"It seems the timing is perfect..."
James couldn't believe that Anson was changing the subject instead of siding with him against Hayden and Brad. He turned his head away angrily and started drinking sulkily.
Chris had to smooth things over. "We're surprised you waited until now to move."
Anson shrugged slightly. "The paparazzi have been harassing James, not me. It hasn't affected me living here."
James was stunned; he hadn't expected his earlier joke to be turned back on him like this. He quickly turned to Anson. "You—"
Anson remained calm. "When does that project you mentioned start filming?"
James didn't want to answer, but he couldn't resist talking about the project. A smile crept onto his lips. "It should be in the next two weeks."
"There's a movie premiere next week. After that, we should start fitting for costumes. Otherwise, why do you think I look like this? I'm growing my hair out so the hairstylist can cut it however they like."
A year is neither too long nor too short.
As Anson's career in Hollywood began to take off, both Chris and James also experienced breakthroughs.
Chris had appeared in several unconventional roles in three consecutive TV series, but the film that truly put him on Hollywood's radar was the teen comedy "A Very Unusual Couple."
Riding the wave of "American Pie," this type of teen comedy was booming. Chris's performance in the movie showcased his potential to producers. Even before securing a role in tonight's "The Perfect Score," he had nearly confirmed a part in another thriller crime movie—Phone Game.
This script was written by Larry Cohen, who, at over sixty, had been in the industry for more than thirty years. He was known for the thriller "Phone Booth" and was inspired by it to write Phone Game.
In "Phone Booth," the main character is trapped in a public phone booth; in Phone Game, the protagonist is similarly tied to a phone, but this time it's a mobile phone.
In this film, Chris might get a chance to work alongside well-known actors like Kim Basinger, Jason Statham, Jessica Biel, and William H. Macy.
Undoubtedly, this was a rare opportunity and a chance for Chris to break away from being labeled a pretty face, even more so than with "The Perfect Score."
However, because the project was complex and still searching for a director, there were still some uncertainties.
James, on the other hand, was on a smooth path, just like Anson.
Next week, a film starring James alongside two Oscar winners, Robert De Niro and Frances McDormand, titled "Thick as Thieves," would be released nationwide across the U.S.—
He was the member of the "Spider-Man" cast with the most frequent film releases.
After this movie release, James would be heading to another set for a new project directed by Robert Altman, a director with a Grand Slam of top awards from the three major European film festivals. His latest film, "Dancing with Life," was truly an enviable project.
In some ways, the three of them had different rhythms and directions in their careers, but they were indeed moving forward together, which was why they could maintain a balanced relationship.
Anson glanced at the unkempt James. "Are you sure this isn't just an excuse to be lazy?"
James kept a straight face. "Come on, man, don't expose me, okay?"
Chris chuckled foolishly on the side.
James, being carefree, didn't mind being teased and played along. "So, have you decided yet? Where are you moving to? Beverly Hills?"
"Anson, please move to Beverly Hills so I can brag to my friends, 'Hey, my best buddy lives in Beverly Hills.'"
Just imagining it made James rub his hands together and shout, "Ah, so exciting, so exciting!"
"Best buddy?" Anson showed a doubtful expression.
James raised a beer can and squeezed it with his right hand, baring his teeth. "Deny it if you dare."
But before Anson could respond, James hurt his hand on the can's sharp edges and cried out in pain, causing Anson and Chris to burst into laughter.
Chris looked at Anson. "If those girls knew he was such a clown in private, they'd be so disillusioned."
Anson shook his head seriously. "A handsome guy willing to be funny is rare; it's his dating weapon, okay?"
Chris had a sudden realization and then started pondering seriously.
Anson thought about reminding Chris that the funny guy route wasn't for him—he should just focus on taking his shirt off—but he decided not to hurt Chris's tender heart. After all, he was still a kid.
James had wrapped things up, using some tissue paper to wrap his right hand like Rocky. His over-the-top gesture made Anson laugh again.
"Beverly Hills, hey, Anson, Beverly Hills."
Chris hesitated slightly. "Can Anson afford Beverly Hills right now?"
James shook his head. "My agent looked into it. Anson signed a profit-sharing contract for 'Spider-Man.' I don't know the exact figures, but Anson definitely has no problem with it."
As he spoke, James nudged Anson with his elbow.
Anson chuckled. "Beverly Hills isn't in vogue anymore, okay?"
Indeed, for a long time, Beverly Hills was synonymous with Hollywood. Anyone who could live there was considered a top star.
To understand this better, one must note that Los Angeles is relatively flat, with mountains to the north, not towering but high enough to overlook the city.
Naturally, the so-called Platinum Triangle—formed by Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, and Holmby Hills—became a wealthy haven.
Whether they were top Hollywood stars, tech moguls, or corporate leaders, everyone aspired to live in this triangular area, where they could overlook the city while everyone in the Los Angeles area looked up to them.
Upon entering this area, you'd see the iconic green hedges on both sides of the road, often referred to as "privacy walls," which completely blocked prying eyes from seeing inside—even the paparazzi couldn't glimpse the hidden scenery. The higher and thicker the hedge, the wealthier the homeowner usually was.
However, this area is limited in size, a small patch of land where every mansion already has an owner. Unless someone decides to sell, even the wealthiest can't enter this exclusive world.
This exclusivity is why Johnny Depp threw a big party when he moved into Beverly Hills to celebrate becoming a member of the Platinum Triangle.
Owning a home here is a symbol of status and prestige.
For actors just entering Hollywood, almost everyone has dreamed at least once of living in Beverly Hills someday.
When they first arrive in Los Angeles, they often take a trip to Beverly Hills, looking at the mansions and letting their imaginations run wild.
But now that Anson actually had the opportunity to step through that world's door, he had his own unique ideas.