The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 2112 Flattery
"The only choice"

Details are not the "first choice" or the "best choice," but the "only one."

These subtle details reveal Michael's cunning and shrewdness; he clearly knows how to flatter without making a sound.

Anson raised an eyebrow slightly, basking in the sunlight, looking languid with heavy eyelids. "It sounds like an interesting project, but unfortunately, I have no plans to take on any film projects in the near future."

"I just finished filming a project, and now I'm preparing for 'Spider-Man 3.' To be honest, my schedule is completely full this year."

Michael wasn't surprised at all; he wouldn't have blindly come to Cannes without doing his research beforehand.

“No, Anson, you don’t need to worry about that.” Michael said eagerly, with a big smile. “Leave the scheduling problem to us. There’s always a solution. In Hollywood, there’s a solution to everything. The only problem that can’t be solved is right in front of us.”

Not everyone is Anson Wood.

Goosebumps were erupting all over him, and even Eduardo glanced at Michael out of the corner of his eye. It has to be said, flattery is an art—

Eduardo watched Michael with an almost imperceptible wariness; smooth-talking people are often not trustworthy.

Then, without waiting for Anson's response, Michael smoothly got to the point, and Anson's refusal had no effect.

"Look, here's what happened."

“I know you just finished playing Peter Parker, and the last thing you need right now is to play another hero, so you’ve been looking for some different roles and trying to explore more possibilities. If that’s the case, then this project of mine is tailor-made for you.”

"Robert Neville, he was not a hero, he was a scientist and an ordinary person."

“In our story, a virus breaks out, the world is destroyed, and he is the only living person left in all of New York. You see, even if he wanted to save the world, there are no living people waiting for him to save them now. He is not a hero, he is not going to save the earth.”

“He hunts in the empty streets every day, evades zombies, and researches vaccines, not to save the world, but to find survivors.”

"Because of loneliness. When you are the only person left in the world, life seems to lose its meaning. He just longs to find another person of the same kind and hope that they can live together."

"This is precisely what makes the film so special; it's a film about loneliness."

Footsteps led me to the coffee shop.

Michael remained calm and unperturbed, naturally opening the door and launching into a long, rambling monologue. He appeared composed and collected, but his eyes were subtly observing Anson out of the corner of his eye. However, his demeanor was very natural, as if he were seeking Anson's response to make the conversation a genuine exchange.

“Do you remember Evan from ‘The Butterfly Effect’? I think that neurotic, fragile, and crazy energy can be amplified in Robert.”

"There's also 'The Sun Shines Within,' a lonely and vulnerable quality that gives the character a unique personality. He talks to himself on the radio every day, pretending that someone is still listening; he chats with his dog—his only companion—forcing himself to stay rational and hopeful."

Can you imagine that scene?

"On the deserted Fifth Avenue, the sun is setting, and the roars of zombies echo from afar. You stand there, fully armed, your heart pounding, barely managing to stay sane by relying on your memories."

"When the end of the world comes, everyone longs to be the last survivor, but what would it feel like if you were the only one left?"

It was a long and fluent piece, full of passion.

The simple yet vivid language paints a magnificent picture. Without reading the script or the project plan, it still clearly reveals the core essence of the project, captivating the reader. It's immediately clear that Michael frequently interacts with Hollywood producers and film company executives; he knows what kind of rhetoric is most persuasive. Even producers actually working on film sets would be curious, let alone those managers who control capital but know nothing about film.

It must be said that Michael is very good at his job.

However, Michael was unsure, because the person in front of him was Anson.

Anson maintained his smile and focus throughout, but he couldn't find any clues in Anson's smile, and even doubted for a moment whether Anson was listening at all.

"Espresso, one cup, and you?" Anson stood in front of the counter, taking a wallet out of his pocket, but instead of movie tickets, it contained cash.

Personality is revealed in the details. Not only Michael, but others also noticed this, and their eyes revealed a hint of surprise and amazement.

Michael felt his mouth go dry and forced a smile. "Italian espresso."

Just then, someone in the coffee shop finally noticed Anson, and a commotion erupted, making the air instantly lively.

"Are they here to spy on us and see what we think?" someone in the crowd joked.

Anson chuckled softly, "Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to bribe you all a little. Here, I'll pay for everything on the table now?"

Hoo hoo hoo! Some people cheered, some shouted "stingy," and others rushed to the counter to grab two croissants. The atmosphere in the coffee shop was lively and extraordinary.

Teasing and banter were constant.

"Anson, there probably won't be time to watch a movie today. The media trying to interview you are still lining up in long lines."

“How about now? Anson, give me five minutes, no, three minutes, for a brief interview.”

"Wait, are you getting ready to attend the premiere?"

Clearly, none of them had been able to shake off the fervor of yesterday's "Walking with Song" event. The Anson before them was not a guest film critic but a superstar, and they were all in a flurry of activity.

Anson flashed a smile. "Hey, if you want an interview, please make an appointment." His deliberately arrogant demeanor caused a stir in the coffee shop.

"But if it's about discussing the movie that premiered yesterday and exchanging opinions, I'll be queuing up at the entrance of the cinema, and you're always welcome to join."

With a simple sentence that clearly stated his position, Anson strode away amidst the bustling laughter and cheers. The jingling of the wind chimes on the coffee shop door echoed all over the ground, and the sweltering heat still followed his footsteps out of the coffee shop, rolling along the seaside promenade, followed by a burst of laughter and cheers.

This is more real than any words or reports.

Even Michael held his breath, completely overshadowed, watching the scene unfold before him, wondering how Anson had managed it.

Especially given the harsh criticism of an awards season-themed film like "Walking with Song," the arrogant and aloof Cannes still applauded Hollywood superstars. The apparent rivalry and the underlying harmony created a subtle balance that was truly eye-opening.

Michael had seen almost all of Hollywood's top stars, but he was still dazzled and his steps began to falter in his daze.

(End of this chapter)