Thump. Thump.
Was that a heartbeat? Or a call from the depths of the universe—deep, resonant, and powerful, stirring the blood to boil uncontrollably.
This was a new sensation, something Emmanuel had never experienced before, but he didn't resist it. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.
There was a tingling sensation, like an electric current racing from his feet to the top of his head.
Emmanuel realized that at this moment, whether or not people understood, whether they could see the big picture or not, it didn't matter. When something truly happens, that shiver and excitement don't lie, stirring a storm in the mind—
A fashion icon.
Right now, this very moment, on the Cannes Film Festival's red carpet, was the moment Anson would change men's fashion forever.
The shock, the impact, the thrill—it was mesmerizing, commanding attention without words, leaving a profound influence.
It was happening.
Now Emmanuel understood why, in just two days, Anson had received such overwhelming cheers on the Cannes red carpet.
The reason was right in front of him.
The "disruption" had already started at the opening ceremony. People could deny it, resist it, debate it, but no one could escape its influence. And tonight's premiere would deliver the final blow, transforming everything before people even realized what had happened.
They were already captivated.
Listen, history is being made.
"Anson! Anson!"
"Anson…"
The shouts were raw, filled with passion. You could feel the heat of their souls just from the sound.
Ah… ah, ahhh!
And the excitement spread, rising higher and higher.
Everyone was chanting Anson's name, and the red carpet in front of the Palais des Festivals had never been this wild.
Alex and Eric stood there, completely stunned by the scene in front of them, unsure of what to do. It was Gus who reacted quickly, patting the two young men on the shoulder and leading them up the steps to momentarily escape the chaos below, standing higher up and looking down at the scene.
It was even grander, more majestic, like a sea of fire.
Everything centered around Anson, forming a storm.
Alex swallowed, not knowing how to describe what he was seeing. He mumbled, "Even though I'm a man, seeing this makes me want to scream. Is that normal?"
Eric turned to Alex, dead serious. "Completely normal."
Anson stood in the middle of the red carpet, surrounded by a storm of flashing cameras. He kept smiling as he looked around.
Unexpectedly, amidst the crowd of familiar faces, one figure stood out.
It was a woman, standing out among the many male photographers. She bent her knees, lowered her center of gravity, and used her entire body to brace against the constant pushing and shoving behind her. Her gaze was intense, sharp, and focused as she quickly adjusted her camera and snapped photos, like a leopard stalking its prey.
But she was outmatched.
Despite her best efforts, the forces behind her kept pushing her forward. Just as Anson was about to step in to help, she turned and shouted over her shoulder.
"Calm down!"
"He won't fall in love with you just because you get closer."
Pffft.
Her words were lost in the noise, but Anson caught the gist of it. He couldn't hold back, and a smile spread across his face.
At that moment, Anson took two steps forward, pushing his hands out gently—
"Calm down!"
"Calm down and let's show some Cannes pride and dignity, alright?"
The surrounding reporters couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Those further away, who hadn't heard, asked curiously what had happened. The reporters in front turned and explained, and soon conversations spread through the crowd.
Word spread, and the crowd miraculously settled down.
And then—
Haha, hahaha.
Laughter rippled through the crowd like waves.
Reporters on the other side of the red carpet were panicking. What was happening? Why was everyone laughing?
Frustrated, these isolated reporters searched anxiously with their cameras, trying to spot Gus or the two fresh faces. But they soon realized they were already standing on the steps, watching from above.
Reporters: ???
Anson stepped forward, just as Emmanuel turned around with a fierce look in her eyes. Anson quickly raised his hands and smiled.
"I come in peace."
Hahaha!
The crowd erupted in laughter again. With the noise dying down, Anson's voice was clearer now, though the media across the way were still shouting, trying to pull Anson's attention back, their strained expressions slightly manic.
Anson looked at Emmanuel. "Are you alright?"
Emmanuel: …
She had to admit, for a brief moment, she forgot to breathe.
But Emmanuel quickly regained her composure. "I'm fine."
"Can I ask you a question?"
Emmanuel wasn't a journalist, and the Cannes Film Festival red carpet wasn't set up for formal interviews. At most, guests and reporters exchanged a few words. But at this moment, Emmanuel didn't want to miss her chance.
Sure enough, Anson didn't refuse. "Of course."
Emmanuel asked, "This is your first time on the Cannes stage, your first time at one of Europe's big three film festivals. How do you feel right now?"
Anson paused, and the answer came to him naturally. He blurted it out.
"So many people."
Emmanuel: ???
"And I hope this is just the first time."
With that, he smiled, and moved on.
A beat later, the small group of stunned media recovered from their shock and burst into laughter.
This was Anson.
Seeing is believing.
Over the past year, Anson's name had spread throughout the film industry. There were countless rumors, but his image had always felt distant.
"Pride and Prejudice" wasn't just about love. It was something people experience daily, and Anson had faced plenty of it.
Until now.
It wasn't just his appearance. His personal charisma brought his style to life, and the image of "Anson Wood" became real and vibrant.
Who could resist him?
This was Anson, making his debut at one of Europe's major film festivals, yet there was no awkwardness or nervousness. His commanding presence and elegant demeanor easily won over the media before they even had a chance to put up their defenses.
Laughter, applause, and whistles filled the air.
Emmanuel's smile widened, her eyes glued to Anson, her heart racing with excitement.
Across the way—
Wait, what just happened? One moment the media was dead quiet, and now they're all laughing. What did Anson just say? What's the joke? Share it with us, don't keep it to yourselves!
Hey! Over here! Are you ignoring us just because we picked the wrong side of the red carpet? What is this, a game of chance?