451-455

**Chapter 451: The Crisis of Crossing Over**

In a back-and-forth exchange, the conversation flowed naturally without hesitation, revealing the underlying thoughts behind the words.

Anson's casual remark caused the smile on Mike's face to freeze for a moment—

Wait, did he really lack confidence?

Was he subconsciously agreeing with the internal market analyses of the company? Was today's visit with Dustin actually a gamble?

This brief pause interrupted the conversation’s flow, subtly shifting the balance of power in Anson's favor.

Anson glanced at Mike, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, before adding, "Oh, by the way, we hope this will be a one-album contract. As for the second and subsequent albums, we can sit down and discuss the details later."

The real bombshell was hidden here.

Mike was stunned, caught off guard by the sudden shift, and instinctively blurted out, "No way!"

After thinking it over, Mike shook his head, "That's not possible."

A short-term one-album contract would mean Warner Music could be left holding the bag, with no control over future outcomes. Such a losing proposition was not something Warner Music would ever agree to.

Anson wasn’t surprised—

As he mentioned earlier, record companies need to hold onto the reins.

They could either stipulate the number of albums in the contract, such as requiring the band to release three albums with Warner Music before discussing renewal or ending the contract.

Or they could set a time limit, requiring the band to stay with Warner Music for three years before considering other options.

During the contract period, the record company holds all the cards, especially larger companies that are skilled at protecting their interests.

Mike's response was entirely expected.

Anson shrugged slightly, "Mike, of course, we can sign a three-album contract or a three-year contract; but honestly, it makes no difference to me because I’m not even sure there will be a second album."

Mike: ...

Dustin, "But ..."

The words were on the tip of Dustin's tongue, but when he saw Anson's calm expression, the follow-up words got stuck, jumbled on his tongue.

"Right, maybe there won't be a second album. After all, you don’t really need to care, as you have other work, so obviously, you don’t need to worry about these things."

Mumbling to himself, Dustin seemed a bit lost—

He no longer had the heart to joke about Mike.

A smile spread across Anson’s face, "Maybe Warner Music should reconsider this offer. If you decide to pass, I’ll understand."

This ...

Something didn’t feel right. Warner Music should have had the upper hand, but why did Mike now feel like he had lost control?

Dustin, feeling a sudden pang of urgency, leaned closer to the table. "Anson, are you serious? You don’t want to sign a contract?"

Anson laughed heartily, waving his hands, "No, no, no. I’m happy to record an album, and Warner Music's personal visit is an honor."

"But, playing in a garage band is always simpler, while leaving the garage and stepping into the real world is more complicated, right? We need to face reality."

"You’re uncertain about your choice, and I also need to discuss this with the other three band members. There are many possibilities, so there's no need to rush into a conclusion, don’t you agree?"

Everything was just beginning.

Calm, composed.

Anson once again demonstrated a different side, taking control of the negotiation.

Regardless, one thing was clear: 

There was no need to rush.

Warner Music needed more internal discussions, and Anson had to consult with his bandmates—decisions wouldn't be made in a hurry.

And so, the meeting ended.

As they watched Anson ride off on his skateboard, Dustin felt anxious. "Mike? Is that it? We're just letting him go?"

Mike, "What else can we do?"

Dustin, "At the very least, we should try harder to convince him."

Mike looked at Dustin, "Do you think Anson is that easily convinced?"

Dustin: ... The words caught in his throat, he felt a wave of frustration, "Why does this feel so off, like something isn't right?"

"Heh," Mike chuckled, "We've all underestimated that young man. No, I think the whole of Hollywood has misjudged him."

"Dustin, he’s an actor—young, handsome, and talented. He has a promising future as an actor."

In the North American entertainment industry, there are countless examples of singers crossing over to acting or actors crossing over to music—Cher, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and so on. The younger generation also has its share, like Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, etc.

That's why the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) is regarded as the highest achievement in the North American entertainment industry, spanning television, music, film, and theater—the pinnacle of awards across the entire industry.

However, reality is a bit different.

People generally believe that talent is limited, and one should focus on mastering a single field. Those versatile stars who excel in multiple domains are rare exceptions.

So when an actor tries to become a singer, or a singer tries to become an actor, they often face significant challenges and even harsh criticism.

And after the millennium, this trend has become increasingly pronounced.

In the younger generation, people like Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift have all tried acting, with better and better resources, yet they all faced severe criticism.

Justin, after several attempts without breakthrough success, was even quietly shunned by Hollywood studios. While not outright blacklisted, producers often sighed when they saw his name, with no projects willing to give him a chance—even a superstar like Justin faced such barriers.

After the millennium, achieving an EGOT became an almost unattainable dream. Compared to singers or actors, songwriters and producers had a better chance of collecting all four major awards, as they worked behind the scenes and performed the same role across different domains.

In 2002, the situation wasn’t as severe, but there was no denying that it was a reality they needed to face—

Whether Anson was willing to record an album was one thing; how the album would be received after its release was another.

Mike had to admit that it wasn’t until now that he truly recognized Anson's status as an actor.

Initially, Anson was just a pretty face—he had limited screen time in "The Princess Diaries," and like millions of viewers, if not for that transformation moment on "The Tonight Show," they would have completely overlooked Anson's acting career.

But now, Mike suddenly realized, "Spider-Man" was about to be released, and Anson’s acting career was on the rise—this was an issue they had to take seriously.

Once the album was released, Warner Music might face backlash.

Dustin suddenly became alert, sensing the deeper meaning in Mike's words, "So, you’re saying we should give up?"

"No, no, no."

"Mike, we shouldn't miss out on Anson."

"He's outstanding, truly outstanding. Believe me, his music deserves to be heard. We wouldn't want to miss out on such a talented musician."

### Chapter 452: The Coming of Summer

A musician?

Mike caught onto the keyword, his face full of surprise as he looked at Dustin.

Just one talk show and two original songs, and Anson had already earned such high praise from Dustin.

As expected!

Dustin was a madman, wholly devoted to music, completely oblivious to anything outside that world. His entire existence revolved around music.

Noticing Mike’s smile, Dustin asked, “What?”

Mike didn’t hold back. “A musician?”

Initially, Mike thought Dustin might be embarrassed, but he wasn’t.

Instead, Dustin confidently glared back. “Yes, you heard me right. Although I don’t know what kind of actor he is, I’m very sure he’s an outstanding musician.”

“The arrangement of the cello and bass? The gradual layering of instruments? Conveying the emotion of a melody through the texture of a cello?”

“These are all talents.”

“Before this, I couldn’t imagine the combination of a cello and a band, but now I’m willing to anticipate the different answers Anson will give.”

Certain. Persistent.

Mike could sense the glimmer in Dustin’s eyes. “So, you’re saying that no matter the cost, we should sign them?”

“Yes.”

“Even if it’s 20% royalties?”

“Yes.”

“Even if it’s just for one album?”

“Yes.”

“Dustin, you really don’t consider the business perspective at all.”

“That’s for you to worry about. Do you need me to fret over it too?”

Mike was momentarily stunned, unable to refute.

Dustin’s face was full of confidence, but then he shifted the topic back. “We really shouldn’t miss this opportunity. We’ll regret it, 100%.”

He then added, “We shouldn’t let Universal take them.”

Mike chuckled, “Who said you don’t understand the business perspective?”

Warner Records was trying to reshape the music market, and without a doubt, Universal Music was their biggest competitor. If Universal was also vying for Anson and his group, then from a strategic standpoint, Warner needed to be more proactive—

Every inch counts.

This time, Dustin looked slightly embarrassed because he wasn’t sure if what he said was true, but he didn’t back down, “I’m just stating the facts.”

Mike nodded lightly, “You’re right.”

Dustin was puzzled, “What?”

Mike repeated, “You’re right. I also think we shouldn’t miss out on them.”

Happiness suddenly surged, leaving Dustin momentarily stunned.

Mike watched Anson’s figure fade into the distance and had a bold idea: maybe because of Anson’s identity as an actor, they should sign the deal—

Not because of the possibility of an EGOT, nor because of what Dustin said about being a musician, but because of Anson’s personal charm.

Actor. Musician.

Different identities, different colors. Anson indeed showed different possibilities. If you think back to his wit on “The Tonight Show” and his fashion at Paris Fashion Week, even though Anson wasn’t yet twenty, he was already showing his diversity and potential to the public.

So, does this mean there’s even more to discover about Anson?

Perhaps the name “Anson Wood” holds more possibilities, not just as an actor or musician but as someone who could stand out uniquely.

If that’s the case, Warner Records might have to rethink their entire strategy. Different expectations would naturally require different plans.

Most importantly, Warner Records could distinguish itself from Universal Music by building an entire strategy around Anson. Who knows, this could be the key to changing the game.

Of course, this was just a spark of inspiration, an idea that took root during the conversation with Anson and was rapidly growing. There still needed to be meetings and discussions with the company, but even in its early stages, Mike couldn’t contain his excitement.

Mike thought that the upcoming “Spider-Man” could be an important reference—

As an actor, what side would Anson show? After all, the spotlight in previous works like “Friends” and “The Princess Diaries” hadn’t been on him.

So.

Things were slowly getting interesting.

On one hand, Warner Records’ focus quietly shifted towards “Spider-Man,” and beyond the film industry, other attention began to gather around the summer box office.

On the other hand, the growing buzz around Anson, with Sony-Columbia’s strategic guidance, was also heading towards the summer season.

Finally—

Summer arrived.

This was the first summer season after 9/11. Not just Hollywood, but the entire North American market in all industries was closely watching.

The sluggish economy, the stifling atmosphere, the oppressive environment—all were waiting for the day the gloom would lift, but no one knew when that day would come.

Before the summer officially arrived, Hollywood had been testing, brewing, and laying the groundwork.

David Fincher’s **Panic Room**, starring Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart, **Ice Age**, **Blade II**—a series of mid-sized but somewhat promising films were gradually being released.

Finally, **The Scorpion King** served as the grand finale to the spring season, a spinoff of the highly successful **Mummy** series with an $80 million investment, led by Dwayne Johnson. It wouldn’t have seemed out of place even in the summer season.

Step by step, Hollywood tried to revive the market.

However.

The situation wasn’t optimistic.

Among these releases, some performed well, some not so much. **Ice Age** and **Panic Room** had small but notable successes, with their controlled production costs making the profits stand out.

But other films fell short. From reviews to box office numbers to audience reactions, they all fell below expectations, dragging the already sluggish spring season further into a slump.

Particularly disappointing were **Blade II** and **The Scorpion King**. Despite high expectations, neither managed to ignite the market—

They didn’t flop, exactly.

**Blade II** brought in $80 million domestically, and **The Scorpion King** grossed $60 million in its first two weeks. These results were neither good nor bad, but with overwhelming negative reviews and lukewarm audience responses, there was no sign of market recovery, leaving the industry anxious and uneasy.

It felt like when a warm-up act finishes at a concert, and the venue remains eerily quiet, making the headliner nervous as well. Everything suggested:

The show might flop.

Recently, the buzz around **The Tonight Show** and Anson felt like a small circle within Hollywood entertaining itself, disconnected from the daily lives of ordinary people. The gloom still hung over the sky; there was no vitality, and the sunlight couldn’t break through the clouds.

Now, all hopes rested on **Spider-Man**.

A film based on a comic book, rooted in niche geek culture, featuring a scrawny high school kid as a superhero—was it really reliable to rely on such a film to revive the entire movie market?

But now, it was too late to have second thoughts. Whether they liked it or not, whether the outcome would be good or bad, they had no choice but to follow through—

The summer season had officially begun.

### Chapter 453: Pressure Through the Roof

Wednesday, May 1st.

Los Angeles was bathed in golden sunlight, a lazy yet brilliant glow that made the entire city bask in the comfortable ease of the spring-to-summer transition.

At a traffic light intersection, vehicles slowed to a halt as the light turned red. One by one, drivers rolled down their windows to enjoy the refreshing breeze. Among them, a long limousine also came to a stop.

However, all the vehicles were in the lanes for going straight or turning right, while the left-turn lane, leading to Hollywood Boulevard, was completely empty. Everyone knew that the road was closed due to a premiere today. This was a common sight, and no one wanted to bother with the hassle.

At that moment, seeing the long limousine sitting alone in the left-turn lane, it was easy to guess that it was headed for the premiere.

Naturally, curious eyes tried to catch a glimpse of who might be inside, wondering which actor or celebrity it might be.

“Phew…”

Inside the limousine, a sigh was heard.

After hanging up the phone and double-checking that everything had been arranged without any oversight, Eve let out a heavy breath, not realizing how loud it was until it startled her. She quickly looked up at Anson and Edgar.

The three of them exchanged glances, momentarily stunned.

Finally, Anson couldn’t hold back and managed a controlled smile. “Relax, Eve, relax. You’ve been through countless big events.”

Since she was caught, Eve didn’t bother to hide her nerves. She let out another deep breath. “I know, I know… but…”

Clearly, this wasn’t Eve’s first time on the red carpet as a publicist. She’d handled events far bigger than a premiere, including the Oscars.

Moreover, dealing with crises was her job.

But today was different.

The past three weeks had been a whirlwind, sweeping across North America, creating an insane level of hype. The burden of reviving the entire film market felt overwhelming, as if everything was being fed into a shredder.

It wasn’t just Anson; Eve and Edgar were also so busy they barely had time to breathe. They averaged just forty-five minutes of sleep a night, running on adrenaline and caffeine, pushing themselves to the limit. They barely recognized themselves anymore, lost in the chaos.

Their hearts were on the verge of bursting.

But it was only a fleeting moment. Eve quickly returned to her usual self.

“Everything will go smoothly.”

“Everything will be fine. We’ve done all the work, and it couldn’t be more perfect. This is it.”

Eve looked up and met Anson’s gaze—

Calm and bright.

Anson nodded gently. “Yes, you’re right. So there’s nothing to worry about. Just enjoy the night.”

Wait, that’s it?

Eve was taken aback. “But what if the movie flops?”

Anson spread his hands. “Then we accept the flop with grace. Eve, what actor hasn’t been in a bad movie or two?”

His nonchalant attitude made Eve pause.

“Hah.” Then she laughed and looked at Edgar. “That’s the mindset we need. While everyone keeps repeating that he’s the one to save the summer box office, he just shrugs it off with a ‘What actor hasn’t been in a bad movie?’”

They were nervous because all of Hollywood’s expectations and pressures had reached a tipping point.

Anson wasn’t nervous because he wasn’t planning to shoulder the burden of saving the market.

Edgar smiled as well. “That’s why he’s the superhero, and we’re just the sidekicks.”

Anson shook his head lightly. “Not just anyone can be a superhero. Do you think others don’t want to be box office giants? No, everyone does, but there’s only one Tom Cruise and one Will Smith.”

“They became superheroes not because they wanted it more than anyone else, but because they were ready when the opportunity came.”

“Circumstances create heroes.”

“So, what we need to do now is not worry about whether this is the moment to become a hero but to be ready to enjoy the present.”

“Hey, this is the summer blockbuster season.”

With a casual tone, their spirits lifted under the Californian sun, and the tension and anxiety dissipated, finally allowing some party vibes to take over.

“Eve, trust me, you’re ready.”

Following Anson’s gaze, Eve looked down at her outfit—

Red pants, a red shirt, a red blazer, paired with black pointed heels. But the real highlight was her chin-length blonde bob, black tassel earrings, and bold red lipstick.

Bold, fierce, like a blazing flame.

Eve shrugged lightly. “You’re the one who told me to go all out.”

Usually, agents, publicists, and managers preferred to keep a low profile. They weren’t as naturally striking as movie stars, and a wardrobe mistake could not only steal the spotlight but also risk making them the subject of ridicule.

But today, Eve didn’t hold back—

She was all in.

And it wasn’t just Eve. Edgar was also dressed to stand out, wearing a navy blue pinstripe suit that made him look bolder than ever, instantly capturing attention and proving that clothes really do make the man.

This was all part of Anson’s plan. He wanted Eve and Edgar to be bold.

Anson flashed a wide smile. “So, you should enjoy the party. Don’t waste that outfit, or it’ll be a shame.”

Eve and Edgar exchanged a glance. They knew Anson’s plan but weren’t sure how it would play out. As the moment approached, the nerves were inevitable.

As they spoke, the vehicle slowly came to a stop.

Looking out the window, they realized they were at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard, but the cars were lined up, waiting to proceed onto the red carpet—

The Chinese Theatre was about 100 meters ahead, and they could see the crowd swarming at the entrance, with cameras flashing wildly.

Without a doubt, "Spider-Man" had secured the opportunity to hold its premiere at the Chinese Theatre. To be precise, it was the only major premiere happening that week, and the entire summer movie season was eagerly anticipating this film.

And the stars were out in force.

“We might have to wait a bit.”

Edgar was on the phone with someone up ahead, and his expression showed a bit of surprise.

“Tom’s here. I mean Tom Cruise.”

For the "Spider-Man" premiere, Sony-Columbia had pulled out all the stops. Edgar and the William Morris Agency had mobilized all their connections.

Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt were all on the guest list, turning the premiere into a star-studded event.

One by one, the biggest names were showing up to support the film.

At least from a publicity standpoint, they were making headlines.

But no one expected Tom Cruise to show up.

For a moment, it was hard to tell if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

Edgar and Eve quickly exchanged a glance, but Anson remained calm.

As the car stopped at the intersection, Anson suddenly opened the door and stepped out.

Wait, what?

**Chapter 454: The Theme Park**

"Anson..."

"Anson!"

Without warning, Anson got out of the car. Eve was caught off guard and called out to him in a panic, trying to stop him.

Anson did stop, turning around and bending slightly, his stylish hair falling over his face. The golden sunlight rippled along the curve of his smile. "Relax, Eve, relax. Just enjoy yourself. This is a theme park."

With that, Anson closed the car door.

Eve was stunned. "This isn't 'The Tonight Show.' My God, what is he doing?"

Eve looked at Edgar.

Edgar shrugged slightly. "I don't know anything."

But then.

Edgar also opened the car door and followed Anson out of the vehicle.

In an instant, Eve was left alone. She glanced down at the champagne glass with beads of water on it, shook her head helplessly, quickly put the glass down, grabbed the small black square clutch, and also got out of the car, stepping onto the street.

They were still at the street corner. To the right was the newly built Kodak Theatre, and diagonally to the left was the Chinese Theatre. The straight road stretched out before them, leading to the famous Sunset Boulevard.

However, today’s destination was not Sunset Boulevard several miles away. Just a little less than a hundred meters ahead would take them to the Chinese Theatre.

At this moment, the entire street was completely cleared. Both sides were crowded with spectators who had come for the premiere. Luxurious cars were neatly lined up on the road, and cheers and screams echoed through the street, awakening the dormant passion within.

Eve looked down at the concrete road beneath her feet, which had no red carpet, then glanced at her formal attire. Her gaze finally fell on the casually dressed Anson. She spread her hands helplessly and quickly followed him.

Ah, ahhh—

Piercing screams filled the air. The festive atmosphere from the recent St. Patrick's Day parade lingered, once again reviving the city's energy.

From the emerging Anne Hathaway to the established Tom Hanks, one big name after another fueled the excitement. The audience at today's premiere was in for a real treat.

Who could have imagined that they would see Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, two titans, at the premiere of a superhero movie adapted from a comic book?

Rumor had it that Tom and Brad were in a "two tigers can't share one mountain" situation. Since their collaboration on "Interview with the Vampire" in 1994, they hadn't appeared together on screen. They had barely even shared a stage, let alone been in the same frame—

The two reportedly didn't see eye to eye, embodying the sentiment of "how can one be born when the other already exists?"

However! But!

Today, at the Chinese Theatre, both superstars made an appearance.

The buzz started early, quickly overshadowing the arrival of the entire cast of "Sex and the City" at the premiere. The atmosphere on Hollywood Boulevard was charged with fervor and excitement.

But is this really okay?

The spotlight was completely stolen from "Spider-Man." It's hard to imagine anyone being able to outshine Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

At least, it was evident when Anson arrived on the scene.

Even at the street corner, where the view of the red carpet at the Chinese Theatre was obscured, all eyes were still drawn in that direction. People craned their necks and stood on tiptoe, trying to catch a glimpse of the scene unfolding there, their imaginations running wild with the drama on the red carpet—

And often, imagination is crazier, bolder, and more enjoyable than reality.

As a result, no one noticed Anson.

But Anson didn't mind.

In fact, Anson was the main attraction of today's premiere, the absolute star. But at this moment, he appeared low-key and relaxed, walking casually.

Today, Anson wasn't dressed up.

Suits. Suits. Suits. Anson had worn various suits on different occasions and at different ceremonies, but for today's premiere, he ditched the suit. The reason lay in Peter Parker's identity:

Student. Neighbor. Ordinary young man.

So Anson dressed accordingly, in casual attire, bringing Peter Parker into reality, breaking the fourth wall, and making him truly appear on the red carpet at the premiere.

Blair Miller was nervous—

No, she was very nervous, so much so that she could faint at any moment.

This was her first time attending a movie premiere and her first time traveling a long distance for her idol. The last time she had been invited to "The Tonight Show" by the program team, but this time, she had chosen to attend on her own.

She had no idea what she was supposed to do.

"Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?" A flood of questions filled her mind with no answers. Karen Fox had no answers either. She was even more clueless, trailing after Blair like a little tail.

They knew they should go to the Chinese Theatre, but they had no idea what would happen there. They thought arriving two hours early would be enough, but when they finally got there, it was so crowded that they couldn't even get close to the theatre. Instead, they were pushed to the street corner.

People, people, people—so many people that they lost all sense of the crowd size. Was it 500 or 1,000? They had no idea.

Blair stood on tiptoe, trying to catch a glimpse of the Chinese Theatre, but all she saw were heads, a sea of black.

Forget the red carpet; she couldn't even see the neatly lined luxury cars or the guests inside. She had no idea what she was supposed to be looking at.

Inevitably, Blair felt a bit disappointed. She had hoped to at least catch a glimpse of Anson from a distance. Just one look, with no other expectations.

But she had no idea how Anson would dress today.

A suit?

Anyway, with Anson's frame, he'd look good in anything. After all, good looks complete the final piece of the fashion puzzle.

Or maybe a casual outfit would be nice too.

A cream-colored hoodie paired with an olive-green bomber jacket, light blue jeans matched with white sneakers—such a simple yet youthful outfit would exude a spring-like vibe with every move.

Unconsciously, Blair noticed a figure ahead of her. She examined the outfit closely and imagined how it would look on Anson.

But then Blair dismissed the thought.

This was a movie premiere; Anson probably wouldn't choose such a simple, casual outfit.

Yet her gaze kept drifting back to that clean, fresh ensemble, which oddly had a certain allure. The broad shoulders and long legs showcased the unique style of the outfit like a walking mannequin.

She didn't know why, but amidst the crowd, that figure effortlessly caught her wandering gaze. Though there was nothing particularly special about the person, Blair couldn't ignore him.

If Anson dressed like that—

Wait.

Blair froze. The figure slightly turned, revealing a glimpse of his profile. The sudden shock grabbed her heart, her mind exploded, and before her thoughts could catch up, her voice instinctively burst out.

"Anson!"

Whoa. The figure turned around in an instant.

Chapter 455: Walking in the Clouds

"Anson."

Blair was completely stunned, her brain unable to process what was happening. Before she could react, her voice exploded in her ears like a thunderclap.

In the next second, her heart stopped, and she held her breath.

Whoa.

That figure turned around, his refined face unfolding in the sunlight, clear and bright. The surrounding noise and crowd blurred into the background, the clamor and heat waves all vanished. At the moment when his smile gently lifted at the corners of his mouth, time itself seemed to pause.

Blair just… fell.

Like free-falling.

Boom, boom, boom. Her entire world was filled with fireworks, an indescribable and overwhelming happiness surged up, filling her chest completely.

Quietly, without blinking, Blair locked her gaze onto that face.

Anson's simple and clean outfit made him seem approachable—not the high and mighty Hollywood star, but the boy-next-door who loved to play basketball—yet he was so dazzling she couldn't look away.

He made his entrance like this, confidently appearing before her.

The bustling and noisy atmosphere of the premiere became nothing more than a backdrop.

"Hey, Blair."

Anson smiled, greeting her as he stopped in front of her.

In just that brief moment, Blair's heart leaped into her throat. She could feel the scorching gazes from all around surging towards her, engulfing her in an instant.

But at that moment, Blair couldn't care less.

"You kept your promise," Anson said.

Blair had told him she would come to see "Spider-Man," and she had kept her word.

But she never imagined that Anson would remember—oh my God! Anson actually remembered!

Blair felt weightless, as if she were floating on a cloud. Despite the wild wind pounding at her eardrums, she soared freely in the brilliance of the rainbow. Happiness popped like popcorn, crackling all around her.

Blair quickly reminded herself to breathe, not to forget to breathe. She nodded repeatedly like a pecking chick, "Of course, I wouldn't miss it."

"Thanks for coming to see my movie." Anson smiled again.

He said, thank you.

Boom!

Blair's mind went completely blank, losing all ability to respond. All she could do was nod repeatedly, becoming a mindless nodding machine.

She had always thought that the stories she heard about fans meeting their idols—brains turning to mush, being unable to speak, the world spinning—were all made up.

But now that she was experiencing it herself, she understood exactly what that felt like.

Then—

Buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

A commotion spread like ripples in the water.

Without turning her head, Blair knew that others had noticed Anson's presence too.

Clearly, no one had expected this.

This was a premiere—the premiere of a film with a budget exceeding one hundred million dollars, the official kickoff of the summer 2002 season. While it didn’t need to be as formal as the Oscars, it was still a highly anticipated stage where every guest would undoubtedly be dressed to impress.

And Anson?

In casual clothes, looking like the boy next door—far from the expected attire of a guest, even the security guards’ suits seemed more formal.

Is this… really okay?

But there was no time to think it over. In the brief moment of hesitation, all eyes, hearts, and focus silently shifted to Anson.

An unexpected surprise, a breakthrough, a delight.

He broke through the untouchable aura of a star, bringing the actor closer to the audience, making him more relatable. Yet it wasn't that simple; the charm exuded in his every move made it impossible to look away, and before anyone realized it, they were drawn in.

"Anson… Anson, Anson…”

His name spread in whispers, as eyes at the street corner drifted away from the excitement of the red carpet to fall on Anson.

One, two, three, four, five… and the buzz grew.

Eve turned to look at Edgar, her eyes gleaming with light.

Honestly, Anson's recognition and exposure were indeed remarkable. From Paris Fashion Week to "The Tonight Show," in just eight months, he had made waves in the media, never leaving the public eye. Coupled with the relentless poster and trailer bombardment by Sony-Columbia, Anson’s face had appeared in every corner of North America, making it easy for people to recognize him.

But recognition doesn't equal popularity.

Ultimately, Anson had too few works under his belt. More accurately, rather than an actor, he was known as a model, a band member, a talk show guest—labels that brought in more attention but kept the general public’s perception of him as a pretty face, an idol, a trending figure, making it hard to connect or resonate with him.

However, at today’s premiere, Anson shed those labels, returning to a simple, real, and genuine self.

The distance, the unfamiliarity, and the underlying prejudice quietly faded away, replaced by a warm, approachable, and vibrant image—

This is how the connection between actor and audience is forged. If "Spider-Man" succeeds at the box office, Anson’s acting career will take a crucial step forward, from quantity to quality.

Eve’s mind raced, making connections.

Edgar looked at Eve, who seemed calm and composed, her face relaxed, with a look that clearly said: See? I told you, there’s nothing to worry about.

Eve raised an eyebrow slightly, glanced at the red carpet ahead, and saw that the film crew was aware that the lead actor was about to make his appearance. After Tom Cruise, a series of crew members were lined up, clearing the space for Anson. So, the next five to ten minutes should be all about Anson.

How could she help?

Eve didn’t stand idly by; she scanned the crowd and immediately spotted a small, distinctive group:

There weren’t many of them, just about twenty or so, a small cluster in the sea of people. But they all wore "uniforms"—white shirts, specifically that iconic Dior heart-explosion white shirt, the same one Anson wore at last year’s "Princess Diaries" premiere.

They instantly stood out.

Then Eve saw a familiar face in front of that small group, that should be… Gloria Preston? Something like that—she was the fan Anson recognized at last year’s "Princess Diaries" premiere.

Turning, Eve walked toward Gloria.

Meanwhile, on the red carpet, Jay Leno had just stepped out of his car. He hadn’t even reached the stage in front of the Chinese Theatre when he noticed the unusual stir, causing him to pause.

Ahead, Tom Cruise was showcasing his charming humor. Such a premiere was a breeze for him, surrounded by cheers and applause.

This is what being a superstar is—doing very little but still commanding the spotlight, effortlessly becoming the focus.

But behind him, there was a buzz of excitement, like a breeze blowing through a wheat field, with more and more people turning their heads to look back.

Wait, what’s happening back there?

Jay Leno turned to look as well.