightly spirit, declaring his existence without being humble or arrogant.

"Charlotte Keller." Thomas looked at Anson and handed over the marker.

Anson didn't say anything more, and buried his head to start signing.

Thomas looked at Nora, "Please forgive my unprofessional behavior tonight."

Nora had a satisfied expression, and had been carefully looking at Anson. Hearing this sentence, a smile climbed onto her eyebrows, and then she looked up at Thomas again, "No, I should express my gratitude as a mother. Thank you for affirming Anson's work."

"Tonight, I don't mind being Anson Wood's mother. My son has filled this title with glory. I believe Chef Keller must understand that too."

Thomas couldn't help but think of Charlotte. At certain moments, the minds of parents are connected, "Of course, I understand your pride. But I don't dare to expect too much from Charlotte."

Although Thomas stopped there and didn't say much, Nora immediately understood, "I just hope he's happy."

Thomas gently raised his chin, and a hint of understanding flowed in his eyes. Without words, the two had already tacitly reached a consensus.

Then, Thomas and Nora both looked at Anson.

Anson didn't look up, but said silently, "Please stop looking at me, otherwise I won't be able to write."

Haha.

A cheerful laughter surged in the private room.