Not the main character

A month ago, when the Golden Globe nominations were announced, Hugo received two nominations, instantly becoming the center of attention. People showered him with praise, believing that Hugo would sweep away the curse of the previous year's Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor and usher in a new era. This wave of enthusiasm reached its peak with the eight consecutive victories of "A Few Good Men" and the record-breaking 23 million viewers of The Oprah Winfrey Show, all of which focused on Hugo like never before.

Just a glimpse of the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards reveals Hugo's prominence. He was undoubtedly the biggest focus of the entire evening, even catching the attention of industry insiders. No one knew that Hugo had missed the opportunity to perform in "The Firm", nor did they know that he had been without a new script for half a year after "A Few Good Men". Furthermore, nobody knew that Hugo was facing a new round of suppression from Tracey and Ron. People only saw Hugo's surface glory but failed to see that being considered "top-tier" was nothing more than a hollow reputation.

Originally, it was believed that this would be Hugo's year at the Golden Globe Awards, but the reality turned out to be the opposite. Hugo was not the protagonist at all. The anticipated brilliance of Hugo did not materialize. He lost the Best Supporting Actor award to veteran actor Gene Hackman, and the Best Actor in a Drama award went to Al Pacino. In terms of overall acclaim, "Unforgiven" slightly overshadowed Hugo. Both "A Few Good Men" and Hugo were defeated in the nomination phase, leaving people feeling regretful.

In fact, it was expected that Hugo wouldn't win any awards. Even setting aside other subjective factors, purely from the objective perspective of talent, this was the case.

Gene Hackman was not only a seasoned Oscar winner but had also received four Oscar nominations throughout his acting career. His talent was unquestionable, and combined with his outstanding performance in "Unforgiven", his victory was well-deserved. As for Al Pacino, he was one of the greatest actors in American film history. His role in "Scent of a Woman" was considered a masterpiece. Not to mention Hugo, even Jack Nicholson had to concede to him this year. Al's win was a result eagerly anticipated by all.

Therefore, while Hugo may have been disappointed, he had no regrets. It was only natural that he couldn't compare to others in terms of skill. This made Hugo realize that he had only made incremental progress on the path of acting exploration, and there was still a long road ahead before he could truly reach "outstanding" status.

However, the media and journalists had a different perspective. They didn't see it the same way. The fact that Hugo, who had gathered the adoration of countless people before the awards ceremony, was completely absent throughout the entire evening seemed like a novelty or even a sensation. So, at the celebration banquet after the awards ceremony, the journalists' questions came down like a hailstorm, aimed at Hugo.

Hugo was surprised by the unreasonable questions from the reporters. In his opinion, it was a natural outcome, but the journalists gave it an absurd interpretation. "Hugo, you weren't the main character tonight. Are you disappointed about that?" This was just the beginning of such questions.

"Hugo, do you think that despite his performance, Gene truly deserved to win the Best Supporting Actor award, defeating Al, Jack, and even you?" This question clearly had an ulterior motive, hoping to lead Hugo into making strange remarks, as if they wanted Hugo to attack the winners.

If Hugo could still understand these questions, expressing his admiration and well-wishes for the winners as much as possible, then the next question left people speechless. "Hugo, do you really think Gene's performance was good enough to beat Al, Jack, and you and win the Best Supporting Actor award?"

This question is basically equivalent to saying, "Do you think Gene really deserves the award? Shouldn't it be you?" The journalist deliberately emphasized "and you" separately, almost forcing the question.

Hugo couldn't understand the journalists' thoughts; he couldn't comprehend their logic. Did being a favorite beforehand automatically guarantee winning the award? It was like saying Usain Bolt had no place in the world if he lost a race. But the thing is, a solitary pursuit of victory without competition, opponents, or challenges renders the competition itself meaningless. That's why underdogs, surprises, and dark horses always evoke a mix of regret and excitement. Moreover, Gene couldn't even be considered a dark horse!

"Of course, I think Gene's performance was excellent, and it's only natural that he won the award!" Hugo's eyebrows slightly furrowed, clearly displeased with the journalist's questioning style. These people kept attacking him for not winning the award as if it were the end of the world.

"In that case, don't you feel regret for Jack and Al missing out on the awards?" The journalist persisted.

Hugo's friendly smile instantly faded. "Why should I? Jack and Al are both outstanding actors. Jack doesn't need to prove his greatness anymore, and Al earned the Best Actor award based on his talent. It's well-deserved. As for Gene, his performance absolutely warranted this award!" Hugo's tone became harsh, not erupting in anger, but the previous friendliness had vanished. "So, I don't think there's any problem with tonight's outcome."

"Even if you go home empty-handed?"

"Yes! Even if I go home empty-handed!" Hugo replied in a terrible tone, glaring fiercely at the journalist before him. He didn't recognize this journalist, but Hugo was certain that this person had replaced Nicholas as his most disliked journalist!

"Sorry, the interview ends here." Joseph intervened in time to stop the interview. After the awards ceremony, everyone's attention was supposed to be on the winners, and few paid attention to the losers. However, Hugo's situation was extraordinary. Even without winning an award, a group of journalists surrounded him for interviews, clearly not intending to let Hugo off the hook.

With Joseph's intervention, the interview temporarily came to a halt. Soon, Al's appearance attracted the journalists' attention, allowing Hugo, Uma, and Joseph to leave the press circle and enter the Hilton Hotel's backyard for the celebratory banquet.

"They just want to deliberately provoke you." Joseph, feeling frustrated as well, couldn't help but advise Hugo, hoping the situation wouldn't worsen.

"Why?" Hugo widened his eyes, unable to understand the journalists' logic.

Joseph shrugged. "For the front-page headlines."

Now Hugo understood. It wasn't that he didn't know before, but he hadn't personally experienced it, so he didn't have a deep understanding. During the time when he was an extra on the set before his time travel, Hugo had seen many such incidents. Whether it was journalists or artists, they would go to great lengths to create news, especially in the age of rampant fake news on the internet. As long as it could generate buzz and attract attention, journalists and artists were willing to resort to various means. But previously, Hugo had only been an onlooker. It was only when he was in the midst of it that he understood what "any means necessary" meant. In that regard, the journalists' provocations earlier were still quite restrained, and their impact wasn't significant.

Understanding was one thing, but Hugo still couldn't comprehend or rather, despised this behavior. "If they have the ability, why don't they directly state who doesn't deserve the award in the newspapers using their own identities? Why do they want me to say it?" Hugo clenched his teeth, looking frustrated.

"Believe me, they dare," Joseph's words left Hugo speechless. Indeed, journalists dared to do so, especially in the United States, which prided itself on freedom of speech. "And they pressure you to say it just for the sake of sensationalism, without any special reason."

"So, I'm just a megaphone," Hugo muttered angrily. Only after truly entering this circle would one understand these unsavory aspects. It was truly exasperating.

Hearing Hugo's words, Uma couldn't help but chuckle lightly, teasingly saying, "A megaphone that amplifies the effect tenfold."

"And they also involve you, so the journalists can sit back and enjoy the spectacle of a megaphone," Joseph added.

Hugo was dumbfounded by all this. He had to admit that in the entertainment industry, he was still too naive. There was still much he needed to learn, especially in dealing with journalists. Initially, Hugo thought he was making progress in his interactions with Nicholas McLane, but now it seemed that was because he hadn't truly experienced the ups and downs.

The journalists' episode had ruined Hugo's relaxed mood, and he couldn't muster any enthusiasm during the celebratory banquet. Furthermore, almost everyone focused on the award winners at the celebration, making it difficult for Hugo to meet new friends. It was truly disappointing.

Especially when he saw Brad and Tracey standing side by side, raising champagne glasses across a swimming pool, adopting the stance of victorious champions as they toasted Hugo and Uma. It took all of Hugo's willpower not to roll his eyes. "The Firm" hadn't even been released yet, and Brad was already flaunting his dominance. Wasn't it too early? No, this movie hadn't even started filming yet! Hugo couldn't hold back any longer and rolled his eyes in response to Brad's smug behavior.

Hugo felt that the party tonight had lost all its meaning. So when Uma mentioned Joseph, Hugo immediately felt the need to ask Joseph when they could leave. As Hugo and Uma wandered around the party, searching for Joseph, they finally spotted him in a corner near the garden backdoor.

Joseph was engrossed in a lively conversation with a balding middle-aged man. After the middle-aged man left, Hugo and Uma approached. Hugo cast a questioning look at Joseph, curious about the identity of the middle-aged man. But before Joseph could answer, a figure suddenly rushed out from the other side, holding a black object and charging toward Hugo's cheek. The person's mouth was also spewing a string of words, catching everyone off guard, making them think there was a crazed attacker!