Attitude change

Uma looked at the Variety magazine on the table. Almost everyone in the industry subscribed to Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times were also must-haves. These four publications played a crucial role in disseminating information within the entertainment industry. Any major event or professional information could be found in them.

Therefore, Uma knew about Hugo joining the "Sleepless in Seattle" cast right away.

Uma didn't even realize her gaze had shifted to the phone. Her mind was blank at the moment, and she had no idea what she was thinking. When she came back to her senses, she realized that she seemed to be waiting for Hugo's call. But why? Wasn't everything over? Why did she still feel anticipation?

Two days ago was Valentine's Day, and Uma had originally thought she would spend the holiday with Hugo. She even speculated that Hugo would have prepared something for her. But life's changes are always unpredictable, and she ended up spending it alone. Moreover, on Valentine's Day itself, Uma received devastating news: she missed the opportunity to perform in "The Firm".

It was truly ridiculous and ironic.

She deceived Hugo for the sake of her so-called career and even ended the relationship, but in the end, it was all in vain? Then what was she fighting and striving for?

Uma couldn't help but think of what Hugo said back then, "Perhaps you haven't considered that emotions and career don't have to conflict. I don't mind if you take on "The Firm"." Those words kept circling in Uma's mind, and she couldn't help but think: If she had chosen to be honest with Hugo from the beginning, starting from New Year's Eve, maybe things would be different. Maybe she could have gotten the opportunity to perform in "The Firm" and be with Hugo. Maybe not, but at least she could have kept her love.

But now, she had nothing. It seemed that since then, Uma had always subconsciously looked at the phone.

And now? Hugo joined the "Sleepless in Seattle" cast, while she was empty-handed.

Uma forced herself to look away from the phone and admonished herself not to do it again because she had her own pride. She couldn't allow herself to bow down voluntarily. Then Uma silently told herself, "This is a terrible work, this is a terrible work... It will fail, everything will fail... My initial choice was not wrong, not wrong!"

Taking a deep breath, another deep breath, Uma struggled to make herself strong and firm in her belief.

In the office of the Los Angeles Times, Nicholas Allum had been sitting in the same position for fifteen minutes, his mind still racing.

Nicholas knew that no one in the industry had high hopes for the future of "Sleepless in Seattle". Besides the disastrous script itself, the declining popularity of Meg Ryan and Hugo was also significant.

Since becoming famous with "When Harry Met Sally", Meg had appeared in five films over the past three years, but all of them received mediocre responses. Moreover, those unconventional roles didn't suit her image, leaving her stuck in an awkward position. Although she was considered one of America's most iconic sweethearts, along with Julia Roberts, both Meg and Julia had been struggling in the past two years. Julia almost disappeared from the big screen, and Meg's frequent performances didn't bring any further achievements. Meg was now stuck in a middle position without further opportunities, but visibly sliding downward. This was not good news.

Under these circumstances, Meg's return to romantic comedies was seen as a regression, as it fixed her image as a sweetheart. Whether such a move would be successful was unknown, and most people clearly didn't have high expectations. Adding to the concern was Hugo, who had never appeared in any romantic films before.

In fact, objectively speaking, Hugo's handsome appearance was well-suited for romantic movies, but it could also lead to the negative consequence of him being seen as a mere vase.

So, Nicholas had to admit that he didn't have high hopes for the future of "Sleepless in Seattle" from any perspective. However... there was always a "however".

But why couldn't he make up his mind to write this article? It had been twenty-four hours since he learned the news, and he still couldn't put a single word down. Nicholas asked himself. If he followed his usual habits, he would launch a strong attack on Hugo's choice and then wait for the movie's release to mock it. But what was different this time?

Nicholas recalled every bit of his encounters with Hugo before visiting the set of "Scent of a Woman". He had never met Hugo in person before and had written several negative articles, so he didn't hold back. He reached his peak during the Golden Raspberry Awards, where his sarcastic and mocking remarks about Hugo garnered considerable attention.

But Nicholas's first official meeting with Hugo changed his perception of the actor completely. Hugo was positive, intelligent, humorous, and gentle, yet sharp. However, even then, Nicholas didn't let Hugo off the hook. He used the news about the Golden Raspberry Awards to stir up controversy once again, and it had a significant impact.

The initial pessimism before the release of "Scent of a Woman" and the subsequent praise, the support before the release of "A Few Good Men" and the subsequent compliments were all relatively objective. There wasn't any special favoritism. Purely from his inner feelings, Nicholas still preferred to continue with ridicule and mockery. This desire was fulfilled during the Golden Globe Awards after the brawl incident. Nicholas didn't hesitate to provide serious criticism and satire towards Hugo.

However, the confrontation between Hugo and Anthony Stewart was simply too remarkable. It genuinely piqued Nicholas's interest in this actor. This person was truly fascinating. For Nicholas, Hugo wasn't just an actor he frequently wrote about; he was also an actor he genuinely admired. And it wasn't because of Hugo's exceptional acting skills, but rather the spirit he displayed during the confrontation with Anthony, refusing to yield despite being in a disadvantaged position.

Hugo was always like this, cheerful and optimistic. Even in the face of setbacks and disasters, he remained the same. Even when standing on the edge of a cliff, in a precarious position, he still chose to face it with a smile and courage. After the press conference, Hugo didn't even acknowledge Nicholas, further confirming Nicholas' impression of him.

Suddenly, Nicholas became curious. He was very curious about where this talented but still somewhat immature actor like Hugo would go in the entertainment industry. It was like watching a baby who was just learning to speak step by step towards the pinnacle of the world. Even as an observer, it felt incredible, and it would be even more exciting to be part of it.

Nicholas suddenly understood his hesitation: curiosity. He wanted to be a witness to Hugo's career in the entertainment industry. He not only hoped to see Hugo succeed but also to see him rise again with resilience in the face of setbacks. This curiosity influenced Nicholas' judgment and made him hesitate.

This emotion was the first time Nicholas had experienced it since becoming a journalist. It felt unfamiliar yet exhilarating. After realizing this, Nicholas's hands swiftly moved on the typewriter, thoughts gushing like a spring.

"Hope no one forgets that Nora Ephron once created a classic script like "When Harry Met Sally". Ephron used witty and intelligent language to make an otherwise dull story intriguing. Perhaps that's her ability. Behind the seemingly impossible and even more absurd story of "Sleepless in Seattle", there is Ephron's understanding of love that we should pay attention to. Maybe "Sleepless in Seattle" will not become another "When Harry Met Sally" because they are two completely different stories, but Ephron's fresh interpretation of love is worth looking forward to.

Hugo Lancaster, as one of the representative figures among the male actors of today's Hollywood, not only possesses handsome looks but also proves his outstanding acting skills through his actual performances. Ephron choosing Lancaster is certainly not solely based on his appearance. Just take a look at Billy Crystal to understand. Perhaps Ephron hopes that through Lancaster, she can portray the subtlety and depth of a man's perception of love. Lancaster will bring a unique charm to the character, which is the highlight on the big screen.

Meg Ryan, as the representative figure of the American sweetheart, always infuses love with a different freshness through her sweet, playful, and intelligent portrayal. Perhaps what we anticipate is not another "Sally", but a different Meg Ryan. Just imagine the romantic encounter between the sweet Meg Ryan and the sunny Hugo Lancaster. Such a love story is worth looking forward to from a visual perspective alone. However, Ephron deliberately deprived us of this aesthetic and built love on the foundation of invisible radio waves. Perhaps, this incredible perspective is the shining point of the film and also the reason why Ephron chose these two actors.

Love itself is a miracle, bringing together two strangers. So why can't we expect "Sleepless in Seattle" to tell us another miracle?"

When Nicholas finished typing the entire article, a satisfied smile appeared on his face. Seeing the headline once again, "When Hugo Met Love", Nicholas really loved his job. "Hugo Lancaster, let me stand behind you and witness where your entertainment career will lead. I hope you won't disappoint me."

After saying that, Nicholas quickly tore the paper from the typewriter, picked up his coat, and hurriedly ran outside. The printing deadline was approaching, and there was no time to waste.