506-510

### Chapter 506: Disappearing Without a Trace

"...Are you sure?"

"Yes, 100%. The room light was definitely on last night."

"But remember, he has roommates... don't forget that."

"Harry, I'm serious. I saw Anson with my own eyes. I don't know where he came from, but he definitely entered the villa."

"No, no, no. Your story doesn't add up. First, you say you saw the room light, now you're saying you saw Anson with your own eyes? Hey, don't try to fool me. I'm not some amateur."

"Sigh, I... okay, I didn't see Anson's face directly, but I did see him enter and turn on the light in his room."

"So, it could have been Chris or James."

Harry Percy displayed his professionalism, grasping onto the key points amidst the fog, leaving the person on the other end of the line speechless.

Being a paparazzo isn't something just anyone can do.

Many people might not believe it, but a lot of paparazzi are actually former private detectives or journalists, each with their own skill set. Why they chose this profession could be due to countless reasons.

The person on the other end of the call was also a paparazzo.

Everyone was searching for Anson's whereabouts because he was the hottest topic at the moment, but honestly, the frenzy seemed abnormal—when chasing rumors about Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston or tracking Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, it was never this chaotic. Something felt off.

Anyway, Harry was on high alert.

He knew Anson was an opponent who demanded extreme caution, no matter how careful he was, it wouldn't be enough. He needed to give 120% effort.

Just like now.

The colleague on the other end of the call was clearly not taking it seriously enough, mixing guesses and assumptions, with half of what they said likely being unreliable. A moment of carelessness could lead to missing crucial details.

The consequences?

Harry didn't want to think about the consequences, just the thought of it made his scalp tingle.

Then, a sneer came from the other end of the line.

"Harry, are you taking this too seriously? Anson isn't some kind of demon; he's not going to eat you alive. I can hear your knees shaking over the phone."

Harry felt a pang, but strangely, he wasn't angry at all—

There was no need to be angry. These guys had never really faced off against Anson, so they were all overconfident.

Harry didn't bother to argue and threw out a retort.

"You've been waiting outside Anson's house for three days and nights without seeing a single shadow, and now with half of Los Angeles on the lookout, no one has found Anson's whereabouts. Are you sure you're not hallucinating?"

The person on the other end immediately went silent, mumbling without making any sense.

Harry didn't say anything more and hung up the phone with a snap.

Normally, paparazzi work alone, and to uncover exclusives, they need to endure loneliness, each with their own informants and networks.

But this time, no one had any leads, and they gradually started exchanging information. Harry even mobilized a group of companions, determined to dig up Anson, even if it meant digging three feet into the ground.

Not just in Los Angeles, but resources in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, and other major cities were also mobilized, yet nothing was found.

Anson had disappeared right under their noses.

Of course, many possibilities existed; maybe Anson had already left North America, but Harry had secretly followed Anson's agent, Edgar, for a while and even kept an eye on Edgar's assistant—

He had a bold guess: Anson was still in Los Angeles.

So, they returned to the most basic and simple method:

Stakeouts.

Five days had passed in the blink of an eye, yet there was still no clue. Although some figures were seen here and there, they couldn't be confirmed.

The whole situation was becoming increasingly strange.

Perhaps other colleagues weren't serious enough during their surveillance, missing the opportunity, as long periods of stakeouts made it hard to stay focused; or maybe Anson never returned, and their judgments were completely wrong, with those figures they saw being nothing more than wishful thinking.

In any case, there were many possibilities that Harry didn't want or dare to think too deeply about.

Taking a deep breath, Harry regained his composure and turned his gaze back to the villa.

So, was the figure he saw in the villa last night really Anson? Or was it one of Anson's roommates? Or was it just a... phantom of the opera?

Calm. He needed to stay calm.

After all, this was a battle of endurance, with no idea when or if they would see any light at the end of the tunnel.

Wait—

Something's happening.

Harry's pupils narrowed as he pressed himself against the seat, hiding his figure. He definitely didn't want to be discovered by Anson.

If his location was exposed, Harry didn't know what storm he would be swept into next.

Now Harry finally understood what Tom Cruise felt like in "Mission: Impossible," sweating bullets from sheer tension, despite remaining still. The sweat poured down, hot and heavy, dripping from his temples.

But Harry remained focused, his attention fully on the villa, completely unaware of his condition.

Until... was that Chris Evans?

Damn!

Wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap, even though his facial features weren't clear, there was no doubt it was Chris. Under the morning sun, it only took a brief observation to distinguish between Chris and Anson, making Harry want to curse—

As expected, bad premonitions are never wrong.

Exhaling a long breath, Harry's tense shoulders relaxed, slumping into his seat like a pile of mush, staring blankly at Chris.

It seemed Anson wasn't there; last night's appearance was probably just Chris. But if Anson's room light did indeed turn on last night, then why? What was Chris doing in Anson's room?

His thoughts paused.

Noticing Chris entering the driver's seat and driving away, Harry, almost unconsciously, started his engine and followed.

Why?

There was no reason, just a gut feeling, or perhaps instinct. Since there were no leads at the villa, he might as well try his luck.

Chris' vehicle showed nothing suspicious, following familiar streets and scenery. As time went on, Harry grew increasingly doubtful that he was chasing shadows.

Chris?

What was he thinking? Why did he think following Chris would lead to a clue?

A quick glance around showed they were heading north of Los Angeles, not quite to Burbank, but in the hills near Universal Studios.

Harry quickly realized Chris was probably heading to an audition. There were three audition companies nearby, so actors were naturally common in the area. Chris' behavior was perfectly normal.

Phew.

Exhaling a long breath, Harry calmed down, realizing this was pointless. He should turn around and head back to the villa, continue the stakeout; but just then, he noticed a figure out of the corner of his eye stepping out.

That was—

Wait, was that... Conor?

*Chapter 507: The City of Sound*

The figure seemed unfamiliar. Harry had to sift through all of his memories to find even a vague outline.

A head of slightly curly, chestnut-brown hair almost reached the shoulders, hanging down messily and lazily. A scruffy beard covered most of the face. If he were wearing a hat and sunglasses, he could easily pass as a wanted criminal from a TV station. At this moment, he looked no different from a homeless person.

Yet, despite the unfamiliarity, there was something oddly familiar about him.

Harry paused for a moment. Was that… Connor?

…Connor… what was his last name again?

Harry wasn’t entirely sure about the name, but he remembered that this was the bassist who had performed with Anson on the "Tonight Show." He had left a deep impression with his fretless bass. When people think about a band, they usually focus on the lead singer or guitarist, but Harry knew that the bass was the often-overlooked soul of the music.

So, he remembered him well.

Even though half his face was hidden by a beard, Harry could still vaguely recognize him. If his memory wasn’t wrong, his name should be Connor.

But, was this all just a coincidence?

Chris. Connor.

Two people connected to Anson, yet unrelated to each other, appearing in the same frame—was this normal? Or was it just Harry’s desperate desire to find Anson, making him link everything together? After all, the two of them hadn’t even noticed each other.

Wait, Connor had stopped. Was he waiting for Chris?

Did Connor and Chris know each other? Had they met at a party because of Anson? Or was it…

Knock knock!

A knocking sound on the driver’s side window, loud as thunder, abruptly interrupted Harry’s thoughts. His heart stopped for a moment as he turned his head sharply and saw a bright, smiling face waving at him—

"Good morning!"

Oh, my God!

Half of Harry’s soul nearly jumped out of his body. The scream that had reached his throat was forcibly swallowed, and his body went limp.

He felt like he might have leaked a little.

Harry opened his mouth, thinking he was screaming, but all that came out were helpless "uh, uh, uh" sounds. He collapsed weakly into the seat, staring blankly at the face outside the window.

In front of him was a handsome face, but slightly different from his memory. Short, stubbly whiskers outlined the jaw and facial contours like shadows at four in the afternoon, giving him a slightly scruffy yet wild and unruly look. A black baseball cap was worn backward on his head, with a few rebellious strands of hair poking out, revealing a broad and full forehead.

The same, yet different.

As Harry’s gaze quickly swept over him, even he couldn’t help but doubt himself. "Is that… Anson?"

After all, this image was so different from the "Princess Diaries" and "Spider-Man"; it brought out a unique charm that was mature and wild in a completely different way.

Maybe it was just those eyes, those clear and deep blue eyes, that were still familiar.

Was this an illusion?

Harry squeezed his eyes shut, trying to take a deep breath and regain his composure, but in the next second, he heard a muffled greeting from outside the car window.

"Hey, Kevin."

Nightmare.

The nightmare had returned!

This time, Harry was 100% sure he wasn’t seeing things—

It was indeed Anson outside the car window.

But why was Anson here?

Harry had been desperately searching for Anson, yet now that he had actually found him, he started to regret it. It felt like he had opened Pandora’s box.

He knew he should open his eyes, but honestly, he didn’t have the courage. Suddenly, the driver’s seat felt a little warm.

"Kevin, you can’t park here. You might block other cars. It’s best to move before the traffic cops show up."

"But, it’s really good to see you."

Good to see you?

No way!

Harry cursed under his breath. He waited until he heard no more noise outside the window before cautiously opening his eyes, quickly scanning his surroundings, and then spotting Anson walking towards Chris and Connor—

That figure was unmistakable.

Tall, lean, and well-proportioned, even from the back, he was hard to look away from.

Damn it!

Anson was here all along. They had scoured all of Los Angeles, but never thought to look right under their noses.

But why?

And why had no paparazzi noticed this place? Why had they searched all of Los Angeles but overlooked this area? Why was Anson here?

Questions piled up without answers, only growing more numerous.

Moreover, from Anson’s actions just now, he seemed completely at ease, open and straightforward, with no signs of trying to avoid the media. It actually matched the image from that "New York Times" interview, where Anson always presented his true self.

So, was it all just their own wild imagination?

But how could Anson just openly appear like this without anyone hounding him?

No, the questions were about to explode Harry’s head.

While he was thinking, Anson turned around, said something to Chris and Connor, and then pointed in Harry’s direction.

Um, so…

Should he hide or not?

Harry was at a loss. When dealing with other actors, the paparazzi always hid in the shadows, aiming their cameras to catch them off guard. But when it came to Anson, he always ended up being exposed. How was he supposed to do his job like this?

A moment’s hesitation, and Harry had already missed the chance to hide.

In fact, Anson even waved at Harry, signaling to him, causing Chris and Connor to awkwardly nod as well.

It was obvious that Chris and Connor were a bit uneasy—shocked, surprised, taken aback. They were both worried that they had been the ones to expose Anson’s whereabouts and bring the paparazzi down on them.

But Anson didn’t mind.

Even from a distance, where Harry couldn’t hear Anson’s words, it was clear from his cheerful expression and relaxed demeanor that he was reassuring Chris and Connor. It was as if he had never intended to hide his whereabouts, and he wasn’t surprised at all by the paparazzi’s presence.

In fact, Anson turned to Harry and called out loudly, "Kevin, thanks for your hard work!"

This scene felt more like introducing his friends.

Harry: I can’t even smile. Seriously. I’m not Kevin, for God’s sake, and I’m not working hard at all! What on earth is going on here?

Luckily, Anson didn’t linger. He and Chris, along with Connor, turned and walked towards a gray building ahead, chatting and laughing without letting the appearance of paparazzi spoil their mood. They left Harry standing there, bewildered.

It wasn’t until that moment that Harry finally recognized the building—it was none other than the City of Sound!

Wait, the City of Sound?

Anson was actually at the City of Sound? The place where countless legendary albums had been recorded?

So, while the whole world had been searching for Anson, he had been hiding out at the City of Sound the entire time!

This was… unbelievable!

*Chapter 508: A Hidden Paradise*

Nestled on the western side of Universal Studios is the Sound City, a name that signifies the golden and most glorious dreams of music in Los Angeles since the 1970s.

Established in 1969 against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Sound City had a humble beginning that clashed with the hippie movement of the time, which celebrated the beauty of flowers and freedom. Even then, unknown singers were reluctant to record their voices in such a "dirty and terrible" place.

But as the 1970s unfolded, things began to change.

Legendary artists like Spirit and Neil Young recorded timeless classic albums here, bringing Sound City into the limelight and gaining increasing attention.

Gradually, more and more great names chose to record their albums in this studio. Bands like Metallica, Elton John, and Nirvana all recorded albums that solidified their esteemed status here.

This catapulted Sound City to become the most renowned recording studio in Los Angeles, attracting countless followers who flocked there to pay homage.

Even to this day.

In the 1990s, the music industry reached its peak, with recording technology evolving rapidly from tapes to CDs and then to digital audio sources entering the testing phase at the dawn of the new century. In just ten years, the world underwent drastic changes, causing Sound City's recording equipment to slowly fall behind the times.

Under the pressure from newer, more advanced, and trendy recording studios, coupled with the booming music industries in cities like Atlanta, New York, and Seattle, Sound City in Los Angeles gradually became synonymous with the "old era."

Times were changing.

Some histories become more classic and vivid as time polishes them; others quietly fade away in the long river of time.

Sound City belongs to the latter.

The recording studio that once gave birth to the classic "Nevermind" is now just an empty shell, with no one caring or paying attention, its symbolic meaning outweighing its actual value.

But—

Why is Anson here?

Harry stared intently at Sound City, a crazy thought popping into his mind:

Could it be?

Could it really be?

Anson. Connor. Sound City.

As these keywords connected, Harry couldn't help but shiver, a surge of shock and awe raging in his mind like a giant bell, causing ripples that made his body tremble uncontrollably.

So.

While all of Hollywood was heatedly discussing "Spider-Man" and the history-making record-breaking frenzy, and while all of North America was closely following the epic clash between "Spider-Man" and "Star Wars: Episode I," the protagonist at the storm's center was quietly hiding away in a hidden paradise… recording an album?

No… Could it be?

No wonder they turned all of Los Angeles upside down and still couldn't find any trace of Anson. No wonder Anson didn't hide his whereabouts yet still vanished from right under their noses.

Anson, truly living up to his name!

While everyone's attention was still on the movies, he had already taken the next step. The opportunity to appear on "The Tonight Show" not only bore fruit for "Spider-Man," but also opened doors for his band.

After television, movies, and fashion, Anson continues to move toward music.

Wow.

Wow!

Once the thought was planted, Harry couldn't stop shivering. This wasn't just an exclusive story; it was a whole new revelation.

Suddenly, Harry straightened up, and details in his memory finally resurfaced—

Earlier, Chris handed Anson a small bag. If it was for a change of clothes, that made sense, and all the details lined up.

Glancing around, Harry had a bold guess to confirm:

Perhaps, to focus entirely on recording the album, Anson also realized the disruption from the media and the public's attention, so instead of going home, he rented a temporary place near Sound City. Here, he and Connor and the other band members could fully immerse themselves in music.

Is that possible?

If it's Anson, it's entirely possible!

But the key point is, has Anson’s band signed with a record label? Is Anson recording music now? Is it a single or a full album? Is Anson planning a tour next, or is this just for fun?

Thoughts were surging.

Harry couldn't hold back any longer. He opened the car door and immediately got busy.

Don’t let Harry's past blunders in front of Anson fool you—he's actually a very capable paparazzo. Otherwise, he wouldn't have managed to get close to Anson multiple times, which isn't an opportunity that comes easily—

Even if Harry never wanted it.

In no time, Harry managed to find out that his guess was correct.

As expected, Anson had rented a large apartment near Sound City, where he, Lily, Connor, Miles, and the other band members were all staying.

They were fully immersed in their work.

From what it looks like, they’ve completely isolated themselves from the outside world, fully devoted to creating music from scratch, sparking inspiration not just for one or two songs, but likely aiming to produce a full album.

An album!

To outsiders, music creation often seems to require a spark of inspiration, and that is true; but the reality may be a bit different. If you just sit around waiting for inspiration, it might take two or three years to produce an album.

When musicians need to create an album, they often isolate themselves for a month or three, completely immersing themselves in music, searching for inspiration and sparks, and completing the creative process.

Sometimes, a piece of work is indeed born from a fleeting moment of inspiration, with a certain randomness to it; but more often, it’s the result of carefully planned work.

Of course, it's also crucial that the creator has accumulated enough experience and material before this period of intense focus. Without that, even locking oneself in a room without food or drink wouldn't yield any inspiration.

From all signs, it seems that Anson and his band are currently engaged in this very process.

And most likely, they’re working on a full album, not just a couple of songs, but a full-fledged band album!

No wonder the paparazzi and reporters have been digging all over Los Angeles and still couldn't find Anson—they were looking in entirely the wrong direction.

Once the whole story became clear, Harry was utterly thrilled—

Exclusive. Exclusive!

Whether it's Anson’s whereabouts or the fact that he's preparing to release an album, it’s all exclusive news.

Harry was now considering which media outlet he should sell this exclusive to.

"Entertainment Weekly"? "US Weekly"? "People"? Or "Vanity Fair"?

From past experience, "Entertainment Weekly" is usually the most willing to pay top dollar, but this news is worth even more. Should he auction it off publicly and sell it to the highest bidder?

He could inform five, six, or seven media outlets and then see what they offer.

Huh?

As his thoughts raced, Harry noticed two unfamiliar figures at the entrance of Sound City. His paparazzi instincts kicked in immediately.

It seems like something's about to develop further!

Chapter 509: Cross-Border Collaboration

Sharp! Keen!

Harry was now fully alert, with his brain working at full speed. Any figure appearing near Sound City was under his strict scrutiny.

Click, click, click.

Harry quickly pressed the shutter, but upon reflection, he realized he had no matching information in his mind. They could just be ordinary people with nothing special about them. However, Harry's intuition told him otherwise—

There are no coincidences in this world.

Yet, Harry's mind was blank, with no corresponding information. His knowledge of the music industry was still too limited.

After some thought, Harry pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

Ring. Ring.

The phone only rang twice before it was answered.

"Colin-Jones speaking."

Direct and to the point.

"Colin, it's Harry Percy. Got three minutes?"

"Oh, Harry, of course. You have my attention. Ben and Jennifer just walked into a coffee shop, so unless they're heading to a restroom stall for some 'alone time,' I should have three minutes."

"Hah, they sure do enjoy each other's company."

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez.

Since sparking a romance last November and after both broke up with their previous partners to be together, this couple had been highly public with their affection, almost as if they were glued together.

As mentioned before, the mystique around celebrities was gradually fading, but generally, people were still not fully ready to open up completely.

There were the elusive golden couple, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, the elusive lovers Leonardo DiCaprio and Gisele Bündchen, and the recent love triangle involving Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, and Penélope Cruz, which had been a media sensation.

This is why paparazzi are always linked with gossip, constantly digging up and exposing secrets while celebrities try to hide and evade.

However, Ben and Jennifer were different—remarkably high-profile, openly displaying their affection in front of the cameras, something unheard of at the time.

They even earned the couple's nickname, "Bennifer."

But, everything in excess becomes counterproductive.

In fact, their relentless public displays of affection were so frequent and ostentatious that the public had grown tired of them.

By the end of 2002, in an Entertainment Weekly poll, Ben and Jennifer were voted the most disliked celebrity couple in America, even surpassing Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton, who were criticized for wearing vials of each other's blood, a stunt that angered conservative religious groups.

Incredibly, more than 80% of the public expressed a desire for "Bennifer" to break up.

However, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were thoroughly enjoying the attention.

Paparazzi were well aware that it was all intentional, with their agents adding fuel to the fire, increasing their exposure.

Often, they would be walking normally but would suddenly start clinging to each other as soon as they spotted a paparazzo, creating a spectacle.

It was all just a performance.

Or rather, a business.

Whether the public liked it or not, "Bennifer" was providing a steady stream of content that sustained numerous paparazzi and gossip magazines, while also boosting both their careers.

On the other end of the line, Colin smirked.

"Honestly, I don't mind their high-profile behavior; it's easy to photograph. But you've already used up thirty seconds of your three minutes."

Harry wasn't surprised—

That's just how it is among paparazzi.

"I'm outside Sound City..."

"What? What are you doing there? Who's recording?"

Harry was a specialist in the film industry, while Colin specialized in the music industry.

This time, it was Colin who interrupted Harry.

Harry chuckled, "You owe me back those thirty seconds then; I'm getting to that."

Then, Harry described the two figures he had just seen.

Colin pondered for a moment, "Uh, I can't be 100% sure, but from your description, it sounds like Dustin Thorne and Mike Donovan."

"Which record label are they with?"

"Ward Records. I'll send you some details; you can confirm it."

"Okay."

"Harry, I've shared my insights, but you won't leave me hanging, will you? If I'm not mistaken, they've recently shown a lot of interest in that Anson guy. Then again, half the music industry is interested in him right now."

Paparazzi... they really do have a nose for news!

Harry chuckled, "Yes, it's about Anson, but I still need to confirm a few things."

"If it's about Anson, that's a major scoop. Who are you planning to sell it to?"

"I'm not sure yet; maybe I'll see who offers the highest price."

"These magazines are getting crafty. Be careful. The last time I gave a tip to Entertainment Weekly, they rejected it, only to send their own paparazzi to confirm it later, cutting me out entirely."

"But we don't have platforms of our own; what else can we do!"

"They're just taking advantage of us freelancers because we don't have a union. If we all banded together, they'd have to play ball."

Their exchange of complaints didn't go on for long as Colin's tone suddenly shifted.

"Bennifer is coming out. Talk later."

Click.

Colin hung up.

Harry sat in the driver's seat, lost in thought—

The thing is, whether it's Anson's news or Bennifer's, it's not just a one-time story; it's an ongoing series of updates.

Like right now, Anson being at Sound City, Anson preparing a new album, Anson possibly signing a record deal with Warner...

Each of these is a big deal, with more updates likely to follow.

They're out there on the front lines, working hard to gather this news, while the media and magazines sit back and reap the benefits, often giving them the cold shoulder.

So, is there a way for them to keep control of these exclusives and take the lead while also making money from their work?

The internet, the internet, the internet...

Harry's mind was racing, and then, a spark of inspiration hit him.

Why not create a website? A website dedicated to paparazzi!

First, they could fully utilize the convenience of the internet, updating with breaking news around the clock, gathering all the exclusives from the paparazzi.

Second, once traffic builds up, ad revenue would start pouring in, and they could set their own prices for exclusive news—

Paparazzi wouldn't undercut each other, reducing price discrepancies.

Third, if magazines like Entertainment Weekly wanted to reprint their exclusive stories, they would have to buy the news, credit the source, or collaborate with them. The control over the first-hand news would be in their hands.

Of course, Harry wasn't naive; he knew it wouldn't be that simple and that there would be plenty of challenges. But the more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed.

Maybe Anson and Bennifer could be their opportunity?

Should he take a gamble?

With that thought, Harry didn't hesitate any longer. Trusting his instincts and inspiration, he quickly opened his laptop, staring at the domain registration page.

So, what should the website be called?

It can't be too vulgar or too bland.

Since most of their work takes place within about a thirty-mile radius in Los Angeles, symbolizing the area where Hollywood celebrities gather, why not call it "Thirty-Mile Zone"—

"TMZ."

*Chapter 510: Thirty Miles*

Los Angeles, one of the largest cities in North America, spans an area of 500 square miles (about 1,300 square kilometers). However, the truly bustling and active city center—

Especially Hollywood.

—is just a tiny portion.

Thirty miles, approximately forty-eight kilometers, is the area where paparazzi are most active. Within this range, they can cover all the entertainment hotspots, constantly feeding the world’s insatiable appetite for gossip.

In the summer of 2002, a website called TMZ quietly launched. Initially, no one knew what the name stood for, but it was later realized that it referred to the “thirty-mile zone,” marking the first official gossip site in the world.

In an era when print media was still thriving and traditional media remained dominant, TMZ was undoubtedly at the forefront of change.

Especially for the younger generation, who embraced TMZ’s arrival with open arms, without any reservations.

Coincidentally, TMZ's first news story featured the most popular figure among teenagers at the time—

Anson.

Clearly, the first encounter between paparazzi and the online world proved to be a match made in heaven. The vast ocean of online information became the perfect breeding ground for gossip to spread widely, and within a few days, TMZ had already made a name for itself.

“Anson, who has disappeared from the public eye, has actually been hiding in…”

At the time, clickbait headlines hadn’t yet emerged, and people were not yet trapped in an era of fragmented information. The habit of clicking on a headline and reading the full article was still prevalent, so there was no need to use sensational titles to grab attention. However, Harry vaguely sensed the secret to attracting traffic, leaving a small hook even in the less dramatic headlines.

At this moment, the summer movie season was in full swing. “Spider-Man” continued to break records, and Anson was undoubtedly the hottest topic in North America. According to past trends, his private life should have been plastered all over the gossip magazines, but strangely, the tabloids were unusually quiet this time, sparking curiosity among the public.

Then, TMZ provided the answer—

Just in time!

At first, internet users didn’t pay much attention. They might have just glanced at the news and realized that Anson had been in Los Angeles all along and was spotted near Sound City. His somewhat rugged and dashing appearance sparked endless discussion:

“Oh my gosh, Anson looks so cool!”

“Hormones are off the charts!”

“Fashion really is all about the face—he looks good no matter what.”

“Stubbled Anson! I’m here for it!”

“The good-boy Anson has a bad-boy vibe too. He’s got range.”

Admiration, praise, and fangirling.

That’s all there was to it; very few people paid attention to where the news came from.

But gradually, internet users started to notice something odd.

Harry was both smart and cunning, splitting one news story into several parts.

First, he revealed that Anson had been seen near Sound City. Then, he reported that Anson might have visited Sound City to check on a project. Later, he suggested that Anson might be recording at Sound City.

Next, Harry shared that Anson was temporarily living near Sound City, followed by sightings of Lily, Connor, and Miles, and speculation that the band seen on “The Tonight Show” might be working on a new album.

Soon after, there were reports of a possible record company deal, rumors of different labels reaching out to Anson, and finally, news that the band had signed with Warner Records.

One story after another.

What started as a simple news item was transformed into a serialized drama under Harry’s manipulation, complete with suspenseful elements—

Irresistible!

At this point, internet users started to notice that TMZ was something special. While others were still fumbling in the dark trying to find Anson, TMZ was consistently ahead of the game with exclusive scoops.

And that’s not all!

In addition to Anson’s news, TMZ was also regularly updating the public on the daily lives of “Bennifer,” the year’s most annoying and/or hottest couple. Their mundane activities were a magnet for traffic, like a serialized novel with constant updates.

In just under a month, TMZ had gained a modest reputation.

The first to take notice of TMZ were other paparazzi, whose sharp instincts picked up on the site’s activity. However, their reactions varied.

Some dismissed it, still believing that traditional media were more reliable buyers. Others scoffed, thinking the site was just a gimmick. Some were calculating, using TMZ as an information index to track their own exclusive stories.

But there were a few who, like Harry and Colin, refused to be bound by traditional media like “Entertainment Weekly” and believed the online world had much greater potential.

So, they cautiously began experimenting—

Some news was updated on TMZ for free; some was traded with TMZ in exchange for other news; some was still sold to traditional print media.

Gradually, TMZ became more active and attracted brand sponsors.

When brands started advertising on the site, TMZ officially hit its stride.

It wasn’t until then that traditional media began to take the site seriously.

In reality, traditional media were just as well-informed and only slightly slower to notice TMZ than other paparazzi. But like all conservative forces throughout history, they initially ignored, dismissed, and scorned the new.

To them, a small-time site like TMZ didn’t seem like a serious threat.

However, the internet revealed its speed and power.

TMZ grew faster than anyone expected, finally forcing some traditional print media to acknowledge its existence.

When Harry received a call from “Entertainment Weekly,” he was keeping a close eye on Connor smoking outside Sound City. Miles and Lily were nearby, but there was no sign of Anson, which made Harry a bit wary.

Naturally, he wasn’t paying much attention to the call.

On the other end of the line, someone asked how Harry had obtained the details of the band’s contract with Warner Records and how reliable the information was.

Harry didn’t really care, “Are you looking to reprint it or buy it exclusively?”

“Huh?” The person on the other end hadn’t expected such a response.

Harry repeated himself, then explained, “It’s still available for exclusive purchase, for $100,000; but ‘Us Weekly’ is also considering making an offer. I’m not sure if waiting will change things.”

“If someone buys the exclusive rights, then you won’t have to ask us for permission to reprint it.”

“However, even if you buy it exclusively, TMZ reserves the right to update the story twenty-four hours later.”

The positions of buyer and seller were quietly shifting.

On the other end, “Entertainment Weekly” was caught off guard. This new world was so unfamiliar that they didn’t even know how to react.

But Harry didn’t have time to continue the conversation. He felt that Anson’s disappearance… was strange, and his instincts were setting off alarms.