Friendly conversation

This time, Hugo also noticed Nicholas' change. Originally, he was worried that today's interview would be difficult and that Nicholas would constantly give him a hard time. However, the process of the interview went unexpectedly smoothly. He didn't even feel like it was an interview; it was more like a 'conversation' with a friend. He also said many things beyond his expectations. And Nicholas, he seemed very friendly today.

When Nicholas finished his last sentence, he couldn't help but laugh. He originally wanted to give Hugo some affirmation, but after saying it, he realized that this style really didn't suit him. It made him feel a little embarrassed, so he had to use a smile to cover it up. "So, if there's an opportunity to release an album, would you be willing?" Nicholas quickly changed the topic and continued his interview.

Hugo also regained his composure. The Nicholas in his eyes transformed from a friend back into a journalist. At this moment, his coffee finally arrived, just as Nicholas had said, the wait for the coffee was indeed very long. So Hugo didn't answer immediately; instead, he took a sip of his own coffee. This coffee was medium roasted, with a gentle acidity, slightly stronger than the bitterness Hugo was used to in his usual coffee. When he took the first sip, his brows involuntarily furrowed, but as the aroma blossomed on his taste buds, the sour and astringent taste intoxicated him.

Hugo speculated that this coffee was likely blended based on Brazilian coffee, but he wasn't certain. After all, he couldn't be considered an expert at this point. "Sugar or milk?" Joseph sat next to him, looking at that dark cup of coffee, and his brows began to knot. He proactively inquired.

Hugo shook his head, "I plan to savor it for a bit longer." In fact, Hugo wasn't accustomed to black coffee, but this cup had a new taste. He could take a few more sips and then add sugar and milk. That way, he wouldn't waste the coffee artisan's hard work.

"I guess it's from Brazil. I'll go ask the barista later." Hugo casually said to Nicholas. Both of them were interested in coffee, so exchanging ideas was a good choice. Nicholas, as expected, looked over with curiosity. "Regarding the question you just asked, about the album, yes, if there's an opportunity, I think it would be hard for me to refuse. But the question is, who would be willing to approach me?"

Hugo's counter-question made Nicholas laugh. "That depends on how far-reaching the impact of "A Few Good Men" turns out to be." Currently, "A Few Good Men" had just premiered, and the news about Hugo singing the ending theme song was already buzzing. If the impact were to further expand, it wouldn't be strange for a record company to come knocking on the door.

"Did you anticipate the premiere box office numbers before the movie was released?" Nicholas continued with another topic.

"No, definitely not." Hugo decisively shook his head. Right now, he only felt the aroma of coffee between his lips and teeth. He could even sense the flavor of the coffee beans. This feeling was truly wonderful. "A courtroom drama, even if I was certain it was an outstanding work, I wouldn't dare make such bold predictions."

Being the fifth highest-grossing premiere of the year, that data was indeed too audacious.

"You are certain that it is an outstanding work?" Nicholas caught onto a key word and repeated it. Hugo nodded and affirmed, prompting Nicholas to ask further, "Why are you so confident about the film?"

Hugo certainly couldn't say it was because he had traveled through time, but the act of time travel wasn't directly related to "A Few Good Men". Hugo had a much deeper impression of "Scent of a Woman" than "A Few Good Men". "You know, with an exceptional script, an exceptional director, and a group of exceptional actors, what more can we expect from a film?"

"During the filming process, Jack's help was truly significant. Although he didn't stay on the set for long, he left a profound impression on me in terms of acting. I enjoyed watching Jack perform live; it was a special experience." Hugo specifically mentioned Jack Nicholson, which was something he cherished the most about "A Few Good Men". He had achieved a small breakthrough in his acting skills in this film.

If it weren't for working with Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson consecutively, Hugo would have had a hard time achieving such rapid improvement in his acting. Of course, the accumulation before time travel was also crucial.

"I can imagine the scenes you're talking about." Nicholas had no interest in the details of acting research. Knowing Hugo's admiration for Jack was enough. "Although you faced some difficulties earlier this year, you went on to collaborate with two great actors."

"Of course, it's an honor." Hugo smiled and took another sip of his coffee. This time he was certain that the coffee was a bit too bitter, so he decided to add some milk.

"So, who do you think is more outstanding between Al and Jack?" Nicholas asked and smiled cunningly. It was a typical journalist's trick question, and it all depended on how Hugo would answer.

Hugo paused for a moment while pouring the milk, then gave a bitter smile. "You've given me a question that no one in the whole country can answer. In fact, it's a matter of personal opinion as to who is better or greater as an actor. Awards and works can't define an actor's excellence; they can only serve as footnotes to their success. I think it would be wiser to let time prove it. I'm not as wise as time."

Nicholas anticipated a similar response from Hugo, not some generic answer like "Both are outstanding." Instead, Hugo cleverly avoided the question in a subtle way. But Nicholas didn't intend to let Hugo off the hook. "Oh no, give me an answer. You can only choose one of them."

"Well, if you tell me who is more beautiful between Meg Ryan and Julia Roberts, then I'll answer your question." Hugo threw out another tricky question, leaving Nicholas at a loss.

Meg and Julia were the most popular sweethearts in Hollywood in the late 1980s and early 1990s, representing the peak of American cinema. Both of them were highly acclaimed actresses from various perspectives, with similar levels of popularity and achievements. It was almost impossible to pick a winner between them in 1992.

Nicholas originally wanted to randomly pick one to put Hugo on the spot, after all, he was a journalist, and the article would be written by him, so he could just omit his own answer. But it seemed like Hugo sensed Nicholas's intention and shook his head directly. "You have to include it in the article; I will leave evidence." This left Nicholas feeling both amused and exasperated.

"Alright, I surrender." Nicholas knew he had many ways to deceive Hugo, but Hugo's attitude just now made it clear: he wouldn't give an answer. So instead of wasting time here, it was smarter to continue the interview. "...After the success of "A Few Good Men", what are your plans next? Or do you have any thoughts about your future acting career?"

The complete picture of Nicholas's question is actually about whether, after the low point of "Hudson Hawk", Hugo would be more cautious and have more mature thoughts about his future. Hugo thought for a moment and admitted that he didn't have many thoughts on this matter. Before the release of "Scent of a Woman," he didn't even have the qualifications to think about these questions. Even now, he still faced many difficulties. "I think the most important thing is to stay grounded, choose good scripts, and focus on improving my acting skills to become a more outstanding actor."

"Are you saying that you prefer art films over commercial films?" Nicholas interpreted it according to his own thoughts. After the success of "Dead Poets Society", Hugo took on several commercial films with strong commercial elements, which resulted in all of them failing and his fall from grace.

"Oh no, not at all." Hugo laughed, "What I mean is that no matter what type of film it is, focusing on the actor's work is the most important. After all, I don't have too many options to choose from, do I?"

Nicholas smiled meaningfully, "Believe me, you have more options than you can imagine." Although Hugo had been in Hollywood for ten years, he was still only twenty-five, and planning his acting career was both important and difficult. Nicholas knew that Joseph was a rookie agent, and Hugo had a previous record, so the future was uncertain.

But at least for now, Hugo could enjoy the fruits of his labor. The success of "A Few Good Men" was just the beginning. "Well, thank you for your cooperation today. That concludes my interview," Nicholas stood up and extended his right hand once again, showing his friendliness.

Hugo also stood up and shook Nicholas's right hand, "You've been very friendly today, much friendlier than I imagined."

"Hehe, of course, I've always been a friendly person." Nicholas knew what Hugo was implying, but he didn't intend to respond directly.

Unfortunately, Hugo didn't let go of the opportunity either. "No, you weren't like this before. I've read your reports, remember?"

This made Nicholas laugh it off, "Well... that was just work. I didn't have any personal intentions towards you. I was simply focused on writing good news reports." In fact, Nicholas himself had a completely changed impression of Hugo. After the Razzie Award, Hugo seemed like a different person. The success of his two movies was entirely due to his own efforts. Today's conversation had also pleasantly surprised Nicholas with the number of commonalities they shared. It was indeed a pleasant conversation.

So, Nicholas continued, "I think you can look forward to this interview report."

Hugo smirked, "Just like expecting a white Christmas in Los Angeles?"

Facing Hugo's humor, Nicholas couldn't help but burst into laughter.