"Welcome back, everyone. Today, our guest is Hugo Lancaster." Jay skillfully opened the show after the commercial break once again. "Hugo, tell me, how does it feel to get two jobs in a row after winning a Golden Raspberry Award?""Shh…" Hugo didn't answer. Instead, he shushed Jay, leaving him confused. Hugo then immediately replied, "The Golden Raspberry Award? That must have been in a past life. You're still bringing it up now? How unoriginal."Jay didn't retort to Hugo's teasing. He just looked at the Golden Raspberry Award trophy sculpture in front of him, and a single glance made the audience burst into laughter again. Even Hugo had to admit that, even though almost a year had passed, recalling the embarrassment of the Golden Raspberry Award night still made him chuckle."What was the audition process like for 'A Few Good Men'? I believe you must have faced significant difficulties." Jay brought the topic back. After the Golden Raspberry Award, and with "Scent of a Woman" not yet released, Hugo still managed to land a role in "A Few Good Men." This was indeed a very magical experience.Recalling Hugo's slump after "Hudson Hawk," it all became even more incredible."Yes, yes. Rob once made me memorize the entire 'Uniform Code of Military Justice,' as well as 'Civil Procedure.' This, this was almost an impossible task." Hugo said mysteriously, making the audience gasp. "I told him, 'This is impossible. Because an excellent lawyer isn't a bookworm who memorizes laws, but a negotiator who can flexibly apply them.'""So you didn't memorize them," Jay asked."That's right," Hugo replied.But Jay narrowed his eyes, frowned slightly, and then said, "Are you kidding me?""Yes," Hugo replied again, crisp and clear.The studio immediately erupted in laughter. Watching the exchange between Hugo and Jay was truly entertaining. This was Hugo's second time on the show, and he was clearly more relaxed than last time, controlling the rhythm of his speech much better. One could feel Hugo's ease, which led to a delightful chemical reaction during the show's recording."Let's talk about your new movie. Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore—that's truly an anticipated cast." Jay didn't dwell on the audition question and quickly changed the subject. "So, I heard you and Demi had some issues working together on set."Actually, what Jay wanted to ask was: Are the rumors about Hugo and Demi not getting along true? These rumors had been quite severe recently, almost to the point of saying Hugo and Demi had a physical fight. The news originated from "US Weekly" and then spread like wildfire. The rumors claimed that Hugo and Demi barely spoke on set, and that their bad relationship even affected the film's production. Demi was even said to have threatened the crew, demanding Hugo be fired, or she would quit, but ultimately stayed due to contractual pressure.However, there was no real evidence for these rumors, and after both Hugo and Demi denied them to the media, they gradually subsided. Today, Jay was clearly still planning to get some gossip."Oh, yes." Hugo actually affirmed it directly, immediately drawing the audience's attention. "You know, Demi is a very charming woman, and Bruce is a captivating man. Out of respect for Bruce, I simply couldn't let loose on set. It was quite frustrating."No one expected such an answer from Hugo. The audience paused, then many couldn't help but chuckle softly. Jay, however, didn't smile. Instead, he seized on Hugo's words, "So, can I interpret that as you having a soft spot for Bruce—oh, my apologies, my mistake, it should be Demi. Do you have a soft spot for Demi?"Jay's inspired remark caused the hushed laughter in the studio to erupt into a roar. Even Hugo himself applauded Jay. "Do you like 'Ghost'?" Hugo asked, avoiding a direct answer."Yes, of course," Jay replied."I don't like it, because I can't accept the fact that I'm dead." Hugo cleverly changed the subject. Jay had initially thought Hugo would continue discussing his views on Demi in relation to "Ghost," but this conceptual substitution subtly shifted the topic, making the audience laugh again. Hugo, however, shrugged innocently, "What? As viewers, we always tend to immerse ourselves in the plot. I don't like becoming a ghost and then protecting the woman I love. No, I don't like that."In fact, Hugo was saying he didn't like "Ghost," and he didn't like Demi Moore, but by shifting the concept like that, people's focus immediately changed. He answered the question directly while subtly creating a laugh.As an excellent talk show host, Jay naturally wouldn't dwell on one question. After all, this was a comedy talk show, not a serious interview program, and he wasn't Oprah Winfrey. So, Jay quickly moved on to another topic, "What about Jack? How was this collaboration different compared to working with Al?""My scenes were more equal?" Hugo said, with a double meaning. On one hand, he was referring to the characters in "A Few Good Men" engaging as equals, unlike in "Scent of a Woman" where he was always in a weaker position. On the other hand, he was alluding to the height difference between Al and Jack. Although Jack Nicholson wasn't tall, he was at least two inches (five centimeters) taller than Al.The audience hadn't quite reacted to Hugo's remark, but Jay almost couldn't hold back. He managed to suppress his laughter with great difficulty before saying, "So, you received the same kind of reward?" This was a very straightforward question, but Hugo gave a different answer."Oh, no. At least this time I got a girl." Hugo's answer finally made Jay burst into uproarious laughter.Hugo's words also had a deeper meaning. On one hand, he was talking about the movie itself: Charlie in "Scent of a Woman" didn't have a female co-star because he wasn't the main character, but in "A Few Good Men," he had a female companion. On the other hand, he was alluding to the earlier teasing about Tom, implying that Tom didn't get the role in "A Few Good Men" because he couldn't get the girl.While the audience's comprehension wasn't as quick as Jay the host, after a few ticking seconds, they all caught on. Scattered laughter rose and fell, creating a time difference based on individual reaction speeds, making the studio sound like a surging ocean of laughter.Once Jay had finished laughing, he regulated his breathing and once again took control of the conversation's rhythm. "Finally, let's talk about this movie. What is the story of 'A Few Good Men'?" The interview time was only about fifteen minutes, and Jay had to play the movie trailer before the conversation ended, so even if he wanted to continue chatting, time wouldn't allow it."It's the story of a lawyer fighting a case." Hugo's words were still concise and clear, almost too simple, making people unable to react, as if he had said a bunch of nonsense. This created a kind of absurd humor. "Of course, everyone knows that." Hugo added, then offered a small explanation, "It's mainly about a situation where all the evidence points to the suspect, but the lawyer I play, Daniel, still refuses to give up, eventually finding a way to uphold justice. That's the story."After speaking, Hugo pursed his lips. "I don't think I explained it clearly enough." He cast an inquiring look at Jay. "Did you understand?""Of course, of course." Jay nodded repeatedly. "Although I understood every word you said, I didn't grasp the meaning at all. So, I think I need to rely on the trailer to soothe my turbulent feelings." Jay was also a deadpan comedian; his sarcastic remark immediately made the audience laugh again. "'A Few Good Men' trailer, thank you."Subsequently, the big screen in the studio began to play the trailer for "A Few Good Men." In fact, this trailer was edited in a rather conventional way, mainly determined by the film's story structure. To avoid spoilers, it was inevitable that too many details couldn't be included.After the forty-second trailer finished playing, Jay spread his hands. "Well, I guess you did explain it very thoroughly." The trailer essentially contained the same content Hugo had described, just with words replaced by images. Jay's helplessness made everyone laugh again. "However, at least we can see that you look great in a uniform.""This time it's not a school uniform," Hugo emphasized, bringing the topic back to the opening focus.Jay looked at Hugo, his eyes full of amusement. "Yes, a military uniform. I imagine many people are already eager to head to the cinema." After saying that, he looked at the number two camera directly in front of him, and with a quick smile, said, "'A Few Good Men' is coming soon to theaters everywhere. We welcome everyone to watch it in cinemas. Finally, let's once again thank Hugo Lancaster!"The two hundred audience members once again stood up collectively, giving Hugo a warm round of applause for his brilliant performance. Meredith, sitting among the crowd, was even more excited beyond words. Today, Meredith not only saw Hugo up close but also witnessed Hugo's spectacular performance live. This was truly a great joy, and at the same time, Meredith realized: Hugo possessed so many hidden charms, which was absolutely a huge surprise!Hugo also stood up, clapping, and nodded slightly to the audience in thanks. Then he gave Jay a big hug, and heard Jay whisper in his ear, "Remember, never become a host, never. I don't want to lose my job." This playful teasing made Hugo burst into laughter, his spirits soaring.
