1548-1550

Chapter 1548: Lost in the Moment 

For a whole year, Gloria had been looking forward to Spider-Man 2 coming out, and she was sure she wasn't the only one – Blair and their other friends felt the exact same way. 

But when the premiere actually arrived, they gave up their chance to be among the first to go inside Radio City Music Hall and watch it. They stayed outside instead. Because they knew that even though being the first to see and enjoy the movie was important, they had something even more important, something crucial, they needed to do. Anson needed them to stand together and push back against industry giants like Sony Columbia, and not just for the sake of one movie. 

So, they didn't go inside. 

When the premiere ended, they and their group of friends all stayed outside Radio City Music Hall, continuing to hype up the movie and Anson. The white balloons, which had originally been limited to Rockefeller Center, were now being passed along by the crowd, spreading into every corner of Manhattan and even further across New York. At the same time, they were trying to get their impressions, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and highlights from the premiere onto online forums using photos, comments, diary entries, and so on. For the past six months, thousands upon thousands of people had connected online, eagerly anticipating the release of Spider-Man 2 and wanting to be a part of the premiere; now that the premiere was finally over, they were giving immediate feedback and sharing all the details. 

One person told ten, ten people told a hundred. This massive wave of enthusiasm was spreading from New York, radiating across the entire North American continent and even the whole world. It was building atmosphere and public opinion quietly, preparing for the storm to come, even before the official news reports were out. 

Anyway, they could watch the movie anytime. They weren't craving the novelty of seeing it first. Compared to experiencing the movie's brilliance right away, they had a more important and difficult task. So, they didn't hesitate to give up their chance to go into Radio City Music Hall; they actively let others have the opportunity. They had done everything they could think of, everything they should do, giving it their absolute best. 

The rest was up to Spider-Man 2. After all, their capabilities were limited, and the effect that market publicity and marketing promotion could have was, ultimately, limited. 

And now, the screening was finally over! 

From all the signs, the movie was a success; and not just a success, but a huge success. 

Gloria turned to look at Blair, her heart pounding, blood boiling, barely managing to control the urge to scream. But then she saw Karen, who hadn't managed to hold it in at all, was already in tears, lifting her hands to wipe them away, but they just wouldn't stop. This made Gloria's eyes well up a little too. 

Blair hadn't said a word, countless thoughts and emotions swirling in her mind, unable to make a sound. They believed in Anson, and that belief had never changed, never wavered. Even if Spider-Man 2 had underperformed, or even failed at the box office, they still wouldn't leave. But they sincerely, genuinely wanted people to see Anson, to see that he was so much more than just a pretty face. They believed Anson deserved better recognition and praise, they believed Anson deserved a thank you and proper treatment from Sony Columbia. 

Belief was one thing, but the hidden anxiety and nervousness deep down were always there. Until now, when that huge stone finally dropped. 

Gloria took a deep breath, putting on a smile. "See? I told you, that's Anson..." But her voice choked up, she couldn't continue. She wiped her cheek, looking at her hands covered in tears with a bewildered, teary-eyed expression, as if asking, "Where did these tears even come from?" 

It was Elaine who was the most open about it. Without any warning, Elaine let out a weird whoop. "Woo-hoo!" 

Swish swish swish. 

All eyes turned to Elaine. Elaine stared back defiantly, her face completely open. "Should we all just hug each other here and bawl our eyes out?" "We should cheer, we should celebrate! Did you see that, damn Sony Columbia? F**k..." 

Seeing Elaine about to start swearing, Blair quickly stepped in, stopping her. "Celebrate. Celebrate! All of us!" "Oh oh oh..." Blair quickly signaled to the others with her eyes. One by one, they started cheering too. Elaine, even more unrestrained, simply threw her hands up high, spinning and dancing around in place. 

Gloria and the others looked at each other, finally unable to control themselves anymore, completely letting go of their burdens, and joining in the celebration. 

Ah! Ah ah ah! 

As soon as the sound came out, the adrenaline in their minds completely exploded. As their eyes met, the corners of their mouths turned up completely, and they started shouting and cheering without any more hesitation. Ah ah ah! 

A carnival that had started in the morning, centered at Rockefeller Center, was now continuously radiating outwards, the layers of ripples creating huge waves. 

At this moment, the office workers who were finally leaving Rockefeller Center after a full day's work saw the scene before them. They couldn't help but stop, looking over with faces full of envy. 

From the inside out, and then from the outside in, the surging wave of excitement completely surrounded Radio City Music Hall, filling every corner, missing no detail. And it finally reached its climax when the entire Spider-Man 2 cast and crew came out onto the stage – especially at a certain moment, when Anson stood under the spotlight again. The fourth wall made by the big screen was broken; Peter Parker had come into reality. 

They couldn't control themselves anymore. They just wanted to tell Peter Parker, to tell him personally, that he wasn't alone, that no matter what happened, they would always stand behind him. That he wasn't just a symbol, a label, a costume, but a real role model and idol living in their lives, lighting the path to justice and dreams, guiding those who were lost forward. 

And then, the call came. 

"Anson." 

Nobody knew where the first shout came from, but without any hesitation or pause, it instantly connected, turning into a unified roar from the entire crowd. 

Again, and again. 

"Anson!" 

The whole place was vibrating with emotion, erupting like a giant wave splitting rock. 

The booming sound broke through Radio City Music Hall and spread outwards. Gloria and her friends looked at each other, no longer able to control their excitement, shouting with all their might. 

Anson Wood is Peter Parker. Peter Parker is Anson Wood. 

If the first film in the series was an introduction, the second was an analysis. Anson, with his subtle and detailed performance, gave Peter a soul, truly making the character flesh and blood. He was no longer just a screen image, no longer a legendary figure high up on a pedestal, but a real person who might just swing from buildings and save the world the next second. 

Maybe in twenty years, superheroes will just be theme park play-acting, having lost their meaning long ago. But here and now, in 2004, superheroes still carried hope and dreams. Just like Aunt May said in the movie, kids like Henry's children looked up to superheroes as role models, believing in dreams and justice because of their existence. 

In a way, Spider-Man was truly the first superhero on the big screen after the millennium that served as an "enlightenment," lighting the dawn of dreams. 

Spider-Man 2 played the role of the torch. 

And so. 

Again, and again, the whole world roared. 

Chapter 1549: Adoration 

"Anson! Anson! Anson!" 

Mighty and fervent, the entire hall roared. 

Even the cast and crew were no exception. Kirsten was the first to shout loudly, joining the surging heatwave. 

Because she had personally experienced the turmoil of last summer, and was involved due to her connection with Jake Gyllenhaal, she had gone through a rollercoaster of emotions, experiencing the tug-of-war of conscience, the test of the fame game, and the cruelty of the real world. Her feelings were deeper and more complex than anyone else's. 

At this moment, seeing Anson standing on stage again, bathed in the cheers of the entire hall, Kirsten was filled with emotion. 

She shouted with all her might, letting out all her emotions. 

James Franco was slightly surprised. 

He knew he should cheer for Anson. He knew his own career was soaring and there was absolutely no need to envy Anson. He knew the scene before him wasn't that simple. 

But... a hint of bitterness still tinged his tongue. 

In the movie, Harry's scenes were almost entirely cut, turning the whole film completely into Peter's solo performance. Outside the movie, they were still just supporting players. On top of that, they were witnessing the movie premiere turn into a concert, with the entire hall cheering one person's name in unison. 

"Anson!" 

"Anson!" 

Again, and again, and again. The entire hall roared, blood boiling, as if standing at the center of the world, but there was no room for anyone else in the spotlight. 

Adoration! 

This kind of honor, this level of treatment, wasn't something even peak Tom Cruise or Leonardo DiCaprio had ever received. 

Moreover, James knew Anson was in a standoff with Sony Columbia, negotiating his salary. Everything happening now was part of building leverage. 

But what about them? 

Clearly, Sony Columbia wasn't worried about the salaries of the supporting actors, or even the director, for now. Anson, Anson, Anson – it was all about Anson. 

No, no, no, he shouldn't dwell on it, he shouldn't judge others' intentions with such petty thoughts. 

Taking a deep breath, James pulled his wavering thoughts back. He turned to look at Anson, who was standing in the middle of the crowd looking completely bewildered. Clearly, Anson didn't understand what was happening either. This put James in a mischievous mood. He flashed a big smile, blew a whistle, and started hyping the crowd up. 

"Woo! Woohoo!" 

James even raised his hands, fanning the flames of the atmosphere, trying to get the audience to cheer louder, even louder. Kirsten and the others were all laughing together, one by one joining in the hype. Even Sam Raimi was no exception. 

The fervor was prolonged, endless. 

This scene was truly unbelievable— 

The "Spider-Man 2" premiere was, in every way, turning into Anson's solo show. Standing in the VIP seating area, Michael Lynton could barely manage a smile. 

You have to understand, smiling was Michael's trademark. No matter what happened, he never lost his smile; it was like a mask welded to his face. 

But now, his lips were just slightly curved upwards, and there was absolutely no amusement in that curve. The icy coldness in his eyes subtly revealed a hint of malice. His remaining rationality controlled his body, preventing him from showing weakness in front of Amy Pascal, preventing him from handing his vulnerability directly to a competitor. 

Damn it! 

Each clap, each cheer, each whistle felt like a slap across Michael's face, a relentless storm, giving him no room to breathe. He even forgot the pain; there was only humiliation and rage burning fiercely in his chest. 

James Franco. Sam Raimi. Kirsten Dunst. They were doing this on purpose, showing their support for Anson in this manner, even using the audience as an excuse to make their voices heard under the cover of the public frenzy, pushing Sony Columbia into an awkward position. 

Michael believed he was prepared, that he had a handle on everything. However, what was happening right now was completely out of his control. 

"This is good," Michael's rational mind remained clear. The success of "Spider-Man 2" was good for Sony Columbia, and he should genuinely feel happy for the film. 

But! 

The success of the movie was one thing; the success of the actor was another entirely. 

What Sony Columbia wanted to see was "Spider-Man 2" exploding at the box office, not Anson reigning like a king, accepting everyone's adoration. 

When Anson's presence overshadowed Peter Parker, overshadowed "Spider-Man 2," that was absolutely not good news for Sony Columbia. 

And everything happening right now, with seven thousand people in the hall passionately bowing down, willingly submitting and enthusiastically showering him with praise – Anson, bathed in the spotlight, seemed to have firmly taken control, stepping all over Sony Columbia. 

This was not good. 

Surrounded by the thunderous applause and triumphant cheers, it was truly difficult for reason to resist the surge of emotion. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Amy Pascal putting her fingers to her mouth and whistling, a smile blooming at the corners of her eyes. Her smug, triumphant look made Michael's chest tighten. 

"The outcome isn't decided yet." Michael barely managed to pull the reins back on his rationality. This was just the premiere's spectacle. There were still many, many factors that could change how things played out next. 

Whether it was Anson or Amy, if they let themselves be blinded by the current scene and got carried away, that would prove their short-sightedness. 

The one who laughs last is the true winner. 

A smile was forced onto his face. The rage in his chest was completely out of control and rampaging, but in the end, Michael straightened his back and clapped, offering applause with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. The light in his eyes completely settled, becoming more reserved, more profound. All his emotions vanished entirely. 

It had been a full twelve minutes since the movie ended. From the end credits to the cast and crew taking the stage, the thunderous applause and cheers in the hall still seemed endless. 

Twelve minutes! 

This kind of reception had long surpassed what was typical for a summer blockbuster. Even at an event known for audience enthusiasm like the Toronto Film Festival, only a handful of truly outstanding films received twelve minutes of standing applause from the entire hall. And this was a commercial movie premiere? 

In Hollywood's summer blockbuster season, it was simply unheard of! 

But right now, the cheers and applause were still climbing. That endlessly erupting fervor seemed ready to turn the Radio City Music Hall to ashes. 

"Anson!" 

"Anson!" 

Finally, Anson, standing under the spotlight and surrounded by the surging heatwave, took a step forward. He raised his hands, gently pushing them down, trying to calm things down. 

The first time, it didn't work. Anson's movement only made the crowd even more frantic, even more passionate. The roaring waves of sound almost made his ears lose their hearing. 

The world started spinning. 

A full smile spread across Anson's face, but he didn't give up. He brought his hands down again, little by little, as if taming a wild horse. He even mouthed a silent "Whoa," which made the audience burst into laughter. In a cheerful atmosphere, the applause finally stopped. 

"Excuse me, apologies, but did our cast and crew come to the wrong place? We came to Radio City Music Hall for an event, but accidentally stumbled into an August 31st band concert?" 

Chapter 1550: Full Circle 

Over the past twenty years, Radio City Music Hall had really become the ultimate venue for major concerts. Movie premieres didn't dare venture there easily. Events like the Grammys and Tony Awards even became symbols of this hallowed hall for a time, leaving a deep mark on popular culture. 

But tonight, Radio City Music Hall was going absolutely wild for a movie— A level of treatment that was completely unique. 

The applause and whistles started up again, truly turning the premiere into a concert. The Spider-Man 2 cast and crew were getting the superstar treatment. 

"I know, I know, you're all fascinated by me, there's no need to keep emphasizing it. Everyone knows I got my start here purely because of my good looks." 

Hahaha, the laughter was thunderous. 

"Considering I've only got looks and no talent, for the Q&A later, we'll still need to rely on the professionals in the cast and crew who have actual skills, not just pretty faces." 

"James, I'm counting on you for the rest." 

James: ??? 

The laughter simply couldn't stop. 

With Anson's casual teasing tossed off so easily, the whole atmosphere became incredibly lighthearted. The post-screening Q&A had turned into a mini-stand-up show. Even Sam Raimi, who was usually quite shy and introverted, wasn't an exception. 

When an audience member asked Sam for the courage behind his decision in a commercial film to focus the camera on the actor without background music, editing, or dialogue, even letting the emotions simmer and spread for over ten seconds – who gave him that kind of nerve? 

"Anson," Sam's answer was simple and direct. Then he changed tack slightly, "Can anyone really refuse that face? Just looking at it is pleasing to the eye." Amidst the laughter from the whole hall, Sam seemed completely comfortable, because what he was saying was true. "It wasn't just the looks; as an actor, Anson also gave me the confidence. His eyes were exactly what I wanted to capture with the camera. I believe the final effect shown in the movie perfectly proves my point." 

The entire hall erupted in thunderous applause, giving their affirmation through their actions. 

The laughter just kept going, making you completely forget the passage of time. 

The post-screening Q&A was only thirty minutes long, and it felt like it was over before you could even really enjoy it – unbelievable! For many audience members, this premiere started at ten in the morning and lasted until ten at night – a full twelve hours – but they didn't feel tired or bored at all. They were still immersed in the festive atmosphere, reluctant to leave, trying to keep the party going until they were utterly exhausted. A carnival is a carnival – it should be non-stop, all day and night! 

Truthfully, after the Q&A ended, some people were starting to feel worn out, especially the older film critics whose eyelids were practically giving up. But the continuous surge of adrenaline kept Radio City Music Hall in a party mood, pulling everyone into this storm. 

A thirty-minute Q&A felt far too short for the audience, especially compared to the grand scale of the premiere earlier today. Didn't it feel a bit anticlimactic, like a strong start that fizzled out at the end? Is that it? Is that how it was going to end? 

Amidst the murmurs of regret and reluctant sighs throughout the hall, Anson seemed to have anticipated this. He took the microphone again: 

There's one final special activity to cap off the premiere today. 

Swish swish swish! 

In that instant, all attention in the hall zeroed in. You could even hear the surprised sighs of a few film critics, which made everyone else burst into laughter. Anson, too, joked, "Relax, relax, we have no intention of holding this many hostages." 

For safety reasons, Radio City Music Hall has over fifty safety exits to prevent issues with crowd evacuation in case of an emergency. Conveniently, the Spider-Man 2 crew fully utilized this structure and designed the premiere's final activity around it. 

The crew had arranged special activities at eight exits. As each audience member left, they could choose a numbered wristband based on their personal preference and then head to the designated exit for the special activity. What the specific activities were would remain a secret. Once you chose, there were no regrets. 

Of course, if someone didn't want to participate and just wanted to leave Radio City Music Hall early to end their long day, the crew was prepared for that too. Other exits were open for audience members to leave on their own and disperse promptly. After all, a full day's premiere was a demanding test of both mental and physical stamina, and the final special activity might involve a long line. If someone wanted to leave quickly, like critics, reporters, or guests, that was completely understandable. 

"Trust me, I know the fatigue after a full day of partying and revelry. Right now, you might just want to lie on the couch and not move. If anyone wants to do that, you can leave now. We won't detain you any further." 

Laughter! The entire hall erupted in laughter and applause that just wouldn't stop. Clearly, the crew had underestimated the audience's enthusiasm. 

Initially, some critics and reporters were ready to head out. The movie was over, work was done, and they really just didn't want to stay any longer. But now, Anson's teasing remark and the mysterious special activity had suddenly become intriguing again. Some people just couldn't bring themselves to leave. If even seasoned professionals like critics and reporters were affected, let alone the other enthusiastic movie fans? 

Radio City Music Hall suddenly started bubbling with excitement again, chattering discussions exploding everywhere. The media were talking among themselves too. "Today's premiere is epic, historical." "So, what exactly is in these special activities?" "They still have tricks up their sleeve for the follow-up activities," and so on. 

Nicholas turned around and could see the few "little tails" who had been following him all day. The excitement and eagerness in their eyes were impossible to hide. Nicholas couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Thinking about it seriously, he completely understood, because even he had been amazed again and again today. 

Nicholas immediately understood the crew's intention: Choice. The special activity brought the premiere full circle, echoing the movie's theme once again – that each choice leads to a completely different outcome in life. It seemed easy to point fingers when you were an outsider, but only when you were in the thick of it could you understand that everyone is trapped by their own perspective. Precisely because of that, the growth that came after trials and hardships felt exceptionally precious. 

Thinking it over, Nicholas told the group of young people behind him, "Let's go check it out together too. The article can wait." 

"Oh yeah!" The young people cheered with arms raised, incredibly excited. 

It wasn't just the regular audience; the curiosity of the critics and media reporters was piqued as well. They couldn't help but wonder how the crew had arranged these activities. Eight choices, and surprises might be hidden inside. The problem was, they racked their brains but still couldn't guess what the surprising content would be. One by one, they started rubbing their hands together, a shot in the arm for their listless, tired spirits, making them unbelievably excited again. Even their steps became light once more. 

Once again, Anson had managed to make these seasoned professionals feel something new and surprising. That was clearly not an easy feat. And yet, in just one day, Anson had done it for the third time.