The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 1878 The situation is over
The words were left unsaid.

The commotion and commotion outside the Hilton Hotel continued unabated.

There was a constant rustling and noise.

Everyone stared in disbelief, dumbfounded. Those witnessing this scene were struck by a devastating blow, unable to believe their eyes.

Indeed, Frank did not formally say "Anson's" name, but Frank's subtext, his eyes, and his actions made it all too clear.

So what if the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is willing to lower himself and extend an invitation, even if his words are arrogant and condescending:
That's the Oscars.

That's the famous and legendary Oscars!
However, Anson simply ignored it.

Not only did they ignore it, but they also openly and blatantly confronted Frank head-on, delivering a silent but powerful slap in the face, even in front of a large audience.

So tough, so bold, so... arrogant!
Doesn't Anson worry about a backlash from public opinion?
Even with Anson's current popularity and influence, and despite the general public's adoration of him, the views Frank represents and the prejudices brought about by the Academy still linger in Hollywood. This applies not only to actors and directors, but also to many media outlets that still look down on Anson.

This situation could put Anson in the eye of the storm, facing a possible crackdown.

But... let's look at Anson.

Calm, detached, and relaxed.

It wasn't an arrogant retaliation, a vicious humiliation, or an uncontrollable attack; rather, it was a composed and self-satisfied demeanor that revealed a dignified and resilient spirit.

Perhaps Anson is still just a pretty face; perhaps Anson is just a bubble in the commercial popcorn market; perhaps Anson still lacks works to prove himself.

But none of this can justify Frank's humiliation, belittling, or disregard for Anson.

Anson has climbed to his current position step by step through his own hard work and perseverance. Leaving aside "Spider-Man 2" for now, just look at his works like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "The Elephant," "The Butterfly Effect," and "Catch Me If You Can," and you'll know that Anson is an actor with his own ideas. Moreover, his albums "Midsummer Midnight" and "Dawn Breaks" further prove his talent.

He deserves respect.

The scene unfolding right now can be interpreted as Anson "humiliating" Frank, showing no respect for the Academy; or it can be interpreted as Frank "humiliating" Anson, while Anson, who has always been attacked by prejudice and arrogance, is showing his pride, and it is Frank who has disgraced the Academy's reputation.

A myriad of thoughts surged and burned, some supporting, some opposing, some agreeing, some disdaining, all tangled together like a ball of yarn.

however!
Amidst this chaos and turmoil, bathed in the gaze of millions, Anson remained calm.

Head up, chest out, smile.

His demeanor and bearing effortlessly captivated the entire audience, reflecting clearly Frank and Ryan's reactions, as well as the darkness and filth deep within everyone present, like a mirror.

A closer look reveals that Frank's subtle emotional shifts—from smug satisfaction to bewilderment and confusion, and then to shame and anger—expose the ugliness of his soul.

See you all.

Undoubtedly, even after tonight, there will still be people defending Frank, and there will still be people who dislike Anson. The academy's insistence will still face the challenge of justice. But in this scene under the public eye, everyone has their own calculations and judgments, and their gazes will inevitably fall on Anson.

The air was churning.

However, the brief stalemate between Frank, Ryan, and Anson continued, gradually lengthening. No one knew how to break the deadlock.

What should we do now?
Silence. Quiet. They looked at each other in bewilderment.

Not only them, but all eyes were drawn to this scene. Before they even realized it, one or two people held their breath and watched it silently.

Those burning gazes landed on my arm, almost like they were on fire, making me panic.

Frank looked at Anson.

Ryan also looked at Anson.

Their eyes were filled with complex emotions and contradictions, a cacophony of thoughts colliding within them. Yet, Anson, the focus of their gaze, appeared remarkably calm, his face serene, his eyes clear, and a faint, relaxed smile playing on his lips.

Anson looked at Ryan and then at Frank, his expression innocent and naive, as if he truly didn't know what had happened.

The key point is that Anson did not speak up to continue proving his innocence; he remained silent, seemingly never joining Frank and Ryan's conversation.

Draw a clear line.

The silence at this moment seems all the more sincere.

Frank was utterly humiliated. Even someone as experienced as him couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his eye, his temples throbbed uncontrollably, and he almost couldn't catch his breath.

One second? Two seconds?

It may have been just two seconds of silence, but it felt like two centuries.

Ryan looked at Frank, unsure whether Frank had decided on his next move: to back down or to completely break off relations.

But Frank didn't speak; all his composure and smugness vanished with his voice. Ryan finally took up the host's job and stepped forward.

"It would be my honor, one hundred percent. Who wouldn't want to be at the Oscars?"

"Right, Anson?"

Finally, after a two-second pause, the conversation picked up again. Pretending not to have understood Frank's subtle hint, Ryan continued talking to himself, and then looked at Anson.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Ryan felt a little annoyed. He was used to hosting "American Idol," and in any crisis, his first instinct was to mend the rift and reduce conflict.

He originally intended to help Anson, but... hopefully Anson won't think he's helping Frank.

Damn it!

Anson, seemingly oblivious, smiled and said, "Of course, I believe it was a grand party, an annual extravaganza, like a carnival."

"Or, like the 'American Idol' finale."

In 2005, the ratings for the "American Idol" finale were the only domestic television program that could rival the NFL, and it was on par with the Golden Globes and Oscars. In fact, it might have been slightly better in terms of discussion and wider appeal.

Ryan's eyes lit up, and he immediately understood Anson's intention. The opportunity had presented itself again, and this time he didn't waste it. "Oh, wait, did I misunderstand?"

"Anson Wood also watched the 'American Idol' finale live?"

“No, wait a minute, Anson Wood also wants to appear on the 'American Idol' finale live? I can arrange it.”

Roar, roar.

The scene outside the Hilton Hotel instantly spiraled out of control, with cheers, jumps, shouts, and frenzied shouts erupting all at once.

Frank realized that it was all over.

He had a chance, but it only lasted two seconds, fleeting and slipping through his fingers before he could even grasp it.

Ryan subtly steered the conversation away from the topic. If Frank deliberately brought it back, it would mean he would have to back down in front of everyone.

He can't.

A breath caught in his throat, and Frank was somewhat dazed, unable to understand how Anson had resolved the crisis.

However, Ryan didn't let him off the hook, and steered the conversation in that direction, "Frank?"

(End of this chapter)