1121-1125

*Chapter 1121: A Head-on Clash*

Nicholas Flynn appeared visibly uninterested, unable to muster any enthusiasm.

To be honest, premieres are much the same—repetitive and devoid of novelty.

Last year, Catch Me If You Can achieved impressive results primarily because of Anson's flash mob stunt. It was not only fresh but also captivating and impactful—a one-of-a-kind spectacle that even Anson himself couldn’t replicate. After all, the same event might be novel once, but twice? It would become dull.

What’s more, Hollywood studios often lack creativity. Premieres follow the same templates, replicating and pasting the process ad infinitum.

So, Nicholas had zero interest in the premiere of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.

At its core, the truly fascinating part of a premiere is the people—actors, directors, producers, and screenwriters—they are the essence.

If he were forced to attend a premiere, Nicholas would much rather go to The Butterfly Effect.

In fact, this was the biggest headline of the night:

Master and Commander vs. The Butterfly Effect.

Russell Crowe vs. Anson Wood.

Los Angeles, the same day, at the same time, two movies, two premieres.

So, where to go?

Naturally, a top-tier publication like The New York Times wouldn’t need to pick one over the other. They could easily dispatch two teams to cover both events.

But there’s a difference.

Where does the senior journalist go? Which premiere gets the elite team? Where should the focus of the coverage lie?

While there’s no shortage of reporters, column space is limited, and resource allocation reflects PR strategies.

Judging from the promotional resources poured in by 20th Century Fox and New Line Cinema, Master and Commander was bound to dominate. Russell Crowe’s momentum was undeniable—arguably surpassing Anson’s.

To be precise, he was ahead.

With A Beautiful Mind and Gladiator, Russell had not only been nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars for two consecutive years but also walked away with a statuette. Both films grossed over $100 million at the North American box office, achieving both commercial and critical success.

Such achievements placed him far beyond Anson’s reach.

But in Nicholas’s view, this was precisely why he felt there was no need to attend the Master and Commander premiere. It would likely resemble the one for Gladiator—copy-pasting compliments, with pre-written news articles ready in the hotel room.

Moreover, all the major media outlets were sending their top reporters. 20th Century Fox had ensured the event was well-covered. Even Anson would have to step aside in the face of such capital-driven power.

So, his presence would neither add nor subtract anything. Why join the crowd?

However, Nicholas’s objection was overruled by the editor-in-chief.

Master and Commander.  

This was The New York Times’ priority coverage—not just for the holiday season but extending seamlessly into awards season. No one wanted to miss it.

And so,

Despite his reluctance, Nicholas trudged towards the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. But his mind lingered on The Butterfly Effect.

Tonight, Master and Commander had predictably taken the prime location, shining under the spotlight at the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Meanwhile, The Butterfly Effect had been relegated to the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills.

Over the past two months, New Line Cinema had twice disrupted the box office market, capturing audience attention with unconventional methods. This left Nicholas curious—what kind of spark could arise when New Line teamed up with Anson?

Even the choice of premiere venue offered some insight.

In Los Angeles, the Chinese Theatre, Kodak Theatre, and El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard are undoubtedly the crown jewels, hosting the grandest premieres every film aspires to have.

But let’s not forget—this is Los Angeles, the heart of Hollywood. The city is filled with unique and specialized theaters catering to diverse tastes.

It’s not just mega blockbusters that hold grand premieres. Niche films, indie productions, and even restored classics also host premieres, though on a smaller scale. Yet, they still carve out their own space in the City of Angels.

The Wilshire Theatre is a moderately famous venue for such events.

Located in Beverly Hills, it’s less than a ten-minute drive from the Chinese Theatre—or even walkable. Yet, stepping off Sunset Boulevard into Beverly Hills is like entering a different world.

No tourists. No street performers. And not the cliché of extravagant mansions either. Instead, you find yourself in the city’s beating heart, rich with life and the footprints of true cinephiles.

Opened in 1930, the Wilshire Theatre is renowned for its geometric patterns, symmetrical design, and luxurious decor. Beyond its function as a theater, the building itself is a cultural landmark of Los Angeles.

The Wilshire Theatre is celebrated for its embrace of art films and independent cinema. While everyone else rushes to the spotlight of Hollywood Boulevard, it quietly contributes to Hollywood’s cinematic legacy.

Frequented by filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson, it’s a beloved destination for those who genuinely love movies.

So, when The Butterfly Effect chose the Wilshire Theatre for its premiere, Nicholas doubted it was a compromise. He preferred to think it was a deliberate decision made by New Line Cinema and Anson after careful discussion.

What truly piqued Nicholas’s curiosity was: What would the scene there be like?

Lost in thought, Nicholas found himself on Hollywood Boulevard. The familiar chaotic buzz and rolling heatwaves greeted him, along with the typical premiere setup and layout. Zero surprises.

Even the vintage ship replica on the red carpet was predictable.

Transporting authentic props from the movie to the red carpet is a classic tactic—eye-catching and thematic. Nearly every production does this, and reporters anticipate it before arriving.

That said, the ship was quite impressive. Even the journalists couldn’t resist snapping a few photos.

From a promotional perspective, it was a solid talking point.

But standing amidst the bustling crowd waiting for the cast and crew, Nicholas found himself increasingly bored. It felt no different from any other premiere. Swap out the actors, and the same setup could easily host The Last Samurai tomorrow—with minimal edits to their press releases.

Hovering on the edge of the crowd, Nicholas hesitated. After some internal struggle, he finally made up his mind. He turned to his photographer partner for the evening.

“I’ll leave this to you—just take plenty of pictures.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and slipped into the crowd. And just like that… vanished.

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 1122: Breaking Expectations

Amid the bustling, shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, footsteps moved against the flow, each face filled with excitement and anticipation.

“Russell, ahhhh…”

“…He’s just like a child.”

“I’ve already watched ‘A Beautiful Mind’ ten times. Ten times.”

The joy and thrill were palpable, vivid and alive.

Nicholas’s steps, too, grew lighter, a smile playing on his lips. He even began exchanging glances and high-fives with the ecstatic fans around him, turning the premiere into an impromptu festival.

At last, he broke free from the crowd, catching his breath as he hurried toward his parking spot.

Wait a minute—why did it feel like he wasn’t the only one “going against the grain”?

A quick scan of his surroundings revealed at least five other figures darting toward the parking area outside the cordoned-off zone. Their running silhouettes flickered at the edge of his vision as if the whole world were spinning like a vortex.

Maybe it was just an illusion.

He couldn’t assume that just because he was leaving, others had the same idea, right?

Moments later, Nicholas realized—

It wasn’t an illusion.

When he finally reached his parking spot and stepped out of the car, he caught sight of several others, all having just arrived at the Wilshire Theater.

Their eyes met briefly, a silent understanding passing between them. No words were exchanged, but they all started moving in the same direction.

The air was strangely calm.

The Wilshire Theater stood at the center of a residential area, surrounded by low, single-story houses. Following the sloped roads of Beverly Hills, one could spot the off-white building hidden behind vines, its signature Romanesque arched colonnades instantly recognizable.

There were no shopping centers, no large malls, no tourist attractions—not even a convenience store or a restaurant in sight. The usual throngs of tourists were absent. If not for the movie premiere, this area would rarely see strangers passing through.

Quiet was the norm.

Yet Nicholas couldn’t help feeling puzzled. During a premiere, excitement was the standard. Even though the “Butterfly Effect” premiere couldn’t rival the scale of “Master and Commander,” it shouldn’t be this subdued.

He turned a corner into the theater’s street, and suddenly, a sea of people filled his view. A long, orderly line climbed the slope, pressed against the red-brick wall. The center road was wide open—no vehicles allowed, but pedestrians walked freely.

No red carpet.

From a distance, only a small strip of red carpet lay at the entrance to the Wilshire Theater.

The theater itself was tucked at a T-intersection, where the north-south road crossed a downhill road stretching eastward. Behind the theater—to the west—lay a dead-end, used as the theater’s private parking lot.

Nicholas and the others were making their way up the eastern road, approaching the theater just beyond the three-way intersection.

Normally, for a premiere at the Wilshire Theater, this road would be covered in a red carpet. The north-south street would be blocked off, and journalists and fans would line either side, waiting for the guests to arrive.

Today, there was none of that.

The slope road was wide open, as was the north-south street. Only the small parking lane in front of the theater had a red carpet.

Nicholas was confused. Where were Anson and the others supposed to get out of their cars? Where were the journalists and fans meant to watch the red-carpet arrivals?

Could such an open setup be secure?

Question after question piled up.

Yet this was exactly what Nicholas had hoped for—

Unpredictable, unimaginable, breaking the mold, defying convention. A premiere unlike any other, piquing everyone’s curiosity.

Sure enough, Anson never disappointed.

Some might say, why not credit New Line Cinema for the idea?

Nicholas wouldn’t deny that possibility, but to him, this was Anson’s first film as a producer. He would have been more invested and proactive. Plus, with the film competing head-to-head with another blockbuster, there was no way Anson would sit back. He always brought surprises.

Slowly, Nicholas started walking.

At the T-intersection, the street was filled with people: fans, journalists, and, if he wasn’t mistaken, crew members.

The scene felt like a fair, with everyone scattered around, enjoying themselves.

So, what were they doing?

On all three roads were booths designed to look like telephone booths, square and neat. From a rough count, there were at least ten—maybe more.

The crowd buzzed around the booths, stepping inside for a brief moment before emerging, clutching a stack of papers with a mix of mystery and excitement, heading toward the next booth.

Unfortunately, the tents and booth walls blocked the view inside. Unless Nicholas stepped up himself, he wouldn’t know what was happening.

Deciding quickly, he walked toward the long line pressed against the wall, intuition telling him:

This was the start.

He obediently joined the line, moving along—

Despite the line’s length, it moved swiftly. Within five minutes, Nicholas had reached the top of the slope and turned right, greeted by a new, open view.

Directly opposite the Wilshire Theater was a parking lot for local residents and visitors, separated from the theater’s private lot.

Now, the lot was packed with people, neatly arranged around ten arcade machines, leaving Nicholas puzzled.

Arcade machines?

Seriously?

Because of the ample number of machines, the line moved quickly, and soon, Nicholas stood before one. On the screen, it read:

“If you could go back in time, what year would you choose?”

Nicholas blinked. It wasn’t an arcade game at all. Without thinking, he typed in a year: 1994.

A line of text appeared.

“Ah, 1994. I bet you chose it because of the classic movies that came out that year, right? But did you know I’m tired of hearing about ‘The Shawshank Redemption,’ ‘Forrest Gump,’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’? They’re not all that. I suggest you check out ‘Through the Olive Trees,’ an underrated gem from 1994.”

Ha!

Nicholas couldn’t help but laugh. But it didn’t end there.

After a pause, another line appeared.

“What? Everyone knows Kiarostami? You really think I’m some kind of AI, don’t you? Fine, then. ‘Wild Reeds’ is also worth your time. Enjoy the movie.”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1123: A Party Together*

“Haha, hahahaha!”

Nicholas couldn’t control himself and burst into laughter. This was simply too much fun.

Who could’ve thought that these gaming machines would have such interactive features?

Just then, the machine emitted a crackling sound. Nicholas, now fully immersed as if he’d returned to his teenage years, looked left and right with uncontainable curiosity. That’s when he noticed the machine was spitting out a card, about the size of a bookmark.

The card, predominantly green, featured a delicate border design with impeccable color coordination, making it irresistible. On it, words previously displayed on the screen were arranged in vertical columns—

It was merch!

Nicholas’s eyes lit up. This kind of memorabilia was collectible-worthy, and yet the Butterfly Effect production team was giving it away for free!

Nicholas was completely captivated.

Excitement, curiosity, and uncontainable exhilaration—a pure sense of joy washed over him.

Unwilling to leave, he instinctively unleashed his journalistic instincts, probing deeper until he finally grasped the full scope of the event.

Each gaming machine allowed individuals to input a year, providing a unique response—

They weren’t all the same.

For example, in 1994, Nicholas discovered at least five different versions. Some recorded significant events of the year, while others highlighted popular trends, easily awakening nostalgic memories.

The most amusing, however, were the pranks.

“Oh, sorry, nothing here.”

To top it off, there was a hand-drawn emoji—a cheeky face.

It was absolutely, utterly hilarious!

So much so that each card was worth collecting.

And there was an Easter egg hidden in plain sight. Nicholas noticed the gaming machines only went as far back as 1982. What did that mean?

It was Anson’s birth year.

But Nicholas preferred to believe it was tied to the age of the protagonist in Butterfly Effect, seamlessly connecting the film to reality.

Unbelievable. How on earth did Anson come up with such an interactive concept?

And that wasn’t all.

In the parking lot, these gaming machines took center stage; but what about the phone booths?

It didn’t take Nicholas long to uncover the truth—

Merch.

Everything was movie merch! A film premiere rivaling a comic convention!

Nicholas was in awe. He couldn’t believe he was witnessing a subcultural invasion of the film world in 2003 Los Angeles!

Moreover, the merch wasn’t just for show.

The entire event had two parts.

In the first part, every attendee could collect a card with ten stamp slots. By visiting phone booths and watching Butterfly Effect movie Easter eggs, they’d earn a stamp for each booth.

The booths, also themed by years, displayed snippets of stories that evoked laughter, tears, and every emotion in between, showcasing the relationship between the movie and time itself.

Once all ten stamps were collected, attendees could claim a “Perfect Stamp” card at the Wilshire Theatre entrance—

The card itself was a piece of merch, intricately designed with meaningful stamps, not to mention the exclusive butterfly stamp tied to Butterfly Effect.

The second part was hidden in the phone booths. Inside, there were capsule toy machines. With just one dollar, attendees could play once, each capsule containing a surprise item.

These included, but weren’t limited to, keychains, erasers, pins, fridge magnets, bookmarks, and more.

Of course, these weren’t ordinary trinkets. Each item was meticulously crafted to tie into the movie’s themes.

The rarest hidden rewards were twofold: one, a mini baseball autographed by the lead actors; and two, a tiny Anson figurine.

The figurine, roughly finger-sized, came in three versions: Anson’s character in the movie, Anson in a black suit at the Cannes Film Festival, and Anson in a baseball uniform.

In essence, every attendee could pick their preferred way to enjoy the party.

They could participate for free and still walk away with two specially designed, collectible merch items as mementos of the premiere.

Alternatively, they could purchase merch, diving into a treasure trove of Butterfly Effect-themed collectibles—be it autographed baseballs or Anson figurines. Without a doubt, these were rare treasures, and the capsule machine prizes were equally delightful.

Unbelievable!

Nicholas: …

Speechless. Stunned. Thrilled.

From the moment he first encountered Anson, this young man had never failed to surprise him, constantly redefining what was possible and opening the door to new experiences.

In 2003, the North American movie merchandise market wasn’t exactly thriving. People associated “movie merch” with Disney plush toys—

Childish. Girly. For kids. Boring. Only children cared for it.

These stereotypes remained dominant. Transformers, Barbie, and superhero movie merch existed but were still niche.

Nicholas knew that Japan had a booming merch market spanning anime, movies, games, and concerts. But even in East Asia, it hadn’t spread entirely, let alone reached North America.

Thus, when Spider-Man premiered, Sony-Columbia never considered creating merch. Even after the film’s massive box office success, they still ignored the market.

Not because they were unaware—Sony’s parent company was Japanese, after all—but because they believed North Americans weren’t interested, making it an unnecessary investment.

Yet now, Butterfly Effect was breaking new ground.

An absolute, 100% surprise.

And when Nicholas learned about the hidden Easter eggs, his mind was blown.

Among the capsule prizes, five contained a slip of paper with a “Prank Face.” If someone presented this slip alongside a fully stamped card at the Wilshire Theatre, they’d win a limited-edition movie poster—

Signed by the cast and director, including Anson.

The hidden nature meant the organizers hadn’t advertised it. If someone overlooked the note’s “Surprise Reward” text on the back, they’d miss the chance to claim the poster.

Ultimately, only three were claimed, leaving two unclaimed posters.

When die-hard fans learned of this, they emptied all ten capsule machines, yet the final two “Prank Face” slips remained elusive.

Surprises, one after another.

Easter eggs, one after another.

Nicholas finally realized this wasn’t a premiere; it was a carnival, a night of shared joy and celebration—

Who could possibly resist?

(Chapter End)

Chapter 1124: Movie Merchandise

“Hah, no way!”

“It’s true, it’s true! Someone just redeemed a limited edition poster.”

“Oh my God, a limited edition poster of a character?”

“Which character?”

“Who do you think? Of course, it’s Anson.”

“So, it’s a solo Anson poster?”

Screams erupted, completely setting off the crowd’s excitement, and the commotion couldn’t be calmed.

Everyone was losing it, going completely wild as waves of excitement rolled through the entire scene. This small intersection had effectively become the center of Hollywood.

Nicholas’ eyes were full of admiration—

Anson was, indeed, incredible.

To Nicholas, it was clear that Anson had intentionally kept the bonus reward a secret.

There were playful bookmarks at the arcade machines that made people smile and assume that they were just part of a small joke. Naturally, when people found prank notes in the capsule machines, they assumed it was all part of the event—

After all, there weren’t too many of those prank notes, so audiences wouldn’t feel tricked.

If someone decided to keep those prank notes as a memento, they’d discover a hidden reward—the real Easter egg.

But if they threw them away?

Well, they’d miss out with no second chances.

Nicholas could almost imagine Anson’s bright eyes glinting with amusement, his satisfied expression watching everything unfold.

Unbelievable!

A movie premiere had actually turned into a full-blown carnival.

Nicholas paused, looking around at the dense crowd filling every inch of space.

Packed shoulder to shoulder!

In terms of sheer numbers, this place couldn’t compare to the Chinese Theatre—it simply didn’t have the same capacity. The spacious streets of Hollywood Boulevard could easily accommodate thousands, but here, even crammed to the max, it couldn’t fit more than a thousand.

Yet, the atmosphere was entirely different.

Tonight, Hollywood Boulevard was bustling, but it carried a manufactured air, a sense of industrial cheer. The energy was so intense and artificial, as if everyone was playing a part.

But at the Wilshire Theatre, the atmosphere was light and genuine. The joy on people’s faces was real, filled with curiosity and a sense of adventure as they explored and celebrated in the small space.

Nicholas couldn’t help but smile, feeling a surge of joy.

True happiness.

Who would’ve thought that a movie premiere could turn into this?

Typically, a movie premiere was a publicity event. The audience stayed in front of the stage, looking up at the stars bathed in the spotlight. It was a one-sided display.

But “The Butterfly Effect” had shattered that wall, inviting the audience to become part of the event, immersing themselves in the movie’s promotional experience and discovering its magic on their own.

This was revolutionary.

Anson dared to dream it, New Line Cinema dared to do it, and now, it had become a reality.

Nicholas’ heart raced with excitement.

Before long, he realized his earlier instincts were correct—

He wasn’t the only reporter leaving the Chinese Theatre.

In fact, more and more people were heading towards the Wilshire Theatre.

The “Master and Commander” premiere was grand and impressive, but it lacked originality. The coverage could be templated and copied without much effort. Gathering so many journalists there was a waste.

But “The Butterfly Effect” premiere was different. Surprises were hidden everywhere.

Nicholas also wondered, how would Anson and the cast make their entrance?

The T-shaped intersection was packed to the brim with people. Journalists and audience members were mixed together, indistinguishable from one another. Nicholas couldn’t imagine how the cast would make a grand entrance or how reporters would take photos and conduct interviews.

Could it be… a hot air balloon?

Nicholas looked up suddenly, envisioning Anson descending from the sky.

If that were the case, “The Butterfly Effect” would easily overshadow “Master and Commander,” with Anson’s James Bond-style entrance dominating conversations for weeks.

The thought sprouted in his mind and wouldn’t leave.

Out of the corner of his eye, Nicholas noticed more people arriving from the east, one wave after another, unending. Though the main crowd was focused on Hollywood Boulevard, the real attention was on the Wilshire Theatre—

If Russell Crowe knew, he wouldn’t be pleased.

Wait, was that…

Nicholas froze, literally stopping in his tracks.

A black hoodie, black jeans, and a dark blue denim jacket.

A casual, effortless look that highlighted a lean, well-proportioned figure, radiating youthful energy that stood out effortlessly.

Even in a sea of people, even amid the crowd, they stood out.

One glance and he was hooked.

A subtle smile appeared on his lips as he chatted with his friends, looking like a regular young person heading out for an evening with friends, blending right in with the audience.

Beside him, a girl wore a white skirt and light blue denim jacket, with long wavy hair cascading down, accented by a red hibiscus flower behind her ear, blooming quietly on a cool Los Angeles autumn night.

Another boy, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, wore his denim jacket casually rolled up, revealing wrist beads and bracelets. His unruly short hair spiked up in a carefree fashion.

The trio walked together, joking, teasing, and laughing as they approached.

Like Nicholas, they must have parked in the lot below and walked up the slope to join the carnival.

They were no different from the others arriving at the Wilshire Theatre, just young moviegoers out for a night of fun.

Except—

These three were anything but ordinary.

Heath Ledger, Rachel McAdams, and… Anson Wood.

The three main stars of “The Butterfly Effect,” who were also supposed to be the stars of the premiere, basking in the spotlight and soaking up applause on the red carpet.

And yet?

They joined the party as part of the crowd, just like everyone else, completely redefining the idea of a movie premiere.

Nicholas was stunned, absolutely stunned by the sight.

He even doubted his own eyes.

Blinking, rubbing them, checking again, he finally realized he wasn’t mistaken.

Instinctively, he raised his camera and snapped a photo of the three young stars—

In the thick of the crowd, they blended in seamlessly. Even the biggest celebrities were just part of the gathering without spotlights or flashbulbs, stripped of their usual aura.

Yet, they still stood out, effortlessly.

The crowd noise faded, and focus shifted to those smiles, that joy.

They shone like true stars.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1125: Perfect Integration*

So, when the bustling crowd occupies every inch of the road and space, how should the directors, actors, and guests step onto the red carpet?

How should they stand under the spotlight, basking in the glow of the lights and the cheers?

How should the core moments of the premiere ignite tonight’s passion?

Even Nicholas, along with many others, was curious about this question.

Then, Anson provided the answer:

Why do we need these rituals at all?

Classic Anson.

Since the framework has already been broken, since innovation has been embraced, why retreat into the safety of the status quo and follow the same old rules?

Since the celebration has begun, since boundaries have been shattered, why not go all the way, breaking free completely and reimagining the premiere?

And so, Anson made his entrance—

Just like any other audience member or journalist.

No lights, no security, no red carpet, not even an announcement.

Around him, the bustling noise continued unabated. Yet Anson unintentionally stepped into the frame, creating a scene so surreal it was hard to describe in words.

Even more incredible, New Line Cinema actually agreed to this!

The highlight of The Butterfly Effect was undoubtedly Anson; the entire premiere relied on him to generate buzz. But New Line Cinema still let him do as he pleased.

This… a madman meets another madman, and miracles happen.

Then, Anson casually looked around and enthusiastically pulled Rachel and Heath toward a line on the right. They were ready to queue up.

Nicholas couldn’t hold back any longer and quickly moved toward them.

Before long, Nicholas realized he wasn’t the only clever one.

Shouldn’t be surprising, right?

After all, it was Anson, Heath, and Rachel.

When the three of them stood among the crowd, they stood out so strikingly it was impossible not to notice them.

Nearby, a group of young people couldn’t contain their excitement, animatedly sharing information.

“...At least five types, at least. I want to collect them all right now!”

“I heard there was an Easter egg in 1982, a fun story from the year Anson was born—that’s the only year with a sixth type.”

“Ahhh, what Easter egg? What is it?”

“Oh, excuse me, is this the line for the gaming consoles?”

Even in their excitement, they remained polite and orderly.

After receiving confirmation, they refocused on their discussion.

“I just want to collect them all now. These collectibles are so worth it.”

“Why doesn’t the production team just sell the merchandise outright? I’d buy everything without hesitation!”

“Wait a minute, that guy just now…”

As their chatter continued, they finally sensed something was off.

“Anson?”

The figure exploring the premiere’s atmosphere with Rachel and Heath instinctively turned his head—it was indeed the same person who had just confirmed they were at the back of the line.

“Hey, good evening.”

The four young people froze, looking at each other in shock. For a moment, they even forgot to scream. Instead, they exchanged bewildered glances as their brains seemed to short-circuit.

Ten meters away, Nicholas saw this scene and felt his heart drop.

This scene—this moment—

Everything pointed to chaos in the next second.

Screaming, cheering, shouting, followed by pushing, crowding, and surging.

The scene could spiral out of control at any moment.

The air grew tense, laden with the pressure of a storm brewing on the horizon.

Just as Nicholas was about to rush forward, someone broke the stalemate.

“...They said all the information on the bookmark collectibles came from you. Is that true?”

The voice was enthusiastic, excited, and eager but still composed.

Anson smiled. “Partly. Rachel, Heath, and others contributed ideas too. We brainstormed to awaken as many memories as possible—not just about the movie.”

“What about those prank notes?”

Anson burst out laughing unapologetically. “Haha, those were my idea.”

In the brief moment before chaos could erupt, Nicholas had already arrived, panting heavily.

“Anson... Anson!”

All eyes turned toward Nicholas, now drenched in sweat and panting, as though they were watching a lunatic. This left Nicholas swallowing hard in confusion:

Something… something wasn’t right.

This shouldn’t be happening, right?

#%*&$@...

Nicholas’s mind was a jumble of symbols and chaos. But as a seasoned journalist, even in confusion, his instincts kicked in.

“Did you help design the merchandise?”

The dolls!  

Nicholas had intended to ask about the three mini-Anson dolls, but in his rush, he left out the crucial detail.

Before he could clarify, Anson nodded.

“Yes. I hoped the art design could stay true to the film while being visually appealing and stylish.”

Unlike cheaply made, tacky merchandise, these collectibles should have lasting value.

“So, how’s the final product?”

Boom.  

Nicholas’s mind exploded with a whirlwind of excitement. Cheers and praise surged around him, filling the air with joyful energy.

Just when Nicholas thought the night couldn’t get any better, Anson nonchalantly dropped another bombshell, electrifying the atmosphere.

Anson Wood? Designing merchandise?

Another surprise?

Yet upon reflection, it seemed natural. After all, Anson’s taste in fashion and aesthetics had always been impeccable, with a strong understanding of music and color. Venturing into art and design seemed like a logical next step.

While some remained blinded by prejudice, dismissing Anson as a “pretty face,” they failed to notice the consistent display of his talents.

The audience, however, had different priorities from Nicholas—

All the designs were from Anson?

One by one, people pulled out their collectibles for closer inspection, falling even more in love with them.

“Anson, why not sell these officially? We want to collect them all!”

A voice called out, echoed by many nodding in agreement.

Anson chuckled. “The joy is in the process of collecting.”

“These are just small gifts, nothing serious. I just hope you all enjoy tonight’s movie.”

“It’s not just about the movie or the merchandise—it’s about the time spent with friends, lining up and playing capsule machines over and over.”

“If you just paid for them, the collectibles might just be collectibles. If you didn’t like the movie, they’d get locked in a drawer, never to be seen again.”

“But now, when you see these collectibles, you’ll remember spending an entire night with friends, collecting a bookmark, complaining about how bad the movie was, and wanting to throw the ‘junk’ away but couldn’t bear to waste your time and effort.”

“In the end, you kept them, stashing them in a desk drawer, useless but too sentimental to discard. Years later, they’ll bring back memories of tonight, giving them meaning.”

Haha, hahaha.

Laughter echoed all around, filling the air with joy.

(End of Chapter)