Ron's refusal was simply too blunt and too direct; he hadn't left Hugo any face at all.Joseph felt a bit of regret; he shouldn't have brought Hugo along. He subconsciously glanced back at Hugo, signaling his concern.Hugo, meanwhile, felt a bit innocent. As far as he was concerned, he had no prior connection with Ron, and today was their first meeting. So, even though Ron had rejected him, Hugo didn't overthink it. He just looked at the facts and simply felt that Ron really wasn't giving him any leeway.Faced with Joseph's gaze, Hugo's eyes blinked in a daze, and then they quietly and slowly drifted to the side, because he didn't know what reaction would be correct at this moment.As a veteran agent, Ron naturally couldn't "humiliate" the other party right in front of Hugo; that would be too impolite. So, as soon as he finished speaking, he immediately looked at Hugo. "Hugo, you know, this isn't directed at you. It's just that the positioning of the movie 'basic instinct' doesn't match your image. It really isn't suitable."This was pure nonsense. It wasn't like they were asking Hugo to star in 'basic instinct'; they were just attending the premiere. It was like Actors inviting their friends and family to a party or a gathering; it had nothing to do with the movie's theme or nature.Unless Hugo was still a minor, Ron's statement might have had some logic.Hugo's gaze had only drifted halfway, and he didn't know how to respond to Joseph. Hearing Ron's words, he took the opportunity to say, "Uh, what is my image?"This retort left Ron stunned for a moment, but he was a veteran after all and quickly recovered. "Youthful, energetic, healthy, and sunny."Although it was an improvised answer, it was quite accurate. After all, Ron had been Hugo's agent for six years, and Hugo was an Actor Ron had brought up himself, so he understood this quite well."Then why can't I attend this premiere?" Hugo immediately followed up with another question. This was much more direct than Joseph, instantly leaving Ron at a loss for words and looking a bit flustered.In fact, as far as Hugo was concerned, he didn't know what Joseph's intentions were, which occasions were suitable, or which activities were helpful for an Actor's image. Hugo had never been exposed to these things, so naturally, he didn't understand.However, Hugo was indeed a little interested in the premiere of 'basic instinct'.Although he didn't like Sharon Stone, the movie 'basic instinct' had burst onto the scene back then, breaking the fantasies of countless teenagers regarding relationships between men and women. The revealing scenes in the movie were truly unforgettable.Rumor had it that many top actresses refused the role because of the excessive revealing scenes in the movie, but the then-unknown Sharon had disrobed in front of the camera to get the part. In the end, Sharon got the role and became famous overnight.This also made the movie full of Hollywood-style overt rules.Of course, in terms of artistry, there wasn't much worth discussing about this movie. Even though it caused a global sensation the year it was released, the lead actress Sharon and director Paul Verhoeven never had another notable work after this film. In their respective careers, 'basic instinct' became their only representative work.Hugo was also a bit curious about what the premiere of 'basic instinct' would actually be like.Faced with Hugo's rapid-fire questions, Ron couldn't answer for a moment, which made him feel annoyed and embarrassed. The young man who had once been easily under his control seemed to be slipping out of his grasp today. "You know, we want the premiere to be as grand as possible; not all levels of Actors can get the opportunity to attend."This was actually a jab at Hugo for not being high-level enough.Ron was already restraining himself. He was extremely annoyed by the fact that Hugo kept coming to him for help after leaving his wing. Helping Hugo now brought him no remuneration or income; it only increased his burden. Not to mention that after the Golden Raspberry Awards, Hugo was stuck in a quagmire, and helping him was a losing business. Ron wasn't that magnanimous.Thinking of this, Ron's tone became even more blunt. "The negative impact of the Golden Raspberry Awards has not dissipated yet, and Columbia Pictures does not want to associate its movie with the Golden Raspberry Awards."These two sentences were highly aggressive, like striking a snake in its vital spot, directly hitting the point Joseph was most worried about: before 'scent of a woman' was released, Hugo would likely be mocked for a long time while carrying the title of Worst Actor from the Golden Raspberry Awards."Sylvester Stallone would be very disappointed to hear that." Hugo replied with a chuckle. In fact, countless big-name Actors in history had won the Golden Raspberry Awards, such as Laurence Olivier, Brooke Shields, Daryl Hannah, and so on. So, Ron's statement had essentially offended a whole boatload of people.Hugo, of course, knew this was impossible. If Sylvester Stallone wanted to attend the premiere of 'basic instinct', Ron would absolutely be begging for it.But facing Hugo's counterattack, Ron wasn't worried at all. Instead, he pulled out a disdainful smile. "Talk to me after you reach Sylvester's level." The subtext was: you don't have enough weight.Ron's words were truly merciless, basically writing off the six years of friendship he had from managing Hugo Lancaster.In fact, for a high-level agent like Ron, he had at least eighty or a hundred clients under his wing. He couldn't take care of everyone, so naturally, he maximized his interests. He cared most about whoever could bring him the most commission; the principle was very simple.For Actors like Hugo, who were neither hot nor cold and barely hanging on, Ron really couldn't be bothered to communicate much.Joseph, standing on the side watching Hugo and Ron go back and forth, couldn't help but sigh repeatedly at how Hugo's attitude toward Ron had undergone an earth-shaking change. The inclination Hugo was expected to show toward Ron didn't appear, and Hugo hadn't gotten angry in the face of Ron's refusal and rejection. Now, Hugo was even engaging in a direct confrontation with Ron; this was truly surprising.But Joseph didn't have time to continue sighing. Ron's words were becoming increasingly unpleasant, and they were almost about to tear off their masks. Joseph immediately stepped forward. "Once Hugo reaches that level, he won't be standing here anymore." This remark, mocking Ron for not being qualified enough to handle work for such big-name Actors, immediately made Ron's expression change."If it weren't for Hugo's 'outstanding performance' at the Golden Raspberry Awards, none of this would be happening today." Ron looked like someone with a bad temper, speaking in a muffled voice. The impatience in his tone was completely undisguised. It seemed he didn't welcome Hugo coming to see him at all.This sentence immediately left Joseph feeling choked up. If it weren't for Ron persuading Hugo to attend, how would Hugo have gone to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, how would he have made a fool of himself, and how would he have faced these numerous difficulties afterward?Now, Ron was actually shifting the blame; it was truly frustrating."After 'scent of a woman' is released, you'd better not be jealous of Hugo's success!" Hugo saw Joseph lose his temper for the first time in these two months. Even backstage at the Golden Raspberry Awards ceremony, and even when he was provoked during the 'scent of a woman' audition, Joseph hadn't gotten angry. But today, he had vented his temper without any disguise.At this moment, Hugo realized that Joseph was also a young man full of vigor. He was only twenty-eight years old this year, and the drive and recklessness in his bones had not yet dissipated."I hope that day comes." Ron said with a cold laugh, his face full of disdain. Clearly, he didn't think much of Hugo's future prospects, otherwise, he wouldn't have transferred Hugo's contract to Joseph.Previously, Ron had wanted to maintain a good relationship with Hugo, but now he couldn't help himself and displayed his true emotions without any concealment."Since that's the case, you shouldn't have appeared here today, and you shouldn't have asked me for an invitation." This sentence left Joseph speechless on the spot."Well, if you have nothing else, please leave." Ron restored the high-and-mighty attitude they had when they first entered, directly shooing them away. "I'm very busy; I still have three calls waiting for me to return."Ron picked up the phone on his desk, pressed a button, and shouted directly into the speakerphone, "Gary! Please ask Joseph and Hugo to leave; I have a meeting." This direct order to leave was a naked display of contempt.Faced with this sudden outburst between Ron and Joseph, Hugo himself didn't feel much. After all, he had transmigrated halfway through, hadn't experienced so many things, and naturally didn't feel it as deeply.But looking at Ron's disgusted expression, Hugo also felt a wave of repulsion: since the other party was so eager to distance themselves, why should they bother coming to them?Hugo tugged on Joseph's arm and said calmly, "Joseph, let's go. Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson are still waiting for Ron's reply; let's not disturb his work." This sentence immediately made Joseph unable to hold back, and he burst out laughing.Although this was just a lighthearted remark, it poked directly at Ron's sore spot.Ron could be called a top agent, but he didn't have a single true top superstar under his wing. Even his current best performer, Michael Douglas, wasn't someone he had brought up himself. To put it bluntly, his real strength hadn't been recognized by the industry.A true ace agent invariably has a case of pushing a newcomer to the peak with their own hands, and what Ron lacked was precisely this stepping stone.Joseph's laughter added fuel to the fire, causing Ron's anger to explode directly, but he couldn't refute it, otherwise, it would only make him look worse.So he could only watch Hugo and Joseph leave his office calmly. Before leaving, Hugo smiled at Gary and said, "Gary, Ron is currently on the phone with Steven Spielberg, so please don't disturb him."After Gary watched Hugo leave, he looked at the furious Ron with a puzzled expression. Ron wasn't on the phone at all. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Spielberg?""Get out!" Ron could no longer suppress his anger and roared at his assistant.
