"So… there's no other way?" Alex asked stubbornly after a brief laugh. Even though he knew Joseph hitting the reporter had been wrong, the thought of apologizing to that man made him feel sick.
Kal glanced at Joseph. Both of them, as managers, had received training on handling situations like this, so they understood the complexities better. Although Kal was reluctant to admit it, Hugo's approach was indeed the wisest. "This really is the best plan we can come up with right now. As Hugo said, the fact that he was hit cannot be changed."
"Damn it." Alex punched the cushion on the sofa, venting his frustration.
Hugo also felt restless. "I should have hit that reporter a few more times." Since an apology was necessary, he thought he might as well make up for it—but unfortunately, it was too late.
Joseph chuckled. "You were the one who stopped me too soon." Hugo couldn't help but smile at that.
"No matter what, the first step is to show that we are apologetic," Hugo said thoughtfully, trying to calm his emotions. "When handling this situation, attitude is the most important thing." In other words, even if Anthony insulted or slandered him, Hugo knew he shouldn't retaliate physically — that was the core principle. "This is such a damn society," Hugo muttered. He didn't know if he could do it perfectly, but he had to. Otherwise, both he and Joseph might have their futures jeopardized. The results of a year's hard work could be destroyed in an instant. No matter how unwilling he felt, he had to follow through.
"Don't worry. This bowing your head is temporary," Kal said with a long-term perspective. "One day, that disgusting reporter will appear before you like a lapdog, wagging his tail, begging for your forgiveness. You're the artist, he's the reporter. Right now, you're at a disadvantage, but once you achieve enough success, you'll hold the upper hand. Artists and reporters are two ends of a scale, and the balance doesn't stay level forever."
Hugo exhaled deeply, acknowledging Kal's logic. He thought of Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson — they no longer needed to worry about reporters. On one hand, they had enough experience in the industry to handle these situations intelligently. On the other, their status gave them an advantage, allowing them to manage problems efficiently.
Hugo clenched his fists. He would never back down. He would never bow to that damn paparazzo! Never!
"Rest now. Tomorrow is going to be another tough battle," Kal said as he stood, looking at Joseph, whose adrenaline had finally subsided. Now was the time to clean up the aftermath. Kal gestured at Joseph's shirt, which was in shambles. "At least tidy yourself up. Otherwise, Hugin might think you're a serial killer."
"Ha, Hugin's the real serial killer — never seen around, disappearing like a ghost," Joseph rolled his eyes, regaining some energy. He and Kal waved goodbye to Hugo and started heading upstairs, chattering as they went. "By the way, don't wash this shirt yet. Until we deal with Anthony, this shirt stays…"
"I don't mind. Just keep it in your room. And pray spring doesn't come too fast, or the smell…" Kal's voice faded as he disappeared through the front door. Meanwhile, Alex stood up, shouting, "I'm taking a shower first!" as he ran toward the bathroom.
Uma finally snapped back to reality and stood up, pretending to be casual. "You should get some rest. I'm heading back now."
Hugo was slightly surprised. He frowned. "It's so late. You should rest here tonight." He held Uma's shoulders, feeling how frail she was. Though she usually seemed brave, she was still a woman, and facing violent and bloody scenes could be unsettling. Hugo couldn't help worrying.
"No, it's fine." Uma averted her gaze awkwardly, tucking her hair behind her ear. Her eyes briefly wandered, avoiding eye contact. Then she noticed Charlize's calm gaze — steady and bright, yet somehow making Uma uncomfortable. Women naturally have an instinctive sense of energy, and today Uma felt it strongly.
Uma withdrew her eyes and avoided confronting Charlize directly. She lowered her gaze, took a deep breath, and then looked seriously at Hugo, who was worried. "I'm fine. Compared to you and Joseph, nothing happened to me. You need to rest, and so do I. I'll head back first. You have a lot of reporters to face tomorrow. After things settle down, I'll make you dinner."
Hugo bent down and kissed Uma's forehead, feeling its coolness. Glancing at the window, it was almost 2 a.m. He rubbed the thin jacket she wore. "I'll walk you back."
"What's the point of that? I just want you to rest properly," Uma laughed lightly. "It's not far from here; I can manage. Go rest early."
Hugo accompanied her to the door, draping his coat over her shoulders. "Take a bath when you get home and rest. Call me when you arrive."
After sending Uma off, Hugo turned and noticed Charlize's meaningful gaze. He frowned slightly. "What is it? Something wrong?"
Charlize had many thoughts, but realized they were just a woman's sixth sense. Speaking out now would only make things worse. She hesitated and swallowed her words. "Nothing. I was just wondering why the reporter didn't call the police. Joseph technically committed assault. He could have sued."
Charlize's reminder made Hugo suddenly realize something. He drew a sharp breath. "Could there be a deeper scheme involved?"
Charlize shook her head helplessly. "We're on the defensive. There's too little to speculate. We can only take things step by step. Are you ready to face the reporters tomorrow? The scene could change a lot. We can't predict everything."
"I'm ready. Why wouldn't I be?" Hugo exhaled deeply, looking around the gradually quieting living room. The moonlight spilling across the floor made him shiver, and he suddenly realized he had given his coat to Uma earlier. "This is the path of growing up, isn't it? We act on our whims, crash headfirst into obstacles, and learn how to face challenges with every bruise and scrape. That's how we grow."
Charlize caught the note of helplessness in Hugo's voice and chuckled softly. "Aren't you afraid of having your edges gradually worn down? Society has a way of making everyone the same. Aren't you worried you'll be like everyone else?"
Hugo had indeed thought about it. If life could allow him to remain like a child — crying when hungry, tired, or hurt, expressing his emotions through whimsy to get what he wanted — it would be ideal. But it was impossible. The cost of growth is having one's impulses and individuality gradually sanded down by society. Even in the West, where individuality is encouraged, this process is inevitable.
At fifteen, Hugo left home recklessly, chasing his musical dreams. At twenty-five, he understood the importance of family and continued forward, tinged with regret. But what about at thirty-five or forty-five? Would he still have that courage? Perhaps not.
Hugo shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe yes, maybe no. But let's cherish the present. Before all our edges are completely worn down, I intend to give Anthony another good hit." As he spoke, he rolled his fists and braced himself, which made Charlize burst out laughing.
That night, Hugo slept soundly. With his decision made and mental preparation complete, there was no need for fear or anxiety. Even if unseen conspiracies remained and countless obstacles lay ahead, Hugo wouldn't panic. Instead, he needed rest to restore his energy and face the challenges at his best.
The 50th Golden Globe Awards ceremony was surprisingly dull. Without television coverage, the winners' announcements lacked the thrill one might expect. Hugo and Jack Nicholson, despite double nominations, left empty-handed. The supposed favorite, A Few Good Men, didn't win a single award. Yet, it couldn't be considered a major upset; all winners were fully deserving of their trophies.
Compared to the ceremony's blandness, the following after-party was explosive. A single piece of news ignited the front pages of newspapers and magazines on January 25.
"Hugo Lancaster brutally assaults innocent reporter" — the sensational headline appeared on the front page of the National Inquirer. The crimson letters were so graphic they made readers flinch, and the accompanying photo showed a battered reporter. The evidence was clear, yet people still questioned the story's authenticity.
Everyone knew that the National Inquirer, America's best-selling supermarket tabloid, was also a hub for fake news. Over eighty percent of the stories it published were met with skepticism and often treated as jokes. The paper had once run the ridiculous headline, "Twelve U.S. Senators Are Aliens," causing widespread ridicule.
But this time, the story was quickly verified by multiple reputable newspapers. Unexpectedly, the first confirmation came from Nicholas McClain of the Los Angeles Times. Just as the public assumed the Times was praising Hugo, Nicholas released a scathing piece titled "The Ugly Hugo Lancaster," shattering preconceptions.
Subsequently, respected media outlets like the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Chicago Sun-Times confirmed the incident, causing a nationwide uproar and placing Hugo in a moral whirlwind. Meanwhile, the reporter involved, Anthony Stewart, held a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, strongly condemning Hugo's actions.
....
Hi For access to additional chapters of
Director in Hollywood (40 chpaters)
Made In Hollywood (60 Chapters)
Pokemon:Bounty Hunter(30 Chapters)
Hollywood:From Razzie to Legend(40 Chapters)
The Great Ruler (30 Chapters)
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu