From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Annie couldn't quite articulate the feeling, a complex blend of anticipation and anxiety that defied simple description.

Moreover, Annie was worried about Michael.

Michael's recent situation wasn't good; he was in a confidence slump, lacking hope for life and the future, desperately needing a breakthrough, a turning point to ignite his aspirations.

But deep down, Annie couldn't help but feel a secret anticipation because of Thomas's wild guesses, even though she knew she shouldn't. This wasn't about her, but about Michael, yet she couldn't suppress it.

Finally, Annie took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and looked at Michael.

"Do you want to know the truth?"

In the end, Annie still hid her own feelings, entrusting the decision to the person involved—

This was Michael's matter, and she should prioritize his feelings.

Michael didn't speak, his gaze on Annie clouded with hesitation.

Though he didn't say it, the answer was obvious. However, Michael was also concerned about Annie, so he didn't dare to readily express his thoughts.

Beside them, Thomas rolled his eyes.

"Oh, God, you two."

"Things aren't that complicated. You shouldn't think so highly of yourselves. It's just an Anson Wood, not Leonardo DiCaprio."

This remark drew gazes from all directions.

Thomas, however, wasn't nervous at all. "What? I don't care about any Anson Wood. Do you have a problem with that?"

After a pause, the gazes all returned.

Thomas spread his hands. "See? He's not that important."

Annie chuckled, the nervousness and shyness melting away. No longer agonizing, she reached into her pocket for her phone.

"I'll call him now…"

Michael was startled. "Here? What are you thinking? Are you trying to expose yourself?"

As he spoke, Michael shielded Annie protectively, quickly leading her out of the gallery.

Thomas grumbled under his breath, "Anson probably doesn't have this much security," but he quickly followed, blocking any potential gazes directed at Annie.

…

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

The phone's vibration broke the silence in the room once more.

Anson paused slightly. "Lucas, you should turn off your phone for a while, let them rest too. At least, mealtime shouldn't be work time."

Clearly, Lucas was exceptionally busy, his phone not stopping all evening—

It was impolite at the table, especially with fine French cuisine.

Lucas didn't argue. He silently picked up his phone, glanced at it, and then looked around. "Anson, it's your call."

Anson: …

Anson put down his knife and fork, picked up his phone, and saw that it really was ringing.

Anson looked up and shook his head gently. "I guess you shouldn't be cocky."

Lucas looked at Anson helplessly, a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Anson answered the phone. "Hey, Annie, good evening."

After a brief exchange, Anson sensed Annie's slight hesitation and took the initiative to ask, "Could it be that 'The Princess Diaries 2' is delayed again, and the director asked you to inquire about my schedule?"

Annie chuckled at the jest and played along. "Accurate intuition. So, may I ask, is Mr. Wood available?"

"Yes. Of course, I am. Since you asked, I naturally have to agree."

The segue was a bit abrupt, and Annie regretted it as soon as she said it, but seeing Thomas's frustrated face, Annie glared back in annoyance.

Anson chuckled. "Ah, it seems news travels fast." Although this was the strategy, the publicity effect seemed higher than expected. "Are you also interested in the art exhibition?"

Annie didn't expect this response at all. "No, it's not like that. I just wanted to ask…" How should she start? "Why did you suddenly think of buying a painting?"

Directly ahead, Thomas put his index and middle fingers together, pointed them at his temple, mimed pulling a trigger with his thumb, and then stuck out his tongue.

Annie didn't have time to respond, as Anson's smiling voice came from the phone.

"Because I liked it."

Annie couldn't help but be stunned, a surge of joy washing over her. "Because you liked it?"

"Yes, because I liked it. I thought it would be perfect for my apartment in New York."

"Oh, God," Annie clutched her chest.

Anson was puzzled. "Is that something worth invoking God for?"

The next second, a cheer came from the phone's earpiece—

Ah ah ah, ah ah ah.

Anson blinked. Lucas and Nora both looked over, but Anson spread his hands, indicating he didn't know what was going on.

Annie, "Anson, Anson! May I ask, whose work did you purchase?"

Anson frowned slightly, vaguely sensing something amiss. Things didn't seem quite right, but he still answered, "Sebastian Ursino, a new generation creator, but I suspect it's a pseudonym, from Shakespeare."

Vaguely, a guess was about to come out.

Annie immediately confirmed the guess. "Yes, that's Michael Hathaway, my brother."

Anson didn't hide his surprise—

Such a coincidence?

Annie, "This is the first piece Michael has sold. He can hardly believe it; when we learned the buyer was you, it was even more insane."

"Wow," Anson exclaimed directly. "It seems the New York art scene really is a small circle; but it's an excellent piece, even if it wasn't me, I believe it was only a matter of time before it was discovered by other collectors."

Annie, "That may be so, but you're still the one who broke the deadlock. Oh, God, sorry, Anson, Michael wants to thank you in person, is that okay?"

"Of course," Anson wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"Ahem, Anson… Mr. Wood," Michael's voice came.

"Please call me Anson, otherwise, our relationship might be a little awkward the next time I meet Annie."

"Haha, Anson, thank you, I mean, thank you, this is really important to me, very much," Michael tried to find the right words, but found his brain blank, like an idiot, "Thank you."

Anson didn't decline because he himself was an actor, and he understood the difficulty of waiting for a glimmer of hope in the art circle. When that moment finally arrived, words were simply not enough to express one's joy.

Just like Hayden Christensen learning that he had landed the role in "Star Wars Prequels," just like when he learned he had landed the role in "Spider-Man."

Those moments were still vivid and lifelike, but already felt like a lifetime ago.

"My pleasure," Anson said, "I look forward to more of your work in the future. You have talent and touch, you should trust your instincts."

Simple words, but for those who are struggling to pursue a vague dream in the darkness, it is like a ray of dawn.

Easily, Michael was hit hard, his vision blurred, he took several deep breaths trying to control himself, but obviously, it was not an easy thing, he quickly looked up at the sky in embarrassment and laughed heartily.