1600-1602

*Chapter 1600: Different Paths, Different Ends*

Companies have their own characteristics. Some companies lean towards innovation and risk, while others lean towards stability and safety.

It's the same for talent agencies.

Clearly, William Morris tends towards order. They see themselves as inheritors of tradition, striving to maintain industry rules, including the outdated seniority system.

So, Edgar had stirred up trouble, and a significant amount of trouble at that.

"At the same time, I'm trying to break free from the 'Spider-Man' series. Regardless of whose decision this is, in Brian's eyes, I should be trying my utmost to continue the partnership, even if you wanted to leave, I should use every trick in the book to persuade you to keep signing, especially when Sony Columbia hopes to make the third and fourth films back-to-back."

"Leaving 'Spider-Man' is equivalent to abandoning a gold mine."

"Perhaps this aligns with your interests, but it doesn't align with William Morris's interests."

"So, in Brian's new proposal to you, it included '007' James Bond, another film series. One signing could mean three to five films."

"Now is your peak, your most profitable time. Rather than considering your development over the next decade and your acting career, he believes we should seize the opportunity to secure William Morris's 10% profit share and stand as equal rivals to Creative Artists Agency. We shouldn't waste the opportunity."

"On the contrary, we should pursue the maximization of profits."

"However, I am deviating from the agency's path of interests."

The clues were actually there all along. Slowly sorting them out, the entire situation became clear.

Originally, Edgar was answering Anson's questions, but gradually, Edgar delved into his own thoughts, connecting the whole story and its sequence of events.

Now, it was Edgar himself who became excited and absorbed, looking up at Anson, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Woah. At William Morris, I look like a villain."

That self-mocking jest made Anson laugh outright, nodding slightly. "I think so too, and a supervillain at that."

Edgar pondered it carefully for a moment, nodding slightly. "The more I think about it, the more it's true. I must be a scoundrel."

"And, this still isn't everything."

"On another note, I'm getting stronger and stronger. There's no shortage of open attacks and covert stabs within William Morris, but I've countered every single one head-on."

"In their eyes, my arrogance and conceit are growing, I'm seeing no one else."

"At William Morris, seniority is the most important thing. I've been with the company for less than six years in total. I spent three years in the mailroom and then became a junior agent. I was the fastest among my peers to become regular staff. And after that, my first signed actor was Anson Wood, and in three years, he's already at the top of the industry."

"You probably don't know this, but so far this year, at least 50% of William Morris's revenue has been brought in by me. Yes, you didn't mishear. Your value alone accounts for half of William Morris's profits. Forget Brian, there isn't an agent in the company now who can keep me down."

"I bet they've had issues with me for more than just a day or two. Inside the company, my enemies could probably form a line."

Anson shrugged slightly. "They say your success in Hollywood should be judged by the number of your enemies, so is that true?"

Edgar understood instantly, giving Anson a smile. "Are you comforting me?"

Anson countered, "If it's seen through, does comforting still work?"

Edgar laughed outright. "Haha, yes, it still does."

His mood instantly brightened.

Edgar continued, "The key point is, they believe I am disrupting the order of William Morris, both the industry rules and the internal order."

"For public and private reasons, they need to get rid of me."

"Just one Anson Wood is not only changing Hollywood rules but also changing the internal structure of a talent agency."

"If I were playing the role of a qualified agent, I should be controlling you; but the problem now is, I haven't controlled you, I'm even being led around by the nose by you. In William Morris's view, this is a mistake."

"But obviously, they can't give up Anson Wood. No one can give up Anson Wood. Only an idiot would just watch helplessly as Anson Wood walks away."

"So, they are simultaneously sniping at our renewal with Sony Columbia from behind and preparing to win you over to kick me out and regain control of the situation."

"Killing multiple birds with one stone."

Pausing, Edgar looked at Anson. "Do you think Sony Columbia is pushing this? After all, what they need is an Anson who can be controlled, not an Anson who makes Sony Columbia make money for them?"

Slowly, the thinking finally became clear.

Edgar had never anticipated this scene because he truly lacked experience. But after calming down and organizing his thoughts, things connected.

Personal grudges? Not enough weight. In a company like William Morris, interests are key. The root of the current situation is that he affected some people's interests, which is why Brian personally stepped forward.

As long as they snatch Anson away, Edgar will have nothing, falling from heaven to hell overnight.

"Hah, even from my perspective, I have to be removed. I'm a black sheep, because of me alone, the interests of the entire company, from top to bottom, are being harmed. The company truly can't tolerate me anymore."

After finishing the entire analysis, Edgar couldn't help but sigh with emotion, a slight smile lifting on his face.

Things were clearing up little by little.

Clearly, freezing is not a one-day cold; the storm had already been brewing for a long time, but Edgar hadn't noticed it at all.

For this, he blamed himself.

Taking a deep breath, Edgar looked up, and then he saw the slight smile in Anson's eyes.

Edgar was confused. "What?"

Anson chuckled outright. "No, it was just for a brief moment, I thought that Anson Wood was someone else, a tool, a bargaining chip, a condition in the game. It gave me a deeper understanding of the Hollywood vanity fair."

Edgar could tell instantly that Anson was joking. "So that's why we're trying our utmost to break free from control, attempting to gain the initiative."

In William Morris's eyes, Edgar was losing control; but in reality, Edgar was attempting to carve out a completely new path for agents—

Indeed, they were all chess pieces, pieces held in the hands of capital. Not just Edgar, but Brian as well. So they were both trying to break free from the control of capital, to gain their own initiative.

The difference was, Brian's way was to cater to the William Morris system, becoming a partner in the traditional way, standing at the top of the pyramid. While Edgar was trying to break this framework, to stand opposite the film studios in a completely new way, negotiating collaboration as equals.

Different paths, same ultimate goal?

Unfortunately, not everyone can accurately distinguish between friend and foe. On the road ahead, countless disagreements can arise, ultimately leading them down different paths.

Just as it appears now, Brian might be collaborating with Sony Columbia, preparing to eliminate Edgar and pull Anson back into the traditional power structure.

In Edgar's view, this was the wrong choice. Not only was it not moving forward, but it was falling into capital's trap and handing back their initiative.

Different paths, different destinies.

***

*Chapter 1601: Rock Solid*

Different paths, no common ground.

Actually, Edgar had vaguely sensed this over the past few months – his work philosophies were starting to diverge from William Morris's.

But then again, Edgar hadn't been a formal agent for long; his mindset was still rooted in the traditional system. Plus, he had been constantly busy over the past year, with his daily schedule packed, so much so that he had no time to stop and think seriously. The momentum of life kept pushing him forward, so the alarms hidden in the details of daily life never went off.

Until now.

Maybe this crisis is a turning point after all.

A swirl of chaotic, jumbled thoughts flooded his mind, a huge amount of information. Edgar took a deep breath; he needed to think seriously.

His mind briefly drifted, but quickly snapped back. Then Edgar saw Anson studying him closely, his gaze focused and serious.

Edgar was confused and gave him a look.

Anson's face was full of curiosity. "Captain, are you really that arrogant and look down on everyone at the company? Do you look down on people through your nose?"

Edgar spread his hands. "Indeed, I walk with a swagger, radiating my own aura. Everyone looks at me with adoration. I'm the talk of the town."

After a bit of self-mockery, Edgar looked helplessly at Anson. "Hey, this was all for you, and in the end, your reaction is just to watch the drama unfold?"

Anson remained unfazed. "Captain, haven't you heard a saying?"

Edgar: ?

Anson: "Never trust a man."

Edgar: ...

Anson burst into hearty laughter. "Haha, Captain, you really should see your face right now. God, that's hilarious."

Edgar looked completely helpless, took a deep breath, and finally, he couldn't help himself. His lips twitched slightly, and he helplessly spread his hands. "Okay, I have to admit, that's pretty funny."

"But."

"Anson, seriously, how did you respond?"

Anson could sense the tension in Edgar's words. He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Captain, you're not really worried, are you?"

Edgar nodded. "Yes."

"I know I should be confident. We've always worked well together, and I've worked hard with you to outline our future. Even if I don't believe in myself, I should believe in your wisdom and composure. Just like it wasn't easy for me to convince you back then, Brian faces a similar challenge."

"See, I get all that."

"But I'm still worried."

"Anson, I won't deny it, the $50 million salary for 'Spider-Man 3' doesn't worry me. But adding 007 and Martin Scorsese into the mix? That's a different story."

"You should know I've been trying hard to get you into 'The Aviator' cast, to work with Martin Scorsese, but he chose Leonardo. And now, Brian actually has a chance to let you jump the queue. Not only working with Martin, but with Warner Bros. too."

"I have no advantage."

"Maybe give me another two years, and I could build the kind of network and resources Brian has now, and really show what I can do. But right now, I don't have Brian's leverage. If I keep being confident, that would be blind and foolish."

Open and sincere.

Edgar didn't hide his anxiety and vulnerability because he knew Anson—

Sincerity for sincerity.

If you try to use lies and schemes against Anson, the response you get will be lies and schemes in return. Edgar believed that even Brian couldn't easily fool Anson.

So, Edgar was completely honest. "If you choose Brian, I'm completely defenseless."

This was the honest truth.

In terms of connections and resources, and in terms of ability and status, Edgar, this fledgling agent who's only been official for three years, simply couldn't compete with Brian. Any advantages Edgar had now, all came from Anson—

This was Edgar's only lifeline.

Reality was that cruel.

No wonder Brian could completely ignore Edgar, as if he was just walking into his own backyard. He boldly intercepted Anson halfway and brazenly tried to poach him.

Without any regard for him.

Anson didn't interrupt Edgar. He listened carefully the whole time.

Until Edgar had finished speaking.

"Captain, you can continue to be confident," Anson said.

Edgar was stunned for a moment, gasped, and stared at Anson with wide eyes.

Even though Anson had never hesitated or wavered, even though Brian's offer hadn't moved Anson at all, and even though Anson believed Edgar should have confidence.

But Anson understood. This was Hollywood, and interests came first. Even friendship and trust were fragile. Nothing could be taken for granted.

So, Anson was completely open, without playing games.

Anson shrugged lightly. "Captain, I'm a super troublesome partner. I have countless demands, and weird ideas. I have a strange confidence and stubborn beliefs. I don't think many agents in Hollywood could put up with me."

"Plus, I don't need an agent to sell me, because I know my own direction and goals. You create opportunities for me, I'll seize them myself. If you can't create opportunities, I'll create them myself."

"For me, I need a like-minded partner, not an interference micromanaging my career, an idiot who thinks they're smart but is actually incredibly foolish,"

"You can be confident because when I was worth nothing, you were willing to tolerate my temper and arrogance, and you've stayed consistent all these years."

"For me, changing agents isn't on the agenda. As long as you don't give me a reason to put it on the agenda, I'm willing to continue."

Edgar's breath caught in his throat; he couldn't make a sound for a moment. He just stared blankly at Anson. His brain had stopped working.

Anson studied Edgar closely. A hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.

"God, Captain, are you crying?"

Joking aside, Anson quickly sat up anyway. Rummaging under the coffee table, things clattered to the floor. He finally found tissues, pulled out a few sheets, and handed them over.

Looking at Edgar's reddened eyes, Anson couldn't help himself. "Haha, Captain, I've never seen you look so flustered. That's hilarious. Hahaha."

Edgar looked at Anson, who was laughing heartily without a care in the world. Strangely, his awkwardness and distress quietly faded away. He rubbed his eyes hard.

"Of course, why not? My job, my career, my life are all hanging by a thread, and I found that my arsenal wasn't as full as I'd imagined. I tried to resist, but found that everything before me was just an ant trying to shake a tree. My only hope is the arrogant and conceited Hollywood actor right in front of me. Even a crocodile would have to squeeze out a couple of tears. If necessary, I can even fake cry a couple of times without tears."

What answered him was Anson's laughter, hearty and unrestrained laughter.

Anson was already very tired to begin with. He could barely keep his eyes open. His heavy eyelids had a faint sting. Now that he was laughing, his slightly reddened eyes even became moist.

The difference was that Anson's was purely a physical reaction, but what was going on with Edgar was anyone's guess.

Anson wiped his moist eyes and showed Edgar the moisture on his fingertip. "Well, now I'm just as much of a mess. We're both crazy. Hahaha."

*Chapter 1602: Not Working Together*

Giggling and laughing heartily.

Finally getting himself under control, Anson looked at Edgar, who was a mess, shaking his head repeatedly with a look of disappointment, pointing at him with his index finger from a distance.

"Captain, even putting all that aside, imagine this: William Morris has been allowing malicious competition and then secretly snatching my roles behind my back. Why would Brian think I'd be heartless and turn around to work with him, completely unbothered?"

"Working with a collaborator like that is like playing with fire. Once this (wave of popularity) passes, he'll have made enough money, and it'll be incredibly easy for him to just turn around and ditch me."

"You should be able to see that, right? Even if I'm a brainless actor, I'm not that stupid, am I?"

Edgar raised his hands, looking completely helpless, "Yes, my fault."

He obediently admitted his mistake but still couldn't help protesting, "I had less than two hours to sort all this out, and my brain just couldn't keep up."

"What's more, after coming all this way, someone still wants to test me! For God's sake, I only have one brain!"

It was rare to see Edgar get flustered, and things seemed to be returning to their familiar track. A smile flickered in Anson's eyes, but on the surface, he deliberately twitched his lips, looking disdainful.

"So, you're blaming me now?"

Edgar looked at Anson, putting away his dissatisfaction and putting on a well-behaved, compliant look, "Sorry, Mr. Wood, please forgive my impudence."

Anson also lightly raised his chin, giving a haughty glance, "I'll consider it."

Then he saw Edgar's face completely fall, which made Anson burst into unrestrained laughter, tears actually streaming down his face again—

Turns out, he was really, really tired.

Pausing for a moment, Anson continued, despite his exhaustion, some things still needed to be sorted out.

"Captain, even if we continue to work together, I don't think we can stay at William Morris anymore."

"If your judgment is correct and we're affecting a big piece of the pie, today they tried to replace you and get me back in line, tomorrow they might come directly for me."

"It's easy to dodge an open spear, but hard to guard against a hidden arrow. I don't think William Morris is trustworthy."

Edgar was stunned—

If Brian knew that his scheming had backfired and made Anson want to leave, what kind of expression would that guy, who always seemed so calculating and confident, have?

Anson didn't get a response and called out, "Captain?"

Edgar snapped back to attention, "Right, you're correct. I was just thinking, Brian must have never expected things to develop like this. Ultimately, he still sees you as just a pretty face. He believed he could convince you based on benefits. He probably never thought you had your own ideas."

Anson's face was open and honest, "Even old foxes misjudge sometimes. He'll have to pay for his choices."

The excitement between Edgar's eyebrows showed through, "I can't wait to see his reaction."

Anson, however, didn't share that mischievous pleasure.

Regarding William Morris and Brian... he didn't have any genuine feelings, after all, he'd been signed with them for so many years but had never once been to the company headquarters. His impression of William Morris came entirely from Edgar, and all those backstabbing and conflicts were blocked by Edgar and didn't truly affect Anson, which is why he could always remain calm and objective.

Anson, "As for the next step, what are your thoughts? Planning to start your own agency, or join a completely new one?"

Edgar was quite surprised, "You don't mind if I start my own agency? A newly established agency in Hollywood has no leverage at all."

Anson, "I am the leverage."

One sentence, spoken lightly, yet it landed with significant weight.

Anson, "Besides, I understand why Lucas started Forest Pictures, so I naturally understand your idea of wanting to start your own agency, to seize control of your own destiny. So, if you're planning to start your own agency and use my name to attract some actors to join, I don't mind playing that role."

The corner of Edgar's mouth lifted slightly, "I don't think that's a good idea."

Anson shook his head, "Your mouth and expression are saying something else."

"Ha." Edgar burst out laughing, "You have to understand, going from a middle-aged man who could lose his job at any moment to becoming the boss of his own agency... I'm sorry, but that's something to be happy about. Even just imagining it fills me with anticipation."

"But..."

Edgar let out a long sigh.

"Now is not the right time."

"I know you don't need an agency's support. With your current popularity and fame, projects will naturally keep coming your way, just like you said. I can also use your name to attract other actors to join. I believe the new company wouldn't have trouble taking its first step."

"However, I still lack experience. Connections, resources, reputation, everything."

"After we leave William Morris, putting aside whether they'll retaliate or not, even if they don't, I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to secure more projects. I can't just sit in the office waiting for projects to come to us. I need to be proactive, find suitable projects for you, and open up possibilities."

"Don't look at how new film companies are established in Hollywood every year, but only a few dare to start talent agencies. The current structure of talent agencies is relatively stable; it's not just any new player who can gain a foothold."

"You are currently in your golden period. The next three to five years are crucial. Although starting our own agency is a huge temptation, I believe we should join an existing talent agency."

What Anson wanted to say was that Edgar didn't need to worry about movie projects because he knew his own goals and direction, and it wouldn't matter even if Edgar didn't go out looking for projects.

But the thought just circled in his mind and he swallowed it down, because he couldn't tell Edgar where he got those insights from.

Anson spread his hands, "I'm just telling you that I don't mind starting our own agency. Relying on a big tree has its advantages, and venturing out on our own has its corresponding freedom. For me, both are fine; but in this area, you are the professional, so I trust your judgment."

Complete and utter trust.

With Anson's current status and fame, he could have all of Hollywood. If someone were to let it be known that Anson was looking for a new agent, Edgar believed half of Hollywood would swarm in, and the other half would be hoping to profit from it.

However, Anson didn't.

Edgar took a deep breath, "Anson, thank you."

This time, it was Anson who was slightly taken aback.

Edgar, "I know that sounds too distant and formal, and you don't need any of that, but for me, it's important. A sincere thank you."

Anson had originally intended to tease him, but seeing Edgar's serious expression, he lightly raised his chin and looked intently into Edgar's eyes, "My pleasure."

After a brief pause, the curve of Anson's lips turned upwards, "Ten minutes must be well over now. Lucas is waiting upstairs, watching like a hawk. I need to rest. Honestly, my eyelids are practically glued shut."

Edgar nodded repeatedly, "Of course."

Edgar stood up and watched Anson drag his weary feet towards the second floor, immediately catching Lucas's condescending gaze from above.

Even though Lucas didn't say a word, Edgar could read the meaning in his eyes: Don't make Lucas regret not stopping Anson's decision tonight.