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On one side, Anson had everything prepared and running smoothly. Not only had he reached a consensus with Edgar, but he also sat down with the band members to have a calm discussion.
Setting aside the "elephant in the room," the truth was that the album recording wasn't going well. They needed to clear their minds, adjust their attitudes, and refocus.
After some discussion, Miles and the others agreed that taking a few days off from recording to relax and clear their heads was absolutely necessary.
Anson didn't hold back; he openly mentioned a potential movie project, which immediately got Connor and the others excited. They started teasing Anson, joking that the only reason he suggested a break was to shoot a movie.
Anson didn't argue. He raised his hands and said, "Please, let this happen. I hope the movie goes forward so I can try juggling two things at once."
His open and honest attitude made everyone burst into laughter.
However, Anson wasn't lying; the decision wasn't up to him.
On the other side, Darren passed his suggestions to HBO, leaving it to the network and Gus to discuss.
Unexpectedly, but not surprisingly, Gus didn't immediately agree or refuse. He said he needed time to think about it, and then he left.
From fashion to the band to talk shows, Anson had been in the news a lot over the past six months, which was a positive factor for most people. But for Gus, these external distractions were actually a negative.
Gus needed to see Anson's work, free from distractions, to ensure he could fully return to his role as an actor.
No one knew what Gus was thinking, and HBO didn't push him. Gus went silent for three days, as if he had disappeared into thin air.
Just when HBO was about to give up and consider other options, Gus responded.
"Alright."
With this concise and straightforward reply, everything immediately changed.
Unexpectedly and suddenly, Anson's next project was confirmed just like that. And it turned out to be a collaboration with HBO, something Anson hadn't anticipated at all.
However, Gus had one condition:
Keep it low-key.
"Don't bring those pests to Portland."
That was Gus's exact wording.
Anson hadn't spoken to Gus directly, so he wasn't sure why Gus agreed, but he could sense the disdain and rejection in those words, even a bit of prejudice from the outset.
But at least one thing was clear:
Low-key. Low-key. And still low-key.
Originally, the project's subject matter was sensitive and needed to be handled with care. If Anson's involvement brought too much attention or controversy, the crew would face tremendous pressure, potentially affecting the shoot.
Keeping a low profile was another way of saying, "Stay focused."
It was evident that Gus was a director fully devoted to the craft of filmmaking, putting the movie above all else.
Without even meeting him yet, Anson was already deeply impressed by this director.
This meant that before heading to Portland, Anson had some loose ends to tie up—loose ends and pests.
*Knock, knock!*
Harry Percy turned his head and saw Anson, causing him to choke on his own breath, almost coughing himself off balance.
Honestly, since Anson started sporting stubble, his smile hidden behind the beard gave him a different look from his usual image, making him seem unfamiliar. But those eyes—clear and bright—were still unmistakable, like they could see through any disguise.
If Harry's heart were any weaker, he might've fainted right there.
Holding his breath, Harry stared blankly at the smiling face outside the car window for what felt like an eternity. Seeing Anson standing there, unusually patient and composed, made Harry realize the situation, drooping his head in resignation.
*Squeak. Squeak.*
The car window slowly rolled down, agonizingly slow, as if it would never open fully.
The atmosphere grew awkward instantly.
Harry's expression turned awkward too, as he pointed at the window, trying to explain but then realizing there was really nothing to explain. So, he just mumbled until the window was completely down.
"Cough, cough, Anson."
Harry greeted him.
Anson showed no signs of impatience or anxiety, remaining calm, but when he spoke, he got straight to the point without hesitation.
"Kevin, are you interested in making a deal?"
Harry stiffened, his face turning red. "I'm not Kevin."
Anson raised an eyebrow slightly, giving Harry a half-smile, as if to say, *Is that really the point?*
Harry felt frustrated and shot Anson an annoyed look. "I'm not interested. There's nothing between us to trade."
"Oh, really? I thought your daily job was all about trading—trading time for exclusives, trading information for information, trading money for tips. So, you should be able to trade with anyone."
"…I'm not interested in trading with you."
Harry hesitated. He was worried that if he made a deal with Anson, he might end up selling himself out without even realizing it, all while thinking he'd scored some big exclusive.
*Live and learn.* He knew he needed to be extra cautious around Anson.
But to his surprise, Anson wasn't discouraged. He continued, unfazed and unconventional, "Well, that's a problem because I really want to make this trade."
Harry blinked, staring at Anson in confusion.
On one hand, alarms were going off in his head—something wasn't right about this.
On the other hand, his curiosity was piqued, almost uncontrollably so.
It was torturous. Absolutely torturous.
Indeed, every time he dealt with Anson, he had to be extra, extra cautious. He had no idea what Anson's next move would be.
Thinking this, Harry decided to push back. He couldn't keep being passive, right?
"But why?"
"What reason do you have to make a deal with me?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Harry immediately shook his head, stopping Anson from answering.
"No, no, no. Don't tell me. I'm not interested and I don't want to know."
If Anson started talking, he might get sucked into Anson's pace. Better to keep his distance from the start—that was the best approach.
Anson's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Alright."
Harry: ???
With that, Anson didn't linger. He turned around and walked away without a second thought, his steps brisk and decisive.
Harry: *That's it?*
Wait a minute. After throwing out all those words, Anson just retreated so easily?
What was that supposed to mean?
What was Anson really up to?
If he didn't cooperate, would Anson just find another paparazzo to work with?
Thoughts swirled through his mind, and Harry could no longer control himself. He opened the car door and rushed after him. "Anson, what deal?"
Anson didn't stop right away, making Harry more anxious, caught between curiosity and nervousness. "Anson, wait, Anson!"
Finally, Anson stopped.
Harry nearly crashed into Anson's back, and then he saw the calm, confident smile on Anson's face, setting off alarms again.
Anson spread his hands. "Kevin, playing hard to get is such a simple tactic, and you still fell for it. Are you sure you're okay with that?"
Harry: …
*Can I curse?*
"Can I curse?"
"Haha, of course you can."
A beat late, Harry realized he had actually spoken his internal complaint out loud.
And Anson had even responded.
This was just…
Damn it!
He felt so humiliated he wanted to disappear on the spot.