Seeing Joseph's flustered appearance, Hugo burst into hearty laughter, leaning back and forth in the passenger seat, thoroughly amused. This was the happiest moment he had experienced since his transmigration.
Of course, Hugo was joking. While he wasn't a crusader against all the unspoken rules of the industry, he understood that such practices were part of the game—voluntary participation, no complaints. However, Hugo personally never desired shortcuts; the path of art had no shortcuts.
Hugo had resolutely left home to pursue his musical dreams, spending a full decade in the underground rock scene. Without a passionate pursuit of his dreams, he couldn't have persisted for so long. Therefore, compared to shortcuts through unspoken rules, Hugo preferred to reach the pinnacle through his own strength.
Just now, Hugo had a sudden inspiration and made a teasing remark. He couldn't very well say, "Joseph, do you know where there's a time machine that can send me back to 2014?" So, he used self-deprecating humor to lighten the mood, unexpectedly achieving such a great effect.
Joseph patted his chest, slowly catching his breath. Fortunately, they were in a traffic jam and the car wasn't moving fast; otherwise, his earlier shock might have caused an accident. Turning to look at Hugo in the passenger seat, that radiant smile under Los Angeles' golden sunlight was dazzling. Joseph had always known Hugo had outstanding looks, but at this moment, Hugo was so vibrant, like a ray of sunshine, mesmerizing. Compared to Hugo's appearance, the charm revealed in this smile was the most captivating. Hugo now was more dazzling than any moment Joseph remembered.
Redirecting his gaze to the road ahead, Joseph said, "Hugo, actually, you're not lacking in audition opportunities."
Hugo rested his right hand on the window, opening his palm to feel the sunlight dancing on his fingertips. The breeze brushed past, and he could feel the subtle sensation of it slipping through his fingers—very delicate. "Heh, seems I'm still in demand." Hugo was now gradually becoming proficient in using the first person. Although he still occasionally thought "who is this" when seeing his face in the rearview mirror, at least he wasn't tongue-tied anymore. Perhaps this was a sign of change, indicating that Hugo truly couldn't go back.
Hearing Hugo's self-deprecating words, Joseph twitched the corner of his mouth. "No, it's because your agent is competent enough to secure these opportunities for you."
"Then your fees must be high." Hugo leaned his head on his arm, enjoying the breeze playing through his hair, which helped calm his mood, preventing him from becoming irritable or constantly complaining due to the numerous challenges.
Joseph replied, "I only accept cash," implying not to compare him with Tracy, which made Hugo laugh heartily. "However, your current situation isn't good. You must quickly find a job and then find a new place to live."
Hugo thought for a moment—so that's how it was. It seemed Hugo had been kicked out by Tracy, left homeless, and had to live with his agent. From Joseph's residence, it was evident that Hugo had a terrible year. Agents lived off commissions from their artists' work; Hugo's career slump naturally affected Joseph.
From this, one could infer that Joseph wasn't a seasoned agent; he probably only had Hugo as his sole client. Then, Hugo remembered that he had been handed over to Joseph by Ron Meyer last year. It seemed Ron had foreseen Hugo's inevitable decline and made a wise decision early on—a testament to a veteran agent's foresight.
Joseph turned his head and saw Hugo's relaxed posture, clearly noticing the aura of frustration and disappointment slowly dissipating in the sunlight. Joseph knew Hugo was probably still reeling from the failed audition for "A River Runs Through It." Joseph wanted to say something to comfort Hugo. "Hugo, actually, you've always had opportunities; you need to understand that."
"Opportunities?" Hugo slightly raised his head, leaning it against the window frame. The road was now clearing up, and the car's speed gradually increased. The wind blowing in became stronger, making Hugo involuntarily close his eyes, enjoying the pleasant caress of the wind and sunlight on his cheeks.
"Yes. Before 'Desparate Hours,' all the works you participated in were well-received. They might have been small productions, but each had solid reputations, and your performances received considerable acclaim. That's why Ron had high hopes for you—you have talent, exceptional talent," Joseph said while driving, organizing his words. He spoke slowly, but Hugo listened attentively. "Moreover, you have outstanding looks, which is never out of fashion in Hollywood."
Hugo's lips curled into a bitter smile. In Hollywood, there were countless actors with looks and talent, but those who truly broke through and made a name for themselves were few. Whenever professional publications listed the top 100 greatest figures in film or music history, Hugo would think, even if they listed a thousand, there were still thousands of unknowns outside that list. He wanted to be among the top thousand, but reality told him he was just one of the countless others.
What was the most crucial factor in making a name in the entertainment industry?
Not looks—not only because of differing aesthetic views but also because handsome men and beautiful women were the most worthless assets in Hollywood. Although the entertainment industry valued appearance, it was merely a stepping stone; gaining attention wasn't that simple.
Not talent or strength—because fleeting geniuses were so rare in the vast sea of people. In the past century of music and film history, those who could truly be called "geniuses" were just a handful. Moreover, even with talent, like the countless gifted performers on Broadway or London's West End, they couldn't achieve fame and success. Hugo indeed had talent, in both music and acting, and his ten years of struggle outside had given him a depth his peers lacked. Unfortunately, before his transmigration, he still hadn't secured a place in the music or film industry.
Nor is it about hard work. There are countless people in the world who are willing to sweat for their goals, but the rule of "diligence makes up for lack of talent" actually plays the smallest role in the field of art. "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration," but in the world of art, that one percent of inspiration is often the decisive factor.
So then, if someone has looks, talent, strength, and is willing to work hard—can they definitely succeed? Not necessarily. Because in the entertainment industry, the decisive factor is opportunity—or rather, luck.
Jack Lemmon, one of the greatest actors in American film history, was the first in history to win Best Actor at Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and the Academy Awards. In just the third film of his career, Mister Roberts, he gave a brilliant performance that earned him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
After winning the award, Jack Lemmon excitedly shared his joy with his acting coach, but his coach pointed at the pedestrians hurriedly passing by and said, "Among those who just walked past, there were probably six people who could've played this role just as well as you. The biggest difference is: you got the role, and they didn't."
Or, to give a more down-to-earth example: in 2007's Transformers, the real stars of the film were the robots, not the humans. So if Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox had been replaced by others, the movie would still likely have been a hit. But in reality, they got the roles—and they succeeded.
That's why opportunity, or luck, is the most important link in show business. People like to say "luck is also a part of strength," and that's exactly what this means. Of course, once opportunity arrives, if you don't have the strength, conditions, and sweat to support it, even a pie falling from the sky can crush you.
With that thought, Hugo couldn't help but reconsider his thoughts from last night. Maybe this transmigration experience was his own opportunity and stroke of luck. The failure of A River Runs Through It was just one hurdle. His life after crossing over was just beginning, and there would be plenty more opportunities ahead—ones he never had before. If he could grasp this chance, maybe he really could carve out a world of his own and fulfill his dreams. And if not? At worst, he'd just return to where he started. Nothing to fear, right?
Hugo slowly spread out his hands, letting the breeze slip swiftly through his fingertips. Shards of sunlight sparkled brilliantly in his palms. He slowly closed his fingers—he hadn't caught anything, but the heat in his palm was vivid and real. Perhaps inside it were invisible rays of sunlight, gentle breezes, and opportunity!
Victor Hugo once said, "I would rather open my future with my own strength than beg for favor from the powerful." Hugo had always believed in this. So now that he had begun, he wouldn't give up. He would walk to the end of the road and see what scenery awaited there—only then would this life not be lived in vain.
The name "Hugo" naturally brings to mind the great literary master, but it also holds deeper meaning. "Hugo" comes from ancient Latin, meaning heart, thought, and spirit. Later adopted into Old English and German, it evolved to signify "wise spirit," "famed for wisdom," and a cheerful personality that often brings joy to those around.
When Hugo's father named him Chen Hugo, part of it was because of his mother, but it was also a hope that he would have an optimistic and upward-looking heart, and that he could create miracles of his own. Thinking of this, the bitterness, gloom, and sorrow within Hugo slowly melted away under the sunlight, and with the warm smile at the corners of his lips, it all vanished without a trace. "Come shake me—what other chances are waiting for me to seize?"
Joseph looked at that radiant smile on Hugo's face—brighter than even the sunshine—and couldn't help but smile faintly in return, his lips curving into a heartfelt arc. After the unexpected events of last night, Hugo was far more charming than before. Joseph had always just done his job out of duty and had no desire to communicate much with Hugo. But today, he took the initiative to console him, and because of Hugo's vibrant smile, his own mood brightened too.
Joseph realized—perhaps this would be a good beginning.
"Don't smile so lasciviously. People might get the wrong idea." Hugo's voice came from beside him, instantly freezing the smile on Joseph's face.
.....
Hi For access to additional chapters of
Director in Hollywood (20 chpaters)
MV Director (30 chapters)....
Douluo Dalu:Breaking Clan(30 chapters)
Made In Hollywood (50 Chapters)
Pokemon:Bounty Hunter(30 Chapters)
Douluo Dalu: Reincarnated as Yan(30 Chapters)
Hollywood:From Razzie to Legend(30 Chapters)
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu