From Sunset Plaza to the Chinese Theatre, it's only a four-mile drive, a mere fifteen minutes by car.Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the Chinese Theatre is one of the most famous theaters in the United States. It was built in 1927 by circus owner Sid Grauman, respectfully known as "Mr. Hollywood," because of his deep interest in Chinese culture.The Chinese Theatre, from its exterior alone, is imbued with Chinese characteristics, resembling a massive red Chinese-style temple. A giant oriental dragon coils around the entrance, two stone lions guard the main doors, and numerous smaller dragons adorn the bronze roof.The Chinese Theatre has hosted the Academy Awards, and the handprints and footprints of Hollywood stars in front of the theater have become another attraction on Hollywood Boulevard, alongside the Walk of Fame. Additionally, the Chinese Theatre is one of Hollywood's renowned venues for premieres; many films choose to premiere here each year. Given that the theater can accommodate 2,200 spectators, only large-scale premieres are held here.The fact that "A Few Good Men" chose the Chinese Theatre for its premiere suggests the grandeur of the event.When Hugo, Uma, and Joseph arrived on Hollywood Boulevard, they could see the surging crowd at the entrance from three hundred yards away. Although it was impossible to count precisely, at least three hundred fans were present today, a significant step up in scale from any premiere Hugo had attended before.Hugo was initially very nervous, but when he turned, he saw Uma's charming face already tense, with her anxiety almost overflowing from her eyes. This was an Uma Hugo hadn't seen before. The Uma Hugo knew was the bold woman who had spontaneously kissed him in front of the media, a decisive woman who dared to love and hate, acting on her impulses. But this unease and nervousness were so unfamiliar, yet also so familiar.Hugo chuckled softly, "If the two of us walk onto the red carpet like this, will it look like zombies are coming?"Uma burst into laughter, Hugo's description was so comical. Uma couldn't help but picture the scene in her mind. After a laugh, Uma adjusted her breathing and said, "I've never attended such a large-scale premiere before; my heart is pounding."As she spoke, Uma placed her right hand on her left chest, feeling the powerful yet erratic rhythm of her heartbeat.Uma's acting credits could be counted on one hand, and none of her works had achieved notable success. Even "Final Analysis," released earlier this year, had sunk without a trace. So, it was understandable that Uma hadn't experienced such a grand event before; nervousness was inevitable.Seeing Uma's slightly furrowed brows, Hugo's own tension eased considerably. He instinctively tapped Uma's nose with his right index finger, flashing a wide smile, "At the last premiere, you directly ambushed my lips. I couldn't see any nervousness in you then."Hugo's teasing made Uma laugh again. "That's different; at least you weren't carrying a camera."In truth, Uma's personality was brave and direct; she could remain composed in various grand settings. Any nervousness that struck her was momentary and she would quickly adjust. It was just that today's event was exceptionally large, requiring a little more time to regain her composure.Now, after Hugo's two consecutive jests, Uma had relaxed.Uma's eyes met Hugo's, who was close by. Her lips parted slightly as she said, "Or, how about we do it again today? Maybe then I won't be nervous."Uma's breath, fragrant as orchids, gently brushed Hugo's lips. Her seductive eyes flickered slightly, then she slowly leaned closer, feeling Hugo's breathing quicken and grow warmer. Finally, her lips met Hugo's soft ones. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as Hugo and Uma's distance closed little by little, their eyelids gradually lowering, until the warmth of the kiss enveloped them both.It was a brief kiss; they quickly parted, opening their eyes slightly to look at each other. A beautiful curve graced Hugo's lips. "How about it, still nervous?""If you're by my side." Uma smiled faintly, making Hugo's heart lift slightly with the curve of her lips, then slowly descend. Hugo nodded gently, "It's my honor to serve a lady."Joseph, seated opposite, averted his gaze to the window, pretending not to notice anything. However, the blushing atmosphere in the car was quite impactful, and Joseph couldn't help but feel that his gaze was out of place. Fortunately, as they spoke, they arrived at their destination.After the car door was opened by security, Hugo was the first to step out. The cheers from the crowd immediately surged forward, mingled with screams of "Hugo" in wave after wave. Hugo's eyes first took in the dazzling red carpet before being drawn to the scale of over three hundred fans on both sides.The red carpet in front of them extended from one side of the street, up steps, onto a raised platform, and directly to the theater's main entrance. The platform, about half a person's height, was enclosed by railings less than three feet tall. Both sides were packed with people, surrounding the platform, all pressing close to the railings, expressing their most excited exclamations at the lively scene on the platform.On the platform, along both sides of the red carpet, media reporters were crouched. A rough estimate suggested at least thirty reporters were present today, a significant number. At the end of the red carpet was the backdrop with the "A Few Good Men" poster. Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, and other actors had already arrived and were currently being interviewed by the media.Initially, the fans on both sides of the platform were shouting Jack's name, but when the stretched limousine pulled up to the curb, over half of them shifted their attention: Hugo was the only one left to arrive today.Sure enough, the moment Hugo appeared, all the concentrated energy of the screams immediately surged towards him. The three hundred-plus fans before him, whether genuine or strategically placed by Paramount, created a scene of unparalleled scale and enthusiasm compared to anything Hugo had experienced before. The deafening screams, like a powerful air current, rushed directly at Hugo, catching him off guard. Before he could react, his ears were ringing.Immediately after, the journalists' flashlights swarmed, flashing like bursts of gunfire, giving Hugo's eyes no time to adjust effectively. He felt a sudden darkness, then countless specks of light drifted in the blackness. This momentary blindness left Hugo feeling a bit dizzy and lightheaded.This was a truly grand premiere. The fan groups Hugo had encountered before were too small. The impact of these three hundred-plus fans together gave Hugo an unprecedented shock. The swelling in his chest and the dizziness in his head made it almost impossible for him to believe this was real.Once upon a time, this moment he had yearned for was now before his eyes. Regardless of how many fans there were or how grand the scene, these people were cheering for his arrival, excited by his presence. This vibrant, flower-filled scene filled Hugo's chest with excitement, happiness, and joy. He felt as if he were in paradise, surrounded by flowers and applause, the colorful spectacle rendering his mind incapable of thought."Hugo!" A voice from behind brought Hugo back, and his senses gradually returned to him. It was Uma.The darkness in his vision slowly gave way to light, leaving only shimmering light spots in the corners of his eyes. The ringing in his ears persisted, but at least the veins at his temples were no longer throbbing wildly, and he could hear other sounds.Hugo looked at Uma, who was equally tense, her emerald eyes fixed deeply on him. Uma's left hand was linked through his right arm, the coldness and trembling of her palm reminding Hugo of her nervousness. This, paradoxically, helped Hugo to calm down slightly. Today was his home turf, the premiere of the film he starred in. Compared to the intimate and cautious premiere of "Scent of a Woman," today's stage was much grander, and he, absolutely, would not back down!Hugo flashed Uma a wide smile. Uma could see subtle sparks slowly burning in Hugo's deep eyes, igniting the tension in her own heart. Uma's lips curved into a smile, mirroring Hugo's.In this moment, cheers and camera flashes poured down, yet miraculously, Uma and Hugo only felt each other's presence. Their rhythms subtly synchronized, as if this were a world belonging only to them.Then, Hugo looked forward again at the dazzling red carpet, taking Uma's arm and stepping forward. Joseph, standing by the car door, adjusted his tie slightly, then followed.Hugo appeared! His handsome and imposing presence captivated the entire venue! His casual yet artistic attire made everyone hold their breath. Reporters frantically pressed their camera shutters, and fans vigorously expressed their excitement. Just as everyone was still captivated by the flamboyant gloves on Hugo's hands, Uma appeared.Uma stood shoulder to shoulder with Hugo, her attire today equally strong and refreshing. Standing beside Hugo, there was a beautiful sense of a match made in heaven. Although both were dressed casually, no one found it inappropriate. On the contrary, that unrestrained and dashing spirit, against the backdrop of the red carpet, radiated a dazzling brilliance. The two standing on the red carpet exchanged glances. In that moment, the sparks between them overshadowed all the surrounding camera flashes, cheers, and screams. Their natural harmony left everyone dumbfounded.People quickly recalled Uma's astonishing kiss with Hugo at the premiere of "Final Analysis" earlier in the year. And today, the two appeared together again at the premiere of "A Few Good Men." Could their rumors... be true?
