Astonishing turn of events

Although the band's practice couldn't start yet, finding a drummer and a keyboardist was the top priority. However, it was a wonderful start, indicating that someday Hugo could continue his musical dream within the band. Even though the arrival of that day would require a long wait, it was filled with hope.

However, assembling the band members couldn't be rushed, especially for a group like Hugo's, where they gathered together out of a love for music. Finding like-minded musical partners was more important than quickly forming a band and joining performances. Therefore, the three of them unanimously agreed to be patient and not rush into it.

After the three of them collectively paid six months' rent, Hugo started frequenting the impoverished streets during this time. He, Neil, and Pepe had a base of operations now. Although they couldn't have full band rehearsals, they performed multiple times on the streets, making various attempts. Not only did Pepe gradually comprehend the true meaning behind Hugo's previous comments, but Hugo and Neil also learned a lot.

Performing was indeed an important way for the band to grow in strength.

At the end of another street performance, Hugo bid farewell to Pepe and Neil. He lowered the brim of his cap and boarded a bus to return home, carrying his guitar on his back. When he reached the second floor, he saw Ernest coming out and took the initiative to greet him, "Hey, Ernest, good evening."

Ernest turned around and noticed it was Hugo. He responded vaguely, "Hmph." Although he still didn't look directly at Hugo, at least he no longer responded with hostility as he used to. This could be considered a greeting from Ernest. Then, Ernest descended the stairs step by step, without looking back.

Hugo was used to it, so he wasn't surprised at all. He simply shouted downstairs, "Goodbye, Ernest." After a while, he could hear Ernest's deep "Hmph." Hugo smiled and continued walking up to the third floor.

Back at home, Alex and Charlize were not around. Recently, Hugo had been idle at home, but both of them received job offers one after another. Although they weren't regular performances, they could gain performance experience and earn income, which was undoubtedly great. As a result, Joseph was the only one sitting cross-legged on the couch, looking quite lonely.

"You're back so early today?" Hugo greeted Joseph. In fact, Joseph had been very busy lately, constantly trying to find new audition opportunities for Hugo and using his spare time to study the theories of being a talent agent, diligently sorting out the complex network of connections in the entertainment industry. He was striving to grow step by step into a qualified agent. So, Hugo was somewhat surprised that Joseph had come home before 9 o'clock.

"Yes, today I went to several PR agencies with Rick, had dinner, and later one of the PR agents fell ill and went to the emergency room, so I came back early," Joseph raised the bag of potato chips in his hand, asking Hugo if he wanted some. Hugo waved his hand, walked towards the kitchen, poured himself a glass of water, and then prepared to make coffee.

"Is it okay for Rick to take you there?" Since the New Year's Eve when Hugo learned about the situation within ICM, he had paid more attention to this aspect.

After the Golden Globe Awards, Ron disappeared once again, completely ignoring Hugo. It was clear that his proposal to "return" on New Year's Eve had been abandoned. Now, Hugo was like a hot potato that he didn't want to touch. On the other hand, Rick Rosen's attitude hadn't changed much. He neither got too close nor distanced himself too much.

"Today is an occasion for our company to collaborate with other PR agencies. Many people went, and I'm just one of them," Joseph explained simply.

In Hollywood, talent agents, music agents, and PR agents have different roles that require specialization. For example, within ICM, there were agents in various categories such as film, music, publishing, screenwriting, and sports. However, most PR agencies in Hollywood operate independently because it is a separate profession. Nevertheless, there are cooperative relationships between PR agencies and talent agencies, so each talent agency has fixed PR partners.

"I actually wanted to find a PR agent for you, so that when we encounter negative news in the future, we won't be at a loss," Joseph continued. PR agents naturally have richer media resources and their professional skills provide great help. "But unexpectedly, I received another insider information. It's estimated that it will be published as news tomorrow. I saw the mock-up newspaper of the Los Angeles Times."

"Really?" Hugo walked to the living room with a glass of water and sat on the couch, sighing in relief. "Now I'm starting to feel the advantages of being an insider."

Joseph placed the bag of potato chips between his knees and looked at Hugo with a serious expression. "Aren't you curious about the insider information?"

Hugo swallowed the hot water in his mouth and carefully observed Joseph's expression. Although Joseph still had his usual serious and formal expression on the surface, Hugo could discern the differences after becoming familiar with him. For example, at this moment, there was a hint of excitement and even eagerness between Joseph's eyebrows and in his eyes. It seemed like good news.

"Go ahead, whose gossip is it?" Hugo couldn't help but become curious. What kind of news could make Joseph so happy? After all, Joseph wasn't someone who indulged in gossip.

A slight smile curved Joseph's lips. "The Firm". Hugo paused, looking at Joseph blankly. He had no idea why Joseph would mention "The Firm" now, and he seemed so excited. Joseph didn't prolong the suspense and went straight to the point. "Casting is officially done. Production starts next Monday. Tom Cruise is confirmed as the male lead, and the final female lead is Jeanne Tripplehorn."

"Uh, who?" Hugo was genuinely caught off guard.

"I know, I couldn't recall who Tripplehorn was either. I had to ask in detail, and it turns out she played the doctor in "Basic Instinct". This is only her third film." Joseph's smile grew slightly wider, and his eyes shimmered with a sense of relief and excitement.

Hugo couldn't help but exclaim, "What?" Martin Baum had been struggling for so long, and he didn't manage to secure the role for Brad Pitt. Uma Thurman had been planning for so long, but in the end, it was all in vain. The male and female leads in the movie turned out to be people who hadn't even appeared in the previous rumors. This was truly explosive news.

"Are you sure?" Hugo still found it hard to believe and asked again.

Joseph nodded vigorously. "It's been confirmed. The Los Angeles Times will report it tomorrow." Joseph then chuckled, a hint of mockery on his lips. He felt a sense of relief, as everything had fallen apart due to the casting of "The Firm". Tracey and Martin's plans had all gone down the drain, and in the end, Sydney Pollack had taken control of the situation. It was truly satisfying!

Hugo let out a sigh, feeling a sense of emptiness. Uma had become nothing more than a pawn for Tracey and Martin. While he felt a sense of relief, he also felt a deeper emptiness. Their relationship had ended in such a way—Uma had given up their love for the sake of her so-called career, but in the end, her career didn't reach great heights. It was all in vain. This made Uma's sacrifice seem ridiculous, and the abandoned love between them even more tragic.

"So Tom had planned it all along," Hugo sighed meaningfully, drawing Joseph's curiosity. Hugo explained, "During the New Year's party, Cruise attended Sydney's party with his wife. Maybe, looking at it now, he had already been plotting back then. Missing out on "A Few Good Men" was a blow to him, so the opportunity with "The Firm" became even more important."

Joseph connected the dots. "Compared to Brad, who was just starting out, Sydney, who wanted to create a star-studded cast, naturally chose Tom, who is at the height of his career. Not many directors would choose you like Robert did." Joseph couldn't help but make a teasing remark.

Hugo remembered Brad's defiant expression at the Golden Globe Awards and burst into laughter.

Observing Hugo's smile, Joseph asked, "Do you think Uma will call you?" Previously, Uma had walked away because of the "The Firm" casting, and now that the project had fallen through, Joseph's speculation didn't come as a surprise.

Hugo shook his head. "She won't." Their argument that day had initially centered around "The Firm", but it later became an issue of trust. The significance of "The Firm" had become insignificant. Furthermore, she was Uma Thurman. She wouldn't admit her mistakes, at least not to bow down to Hugo. Just like that day when she resolutely turned away, once she made a decision, she would stick to it till the end.

Hugo realized that he truly understood Uma, but she didn't understand him.

Hugo fell silent. Today was February 14th, Valentine's Day. Knowing this news on such a special day felt ironic. Hugo suddenly recalled the topic of anniversaries during the recording of The Oprah Winfrey Show not long ago. In reality, he wasn't sensitive to anniversaries at all. However, seeing countless couples on the streets, it reminded him. And now, upon returning home, he received this news. This Valentine's Day had become so special and ironic.

Seeing Hugo's gloomy expression, Joseph quickly changed the subject. "There's another piece of good news I haven't told you yet. Aren't you curious to hear it?" It was because of this good news that Joseph dared to bring up the topic of Uma. Sure enough, he saw the curiosity in Hugo's eyes. Joseph smiled and said, "Nora Ephron called me. She wants you to audition for a second time."

Hugo didn't react immediately. Joseph continued to explain, "For "Sleepless in Seattle"?" His questioning tone tried to jog Hugo's memory.

"Uh, what?" Hugo's grip on the cup slipped, and it fell into his lap, soaking his beige work pants. Hugo jumped up involuntarily. Looking down at his wet pants, a large water stain was like...

"I need to go to the bathroom. It should be done in time..." Joseph said solemnly.