491-495

*Chapter 491: The Concept of Creating Buzz*

The year 2002 wasn't when social networks completely invaded everyday life, as they would twenty years later, but the core principles of communication and marketing remained the same.

Creating a buzz and sparking a hot topic is only the first step; the real key lies in getting the general public involved, making them feel a sense of participation, and becoming a part of it themselves—

Similar to how fashion works: when someone wears a popular outfit, it feels like they're closer to being trendy, closer to their idols, and closer to their ideal life.

Movies are the same.

"We should get the general public involved, have them share their Spider-Man ticket stubs, and then their Star Wars ticket stubs. Start with industry insiders, showing their support for the summer box office and their alignment with Hollywood trends, and then expand it to regular audiences."

"If Sony Columbia is willing, they could involve the stars of their next summer release in this campaign, which would increase our traffic and give them more exposure. We could also enlist independent filmmakers who truly love cinema to share their ticket stubs, showing their support for the film industry in this way."

"As for what comes next, you can get creative. I'm sure you know the ins and outs of Hollywood's hype machine better than I do."

One step, then another.

Edgar's mind suddenly opened up, and the brainstorming session took off, unstoppable.

Starting from within the industry, they could rally Sony Columbia and 20th Century Fox staff to join in, and also get agents from William Morris and Creative Artists Agency involved—

After all, it’s just sharing a ticket stub, they don’t actually need to go to the theater; it’s a two-minute task, as simple as that.

From the film market, they could involve independent filmmakers and art film enthusiasts by positioning it as a form of performance art, a way to bring audiences back to the theater. Among them, there would surely be passionate individuals who wouldn’t refuse.

From the fashion angle, those actors or singers with sharp instincts wouldn't miss out on this excitement either. Once the first person joins in, the domino effect could create an unbelievable impact.

Ultimately, a trend would form, truly bringing audiences back to the theaters. Whether they like "Spider-Man" or "Star Wars: Episode II" or even movies in general, young people wouldn’t want to miss out on this event.

This is what it means to create buzz.

Learning from one example and applying it to others.

Edgar's mind opened up, and the brainstorming session continued, far surpassing Adam's old tactics.

More importantly, it was easy and convenient; Anson and his team just needed to make an initial appearance, and then the marketing department could take over.

Maybe "Spider-Man" really could tap into some additional market potential?

Maybe "Spider-Man" and "Star Wars: Episode II" didn’t need to be at odds but could actually team up for a win-win?

Anson didn’t need to say more; Edgar fully understood. But Edgar had other thoughts, a slight hesitation in his eyes.

Anson looked over, "What's up?"

Despite Edgar's inner conflict, their partnership had always been built on honesty and trust, and he wasn’t about to break that understanding.

So, after a moment's hesitation, Edgar asked, "I'm concerned about Hayden. Are you... sure it’s okay?"

Hayden Christensen.

A familiar yet distant name, surfacing at an inopportune but somehow fitting moment—

Everything was so contradictory.

Anson had originally thought that during the "Spider-Man" promotion, where the two films were direct competitors, they'd inevitably run into each other, and they could have a civil conversation to catch up.

However, "The Tonight Show" was the only time.

Anson wasn’t naive; there was only one explanation for this situation:

Hayden was avoiding him.

By having his agent gather information ahead of time, they avoided every event where Anson or James would be present, perfectly mismatching their busy schedules.

So, what does that imply?

Seeing Edgar's expression, Anson could guess without asking; he must have heard some rumors.

Anson’s lips curved into a slight smile, "Don't worry, it's fine. After all, I'm not the one avoiding anyone. Whether he's feeling guilty or not, if he wants to keep avoiding me, let him keep trying."

That light-hearted tone made Edgar chuckle as well, "Alright, I get it. Let's see if they have the character to join in on the activity. We’ll throw the challenge to them and let them choose."

Anson gently shook his head, "How can you call it a challenge? It’s an opportunity—a chance for a win-win partnership. 20th Century Fox wouldn’t make such a mistake."

Seeing Anson's calm demeanor, Edgar was still a bit concerned. Hayden's situation felt like a ticking time bomb—no one knew when or if it would explode, and Edgar disliked such uncertainty. But since Anson was prepared, it was fine.

After all, whatever comes, they’ll deal with it; no matter what difficulties arise, Edgar was ready and wouldn’t let anyone hurt Anson, even if the opponent was the lead actor of "Star Wars: Episode II."

So, what’s going to happen next?

Speculating without an answer, Edgar couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.

If even an industry insider like him couldn’t contain his excitement and curiosity, how much more so for the general public? This made Edgar even more thrilled.

However, Edgar hadn’t come to see Anson today for this. Adam's call was a complete surprise, and after briefly straying from the topic, Edgar brought it back on track.

"Anson, I came here today mainly to discuss Warner Records."

"I’m really not familiar with the music industry. Are you sure you don’t need to find a specialized music agent?"

This was the main point.

Anson’s expression turned serious, his lips tightening slightly.

"How about this: help me find out more about Creative Artists Agency. I’ve heard they have a wide range of operations, covering not just music but also models, athletes, painters, and so on, expanding their reach comprehensively."

Edgar froze for a moment, his heart skipping a beat. He knew Anson was joking, but even so, the joke was a bit scary.

Edgar helplessly shook his head, "I don't care about the rest, but I refuse to let go of your acting contract—there’s no room for negotiation."

Surprisingly, seeing Edgar act stubborn for the first time was a rare sight.

Anson studied Edgar's determined expression with great interest, making Edgar feel a bit embarrassed. He cleared his throat, straightened his posture, and put on a serious face.

"I’m just worried about not handling things properly," Edgar admitted honestly.

Anson waved his hand lightly, not teasing anymore, "I’m just concerned we might accidentally sign a life contract. Just help me keep an eye on things."

*Chapter 492: Keep a Respectful Distance*

"I’m just worried we might accidentally sign a bad contract. You just need to keep an eye on things for me."

As expected, Anson is still Anson. His words always carry a sense of ease and calmness, something Edgar, who is constantly on edge, feels he could never achieve. Every time Edgar looks at Anson, he feels both amazed and full of admiration.

Since Anson said so, Edgar saw no need to decline further.

"I talked with Warner Records. They’ve shown enough sincerity and have basically agreed to all the terms. They just want to move quickly and capitalize on the momentum to release the album. They’d be happy to share the risk with you; naturally, they have no objection. However, they still hope to sign you for two albums. Warner has its own concerns as well."

Anson understood immediately, "Haha, they’re worried I’ll release one album and then vanish, right?"

Edgar shrugged, "The success of 'Spider-Man' has given them more confidence in you, but it also means that with your acting career taking off, there might not be a second album. The record industry has been in decline for a while now, and labels often don’t start making real money until the second or third album. Their request isn’t surprising."

Anson replied, "Alright, I get it. I’ll discuss it with the band members. We need to reach a consensus; otherwise, nothing will move forward."

Seeing Edgar nodding decisively, Anson suddenly grew curious, "Captain, what about you?"

"Me?" Edgar responded.

Anson nodded, "Yes, what do you think? How do you feel about the band?"

"They’re great."

"Is that all?"

Edgar saw Anson’s enthusiastic expression and organized his thoughts before speaking seriously, "Honestly, I think you’re just doing this for fun. Johnny Depp has a rock band, and Will Smith has released a few albums. Actors playing in bands or singers making cameos in movies is common, so there’s no need to make a big deal out of it."

"Moreover, the success of 'Spider-Man' owes a lot to the surprise you brought in terms of fashion and music, so why not?"

"It’s like you said before, being an actor is about trying new things and breaking boundaries. When an actor confines themselves, it also means their vitality is being stifled."

"So, even if it’s just for fun, it’s worth trying."

"Or maybe you’ll surprise everyone again, like you did on 'The Tonight Show.' That would be perfect."

Edgar shared his thoughts at length.

Currently, the mainstream opinion in Hollywood is to focus on specialization. An actor is an actor, a singer is a singer, and even stage actors should stick to the stage. This was also why Edgar and Eve didn’t push Anson’s "fashion image" too hard at the beginning.

But as time went on, Edgar was evolving step by step.

Anson nodded solemnly, "I knew I had a good eye."

Edgar: ... Are you sure?

Ding-dong.

The doorbell rang, interrupting the conversation. Edgar looked at Anson with exasperation.

Anson, however, remained particularly calm, "On your way out, could you open the door for me?"

Edgar actually laughed out loud. Their collaboration was becoming more and more seamless and harmonious. In the end, he didn’t complain, got up, and left.

As he reached the door, Edgar turned around. After hesitating, he finally spoke.

"Anson, about Hayden and Brad... don’t take it to heart."

"It’s true that everyone says there’s only absolute interest and no absolute sincerity in Hollywood. That’s a fact; but nothing is absolute. Maybe you’re just on different paths, moving in different directions."

"But, on this road, you’re not alone."

Anson was taken aback—

Usually, Edgar kept his distance, always maintaining a clear line between personal and professional matters, never crossing boundaries, perfectly upholding the professional image of a Hollywood agent.

But today, Edgar uncharacteristically crossed that line, sharing a bunch of words unrelated to work.

Brad had moved out.

Unlike Hayden, Brad didn’t leave without a word, but neither did he leave with a big fight. Since the premiere of "Spider-Man," the atmosphere in the house had become strange.

Brad wandered around the house like a ghost, not intending to talk to them, and they didn’t initiate a conversation either, maintaining a mutual silence.

Until one day, Brad chose a time when both Anson and Chris were home, packed his bags, and left. He neatly placed the keys and the remaining rent on the coffee table in the living room, and without saying goodbye, left under the corner of Anson and Chris’s watchful eyes.

Later, it was heard that Brad had moved to Venice Beach.

Hayden’s room remained empty, and now Brad’s room was vacant too. Anson hadn’t found a new roommate yet. It was unclear whether it was because the promotion period was too busy, or if he was intentionally avoiding it. The large villa suddenly felt a bit empty this summer.

It had been some time since Brad moved out, and Edgar hadn’t said much, but today, he couldn’t hold back anymore.

However—

Edgar himself wasn’t used to this. Clearly, this wasn’t his usual style. After dropping so many words, he didn’t wait for Anson’s response. In fact, to some extent, he didn’t want Anson to respond, and in his embarrassment, he turned around quickly, ready to leave.

"Thank you."

A clear voice came from behind him.

Edgar’s hand, which was about to open the door, paused slightly. He reflexively wanted to turn around, but his shoulder muscles suddenly stiffened, making his head tilt back slightly, stuck in an awkward position, which only made him more embarrassed.

He wasn’t good at handling such situations.

So, Edgar straightened up a bit, and with a firm grip on the door handle, he quickly pulled the door open.

Then, he saw Lily and the others standing neatly at the door.

As soon as Lily saw Edgar’s serious expression, even without saying a word, the coldness on his face radiated a chilling aura that made people want to keep their distance.

Instinctively, Lily took a small step back and accidentally bumped into Connor.

This startled Connor and Miles, who also hastily averted their eyes, stepping back slightly to clear the way.

Their reactions were like they’d seen a ghost.

Edgar immediately realized that his expressionless face must have looked a bit scary. He had a few words of explanation ready, but after a second thought, he swallowed them back.

If they were afraid of him, maybe that was a good thing. He didn’t need to be friends with them. He was always on Anson’s side, and his only concern was protecting Anson’s interests. This way, if anything like Hayden and Brad’s situation happened again, he could handle it instead of Anson—

He didn’t mind getting his hands dirty.

"Anson’s inside."

Edgar nodded slightly, maintaining his expressionless demeanor, then looked forward, indicating he was about to leave.

Clatter.

The way was immediately cleared.

### Chapter 493: Shining a Light on Reality

With just a single sentence and a glance, Edgar exuded an aura of icy resistance.

Immediately, the three of them stepped aside to make way, watching Edgar leave with cold stares, as if even the Californian sunshine instinctively avoided his shoulders. Their hearts couldn't help but clench.

It was only after Edgar left that the three finally dared to breathe again.

Lily looked at Connor, Connor looked at Miles, but Miles was just as puzzled. The three cautiously tiptoed into the room, carefully surveying their surroundings, fearful of accidentally disturbing the "T-Rex."

Based on Edgar's expression earlier, it seemed he and Anson had just had an unpleasant conversation. Now Anson might be in a foul mood too, making them wonder if they should hide under a car.

"If you guys were trying to be burglars, you'd be way too clumsy."

A teasing voice came from the front of the hall, causing Lily and the others to jump like startled birds, as if the floor beneath them had suddenly become too hot to handle, even Miles, who was usually composed and elegant, was no exception.

"Haha."

Then, they saw Anson laughing out loud.

It was a false alarm.

Judging by Anson's expression, it seemed everything was fine. It appeared their worries were just in their heads. Lily pressed a hand to her wildly beating heart, trying to regain her composure. She relaxed her tense nerves and said, "Anson, your manager is really scary."

Anson looked confused. "Captain? Are you sure?"

As far as he could recall, Edgar had always maintained a cheerful demeanor from their very first meeting. Even when faced with provocations or jabs, Edgar had never lost control. Anson really couldn't recall seeing Edgar looking stern or fierce.

Of course, Anson knew that this didn't necessarily reflect Edgar's usual way of doing things. After all, there were no true "good guys" among Hollywood agents—

Good guys either got weeded out or switched careers.

Lily nodded repeatedly. "Yes, we even forgot to greet him."

Anson chuckled, "No worries, he doesn't eat kids."

Lily: ... With a face full of black lines, she thought, Mr., that comment really didn't help at all, did it?

However, Anson didn't continue chatting idly and instead invited the three to sit down, getting straight to the point without delay.

"Sorry, after the 'Tonight Show,' work hasn't stopped until today. I think it's time we talked business."

Since Anson lived in Los Angeles, he naturally didn't have to worry about it, but Lily and the other two were under tremendous pressure. Rent and daily expenses were almost crushing them. Although Anson had offered to help, given that the band's stagnation was partly due to him, they had refused.

As Connor put it, "There will be plenty of things we need your help with in the future. For now, let us stand on our own."

Lily agreed, "We've managed to survive in New York for so many years; we can handle a new city just as well."

Anson understood their determination, so he didn't push further.

After much delay, things were finally coming to a crucial turning point.

"One thing is Warner Records..."

Anson laid out his thoughts without holding back, openly discussing everything.

All along, Anson had taken this seriously. Despite the band's street videos going viral because of him and the fact that he wrote all the songs, he always believed that Connor, Lily, and Miles were indispensable. If he worked with different people, the same songs would likely have a completely different feel.

A band should be a unit, advancing and retreating together.

Connor couldn't help but swallow hard. "Are you saying we should only sign a single album contract for $800,000 but get 20% royalties? Do you think there's a good chance Warner Records will agree?"

"99.9%?" Anson shrugged lightly. "For them, it's a good deal. They have no reason to refuse. The only issue is that they want a contract for two albums at once."

Lily thought she could stay calm, but in reality, her mind was buzzing. "What was Warner Records' original proposal again?"

"Uh, I'm a bit unsure—maybe $1 million per album with 11% royalties? And a contract for five albums? Or was it three? Anyway, lower royalties, higher signing bonuses, longer contracts."

The air hummed slightly.

Miles felt his mouth go dry.

They often talked big about never bowing to money or how $100,000 or $200,000 meant nothing. But now, faced with Warner Records, a giant waving a check in front of them, they found themselves momentarily incapable of rational thought.

A million dollars. Eight hundred thousand dollars.

That $200,000 difference was tangible—roughly $50,000 per person. After performing on the streets for so many years, they had never seen $10,000 in one place. To say they weren't tempted would be a lie. Royalties, after all, were just a future prospect, not as direct as cash in hand.

Indeed, money is always the most effective tool.

Miles wanted to say that he trusted Anson's judgment and fully supported him. He knew this was the right decision. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't make a sound.

Hesitating slightly, his heart pounded like a drum.

It wasn't just Miles. Lily and Connor were the same. From having nothing to suddenly having too many choices, they found themselves a bit overwhelmed.

Anson wasn't surprised.

Hearing about something is one thing; experiencing it firsthand is quite another.

They just needed some time.

Anson didn't rush them to clear their thoughts and instead continued.

"The other issue is the album's theme."

"Actually, we don't have to go with Warner Records. There are other labels, or we could sign with an independent label to maintain our musical integrity. There's no need to rush the decision."

"But I think we need to settle on a central theme for the album. No matter which label we sign with, having a clear idea during negotiations will give us leverage. We can see if they accept our creative vision or if they'll say one thing and do another—sign us up only to alter our music style drastically after the fact."

"After all, it's no longer the '70s. Bands are in a weaker position, and pop idols and mainstream music dominate the scene."

"So, if we can clarify our direction and theme before signing, I think that's a good thing."

"Any ideas?"

However, when Anson looked up, he saw three faces frozen in shock, which made him burst out laughing.

Dear readers, happy Lunar New Year!

Chapter 494: Soft Hums and Low Tunes

Shock, disbelief, and surprise.

Lily, Connor, and Miles each had different expressions, yet they all shared a similar look of confusion.

Miles was the first to react. "But they chose our band because of our unique sound. So why would the record label try to change our style during the recording? Why would they do something so stupid?"

Anson shook his head. "At its core, the record company doesn't care about the music itself. What they care about is using the music to make profits and break into the market. Music is just a tool for them."

"So, if necessary, they can change the style based on what they think works best. That's where the producer plays an important role in the process."

"Of course, I’m just saying this is a possibility. It might not happen, or it could happen in a more subtle and unexpected way."

"Here’s a scenario: If the producer thinks a cello is a good idea, what about adding other classical instruments? Maybe a violin? A grand piano? Before we know it, the band becomes a six-piece ensemble."

"It’s not that violins or pianos are bad — we might even agree that adding some instruments could enhance our sound. But the issue is, things slowly drift off track, and we lose control without even realizing it. Suddenly, we're like puppets."

Miles' mouth opened slightly, his chest rising with emotion as he struggled to find the words. "How could they…?"

Anson smiled. "Again, this is just a potential outcome. I’m saying if we can plan the album’s theme and style ahead of time, we can minimize the chances of this happening. No need to panic before anything actually goes wrong."

"But this is something you face when you sign with a major label. There might be some overlap between your style and their market goals, but there could also be clashes. Even legends like The Beatles and Queen had to navigate these battles with their labels. We’re no different."

Finally, Miles began to understand.

The very things that made the band stand out — like featuring the cello as a main instrument or blending instruments into their performance — could be what attracted the record label, but it could also be the reason the label might later abandon them.

After all, they were exploring an uncharted path. Every step forward was filled with countless possibilities.

Miles looked back at Anson. "So that’s why you wanted to sign for just one album instead of two or three."

They had been focused on the contract numbers, but Anson was thinking about preserving the band's identity.

Anson’s push to sign a one-album deal wasn’t because he, as an actor, wanted to keep his options open. It was because he genuinely cared about the band and was thinking from their perspective.

Suddenly, a wave of warmth filled Miles' chest as he glanced over at Lily and Connor.

But they hadn’t fully processed everything yet.

The information was overwhelming, and their minds were racing in different directions, each focusing on different aspects of the conversation. They needed time to absorb it all.

“Lily?”

“Connor?”

Miles, feeling a bit anxious, called their names.

Anson wasn’t surprised and jumped in with a suggestion.

"Tea? Coffee? Or maybe something stronger?"

He stood up with the air of a host. The offer of drinks was just an excuse; the real intention was to give them space to think. He didn’t want to stay and add pressure.

Lily blinked. "Water. Just water. Uh, thanks."

Miles smiled. "I’m good. Connor?"

“Connor!”

Miles had to call out again before Connor finally snapped out of his daze, glancing around in confusion, as if suddenly unsure of where he was. He rubbed his face vigorously, making a strange rumbling noise in his throat.

Anson chuckled softly. "Got it. I’ll surprise you."

With a playful comment, Anson got up and left the room.

But instead of heading to the kitchen, he walked to another room at the end of the hallway, a small storage room that had a window overlooking a little garden on the side of the house.

To his surprise, Anson spotted an old piano there.

He remembered that this piano came with the house — an old Spanish-style home. It used to sit in the living room, but they had moved it to the storage room to make space for parties.

Now, seeing it here, Anson realized the storage room wasn’t as small as he had thought.

Who knew how long the piano had been sitting there, probably out of tune by now. Anson's hand drifted over its surface, feeling the resonance of the wood beneath his fingers. It was as if the wind was whispering, telling stories buried deep in time.

"Spider-Man" had succeeded—

Just like in his previous life. In fact, it was even more successful this time. The parallel universe was shifting, with the flap of a butterfly’s wings causing a ripple.

But at what cost?

A Hayden. A Brad.

That wasn’t entirely accurate. Hayden's situation remained a mystery even now. It was impossible to be certain what had happened behind the scenes. Yet, judging by the timing, it likely had something to do with Spider-Man or Star Wars: Episode II. Still, no one knew for sure.

Anson had always known how complex the fame game was, just like the book described it — “How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.” The price of fame often involved ruthless decisions, turning everything into a tool, until you found yourself isolated and alone. He had heard similar stories countless times.

But the truth is, when you live through it, it leaves a bitter taste.

He understood the logic; but the emotions? Those were something else entirely.

And Spider-Man had only been out for two weeks. It hadn’t even fully exploded yet, and Hollywood was already showing its true, cold-hearted side.

So Anson didn’t blame Connor and Lily for their hesitation. They had every right to be uncertain, to be conflicted.

Life was like that — a journey of meetings, connections, and farewells. In the end, only a few people remain by your side, walking the same path. At every crossroads, different choices lead to different futures, and each person must own their decisions and face the consequences.

If Hayden and Brad’s choices were made with careful thought, Anson hoped they would stay true to them and eventually reach the dreams they were chasing—

Because everyone’s vision of their life is different.

Carefully, Anson opened the piano lid. His fingers hovered over the black and white keys, drifting gently, as if time itself was flowing between them. A soft hum began to rise in his throat, and his fingers pressed down.

Ding.

The clear note from the piano merged with the melody in his mind, transforming into golden notes that danced across the keys.

"Oh, oh, oh…"

Softly, Anson began to hum.

Chapter 495: The Stories of Time

Unconsciously, Anson thought of Louis XVI—

Louis XVI, the last king before the fall of the Bourbon dynasty, whose reign directly led to the outbreak of the French Revolution. He was the only French king to be executed, and the second European monarch to meet that fate after England's Charles I.

In the pages of history, words like "weak," "luxurious," and "corrupt" have become the footnotes of Louis XVI’s life. He symbolized a turning point in history, marking the transition from a feudal society to a modern one. He has become a symbol, a label, a piece of history, never seen as a real person.

Louis XIV left behind a legacy of financial chaos and widespread decline in France. Louis XV, on the other hand, took indulgence and extravagance to new heights, spending much of his energy on pursuing women. Many of his mistresses and scandals have been recorded in history, foreshadowing the downfall that would follow.

By the time Louis XVI ascended the throne, France was a broken and gasping nation, with the seeds of revolution already beginning to sprout.

Think of Brad, think of Lily, Connor, and Miles—they have all been chasing their dreams, trying to hold on to the flashes of brilliance in their lives, only to face failure, hitting wall after wall until self-doubt takes over. They grab desperately at any lifeline, but in the end, they are rejected, forgotten, and abandoned.

And Louis XVI?

Louis XVI, despite being a king, certainly had a life that seemed far removed from the struggles of people like Brad, who fought like ants to survive. Yet, in truth, Louis XVI never had control over his own life either. The harder he tried to hold on, the more the sands of time slipped through his fingers.

The grand public image of a king's glory stood in stark contrast to his private loneliness. Louis XVI simply wanted to be a locksmith, but the burden of the kingdom's fate rested on his shoulders, preventing him from living as he wished.

In this way, Louis XVI was like Brad, like Lily and the others—they were all trapped in their own prisons, struggling without ever breaking free.

When the French monarchy was teetering on the edge, Louis XVI did try to save his nation. He didn’t want to end up like his grandfather Louis XV, remembered as a tyrant, but he failed because being king was never his desire.

When the French Revolution toppled the Bourbon rule, Louis XVI became a prisoner.

"Who would ever want to be king?"

Certainly not Louis XVI—he never understood politics.

Louis XVI was undoubtedly guilty of failing his country and his people, but the wheels of a dying regime were in motion long before his reign. The collapse was not solely his fault.

In the end, both Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were executed for treason, accused of conspiring with foreign nations to restore the monarchy.

Cowardice and timidity had always been labels stuck to Louis XVI, but unexpectedly, as he approached the guillotine, this king who had dreamed of being a locksmith revealed his courage. He faced his death with composure and bravery.

Before his execution, he cried out to the crowd:

"I die innocent. I forgive my enemies, and I hope my blood will appease God's wrath."

Was Louis XVI truly at fault? He never wanted to be king. He only wanted to immerse himself in the world of locks, but he wasn’t allowed that choice.

In this sense, Brad, Lily, and the others were luckier than Louis XVI—they still pursued their dreams.

History, like poetry, is pale, dark, and colorful, full of helplessness and inevitability.

Brad, Lily, and the others, in some ways, were no different from Louis XVI:

Relentlessly chasing their dreams, only to be battered and broken by reality. They ran headlong into life’s obstacles, ending up bloodied and bruised. The harsh realities of the world stripped their dreams of its feathers until all their pride, ambition, and innocence were worn away—

Some grew cynical, others sank into despair, while a few accepted their fate with grace.

But isn’t that true for everyone?

Anson himself was no different.

In his previous life, after everything that happened, he didn’t dare dream. Even imagining something in secret felt like a luxury, as if even the smallest glimmer of hope would hasten his destruction.

In the dead of night, surrounded by endless darkness, he gazed up at the stars but didn’t dare reach out.

But this time?

He refused to make the same mistakes.

He would keep running, keep fighting, and burn with life, savoring every moment, even if the price was total annihilation. He wouldn’t stop.

Passion and blood, flowing and surging, cascaded from his fingertips, painting a grand and magnificent picture before him, with brilliant colors colliding and bursting into dazzling splendor.

Ding.

The sound of the piano keys struck his ears, but the piano alone was too thin, too weak. His mind called for every instrument—

Maybe they needed a full symphony orchestra.

The depth and majesty of the cello could unleash all the hidden emotional energy within the melody. What if violins and trombones were added? And what if drumbeats, like the tolling of a bell, joined in? Could they create a torrent of sound, a thundering stampede of emotions?

Indeed, standing at the crossroads of reality and dreams, everyone has to make a choice, and each choice comes with a price.

Indeed, the human heart is the most unpredictable thing of all, even beyond one's own control—a weakness of human nature.

But.

He wouldn’t stop. He refused to stop. Life is too beautiful and brilliant to let the cruelty and bloodiness of reality hold him back. There’s still a whole world of splendor waiting for him to explore and adventure.

Inspiration, like a fountain, erupted with the brilliance of fireworks. Emotions became notes, waves of passion surged forth, sending shivers from his toes to the top of his head, electrifying every nerve.

The collision of his fingers with the piano keys burst forth with an unbelievable intensity—that’s the most beautiful, magical part of music.

The notes broke through the walls, shattering every barrier, echoing through the building. The Spanish-style vintage decor pulled his thoughts into the flow of time, and in the blink of an eye, he was lost in it, his mind carried away by the music.

Lily’s thoughts blurred as her mind was interrupted. She was a step behind before she noticed Miles striding forward. She tried to call out to him, hoping they could still work something out, but her voice caught in her throat, her thoughts still tied to the notes, swaying her spirit.

By the time she snapped back to reality, Lily found herself standing with Connor and Miles at the storeroom door, staring in awe at the scene before them.