Can you imagine it?
Not long ago, Anson, who had just been labeled as a model due to Paris Fashion Week, experienced a surprising twist of fate. He suddenly transformed into an actor who became so deeply immersed in his role that he couldn't distinguish between himself and the character. This stunning 180-degree turn caught everyone off guard, leaving Hollywood in a state of shock.
In fact, if it had been the result of promotional efforts by the production team, praise from critics, or media endorsements, it would have come across as too blatant an "advertisement," and it would have been hard to convince the audience. People aren't fools; they can see through such tactics.
However, this time, it wasn't the case.
A negative news story evolved into an unexpected accident, which then led to the truth being revealed. This entire twist-filled narrative was entirely different, and it was incredibly convincing.
People were willing to buy into it.
Even those who remained skeptical, thinking that Anson's deep immersion into the role was just part of the production team's publicity stunt, couldn't help but silently absorb one thought, one impression:
Versatility.
In a short period, Anson had sparked heated discussions in both the fashion world and as an actor. Whether people believed it or not, the impression had quietly taken root in their minds, waiting for the day when spring would come—
To take root, sprout, and grow strong.
It must be said that Edgar's move was brilliant!
Now, let's return to the present.
Facing Chris and Brad's concerns, Anson didn't know where to begin because the entire plan was too complicated and involved too many factors. Any misstep in any link could deviate from the course and lead to complete failure.
So, how should he explain it?
Anson chose the simplest and most direct method:
The paparazzi.
Obviously, things weren't that simple.
Some paparazzi returned to New York to dig deeper, while others focused on eyewitnesses at the scene. They quickly realized that the information had already been thoroughly investigated, and the witnesses had already been protected, indicating that things were not simple.
One after another, the paparazzi sensed something was wrong, so they abandoned Anson as a "pawn" and instead surrounded Steven and Tom, believing that Anson was not capable of orchestrating such a plan. They decided to target the big shots.
As a result, Anson enjoyed some peace and quiet.
Brad's eyes revealed a deep meaning, hinting that he could guess the situation was more complex than it seemed, after all, he had been in Hollywood for many years.
However, Chris, who was still new to the industry, couldn't see through the surface to the essence of the situation and was full of confusion. He kept glancing back and forth between Anson and Brad, "Wait, you two are exchanging looks. What's the secret?"
A smile crept up on Anson's lips.
Anson didn't dodge the question, "Shh, Chris, be careful, or the aliens will take you."
At first, Chris looked nervous, but he didn't expect the sudden twist at the end. He immediately raised his right hand, flipping his middle finger in response.
"Haha." Anson laughed heartily and then made a small joke, "Do you two have secrets too? Just now, you both looked more serious than me. What's wrong, is Los Angeles entering the dry season again?"
Los Angeles, surrounded by desert, has no rain at all and must be careful of wildfires.
Last year, after more than seven months of drought with no rain, every household had to conserve water, but a small wildfire still broke out in October. It wasn't until December that a timely rain finally alleviated the situation.
This year, the weather forecast for Los Angeles was still pessimistic, and people were worried about drought.
If it's true, it would indeed be very serious. Not only would daily life be affected, but the production costs for various film crews would also rise, meaning the cash flow for "Catch Me If You Can" might face severe challenges again.
Of course, Anson was also worried.
The so-called joke was mainly to tease Brad and Chris for not paying attention to the drought issue, while other concerns paled in comparison to natural disasters.
Chris immediately caught on, "Ha, ha, very funny. No, we're not worried about the end of the world; we're worried about Hayden."
Anson was taken aback, "Hayden?"
Brad, slightly annoyed, averted his gaze, showing a hint of impatience, clearly not wanting to elaborate.
Chris explained, "Hayden left."
"What do you mean by 'Hayden left'? That's so vague."
"You don't know? Hayden moved out without telling anyone."
Anson: ...
"Huh?" To be honest, Anson hadn't expected this twist.
Anson thought for a moment, "No, Hayden paid this month's rent. I remember seeing the transfer record."
He habitually reached for his phone, only to realize a beat later that the current brick phone couldn't check bank records, leaving his hand awkwardly frozen in place.
Chris shook his head, "His room is empty; nothing's left behind."
Anson frowned and quickly walked to Hayden's room. He opened the door and saw that Chris wasn't lying—
It was completely empty.
Only an empty bed frame and two desks remained, the furniture that originally came with the house, perfectly matching the vintage decor.
Anson was left speechless, "That mattress was also the landlord's furniture."
Chris was at a loss for words.
But Brad got the joke and burst out laughing.
Chris protested, "Hey, you two! Hayden's gone, and we don't know what happened, but you're still joking around!"
Brad casually waved his hand, "Hayden's an adult; he doesn't need us to worry. Besides, he packed up everything, so it's clearly not a kidnapping or fleeing from guilt."
Chris was left speechless, "But why did he disappear without a word? Anson, did Hayden mention anything to you about leaving?"
Anson shook his head.
Chris said, "Right, Brad and I don't know either. I just asked James, and he has no idea. Although I suspect that guy is high on something right now, given how out of it he seems, Hayden probably wouldn't have told him anyway."
"Pfft," Brad raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of disdain and scorn. "It's probably not that complicated. 'Star Wars: Episode I' is about to be released, and Hayden thinks he's about to hit the big time. He doesn't need us nobodies anymore and is worried I'll latch onto him to ride his coattails, so he's cutting ties early."
Chris didn't believe it. "Brad! That's not Hayden's character."
Brad didn't back down, "Before fame, sure, that wasn't who he was. But after fame? Not even he knows how he might change. Wake up, we're in Hollywood—the most realistic, cold-blooded, and brutal place in the world. This isn't Disneyland."
Chris was momentarily stunned, his face full of stubbornness, trying to refute Brad but not knowing where to start.
Then Anson spoke up, "Hayden isn't that kind of person."
Brad glared at Anson.
Anson calmly met his gaze, "He isn't. But his agent might be."
"Hayden's a fool, but his agent knows what's going to happen once the movie comes out. It's a film destined not to fail, unlike James's and my 'Spider-Man,' where plenty of media outlets are predicting it won't make a splash at the box office. This means Hayden could be used."
"To be more precise, he could be used by James and me, leveraging Hayden to promote 'Spider-Man.'"
Anson spoke with complete honesty. After all, the only ones here who needed a massive promotional push were him and James. Although they were the leads in a top-tier production and could potentially help Hayden, they could just as easily become his competition.
It's a math problem.