Chapter 86: Sorry**

After hanging up the phone, Darren Star couldn't help but smile with interest. He hadn't expected that a magazine photoshoot would also bring a surprise from that kid, Anson. This really exceeded his expectations.

Should he perhaps do David Crane a favor and give him a little push?

As this thought was just beginning to form, his phone vibrated again. Darren glanced at the caller ID, and the smile on his lips deepened.

"Hey, Anson, I was just talking to David about you."

On the other end of the line was Anson himself. Hearing his name unexpectedly, he didn't panic and smoothly replied, "No wonder my ears were burning."

Darren burst out laughing heartily. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad."

Then, with a bit of curiosity, Darren asked, "What happened during the 'GQ' photoshoot? David just called to say that the 'GQ' editorial team had a dispute because of you."

Anson didn't answer directly but instead asked back, "A dispute? About what?"

Darren slowly leaned back in his chair. "The editor in charge of your shoot thinks you should get more pages in the magazine. The photos turned out far better than expected, and she believes you could lead a new fashion trend, breaking stereotypes."

This caused a huge stir in the 'GQ' editorial department. After all, it was the June issue, and if they were to increase Anson's page count, it would mean reducing someone else's.

So, who should be cut?

No one could afford to be offended.

And all for someone like Anson?

However, the editor was very persistent, strongly expressing her viewpoint, not only showcasing the results but also arguing her case logically and convincingly.

She believed this was an opportunity for 'GQ' to reposition itself.

Rumor has it that Anson's photos sparked a lot of discussion, and the editor even garnered a lot of support.

It wasn't just because of Anson.

The main reason was that they believed those photos could stir up some waves in the fashion world, which is the image 'GQ' has always aspired to create, leading trends like top magazines such as 'Vogue' and 'Elle.'

Only by doing this could they move away from relying on celebrities and instead make those celebrities and their projects rely on 'GQ.'

For the magazine, this was a crucial opportunity, one more important than any actor or project, related to Anson but not really about Anson.

However, the issue was that the 'GQ' editorial team also had their own concerns and calculations. If they had to sacrifice someone's or some project's pages, it would mean offending some people, so they needed some kind of return.

Then, the call ended up in David Crane's hands.

This summer, 'Friends' had received so many magazine shoot invitations that they were countless. If it weren't for Anson, David Crane wasn't even planning to consider 'GQ.'

As for the conditions agreed upon earlier, they could be for the September or October issue, coinciding with the launch of the seventh season of 'Friends.' After all, there was no specific timing when the deal was made.

But now, things were different, and so was the thinking.

'GQ' hoped that David Crane could fulfill his promise for the July issue, right when the salary negotiations would be at their most intense or when the results would come out; in return, they would increase Anson's pages.

The question was whether David Crane was willing.

David Crane thought that if pushing Anson further wasn't just about the salary negotiations but also about building connections in Hollywood, then it was worth considering.

And so, David Crane's call reached Darren.

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**This is indeed a very interesting matter.**

Even Darren himself couldn't help but feel curious about what happened with Anson in the studio.

On the other end of the line—

Gretel?

Anson hadn't expected Gretel to have such a high opinion of him. But to be honest, "I'm not sure. I was just skateboarding in the studio that day."

Anson wasn't joking; he was serious.

Darren pressed his lips together slightly, but Anson must have done something right. Maybe when they see the magazine photos, they'll understand.

So, should he agree?

Everyone has their own calculations, and Darren was no exception.

Pausing his thoughts, Darren shifted the topic, "You called me—was it not about the magazine?"

Anson chuckled. "No, there was a situation during the shoot that day, but we resolved it on the spot. I haven't even thanked Uncle Darren yet. When you mentioned the magazine shoot, I didn't expect it to be 'GQ.' That day, I thought I'd walked into the wrong studio."

"Ha ha," Darren laughed heartily, "You, scared?"

Anson shook his head repeatedly, "My mom says that even if you're scared, you can't let others see it. So, I'm secretly calling Uncle Darren."

Darren's eyes and mouth were filled with a smile. He could hear the teasing tone in Anson's words. "So, what happened?"

Anson didn't beat around the bush, "It's about the agent situation."

Darren didn't interrupt, patiently listening.

"Uncle Darren introduced me to two agents, both undoubtedly big shots, but I think neither is a good fit for me."

Darren had worked hard to make those connections, spending time and effort, and probably owing some favors as well. But Anson rejected them both, so he felt he needed to give Darren an explanation to avoid putting him in an awkward position.

Darren was a bit surprised—

Not by Anson's personality; this kid had grown up with a strong sense of self and opinions. It wasn't surprising that he'd reject the agents.

What really surprised him was that neither agent met Anson's expectations?

Darren wasn't angry, but rather intrigued, "Did you meet with them?"

Anson cleared his throat and smiled, "It would be pretty disrespectful to Uncle Darren if I rejected them without even meeting."

"Ha ha," Darren laughed out loud, "You could refuse without meeting them. I'm just helping out, but Anson, you should always remember this: this is your career. Your agent, like your work, is like your shoes—only you know how they feel and whether they're comfortable."

"I wouldn't want to see you unhappy or struggling in your career. God, your mom would be heartbroken, and I'd probably be too scared to come over for dinner."

This time, it was Anson's turn to laugh heartily, "No one can guarantee success or failure. That's the charm of Hollywood, right, Uncle Darren?"

Darren nodded gently. It was rare for someone so young to grasp that concept.

Anson didn't continue to beat around the bush, "I first met with Harry Smith from William Morris."

Everything unfolded just as Edgar had predicted—

Hairspray. Rolex. Floor-to-ceiling windows.

Marlon Brando. Audrey Hepburn.

Every detail was verified, almost to the point where you'd think Edgar was a prophet. Harry indeed used all these details to showcase his success and to dazzle Anson, creating a psychological suggestion.

Then, Anson threw out Edgar's question, "How do I stand out? How do I showcase my uniqueness and prove that I have what it takes to be a superstar?"

Harry... gave a very interesting response—

Not an answer, but a response.

Harry began citing examples of Natalie Portman and Mel Gibson, implying that Anson could follow in their footsteps to the pinnacle of Hollywood, becoming part of the "A-list."

The "A-list" is the peak of Hollywood, where everyone else must look up.

Harry didn't have a plan or strategy. To be precise, he hadn't even studied Anson. In Hollywood, there are just too many newcomers—

Even having Darren Star as a backer doesn't make you an exception.

"You'll be like Natalie. Your name will be mentioned alongside Mel's. What could be better than that?"

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