Chapter 68: Taking the Initiative

Viewership: 30 million.

Rating: 16.1.

Numbers are always the most objective and coldest form of evidence—icy yet direct, like a pinpoint on a map, clearly marking the significance of this achievement.

This accomplishment is far more than what it appears to be on the surface.

Not only does it mean that the 23rd episode officially became the highest-rated episode of the sixth season, but it also signifies that this episode is the first since the premiere of the fifth season to break 30 million in viewership and surpass a 16.0 rating, reaching such heights after nearly two years.

Moreover!

This wasn't the season premiere, nor the final episode of a season—it was just an ordinary episode in the sixth season. Since the 12th episode of the third season, this is the first time a mid-season episode has achieved such success.

Of course.

To put it simply, this episode's ratings have entered the top ten in "Friends" history, currently ranking eighth.

This is the strongest proof.

Who said "Friends" was on a downhill slope? Who said "Friends" lacked innovation and energy? Who said "Friends" could no longer replicate the brilliance of its first three seasons?

Who said "Friends" was becoming a retirement home? Who said "Friends" was becoming a burden for its six actors? Who said "Friends" could no longer demonstrate explosive power?

All doubts, all controversies, all criticisms—they now all fall silent. David Crane, alongside Marta Kauffman, delivered the most powerful counterattack.

A complete success.

A set of numbers, cold as they may be, in the right hands and used in the right way, can become a powerful weapon.

Anson made "Friends" shine, and in turn, "Friends" made Anson shine—a mutually reinforcing journey.

Even David Crane, who initially went with the flow when inspiration struck, never imagined things would go this smoothly, developing to this extent. It was a surprise, a complete surprise.

Now, everything is sprinting toward the predetermined goal at full speed, and he is absolutely confident—

They've secured the upper hand in this summer's salary negotiations.

David Crane and Marta Kauffman have never lacked confidence, and they believe they can convince NBC to break the salary cap. However, reaching this advantageous position still excites them, making them wonder—how did all this happen?

Looking back at the entire sequence of events, David Crane has a bold thought:

Perhaps the true turning point wasn't his clever maneuvering or Anson's outstanding performance, but rather the confrontation between Anson and the reporters in the parking lot of Stage 24.

An unexpected collision of events, the display of personality and charm, completely ignited the media's reaction, leading to a widespread discussion frenzy. It unveiled a new image, breaking the fourth wall between the screen and real life, merging Anson with the character of Paul while also revealing a new dimension.

And then, the wave of enthusiasm surged.

Even David Crane was pleasantly surprised by Anson's performance, so how could anyone else not be?

This thought isn't just bold—it borders on madness.

However, those thoughts no longer matter. Compared to understanding the reasons, the focus now is on the results.

The entire "Friends" crew is jubilant, fully immersing themselves in filming the two-part finale, ready to reap the rewards of a year's hard work.

But what about Anson?

After leaving Stage 24, daily life seemed to finally return to normal. Since his arrival, it's been a whirlwind month of events, one after another, with climaxes following in quick succession. There was no time to catch a breath, no space to adjust. The rollercoaster ride had finally ended.

He could finally take a well-deserved rest.

But just as he thought he could relax, life had other plans—

Ding dong.

The doorbell echoed through the quiet first-floor hall, but no one responded. The space felt peaceful and serene, listening to the approaching steps of summer.

Ding dong.

The doorbell rang a second time.

James Franco, sprawled out on the couch, rolled off and crashed onto the floor, gravity pulling him down with a thud. The jolt of hitting the ground brought him slightly out of his drowsy state. Half-awake, he stumbled his way to the door.

Creeeak.

James opened the door, leaning lazily against the doorframe, struggling to open his eyes. "Who's there?"

"Hey, James, is Anson home?"

The voice was unfamiliar but vaguely recognizable. The person clearly knew the names of the house's occupants, which prompted James to fully open his eyes and focus on the face in front of him.

Unfamiliar.

Still unfamiliar.

But why did he have a feeling that he knew this person?

James's brain wasn't fully functioning, yet a name slipped out, "Ah, it's you, the agent. William Morris."

Edgar Cooke smiled, "Yes, Edgar. You remember me."

James frowned in confusion, "Yeah, but why do I remember you?"

He took another look at Edgar—just an ordinary face, nothing special. If you glanced at him quickly, you wouldn't notice anything, but if you were patient and took a second look, you'd catch the serene and gentle air around his brows, subtle and composed, with a slight upward curve to his lips that could shift the tone of a conversation.

Before he knew it, Edgar had made an impression on James, one that stuck in his mind.

James groaned, "God, what brings you here? Wait, don't tell me you lost your job and now you're selling something door-to-door?"

"I'm not interested in any catalogs."

He was about to close the door.

Edgar quickly spoke up, "James, I'm here to see Anson."

James paused in the act of closing the door, "Anson doesn't need an agent."

Edgar wasn't surprised by the response. He maintained a friendly smile, "I figured, but it doesn't hurt to have more options."

This time, James didn't respond immediately. He looked Edgar up and down, "You're the seventh agent to come knocking this week."

"Let me tell you something—I know your type. Like fleas, you look harmless, but if we're not careful, you'll take root."

"But can you really help?"

"No. You just suck us dry, and when we're no longer of use—or when you find a better host—you move on, leaving nothing but chaos behind."

"If you think you can trick Anson, I won't let it happen."

"I'm watching you, got it? I'm watching you."

After his long rant, James pointed to his eyes and then to Edgar, signaling that he meant business.

Edgar didn't mind. He spread his hands, still smiling, showing that he was unarmed and had come with good intentions.

James rolled his eyes and didn't say anything more. Still staring at Edgar, he called out loudly.

"Anson."

"Anson!"

"There's another admirer at the door."

But there was no response.

James dutifully called out again.

This time, there was finally a reply, "James, I'll be down in a minute. Just let the guest sit in the living room."

James opened the door wider and stepped aside, gesturing for Edgar to enter, but his eyes remained laser-focused on Edgar, giving him another warning with his hand gestures:

I'm watching you.