Turning around

"Hugo, Hugo, go left, left!" Joseph had to shout to stop Hugo who was lost at the intersection. He clearly shouted "left", but Hugo turned right, which made Joseph cry and laugh.

Hugo was not sensitive to directions and locations. He realized his mistake only after Joseph's shout, and awkwardly touched his nose. People around who were working saw Hugo's embarrassment and laughed softly, making him even more embarrassed.

Joseph caught up and said helplessly, "Left is this way." Then he led the way, with a stiff expression on his face, which was finally relaxed. Hugo pursed his lips and followed Joseph quickly.

After sitting back in the elevator, Joseph's brain regained its sanity. He looked at Hugo discreetly, then looked away and whispered, "I'm sorry." Joseph was apologizing for his own job ability. He saw clearly the confrontation between Hugo and Ron just now, and he knew that Hugo had made up his mind to trust himself. But Joseph couldn't bring corresponding work opportunities to Hugo, which was frustrating for him.

However, Hugo shrugged indifferently and said, "No need. Aren't we both working hard?" Hugo was working hard to become an excellent actor, and Joseph was working hard to become an outstanding agent. Of course, this process would not be easy, but the process of striving was also oh so beautiful.

Joseph didn't say anything anymore but began to think about what other job opportunities he could fight for Hugo besides "Instinct". But then he thought of something and looked up at Hugo. "You were very tough with Ron just now." This was not the Hugo he remembered. Previously, Hugo trusted Ron very much, mainly because of their long-term collaboration of six years. But today was different. Did Hugo finally see Ron's true colors?

Since Hugo confronted Ron directly in the office, he was prepared for Joseph's suspicion. Joseph asked, "Then what should we do? Kneel down and cry and beg Ron to give us an invitation?" This rebuttal made Joseph choke and he didn't know how to respond. Hugo continued, "Since he doesn't see a future for me, why should I beg him to focus on me? Besides, he's not a super handsome guy, and I don't like his type."

Hugo's self-deprecating and teasing last sentence reminded Joseph of Gary's brazenness just now. The corners of Joseph's mouth twitched again, and his eyes flickered with bemusement.

The elevator quickly stopped at the 17th floor. Joseph walked out on his own initiative, and Hugo followed behind, taking a look around. The atmosphere here was completely different from the 23rd floor. The 23rd floor was a completely formulaic office space, with each broker's space isolated in their own individual office. In contrast, the 17th floor felt more like a normal office, with each person having a large or small work partition, and you could easily chat with your colleagues by just moving your office chair back half a step.

As they walked out of the elevator, Hugo could immediately feel the bustle and laughter around him. The entire floor seemed to be full of vitality. People kept saying hello to Joseph as soon as he walked out, and even waved and nodded to Hugo. Compared to the strictly business atmosphere of the 23rd floor, this place seemed to be much more friendly. Hugo even began to suspect whether this was really the same company.

Following Joseph, Hugo quickly arrived at a small partition. He watched as Joseph skillfully sat down on the office chair and then looked across and asked, "Where's Karl? And Charlie?"

The familiar face on the other side raised his head. It was Karl El, the broker who had pursued Charlize relentlessly before. "Hey, Hugo," Karl also saw Hugo and greeted him with a happy expression.

Joseph had Hugo sit down in the empty seat next to Karl's partition and explained, "Karl changed seats earlier this year and now sits opposite me." Then Joseph began to search through the many files piled up on his desk, muttering, "Where did that directory Ron gave me last time go?"

After Karl stood up, he didn't sit down again. Instead, he asked Hugo, "Hugo, do you still keep in touch with Charlize Theron? She hasn't returned my calls, so..." Karl's expression was a bit embarrassed. He still didn't have any artists under him, and he spent all day in the office daydreaming. Looking at the tall and strong Karl standing in front of him, like a wall, but with a sincere expression on his face, Hugo felt unexpectedly harmonious.

In the brokerage company, the basic salary was pitifully low. Brokers had to rely on their artists' work to make a living. Without artists, their income would be low. Karl's life now could be said to be unbearable. He was even struggling to pay his rent.

"No, I haven't heard from her since I went to New York." Hugo could only apologize. Seeing Karl's disappointed expression, Hugo added, "But I did tell her before that you are a very good broker and worthy of trust."

At least Hugo's words gave Karl a glimmer of hope, and he couldn't help but smile. "Thank you."

"Hey, Hugo!" a voice came from behind, interrupting Hugo and Karl's conversation. Hugo turned around and saw a middle-aged man approaching him. The unfamiliar face left Hugo with a puzzled look. "Who is this?" Unfortunately, his memories did not give him any response.

Fortunately, Joseph also noticed the voice and turned around, putting down his work and greeting the man with a friendly smile. "Mr. Witt! What brings you to the company?"

Witt? The surname, coupled with the familiar yet strange face in front of him, finally awakened Hugo's memory. The person in front of him was none other than Paul Junger Witt, a film producer and one of the main producers of "Dead Poets Society". Simply put, Paul was one of the people responsible for Hugo's fame.

"Mr. Witt, it's been a long time," Hugo shook hands with Paul politely. Although Hugo did not experience the filming process of "Dead Poets Society" and had no familiarity with Paul, it did not prevent Hugo from expressing his admiration for Paul, as "Dead Poets Society" was one of his favorite movies.

Paul chuckled, "You've been lost in the neon lights of Hollywood for years, it's not easy to meet you." As an elder, he made such a joke, and Hugo had no way to refute it. "But I heard your collaboration with Al Pacino went well, and the crew praised you. It's good to hear some good news."

"Haha, I hope it's not too late now," Hugo replied with a smile, making Paul laugh out loud.

"I didn't expect to meet you here today. Since we've met, let me ask you something. I have a movie premiering next week, would you be interested in attending the premiere ceremony?" Paul was quick to speak and looked at Hugo with a smile. "I came to the company today to ask for an invitation. There are only 200 invitations for the premiere, and some of the main cast have already taken some. My two friends wanted to attend, but they couldn't get an invitation. I came here today to see if I could get some."

After speaking, Paul lifted the invitation in his hand. "Luckily, I still have some face, and I didn't disappoint my friends. Otherwise, I'd be nagged for a while."

Joseph's eyes lit up upon hearing Paul's words. It was like someone came to bring a pillow just as he was about to fall asleep. Although he was rejected harshly by Ron, who would have thought that Paul, who had shown recognition to Hugo, would come to the company today? Perhaps, this was truly a chance for Hugo.

"Isn't your invitation meant for a friend?" Joseph cautiously asked, but his serious gaze betrayed his inner desire. He didn't want to miss this opportunity that had fallen into his lap.

"No, my agent gave me an extra one as an apology. If Hugo has the time, he can come and support our movie. I think the journalists would be delighted to see him there," Paul still held a high regard for Hugo, even though Tracey was the one who brought him into the cast of "Dead Poets Society". Hugo had conquered the entire crew with his own talent and also won the love of the critics. "As long as you don't mind the small scale of our movie. It only has a budget of thirty-two million dollars, and next week we will face TriStar Pictures' "Basic Instinct". I really don't know what the future holds."

A budget of thirty-two million dollars may not match the scale of "Basic Instinct", which had a budget of forty-nine million dollars, but it was still a considerable amount. This was such a rare opportunity that could not be missed.

"Of course, being able to attend the premiere is the best thing ever," Hugo glanced at Joseph and quickly understood his urgent mood. So, he agreed to attend, "You know, it's not that easy for me to get job opportunities lately." Hugo even made a self-deprecating face after speaking.

Ever since the Golden Raspberry Awards, Hugo's situation in Hollywood was known to industry insiders to some extent. That was also why Paul walked up to Hugo proactively. If possible, he wouldn't mind lending Hugo a hand, especially after hearing his friend's comments on Hugo's performance in "Scent of a Woman".

"March 18th, Fox Theatre. Don't be late," Paul showed a big smile after hearing Hugo's self-deprecating remark, took out an invitation from his hand and handed it to Hugo, "I have to go now. We'll talk more on the premiere day."

Hugo finally revealed a brilliant smile only after Paul had completely left, and he raised his left hand with the invitation inside, "Joseph, I got a new job opportunity!" Joseph and Karl, standing next to him, couldn't help but feel excited when they saw Hugo's sunny smile.