From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Nora quietly gazed at Anson, her eyes revealing a hint of gratification and pride.

The Wood couple naturally knew about Anson's activities in Hollywood; even if they didn't understand, Darren Star would tell them every now and then.

However, those numbers, those news reports, those headlines, always lacked a sense of reality. In their eyes, Anson was still Lucas's younger brother, their little son, and it was truly difficult to imagine the scenes of people being captivated by Anson.

The so-called superstar, what exactly was it all about, was impossible to accurately define.

So, when Anson was preparing to purchase property in Malibu last time, Nora had discussed with Charles about helping Anson pay the down payment; it was also at that time that they realized their little son's assets should have already exceeded theirs.

For Nora, the only thing she needed to know was that Anson liked this job and didn't need to worry about making a living for the time being, and that was enough. No matter what happened in Hollywood, they would unconditionally support Anson.

That was the key point.

Until today, first the crowds outside the gallery, and then a chef like Thomas Keller, all aspects of information were reminding Nora—

Her little son was not just "making a little name for himself."

Not only gratified, but also proud.

Thomas patiently waited for Anson to finish signing, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then turned to leave.

Standing at the entrance of the private room, Thomas finally had time to examine the album.

It wasn't just a signature; Anson had also written a passage on it.

“Dear Charlotte Keller,

The most wonderful part of a journey lies in adventure and the unknown. You don't even need to set out; from the moment you decide to take a step, the journey has already begun, and the elation and excitement have already started.

You are the same.

Although we haven't met yet, I'm already looking forward to this adventure, hoping that we can meet at some point on the long journey in the future, and then sing and party together to our heart's content.

Anson.”

Thomas was stunned.

He thought that Anson leaving a signature and at most two polite greetings would be the end of it. After all, he was asking for the signature on behalf of his daughter, and Anson had never met Charlotte, let alone know what she looked like or what her personality was like.

However, Anson didn't.

Involuntarily, Thomas thought of Charlotte's words.

“Dad, you don't understand, he's not just a pretty face or a casual encounter.”

Thomas looked at the elegant and flowing words on the album again, feeling somewhat fortunate, perhaps he had made a correct exception tonight.

Behind a door panel, in the room, Lucas was enduring tremendous pressure—

Coming from both Anson and Nora.

Lucas's iceberg face remained expressionless, his eyes lowered, maintaining his composure.

“The number of private rooms here is limited, and reservations are required in advance, and it may not even be possible to reserve a spot six months in advance. How do you think I managed to reserve a spot?”

Anson shrugged lightly, “The charm of Lucas Wood?”

Lucas, “Thank you for the compliment.”

Anson glared at Lucas speechlessly.

Lucas looked at Anson with a calm face, and then showed a mouthful of white teeth, like a hint of a smile.

Nora was concerned about something else, “How exactly did you do it? Did you directly give Anson's name?”

Lucas, “Yes.”

Then, Anson noticed Nora's curious gaze fixed on Lucas.

Anson couldn't help but laugh, “Mom?”

Nora waved her hand, refusing Anson, “Hey, little one, no one can stop me from being proud of my little son. He's no longer Mom's little baby, but Anson Wood. Please let me enjoy this moment, okay?”

Anson: … … Uh, can he leave first?

Lucas glanced over, noticing the helpless expression on Anson's face, and a hint of a smile flashed in his calm eyes.

Then, Lucas saw a similar look in Nora's eyes—

Understanding each other.

“Obviously, I was rejected at the beginning, which didn't surprise me.”

“In fact, I didn't have any hope, I just wanted to see if there were any last-minute cancellations and jump the queue, otherwise we would have had to go to 'The Cheesecake Factory' to celebrate Anson's achievement.”

“However, before hanging up the phone, I tried to grab a lifeline, so I threw out Anson's name and said that this was Anson's private party to celebrate the Cannes Palme d'Or, asking if there were any private rooms available.”

“I know that when people appreciate magic, they often exclaim in amazement; but after the magic is revealed, everything becomes boring.”

“Anson, I'm sorry, I know you don't like using your name to enjoy privileges, and you don't like throwing your name out casually.”

Nora also joined in teasing her little son, “Anson, don't be shy, you should be proud of yourself, your name has weight now, your grandfather knew it when he gave you this name.”

As she spoke, Nora paused slightly, seeming to be adjusting her choked voice, quickly blinking her eyes to hide her embarrassment.

Finally, Anson spoke, “It's pretty good.”

Lucas: ? ? ?

Nora: ? ? ?

Things shouldn't be like this, right?

Anson's face was calm, “Since using my name can enjoy privileges, why not?”

“Lucas, thank you for reminding me, it seems I don't have to queue in the future.”

Lucas blinked his eyes, “Anson… … ”

From the European street performances to the film festival and then the low-key return to New York alone, it could be seen from all aspects that Anson was trying to be down-to-earth.

The success of "Spider-Man" and "Catch Me If You Can" happened too quickly and too fiercely, suddenly pushing Anson into the vortex of fame and fortune, and he needed to adjust his center of gravity and rhythm to regain his focus—

Otherwise, a little carelessness would lead to getting lost in the dazzling world of fame and fortune, and the next step would be alcohol, weed, and even worse things.

So, Anson has been doing subtraction.

Of course, Lucas knew this.

But Lucas hoped that Anson would not carry so much burden, could relax as much as possible, enjoy his youth, enjoy his acting life, be more willful, be more unrestrained; if he was unhappy, he could turn around and leave at any time, without having to force himself.

Just now, Lucas noticed Nora's little mischievous thoughts, so he followed the trend, just hoping to tease Anson.

Now, Anson's reaction was obviously not what Lucas and Nora expected.

Instantly, Lucas became nervous.

Looking at Lucas's stuttering appearance, Anson originally wanted to continue pretending, but in the end, he couldn't help but break down.

“Hahaha, Lucas, you should look at your expression now.”

“Mom, you too.”

“Haha, hahaha.”

Unrestrained, bursting into laughter, Anson's face completely bloomed.

Lucas and Nora exchanged a look, and the two of them laughed together. Sure enough, this was the Anson they were familiar with—

The devil is one foot tall, the road is ten feet high. In the competition of mischief, the Wood family's little son was still one step ahead, immediately fooling his mother and brother.

Nora shook her head lightly, quickly passing the blame, “Lucas, you can't do it, you exposed yourself right away.”

Lucas: ? ? ?

Lucas was about to argue, but looking at Nora, and then looking at Anson, he finally quieted down.