611-615

Chapter 611: The Power of Storytelling

"Hmm... her friend, the one in the white shirt, she's probably in her mid-twenties, around 25 or 26?"

Scarlett followed Anson's gaze to the other woman. She looked ordinary, nothing particularly striking.

"Judging by her outfit, she's probably an Ivy League graduate. I'd guess Berkeley, French major? Not because she yearns for Paris, but because she wanted to be a diplomat. Unfortunately, her grades weren't good enough, and after two or three failed attempts, she chose a different career path."

"But from her expression and demeanor, she seems quite content with her current job."

"Office worker? Maybe in advertising or public relations. She's not great at creative planning, but she's good at execution. She has decent logic and decisive judgment, but she's not overly assertive, which allows her to thrive."

At first, Scarlett didn't understand, and Anson's words didn't seem particularly special. But from the second sentence onwards, she was taken aback. She looked at Anson with a strange and shocked expression, but he wasn't paying attention to her at all. He was focused on observing and analyzing, and Scarlett's head was filled with question marks. She turned her head again, confused:

What was happening?

However, Anson's words continued without pause.

"As for her interests..."

"Movies. Believe it or not, she not only knows me, she probably knows you too. She goes to the cinema at least once a week, and she has a wide range of interests. Not just mainstream movies, but all sorts of independent films too."

"She doesn't delve deep, but she genuinely enjoys them."

"Her talent is piano, because her mother firmly believes that's true art. She might have also learned ballet as a child, but she didn't stick with it. So piano became the baseline, cultivating her temperament and refinement. Even if she doesn't love it, she still carries that classical elegance."

Scarlett was stunned, watching Anson effortlessly weave his tale without needing to think. The words flowed out, and she couldn't keep up. His expression, his eyes, his demeanor exuded a confidence that swept her along like a wave.

Finally, Scarlett found her voice. "Wait. Why? I mean, why doesn't she like it?"

"If she's in her mid-twenties now, that means she was born in the 80s, growing up with television and movies. It was the era of the commercial film boom, and also the heyday of rock and disco, and the wave of female empowerment."

"Kids from this generation often have a rebellious and defiant spirit towards tradition. Compared to traditional, old, and decaying classical arts, she prefers movies and rock music."

"But due to family constraints and upbringing, her rebellion isn't so overt, so she leans more towards movies."

"As for ballet and piano, it's not so much about lack of talent but lack of interest and perseverance. She couldn't handle the hardship. After all, times are different, and children's values and worldviews are completely different. I bet, as she grows up, she occasionally misses those childhood days, because the retro trend of piano and ballet is back now."

Scarlett quietly watched Anson.

From bewilderment to shock to fascination, not only her expressions and emotions changed, but her focus also shifted subtly.

In the first half, Scarlett had been carefully observing the woman, trying to find the basis for Anson's deductions. Gradually, she noticed that all of Anson's words seemed to have traces in the woman, and a vivid image became fuller in her vision. This made Scarlett shift her gaze:

To Anson.

Anson noticed, but he wasn't flustered or nervous. He calmly glanced at Scarlett and continued.

"She has a younger brother."

"Unlike her, her brother has both perseverance and talent. He stuck with piano and went to Germany for further studies. He's still learning now. Who knows, maybe soon we'll see her brother perform at Carnegie Hall."

"Ultimately, it probably has to do with their family upbringing."

"Their mother invested a lot of energy in her but didn't see the returns. Her brother saw this and tried to get more attention from their mother. So when she gave up, her brother seized the opportunity and successfully won their mother's favor."

"But, do you think she cares?"

"No. She doesn't."

"She's content with her current job and life. Not becoming a diplomat or a pianist doesn't stop her from enjoying her life. Even in front of her friend, she's very relaxed and carefree."

His words flowed effortlessly -

Unstoppable.

Scarlett was increasingly amazed, as if she were meeting Anson for the first time today. The more she thought about it, the more incredible it all seemed.

Looking up at Anson, Scarlett saw his calm expression and light smile. His confident look seemed to be mocking her for falling for his trick so easily, which made Scarlett raise her guard.

Connecting the dots, a bold guess popped into Scarlett's mind.

"Wait, is she your date?"

Anson couldn't help but chuckle. His smile bloomed without reservation.

Scarlett was speechless, looking up at the sky, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but lift slightly. The invisible haze that had been hanging over her head quietly dispersed, and her mood brightened. She couldn't resist teasing him back.

"That's the best explanation. Otherwise, how could you know so much about her in such detail?"

Most importantly, Anson had no time to prepare. He painted such a vivid picture in just a minute or two of glancing at the woman. It was terrifying.

Anson looked at Scarlett. "There's another explanation."

Scarlett: ?

Anson: "Making it all up."

Scarlett hadn't expected that answer at all, and her smile froze on her face.

Anson's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Miss Johansson, I'm not Sherlock Holmes."

Scarlett... couldn't argue with that.

Anson: "Imagination is like lying. People always think logic is the most important. Of course, logic is crucial because it's the framework. But details are the key. Rich and detailed details fill the gaps in the brain, leaving no time or space to question them, so the brain is easily convinced."

Bullshitting was also a skill.

Scarlett looked at Anson's calm and self-satisfied expression. The whole situation was so comical that she didn't even know where to start吐槽.

Looking at Anson's smile, Scarlett couldn't help but shake her head slightly. "Stop laughing. Your smile looks particularly sly right now."

"Ha." Anson burst out laughing. "I thought I looked innocent. Otherwise, you wouldn't have fallen for it."

Scarlett looked up at the sky in mock despair. "Ah, I fell for it. I actually fell for it."

Even so, the smile on her face widened, and her mood brightened along with it.

Chapter 612: Dispelling the Fog

Bit by bit, Scarlett's gloomy and frustrated mood brightened. Although her problem remained unsolved, the difference was:

She thought maybe Anson did have the answer.

Lowering her head, Scarlett looked at Anson again. "How did you do that? I mean, even if it was made up, it couldn't have been just gibberish."

"Imagination." Anson pointed to his head.

Scarlett didn't believe it. "Come on, I'm not a screenwriter. If I had such a rich imagination, I would have been sitting at a typewriter recording it all."

Anson laughed heartily. "I'm telling the truth."

Scarlett blinked, noticing the sincerity in Anson's eyes, and fell into deep thought again.

Anson continued to explain, "The imagination I'm talking about is using your understanding of the character and the story to construct a persona. Like I said before, even the most ordinary, boring, and mediocre person has their own life. The things they've experienced are the key to shaping who they are."

"What kind of personality leads to what kind of actions, what kind of experiences leave what kind of traces. Everything has clues, and every reaction naturally presented in front of the camera can be grounded in reality."

"In fact, the characters that appear in movies or TV shows are often not ordinary people, not even the supporting roles. Because when screenwriters create characters, they try to extract some drama or uniqueness."

"To some extent, the screenwriter has secretly left room for the actor to create."

"I think this is an unspoken understanding between good screenwriters and good actors, although it's not always the case."

Scarlett seemed to understand a little, but not completely. "Then, what's the difference between a screenwriter and an actor?"

As soon as she said it, Scarlett realized her question wasn't clear enough. She wanted to ask about the difference between how a screenwriter shapes a character and how an actor does, if both are trying to tell a story.

But there was no need to explain, Anson already understood.

"The focus. Or rather, the starting point."

"The screenwriter's starting point is the story; the character should serve the overall story."

"The actor's starting point is the character; the story is the result triggered by the character's actions."

"From another perspective, the screenwriter sees the big picture, while the actor sees the details. This difference determines that they are far apart."

"Therefore, the screenwriter creates the story and the character, while the actor breathes flesh and blood, and soul into the character."

"Analyzing the character, constructing the character, telling the story, it's one thing, yet it's several completely different things. Actors rely on their usual observations, daily accumulation, and rich imagination."

There was one more part, performance and interpretation.

But they weren't discussing that part now, so Anson didn't bring it up.

That's why some actors delve into their characters, using diaries or autobiographies to build the character's life bit by bit, creating a sense of reality. Or they personally experience the character's life, using their body to sense, their five senses to experience, letting details fill in the fiction little by little, finally landing on solid ground, giving the character a down-to-earth sense of reality.

Everything worked on this principle.

Of course, this was just theory. Anson himself hadn't reached that level yet:

Firstly, he hadn't encountered such a character that required deep digging, constructing a backstory, and establishing layers. Even "Catch Me If You Can" didn't count.

Secondly, his acting skills hadn't reached that level. To truly go from theory to practice, Anson estimated he would need to explore further.

Nevertheless, even so, this kind of discussion, exploration, and sharing was still very beneficial. Not only was Scarlett lost in thought, but Anson himself couldn't help but ponder, sharing his understanding and gains with his colleague, and waiting for feedback, exploring and reflecting on his own acting.

Scarlett pondered for a moment, then slightly tilted her head to look at Anson, trying to say something. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them back down. Then she looked up at the woman in the white shirt across the street.

Everything was just as Anson had said -

After calming down, she could see that there were logical loopholes behind Anson's words. Things weren't perfectly consistent. Looking back now, she could confirm that Anson probably didn't know that woman.

However, the rich and real details filled her mind, and even after calming down, the image of the woman remained vivid. She could easily picture her.

Impressive, he was truly impressive. No wonder Anson received so much praise in the industry. Sam Raimi was one thing, but Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks weren't inexperienced bumpkins.

But that wasn't important now. This made Scarlett think about a question:

What was reality?

Was fictional reality also a kind of reality? At least in movies, it should be. Actors shaped their characters based on their own understanding and construction. Maybe the actor's understanding was different from the director's, the screenwriter's, or the producer's, but as long as the details were sufficient, the actor could complete their unique shaping and interpretation of the character.

This was the charm of acting.

Thinking of this, the world suddenly became clear.

Although Scarlett's questions remained unanswered, she had found her direction. She knew what to do next -

She was full of confidence.

After a brief period of low spirits and confusion, Scarlett was actually a little excited and eager, ready to get back in front of the camera and perform.

She knew her strengths and weaknesses, and she knew her goals and dreams.

Now, she couldn't wait to return to her battlefield.

Looking up, Scarlett looked at Anson.

That face wasn't unfamiliar. To be precise, it was more than just familiar. From summer to autumn, Anson had become the leading figure of the new generation, and the discussions about him were endless. However, looking at Anson again at this moment, Scarlett felt a sense of unfamiliarity, as if they were meeting for the first time.

About acting. About movies. About characters. About human psychology.

Clearly, Anson had his own ideas, and they weren't just any garbage thoughts. If she thought he was just a pretty face because of his looks, she might end up becoming the joke.

Involuntarily, Scarlett thought back to their first encounter.

A small accident, but Anson had already shown his ability to lie through his teeth, helping her find a brief respite in the dull and tedious daily life.

Thinking about it this way, the Anson in front of her didn't seem so unfamiliar anymore.

Maybe, from beginning to end, Anson was just Anson, and it was she who was trapped and deceived, unable to see clearly.

But every encounter with Anson seemed to bring unexpected gains. Beneath the seemingly same appearance, there were always different colors to be discovered.

Then...

Anson looked up, and their eyes met in the air. Scarlett's mind was racing, and she was caught off guard. She hurriedly looked away, her ears catching Anson's laughter from deep in his throat. She realized her actions were just making it more obvious, so she looked back again, meeting Anson's eyes openly and honestly.

Clear, bright, as if they could see through her disguise.

Chapter 613: The Label of Image

Their eyes met.

Scarlett thought she was mentally prepared, but her heart still skipped a beat. This time, she didn't panic or avoid his gaze, but instead lost herself in the mesmerizing blue depths of his eyes.

Thump.

The sound of her heartbeat echoed in her ears like thunder.

Then...

Scarlett saw herself reflected in those eyes, and memories of their previous encounters flooded her mind, making her feel a little embarrassed.

"Ah."

With a light sigh, a hint of annoyance and dejection, Scarlett couldn't help but raise the corners of her mouth, chuckling self-deprecatingly.

"I must look really stupid right now."

Anson raised an eyebrow slightly. "Stupid? Why?"

Scarlett: "Like a little girl, standing in front of a boy, at a loss for words."

Anson: "Why would a girl be at a loss for words in front of a boy?"

Scarlett: "Because..." of a flutter in her heart.

The words were on the tip of her tongue, but this time, Scarlett reacted in time, slamming on the brakes and regaining control. When she looked at Anson again, her rationality returned, and a hint of slyness appeared in her eyes.

"Because the girl can't stand the boy's childishness and stupidity."

Anson raised his chin slightly. "Isn't that a bit of a sharp turn?"

He saw right through Scarlett, but this time she didn't back down. She cleared her throat and straightened her back. "Haven't you ever seen a girl throw a tantrum?"

Anson's face was serious. "I've heard of it."

His earnest look made Scarlett's cheeks flush slightly, but she didn't show it. "You can't be like this. What happened to the 'heartthrob' image? If you don't understand girls, how can you be a charmer?"

Anson blinked. "Don't they like me for my face? Who cares about personality or thoughtfulness?"

He was so... straightforward.

Scarlett couldn't refute him for a moment. She carefully examined Anson's face and nodded seriously. "You're right. But for a one-night stand, who knows if it even works, why bother caring about so much?"

Anson: ???

Wait, I think you're driving!

Scarlett bathed in Anson's gaze, feeling a little shy. She cleared her throat and looked away, gazing at the clouds in the sky, as if she didn't understand the meaning in Anson's eyes at all.

Fortunately, Anson didn't press further. He just gave Scarlett a meaningful look and then changed the subject. "So is this your worry?"

Scarlett turned to Anson, her eyes asking a question.

Anson explained, "Are you worried that people will overlook your acting because of your looks, or even have misunderstandings and prejudices?"

Scarlett understood and asked back, "Aren't you worried?"

"No." Anson answered without a second's hesitation, which surprised Scarlett.

Anson noticed and smiled. "I can't say I haven't considered it at all, but I don't think it's something I need to worry about right now."

Scarlett: "Are you sure? 'Spider-Man' is still in theaters."

"Haha." Anson spread his hands. "That's a good thing, and it's just the first footprint of success. It will be a while before I reach the bottleneck where people overlook my skills because of my looks."

Scarlett didn't understand -

The "vase" image was already a label Anson had to face. The most direct evidence was "Elephant." It was just an independent film, but the media made a big fuss about Anson trying to change his image. If they didn't already see him as a "vase," their reaction wouldn't have been so strong.

Moreover, Scarlett didn't believe that Anson, with his intelligence, was completely unaware of this.

At this moment, Anson realized that the root of the conflict between Scarlett and Brian probably lay here.

Either Brian had another actress in mind, and Scarlett snatched the role, or Brian had higher expectations for Scarlett's performance. Or maybe there were other reasons that led to their unpleasant collaboration and made Scarlett doubt her identity as an actor.

Anson didn't rush to speak but thought carefully.

"Under the spotlight, everyone has their own labels and challenges."

"Because the image of a public figure presented to the public is inevitably one-sided, they can't fully show themselves. Over time, these images become stereotypes that strangle them, shackles that even with their best efforts, they may not be able to break free from."

"No one is an exception."

Scarlett asked softly, "No one?"

Anson nodded. "No one."

How should he explain it?

Anson looked at Scarlett. "Have you seen 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?'"

Scarlett: "Of course."

This thriller about two sisters entangled in mutual hatred was undoubtedly a classic in film history. When it was released in 1962, it caused a sensation. Its true success wasn't just in receiving five Oscar nominations, but in becoming a hot topic of discussion everywhere.

"Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" starred two legendary actresses, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

They were natural enemies in real life, making no secret of their animosity, even openly confronting each other at award ceremonies. Not just Hollywood, but the general public also knew about their deep-seated feud.

However, as their careers both hit a low point, they made the unconventional decision to collaborate on this film. The main reason was that the script's portrayal of two sisters' love-hate relationship perfectly mirrored their real-life dynamic. The director also broke the fourth wall, letting their off-screen conflict seep into the film, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The film was a sensation upon release.

Later, in 2017, a TV series called "Feud" focused on the behind-the-scenes drama of "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?", showcasing the animosity between these two legendary actresses.

It remained a legend to this day.

Scarlett didn't expect Anson to bring up this film at this time. "What, are you also gossiping about the drama between the two actresses?"

"Hehe." Anson spread his hands. "Is that how you see me?"

Scarlett's eyes held a hint of amusement. "Who knows? In Hollywood, everyone wears a mask. No one knows the truth."

Anson looked at her. "Including you?"

He thought Scarlett would deny or refute, but she just quietly looked at him.

This time, Anson was the one defeated.

"No, not the rumors and gossip." Anson brought the topic back. "I'm talking about the two actresses."

"They are undoubtedly legends, holding an important place in film history. They have countless iconic images and classic works."

"But when they filmed 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?', they were both in the later stages of their careers, facing their own labels and challenges."

That's why Anson had just answered Scarlett's question -

No one was an exception.

This was showbiz, this was Hollywood. Whether before or after the internet era, every actor, every public figure, had to face this dilemma.

Scarlett suddenly understood.

Anson looked at Scarlett. "Just like you."

Scarlett nodded slightly. "Just like me."

Chapter 614: The Perfect Score

Once, many people wondered how Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, two actors with a deep-seated feud, could choose to collaborate on "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?".

Was it the idea of the film company or the director?

No.

It was entirely Joan Crawford's idea, and she personally persuaded Bette Davis.

Joan Crawford, a screen goddess of a generation, was admired for her beauty, but she spent her whole life proving that she was not just a pretty face, but also an excellent actress.

Bette Davis, one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history, possessed talent and charisma that made others envious. However, she was often ostracized, criticized, and ridiculed because she was not considered conventionally beautiful.

Joan Crawford envied Bette Davis, whose performances always garnered applause, while her own efforts were never recognized.

Bette Davis resented Joan Crawford, who effortlessly attracted attention no matter how outstanding Bette's own performance was.

Joan longed for recognition of her acting skills, while Bette yearned to prove her own worth. This was the reason behind their collaboration on "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?".

However, reality remained cruel and ironic.

After "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" sparked nationwide discussion, people still focused on Joan's beauty, and the Oscar nomination for Best Actress still went to Bette.

"They tried to break free from their labels, but they both failed," Anson said quietly.

"Even legendary stars like Joan and Bette couldn't escape their labels, let alone us newcomers who are just starting out."

"So, instead of worrying about labels that might restrict me, I've decided to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way."

Calm and composed.

Anson's words flowed smoothly, not like preaching or offering platitudes, but simply sharing thoughts between friends. His words were like a babbling brook, flowing cheerfully and lightly past their ears.

Involuntarily, Scarlett turned to look at Anson.

Anson slightly raised his head, allowing the sunlight to gently fall on his face. Scarlett couldn't help but trace the outline of his features with her eyes, as time slowed down and everything fell silent.

Then.

Anson spoke, "What are you looking at?"

Scarlett was taken aback, "You."

Anson, "And?"

Scarlett, "Not bad."

Their exchange, though seemingly a standoff, subtly relaxed both of them. The muscles in Anson's shoulders and arms completely relaxed, basking in the sunlight. "Thank you," he said.

This made the corners of Scarlett's mouth involuntarily turn upwards.

They seemed to have said a lot, yet also nothing at all. But their restless and chaotic emotions gradually calmed down. Though the questions in their minds remained unanswered, their vision suddenly cleared, and the heavy weight on their shoulders and chests quietly lifted.

"...So, are you sure you're only nineteen? Your birth certificate isn't wrong?"

"Okay, you caught me. I'm actually forty-nine this year."

"Please don't say that in such a serious tone, I might actually believe it."

"Please do."

"..."

Anson turned his head and saw Scarlett's undisguised eye roll, bursting into laughter that startled the birds in the sky.

In the distance, a call came, joining the hustle and bustle, and the air became lively again.

"Scarlett. Scarlett!"

Following the sound, they saw Chris Evans, who had volunteered to come, jogging over with a relaxed expression on his face.

"Filming is about to start again."

Chris raised his hands high and waved them vigorously at Anson, like signaling with flags on the ocean. His exaggerated and obvious movements conveyed his excitement from afar.

Scarlett glanced at Anson, her head full of question marks: Is that golden retriever yours?

Anson looked innocent.

Scarlett turned back, "Is the transition scene done?"

Chris shook his head, "No. But the director said, good or bad, he's not going to waste time on it anymore. We need to be ready."

"Ha. Ha." Scarlett gave a dry laugh. "As if he can keep his promises."

Chris spread his hands, "But we don't seem to have a reason to refuse."

Scarlett didn't struggle anymore. She looked around, thinking about how to get down, then saw Anson stretch his long legs and land smoothly.

Then, Anson turned to Scarlett, extending his right hand in a gesture: Need help?

Scarlett's head was full of black lines.

Looking down at the distance between her legs and the ground, Scarlett silently stood up, returned to the steps, and obediently walked back to the ground along the stairs.

She completely ignored Anson the whole time.

But Scarlett clearly saw Anson and Chris exchange a look: Damn it! These two with their long legs.

The filming of "The Perfect Score" resumed.

A short afternoon tea break, though not long, replenished their sugar levels and livened up the atmosphere. The gloom that had hung heavily overhead gradually dissipated, and the atmosphere on set noticeably relaxed.

Whether it was because of this or not, the crowd actors' scenes went surprisingly smoothly.

One take.

"Cut. Okay, next scene."

Everything was so simple and smooth that the crew couldn't quite react.

Could it be... that Brian meant what he said, no longer obsessing over the details of the crowd scenes, and actually just casually filmed them? Or did Anson's presence relax the crowd actors, allowing them to truly get into character and meet Brian's requirements?

The truth was unknown.

In any case, passing smoothly was a good thing.

The crowd actors were visibly relieved.

Regardless of what others said, the crowd actors credited Anson for their success. They believed his presence had brought a positive influence to the set. When filming ended, they all gave Anson a thumbs-up, completely ignoring Brian's triumphant gestures.

Later, from Vancouver to Los Angeles, rumors spread among the crowd actors about how difficult and confusing Brian was, and how Anson was friendly, humorous, and subtly resolved problems.

No one expected Anson's reputation to experience a surge.

Brian: ???

If the crowd scenes were too simple to discern any difference, then the subsequent scenes with the main actors clearly showed the contrast.

Both Chris and Scarlett had regained their form.

Though Brian still called "NG" and launched into his usual tirades, after a few brief adjustments, he got the shots he wanted.

Everything went smoothly.

Brian was very happy about this. As expected, his coaching was effective. He was indeed an excellent director. Look, all the actors were under his control.

However, Chris, Scarlett, and the others all glanced at Anson, their subtle expressions hinting at an understanding only they shared.

But, did it matter?

No, it didn't.

What mattered was that the filming of "The Perfect Score" was finally back on track. As for the credit, the fame, and the rumors, those were separate matters. Everyone on set had their own judgment in their hearts.

Justice was in the heart of the people.

Chapter 615: A Little Fan

"Breathe, Aaron. Breathe!"

"Mom! I'm breathing!"

"You know what I mean. Don't get too excited. You need to stay calm now. If you get carried away with excitement, you might mess things up... Aaron!"

"Mom, this is it, this is the set of 'The Butterfly Effect', oh, unbelievable!"

"Aaron! Calm down!"

Sarah Johnson's face was filled with helplessness. It was clear that her youngest son's attention had drifted to another planet, his eyes brimming with curiosity as he took in the filming location before him.

In truth, this set wasn't anything extraordinary.

Located in a typical residential neighborhood in south Vancouver, it consisted of ordinary two-story detached houses inhabited by regular working people, not the middle class. People came and went in a hurry, everyone busy with their own affairs. Even the presence of a film crew in the neighborhood didn't make them pause.

At first glance, it had the feel of a constructed studio community like in "The Truman Show," with surface tranquility masking underlying currents.

However, even in such an ordinary and simple neighborhood, Aaron Taylor-Johnson couldn't contain his excitement. Every cell in his body was cheering, his mind already wandering before he even officially joined the crew.

Sarah opened her mouth, trying to dissuade her son once more, but the words lingered on her tongue before she swallowed them back down: Just let Aaron be happy for a while.

Aaron, twelve years old this year, came from a small town in Buckinghamshire, England. From a young age, he had been learning various art forms like acting, dancing, and singing. Sarah, a housewife, took on the responsibility of guiding her children at home.

Aaron also had an older sister.

The Johnsons had nurtured their daughter as well, but unfortunately, she wasn't interested and eventually gave up. They encouraged her to find other hobbies, while seeing hope in Aaron.

Three years ago, Aaron came tantalizingly close to a once-in-a-decade opportunity:

"Harry Potter."

Aaron auditioned for the absolute core role of Harry Potter himself. After six rounds of auditions, he became one of the final contenders, just one step away from an unprecedented opportunity, but in the end, he missed out on the role.

For both Aaron and Sarah, this was a heavy blow.

The entire audition process was long and arduous, lasting nearly a year. The Johnson family devoted countless hours and energy, like running a marathon, step by step towards the finish line, only to be eliminated in the final sprint. The shock and hurt were indescribable.

Missing out on the "Harry Potter" audition was undoubtedly a major setback for Aaron's acting dreams. However, this talented young boy still received numerous acting opportunities, including but not limited to "Macbeth," "Almost Famous," and the recently wrapped "Shanghai Noon."

In this film, Aaron collaborated with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson, two of Hollywood's hottest action stars at the time. He played the young Charlie Chaplin in the movie.

Undoubtedly, this was a special filming experience that kept Aaron excited for a long time. However, the aftermath of missing out on "Harry Potter" was more profound than anticipated.

When Aaron went to audition for other roles, many casting directors would inquire about his "Harry Potter" audition experience. Sarah, unfamiliar with the workings of Hollywood, wasn't sure if they were trying to pry into other productions' secrets or genuinely testing Aaron's on-the-spot reactions.

But the wound was there, two years later, still gaping like an open wound on an operating table, exposed for everyone to see and comment on.

"If Aaron had been chosen..."

"How perfect Aaron would have been for the role of Harry..."

"I personally think Aaron was more suitable..."

Countless "ifs" weighed them down.

Even Sarah felt this way, let alone Aaron.

But what could they do?

Nothing.

All they could do was keep auditioning, keep looking for opportunities, and keep waiting patiently for a project that would allow Aaron to shine.

Sarah knew that expecting another "Harry Potter" was unrealistic, so she had long abandoned such hopes. Instead, she hoped that Aaron could find a role to showcase his acting talent, be seen by Hollywood, and shake off the shadow of the failed "Harry Potter" audition.

Then.

"The Butterfly Effect" appeared.

For Sarah, the value of this sci-fi film was just average. After all, with its limited investment, it was difficult to compete with those blockbuster movies. But the name "Anson Wood" made things interesting.

In Hollywood at the time, Anson was a guaranteed topic, like Leonardo DiCaprio after "Titanic." No matter what project Anson took on, even a small-scale independent film like "Elephant" could easily attract attention. Moreover, this time, Anson was personally serving as the producer.

And.

The role Aaron auditioned for was Anson's childhood.

To be precise, Anson at thirteen.

This was a golden opportunity, both in terms of topicality and the significance of the role. It was something to look forward to.

When the crew called to inform them that Aaron had passed the audition, Sarah couldn't help but cheer.

For Aaron, the only thing worth discussing and looking forward to was Anson.

Anson Wood, that was Spider-Man!

Aaron had lost count of how many times he had watched "Spider-Man." Thirteen times? If he included the time he was halfway through a midnight screening and got kicked out of the theater due to the "underage curfew" rule, then it was fourteen times!

Wait, could he count the time he stopped in front of a TV wall outside an electronics store on his way to the supermarket because he saw a "Spider-Man" trailer as half a time?

Anyway!

Aaron loved Spider-Man, he was crazy about the movie!

He didn't care about "Harry Potter," or even "The Butterfly Effect." The only thing that mattered was Peter Parker. He was finally going to see Peter Parker in person!

Ah, ahhh!

He wanted to scream but had to use all his strength to control his urge.

Today was the official start of filming for "The Butterfly Effect."

The crew wasn't huge but wasn't small either. Looking around, there were about fifty people bustling about, methodically preparing for the start of filming.

The director, cinematographer, actors, lighting crew, sound crew, and other crew members were all present, creating a scene of thriving activity. At a glance, one could see the two writer-directors, eager and ready for action, their mixed expressions of nervousness and excitement unable to be concealed at the corners of their mouths. One could also see the experienced assistant director and production manager skillfully managing the scene, ensuring the crew was on the right track.

Although Aaron couldn't tell and Sarah didn't know the intricacies behind the scenes, at least Sarah could sense that Anson had done an excellent job as a producer.

Not by micromanaging, but by strategically hiring experienced professionals for the assistant director and production manager positions, making up for the two directors' lack of experience and demonstrating his wisdom as a producer.

But why was the producer so late?

Just then, Aaron grabbed Sarah's arm, his gaze fixed in one direction, his whole body tense. Even without words, one could feel the surge of emotions.

Anson had arrived.