บท 114: Anti-client
Morgan assessed the rising star before him. Despite the scruffy beard, his handsome face still held a hint of youthful innocence. The audacious vibrancy of his youth radiated from his demeanor and expression, but his eyes remained serene like water, containing a maturity and refinement beyond his years. All radiance seemed to have settled and integrated into every cell of his body, a contradictory yet harmonious blend. He might not be as dazzling as Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise, but his enigmatic aura always set him apart from the crowd.
Only at the moment he heard about the Emmy nomination did a glint in his eyes betray the fact that he was not yet twenty-one this year or, in other words, that he was still a Hollywood newcomer.
Morgan was utterly confident that Renly could work wonders under his guidance and even become a top-tier superstar. But what he was more curious about now was whether Renly had such ambitions.
"However, this is merely a good start," Morgan's tone shifted slightly as he changed the topic, "far from the end. The question now is, in the realm of fame and fortune in Hollywood, how far do you want to go?" With just a single sentence, Morgan quietly regained control of the conversation.
Renly was about to blurt out a response, but the words were held back at the tip of his tongue. Instead, he curiously regarded Morgan, "Shouldn't it be me asking you that question? If I were to choose you as my agent, what heights can you truly elevate me to?"
Who is the buyer, and who is the seller? This was an important matter. Since Morgan had taken the initiative to approach him, Renly wouldn't easily let go of such an advantage. He was different from other newbies, and he wasn't overly fixated on having an agent in the first place. Moreover, his bargaining power was increasing, wasn't it?
Morgan's eyebrow slightly raised. He didn't dismiss Renly's assertion of power. If he wanted to survive in Hollywood, being too humble and cautious would leave nothing behind. Without sufficient assertiveness, it meant a lack of ambition, which, in turn, meant no value in nurturing.
However, Morgan was somewhat surprised. From Renly's appearance, from his performance in "The Pacific", and from various hints, it seemed that Renly had a gentle personality. But now, it was apparent that the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" had been confirmed once again.
"The sky is my limit," Morgan showed his domineering side for the first time. The air of contempt that disregarded everything had brought him to where he was now. Clearly, he wasn't content with this alone. "The Twenty Million Club, fifty-five million dollars, an Oscar-winning actor, a leading role in a three hundred million-dollar production, a self-produced work, collaborations with James Cameron and Meryl Streep... Anything you can name, I can achieve. The question is, do you have the ability?"
Morgan leaned back slowly, crossing his legs with an air of casual confidence. The poised and assured demeanor made his words unquestionable, and his invitation impossible to refuse. Even without an intentional rise in his tone, his casual posture carried the weight of a mountain, bringing forth an even greater impact.
"Haha, you've almost got me tempted," without the advantage of a rebirth, Renly might have been so excited that he couldn't control himself, immediately signing a contract with Morgan in gratitude.
He was well aware that Hollywood didn't function this way. The emergence of any top-tier superstar was a combination of timing, opportunity, and individual effort. An agent was just a piece of the puzzle, not the most crucial one; luck and timing were of paramount importance. Morgan was merely putting on a show of bravado, but considering his smooth sailing over the past few years, it was quite convincing.
Amidst the humor, a hint of subtle mockery lingered, triggering an alarm in Morgan's mind. A strong personality was one thing, but being defiant against authority was another. For an inexperienced newcomer lacking depth, arrogance without a foundation would lead to self-destruction. Furthermore, no agent would appreciate a rookie who consistently contradicted them. No one.
"However, what you're saying isn't what I desire. I aim for greater heights." Indeed, Morgan's words represented the dreams of everyone in the current era. Renly naturally shared these aspirations—the brightest stage in the realm of fame and fortune. Whether it was a fortress or not, people always wished to enter. But, as Renly pointed out, his ultimate goal extended beyond that, "I want to truly merge commerce and art. If this is my aim, what abilities do you think I need?"
In an instant, the initiative shifted back into Renly's hands.
Morgan thought he had displayed enough audacity, and upon hearing Renly's words, he surprisingly felt a wave of laughter building up within him. Countless great artists throughout history had tried to perfectly blend commerce and art, to find that golden balance. Even masters like Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, and James Cameron wouldn't easily claim to have found the key.
Now, an inexperienced newcomer was boasting such promises. It was akin to an infant brandishing a pencil sharpener blade and claiming they wanted to defeat Sauron from "The Lord of the Rings". "This is the best joke I've heard all year," Morgan chuckled, finding the young man before him increasingly intriguing.
However, Renly didn't laugh.
Morgan's laughter resonated in the carriage for a moment. As it received no response, it gradually turned awkward. Morgan's mouth twitched slightly, and suddenly, Nathan sitting in the passenger seat burst into laughter without warning, breaking the atmosphere in the carriage. From awkwardness, it transitioned to eeriness, and this time it was Renly who couldn't help but smile.
Nathan had initially intended to match Morgan's humor to ease the tension, but the timing went awry, and his good intentions had the opposite effect. Turning his head, he was met with Morgan's frosty gaze, causing his heart to skip a beat. He sheepishly turned back and sat still in his place.
Morgan felt like Renly was deliberately teasing him, making fun of him. This was clearly not a good sign. The flames of anger ignited within him. After all, over the past few years, as his career had prospered, he hadn't felt the sting of humiliation for a long time. His smile faded, his gaze hardened, "Do you understand the implications of your words just now?" Renly countered in a nonchalant yet confident manner.
He disliked Morgan's always superior posture, the unwavering air of superiority that was present in both his words and demeanor. It seemed to imply, "I've taken an interest in you, and it's your honor. You should quickly express your loyalty and kneel." What he needed was an equal conversation. Even though he was a newcomer, the working relationship between an actor and an agent didn't entail a hierarchical difference. Both parties should collaborate on equal terms, benefiting each other. Therefore, he disliked Morgan's condescending tone.
Moreover, the Renly of this world came from a noble family. When it came to being above all or looking down on others, he was certainly no stranger. How could he possibly be intimidated by Morgan?
"Are you serious?" Morgan paused, his voice deepening as he inquired. Renly didn't respond with words, but instead pursed his lips. Everything was conveyed without speech, causing Morgan's complexion to darken even further. "Do you understand what achieving the perfect balance between commerce and art truly entails?"
In response, Renly smiled. "I thought you might have the answer."
Morgan couldn't help but emit a muffled snort, feeling like his chest had been forcefully stomped on. He disliked Renly's arrogant manner, his air of superiority and audacity. Perhaps Johnny Depp could get away with it, Tom Cruise might as well, and even if he was unhappy, he'd have to grit his teeth. But Renly? A nameless rookie who had just emerged?
In Hollywood, actors receiving an Academy Award nomination were countless, yet those who could genuinely establish themselves in the industry were few and far between. Not to mention, merely being nominated for an Emmy Award or even an Oscar nomination or victory was still considered insignificant within Hollywood's vast commercial structure. The distance from obscurity to modest recognition, and from having a reputation to becoming a legend, was akin to an ant gazing up at a giant.
Morgan perceived Renly's grandiose words as nothing but a joke. Therefore, Morgan chuckled in a tone of mockery and disdain, "I believe before advancing any further, you should go to SAG and find a publicist to give you a good lesson. Hollywood is a ruthless battleground, not a playground for just anyone. Even entry qualifications aren't handed to anyone."
In Morgan's eyes, Renly was merely standing at the entrance, without even a ticket to enter.
"I believe our conversation ends here today. Our collaboration will have to wait for future opportunities," Morgan maintained a mild smile on his lips, but his cold indifference, rejecting others from a thousand miles away, had already seeped through. The veneer of social politeness and detachment couldn't have been more evident.
"Frank, stop the car." Without waiting for Renly's response, Morgan issued the order on his own.
Nathan was startled, suddenly turning around and looking at Morgan, exclaiming in shock, "But this is a highway!"
Compared to Nathan's overreaction, Renly remained much calmer. He raised an eyebrow ever so slightly and then smiled at Morgan. "I think we can forget about collaboration. You and I both know that maybe we won't have any intersections in the future, right?" With that, Renly pushed open the car door and walked away directly.
Efficient and decisive, without any hesitation.
Morgan found himself being ridiculed once again, causing a twitch at the corner of his mouth. Just as he was about to say something, with a loud "bang", Renly closed the door. Morgan reflexively shut his eyes, realizing his own embarrassment. He forcefully pounded the sofa, and the boiling fury in his chest gradually subsided.
"And you, Nathan, you can also step out," Morgan spoke again, "You're fired."
Once Renly stepped out of the car and took in his surroundings, he turned to see Nathan's uneasy expression. He didn't react immediately as the car next to them sped away, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust.
Nathan smiled shyly, raising his right hand and awkwardly waving. "Hey."
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Shallowman
Shallowman How important will Nathan be for the story? Can you guess? Well, I can, or rather, I know. Such a contradictory feeling - knowing something and wanting others to know about it as well, but withholding that information to not spoil the fun for the said others. Well, I'm still leaving those nuggets of info, aren't I.
While we are it, take this, thank Jizzus, easy to translate chupster, you suckers!
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