The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 1863 The Perfect Staircase
To some extent, Thierry was hesitant to act rashly, fearing Anson's influence. Even if he refused to "go with the song," he probably wouldn't be too ruthless.

Therefore, if "Singing Along" is of mediocre quality, Thierry's wisest course of action would be to invite the film to Cannes as planned, but not to the main competition, but to other sections such as Directors' Fortnight, Un Certain Regard, etc. In any case, Cannes has a very diverse range of sections, so there is no need to worry about not having a place.

From another perspective, the movie is truly awful; Thierry couldn't stomach it even with his eyes closed, so he would still choose to refuse it.

Indeed, Anson is very important, but Cannes is even more important.

Offending Anson is not a big deal. As long as Anson still craves recognition, Thierry believes that Anson will not refuse when Cannes extends an olive branch next time.

Therefore, Thierry proceeded cautiously, gaining a comprehensive advantage and leaving Anson with little room for maneuver.

Unless Anson really doesn't want to "go to Cannes with the song".

But is that really the case?

Anson gently raised his chin, his face serious. "Of course, we respect the film festival's procedures. Everything has rules, and we must follow them, right?"

"So, in the history of Cannes, has there ever been a situation where you personally went to extend an invitation, only to refuse it in the end?"

"Not the main competition, not any other segment, but a complete rejection."

Thierry: ...

It was rare to see Thierry's smile look a little stiff; he awkwardly adjusted his glasses.

Because Anson knew the answer: Yes.

Not only did it happen, but it happened more than once or twice.

But Thierry remained astute as ever, saying, "I wasn't on the selection committee before, so I really didn't know anything about it." He brushed it all off, neither admitting nor denying it.

"But we trust your taste..."

Anson, very unusually, interrupted Thierry, saying, "But you have reservations about James Mangold's directing abilities. And we all know that Cannes is a festival for directors."

In an instant, Anson cornered Thierry.

Thierry was taken aback.

Anson knew when to stop, because he wasn't really prepared to embarrass Thierry; that wasn't the goal. The real purpose was to create an opportunity for him to back down.

"In fact, you've come at the perfect time. We're planning an internal screening in London next week."

"To be precise, it wasn't exactly a preview screening. It was just a group of friends getting together for a party to relax, and we happened to watch a movie. I believed this was an opportunity for us to watch 'Singing Together' internally and gather some feedback."

"If you're interested, you're very welcome to come. However, the party will be simple, just a private gathering of close friends."

Nonsense, of course it's fake. There aren't that many coincidences.

This was Anson's compromise: to invite Thierry to come alone and watch "Walking with the Song" on Anson's turf.

If you don't like it, then pretend it never happened. Forest Pictures may need to consider re-editing and then releasing it as originally planned.

If he likes it, Thierry will officially invite "Singing Along" to Cannes through official channels, starting early to promote Anson's return to Cannes.

It's a win-win situation, good for Anson, good for Cannes, and there are no victims.

Thierry was slightly taken aback.

He was perfectly aware of all the intricacies involved; he had thought everything through before coming to London.

But Anson did not.

In passive situations and unexpected events, Anson was able to remain calm, respond to each move, and launch counterattacks, disrupting Thierry's rhythm. He even displayed quick wit in the back-and-forth confrontation, offering a way out or a solution, gaining the initiative for himself without compromising the purpose of Cannes. Everything was just right.

It has to be said, Anson is truly remarkable.

Thierry certainly knew how formidable Anson was; how could someone who could navigate between Sony Columbia and Warner Bros. with such ease be a mere nobody?

But knowing something is one thing, experiencing it firsthand is another.

It was less shocking and more stunning.

In the midst of the shock, Thierry couldn't help but glance at Anson a couple more times. Anson was neither arrogant nor ostentatious; his composed confidence was quietly hidden, yet it shone brightly beneath the surface.

Thierry had no reason to refuse.

“Of course. Perfect.” Thierry’s smile widened, and he genuinely believed that they were witnessing the birth of a global superstar.

"Wow, it's my honor. I've always wanted to attend a friend's gathering like this. You know, it's not a social occasion, it's just a group of people getting together, each bringing a dish or food, going to a friend's apartment, playing games, listening to music, and watching movies together."

Thierry transitioned seamlessly, as if he were genuinely preparing for a friend's gathering.

Anson said, "It's like an afternoon party in a French film."

Thierry, "Yes, that's it." His eyes lit up. "I used to work at the film archive, and those friends who loved movies left in small groups to start their own lives, so I've never experienced a gathering like this before. I'm a little nervous. What should I do?"

Anson, "You already have the answer. This is a gathering of friends; there's no right answer. The right answer is the one that suits your own choices."

“I know the French are good at picking out wines. If you can’t find any in London, we don’t mind if you choose an alcoholic one.”

Thierry let out a long sigh. "That's the only thing I'm worried about."

They exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

After another round of pleasantries and casual conversation, Anson bid farewell to Thierry for the time being, as he now needed to prepare for filming.

In the crowd, Anson found Alfonso, "Director."

Alfonso raised his head.

Anson was about to speak when he changed the subject, "Director, you look a little disappointed, what's wrong?"

Alfonso waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, no, I'm fine. What's wrong? Your guest left? I didn't have a chance to thank him yet. The bread was wonderful."

Anson's eyes revealed a hint of understanding. "No, Thierry is still there. I convinced him to stay and watch our filming."

Alfonso didn't understand Anson's subtext. "Oh. That's good. I'll go thank him later."

Anson had to explain, “Director, let’s take it one step at a time. Perhaps he watched our filming process and became interested in our film. Soon after, the film festival chairman personally came to invite us to apply for competition. It would be an honor for them to have Alfonso’s film.”

Finally, Alfonso came to his senses, staring blankly at Anson, his violently shaking pupils filled with undisguised excitement, and he couldn't help but swallow.

Anson smiled and nodded slightly. "Director, how's it going? Ready to shoot some film today?"

Alfonso's smile widened. "Of course. Of course."

Turning around, Alfonso looked at the film crew, and had to take a deep breath to sort out his thoughts. His wildly beating heart regained its rhythm, but his eyes brightened, and a light of confidence and expectation quietly ignited.

Bread will come, milk will come, maybe not for now, but dreams still surge in my heart, and in the near future, everything will be there.

As he took another step, Alfonso straightened his back, head held high, and looked in his friend's direction, his voice bright and energetic, "Emmanuel, are we ready to film?"

(End of this chapter)