Chapter 102 - 102 Worry about gain and loss

The movie had finished playing, and the emotions of all the audience members on site could finally be released. Just now, while watching Frank's passionate speech, people in the audience had started whistling and clapping. But because the movie hadn't ended, they had to suppress themselves. It wasn't until the credits appeared on the big screen that the audience's suppressed enthusiasm condensed into applause at this moment, filling the Fox Theater to the brim.Hugo sat in his seat, still feeling quite emotional. This was not his first time watching 'scent of a woman'; he had seen this movie before he transmigrated, and not just once, but this viewing experience was completely different. In the past, when Hugo watched this movie, his eyes were almost entirely fixed on Al's brilliant performance—a tango, a car chase, a speech—all of which left a deep impression in his mind. But now, Hugo could see much more; he could see his own performance, and he could also see the deeper meaning revealed by the movie.Movies, especially classic movies, are truly a magical medium. They not only carry people's joys and sorrows, but every viewing also provides a different experience. Perhaps one can find new things to mock in a bad movie, while a good film will only get better with age, like fine wine.In a trance, Hugo remembered the reason why he liked movies: because they can express people's inner emotions—positive or negative, profound or shallow, complex or simple, all of it.The applause in his ears wasn't intense because there were fewer than three hundred people in the audience, but the meaning of this applause for Hugo was far greater than simple praise; it was an affirmation of Hugo. When the movie ended, Hugo sat in his chair, both excited and timid, not daring to turn around because he was afraid of seeing the audience's disappointed expressions. He was afraid that his performance would ruin this classic movie. It wasn't until the applause came that Hugo's cold and stiff limbs suddenly warmed up.Turning his head, in the dim light of the cinema, Hugo saw similar emotions on every unfamiliar face: passion. Frank's speech had stirred the blood deep within everyone's hearts—this was the charm of movies. At this moment, Hugo's chest was filled to the brim with a warm feeling. That inexplicable emotion echoed in his heart, leaving Hugo somewhat at a loss. Finally, he started clapping his own hands; the tactile sensation of palm meeting palm allowed Hugo's emotions to be released, and a smile finally bloomed on his lips.'We should go up now.' Al patted Hugo on the shoulder, his gaze directed toward the front of the theater seats, where Martin, Bo, and the others had already walked over. Hugo then realized that this was his own movie premiere. As a lead Actor, the end of the movie screening wasn't the end; he still needed to accept media interviews and answer audience questions.This was the first time Hugo stood in front of everyone to be scrutinized. This feeling was very different from the red carpet of the premiere; it felt like his whole body was surrounded by camera flashes. That warm atmosphere made one feel as if they could take flight at any moment—it was a wonderful feeling.'Hugo, your performance in the film was brilliant. It can be said that you are a completely different person from your performance in 'hudson hawk'. Did you have any special feelings during the filming process?' Previously, most of the questions were focused on the director, Martin, and the lead Actor, Al, as they were the most important figures. As for Hugo, as a supporting Actor, he had to wait two rounds before receiving his first question.Facing such a question, Hugo chuckled, 'Uh, I think the most important thing is to not think about the previous movie anymore.' Hugo's self-deprecating remark caused a ripple of light laughter in the room. 'During the filming of this movie, Al provided a lot of help. He is a great Actor, and I must express my gratitude and respect.''Then what are your thoughts on the Golden Raspberry Awards?' Another reporter immediately threw out this explosive question.Hugo shrugged and nodded slightly, 'I hope Al won't be dragged down by me.' Hugo's witty answer didn't avoid the sharp question, but he didn't avoid it out of shame either. Instead, he responded in a roundabout way, with a bit of self-deprecation and humor, while also reminding people of Hugo's excitement at the Golden Raspberry Awards ceremony, which was quite humorous.The audience burst into laughter, and Al even put his arm around Hugo's shoulder, then patted Hugo's chest, laughing and saying loudly, 'If a performance like yours gets a Golden Raspberry Awards nomination, then I wouldn't mind winning the award.' Al was essentially expressing his support for Hugo in front of the media, which was very rare, and it actually made Hugo lose his previous wit, causing him to smile a bit embarrassedly.Before 'scent of a woman' was released, most media outlets were not optimistic about the work; such negative comments almost occupied a one-sided advantage. But precisely because everyone didn't have high expectations, the surprise they received after walking into the cinema was even greater. The media interview after the premiere seemed harmonious. Although the reporters were still unwilling to let go of Hugo's Golden Raspberry Awards, at least the atmosphere was no longer stiff and sarcastic.However, the atmosphere on the scene was one thing, the reviews written by professional film critics were another, and don't forget, audience feedback was also a different thing. All of this was unknown.Waking up early the next morning, Hugo, who hadn't slept all night because of worrying about the reviews, walked to the kitchen with heavy, stiff steps like a zombie, sporting two dark circles under his eyes. After reaching the kitchen, Hugo forgot what he was going to do. He stared blankly at the kitchenware around him, looking dazed, and ended up drifting back to the living room like a ghost, slumping on the sofa like a deflated ball.When Charlize woke up, this was the scene she saw, while Alex was standing at the bathroom door brushing his teeth, looking at Hugo on the sofa and smiling helplessly. Charlize, wearing a simple T-shirt and sweatpants, walked to the bathroom door in slippers. Alex was originally going to move aside to let Charlize use the bathroom, but Charlize stopped at the door, leaning against the wall, 'What's wrong with him?'Alex mumbled something, and only the word 'review' could be heard. Charlize immediately understood; it seemed Hugo was worried about the movie reviews for 'scent of a woman'. After Alex spat out the foam in his mouth, he said again, 'He was tossing and turning in his room all night. I could hear his restlessness through the wall. Since getting up this morning, he has been sitting there like that for a quarter of an hour.' Speaking of this, Alex looked at Charlize and added excitedly, 'And that's just the time since I got up.'Charlize and Alex had never experienced such a situation, so they naturally couldn't understand Hugo's anxiety, and instead found it somewhat funny. Actually, last night, the two of them had been telling Hugo that the media reviews would definitely be good because the premiere's reception was excellent, so there was no need to worry, but no amount of comfort could soothe the anxiety in Hugo's heart.Charlize pursed her lips, crossed her arms over her chest, walked to the side of the sofa, and kicked Hugo's left foot with her right foot. Hugo slowly turned his head, his amber eyes covered by long eyelashes, making it impossible to see any light in his gaze; it was just a blur. Charlize asked with a mix of laughter and tears, 'Didn't sleep all night?''Maybe.' Hugo's brain was working very slowly; perhaps he didn't even know whether he had slept last night or not. In the past, when he saw others worrying about movie reviews and box office, Hugo thought it was unbelievable, but when it was his turn, Hugo finally knew what a terrible torment it was.Seeing Hugo in this state, Charlize's mischievous side emerged. She looked left and right, raised her hand to beckon Alex to come over. Alex, who didn't understand what was going on, walked over with a towel in his hand, and then saw Charlize gesturing wildly, which made Alex laugh immediately.They both braced themselves against one side of the sofa, then shook it violently at the same time, while shouting in a panic, 'Earthquake! Earthquake!'Hugo, who was lying on the sofa with his soul out of his body, jumped up directly, shouting, 'Earthquake! Earthquake!' Then he looked around, seemingly looking for an escape route, but before he could take a step, he saw Charlize and Alex beside him laughing so hard they couldn't straighten their backs.Hugo came back to his senses, looked around at the room that wasn't shaking at all, and realized that he had been pranked. Hugo also had a helpless smile on his face. Later, thinking about his silly behavior just now, he chuckled, and the more he thought about it, the funnier it became.Hugo knew that his desire for gain and fear of loss was still too heavy; otherwise, he wouldn't have been sleepless all night last night. It was precisely because he had received applause and support from the audience at the premiere that he had more expectations for media reviews. This anxious and apprehensive mindset of his was truly speechless.At this moment, someone unlocked the room's door with a key. There was no need to look to know it was Joseph. For the convenience of work, Joseph and Carl both had keys to the third-floor door. Then, as soon as Joseph came in, he saw the three people standing scattered by the sofa, holding their stomachs and laughing loudly, which left Joseph confused.Hugo was the first to see Joseph's figure. He restrained himself a little and rubbed his aching eyes, 'What's wrong? You're up this early too?''Couldn't sleep,' Joseph said honestly. There were also faint shadows under his eyes. His nervousness was no less than Hugo's, or perhaps even worse. Because Hugo at least knew that the movie 'scent of a woman' was a classic that had been affirmed by many, but Joseph didn't have that advantage.Taking a deep breath, Joseph said, 'I just received news. The first media review is out.'As soon as this sentence came out, the laughter of Charlize and Alex also stopped, and they couldn't help but look at Joseph. Although they were not the parties involved, they were equally concerned about the results of Hugo's work. It's just that Alex's attempt to stop laughing was too sudden; he couldn't catch his breath and actually hiccuped, 'Ugh!' breaking the brief silence, making the three bystanders unable to hold back, and they all burst into laughter together.