The most troublesome thing about buying furniture is transporting it home. Currently, Hugo and the other three only have Joseph's Volkswagen Golf, which is definitely not a suitable vehicle for transporting furniture. The second-hand furniture market also doesn't offer home delivery services, so they can only transport a portion back each time while leaving someone behind to continue browsing.
At this moment, Hugo was sitting at the entrance of the second-hand furniture market. He was sprawled in a black hand-shaped sofa, surrounded by two table lamps, two birch wood chairs, and some random trinkets, holding an old-fashioned phonograph in his arms. He looked just like a wandering gypsy, carrying scattered luggage around because he had no place to call home, appearing quite down and out.
Just earlier, Kal managed to borrow a pickup truck from a friend. With that, transporting furniture became much more convenient, but he had to go to his friend's place to pick it up, so he took the subway to fetch the truck. Alex and Joseph were delivering a batch of furniture back, leaving only Hugo behind to watch over the newly bought furniture.
Hugo was currently examining the phonograph in his arms. In the early 1990s, CDs had already become widely used, gradually replacing vinyl records and cassette tapes to become the mainstream medium in the music market. Once-dominant vinyl records had retreated from the stage of history. Although there was a brief wave of vinyl collecting in the mid-90s due to its rarity and classic charm, by the 21st century, many vinyl records had become nearly impossible to find, and phonographs had disappeared from public view altogether.
Previously, Hugo had always regarded phonographs as antiques, but now he was actually holding one in his arms, which felt rather novel. In truth, when it came to convenience and familiarity, Hugo belonged to the digital music generation. He was used to downloading music via the internet and producing music using computers and other digital methods. But for those who delve deeply into music, vinyl records still hold an irreplaceable status.
The ethereal and live feeling of vinyl is something CDs and digital music can't replicate. Compared to the rough digital sound of CDs, vinyl offers audio quality closest to the original, in short, presenting music in its most authentic form.
Before Transmigration, Hugo had only listened to vinyl once, but the experience had left a lasting impression. So when he encountered a phonograph today at the second-hand market, he didn't hesitate at all to buy it. Joseph initially wanted to talk him out of it, but recalling how Hugo had immersed himself in music the previous night, he said nothing more and silently consented.
"You should visit the record shops on Sunset Boulevard more often." A slightly husky female voice rang out not far away and drew closer to Hugo.
Hugo looked up and saw Uma Thurman wearing a shirt and jeans. Her figure was backlit by the sunlight, making it hard for Hugo to see the expression on her face, but her soft golden hair shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. "Then I suppose I first need a cabinet specifically for storing vinyl records."
Uma looked at Hugo in front of her, wearing a simple plaid shirt paired with straight-cut jeans. His white canvas shoes were already filthy, surrounded by a pile of random furniture, with a phonograph in his arms. He looked just like a down-and-out artist kicked out of his home, still stubbornly clinging to his treasures even if he was about to starve on the streets. This image was so different from the Hugo in her memory that she couldn't help but laugh. "You... your look today is really something."
Having recalled his predecessor's entanglement with Uma and that kiss at the premiere of The Final Analysis, Hugo was much calmer now facing Uma again. Hearing her comment, he looked down at himself and then smiled, saying, "If I had a pair of gloves, maybe someone would actually hire me for moving services. It sounds like a pretty good part-time job."
"Haha." Uma burst out laughing at Hugo's joke. "I think there would be plenty of people willing to hire you, as long as you're willing to undo a few more buttons on your shirt." Just imagine a handsome mover revealing his toned chest? That's definitely a fantasy for countless housewives, not much different from those involving plumbers or firefighters.
Hugo clearly got Uma's meaning too. He looked down at his chest, then smirked and said, "I hope I won't disappoint them."
The banter between Hugo and Uma was full of obvious flirtation, and the way their eyes exchanged glances carried a hint of heat. However, Uma was standing in the sunlight while Hugo sat in the shadows. The sunlight was too bright for Uma to see clearly, and Hugo found Uma's expression hard to read. So both of them turned their eyes away to let their tired eyes rest.
"Hey Uma are you here to buy furniture too?" Hugo looked up again and took the initiative to ask. But for some reason, Uma burst into laughter, making Hugo wonder if he had said something wrong.
Uma seemed to realize she was being rude and quickly restrained her laughter. "No I just thought the way you said my name sounded really strange."
"Uma?" Hugo didn't quite get it and said her name again.
Uma couldn't help but chuckle again. Her sexy lips bloomed in the sunlight like a tulip in full blossom, exuding a charming fragrance. She laughed while waving her hand repeatedly. "It's not your fault not your fault." This left Hugo completely puzzled, but the corners of his mouth also curved into a smile unconsciously.
"It's just that don't you think my name sounds weird?" Uma quickly explained, though a smile still lingered on her face. "People have always made fun of my name thinking it's just too ridiculous. So a lot of times I use names like Linda or Kelly to meet new people. But when you said my name just now, it actually sounded really nice."
"Nice?" Hugo raised an eyebrow at that, causing Uma to shyly look away from his smiling eyes. She suddenly realized she had just complimented herself. But Hugo continued, "Is it because I pronounced your name musically?" The name Uma does have a rich sound and a kind of simple rhythm when spoken.
Hugo's explanation made Uma laugh out loud. "Your name does sound really good. At least I think it's way more unique than all those typical Lindas. That's what makes you stand out doesn't it?" Hugo continued, his gentle and warm tone unpretentious but very comforting. It easily put people at ease. "Does your name have any special meaning?"
"You're the first person who said my name sounds nice." Uma stood still with her beautiful blue eyes seriously gazing at Hugo.
Hugo shrugged and said casually, "I hope your parents won't be upset if they hear that."
Uma smiled again. "No they won't. This name represents their love and hope for me. It's the name of a deity in Hinduism."
"Even though I'm not a Hindu myself I have to say the name really suits you." Hugo's words were simple but didn't feel like empty compliments. They were genuinely pleasant to hear especially with that faint smile on his lips which felt so warm and reassuring.
Uma finally confirmed what she was feeling inside. The Hugo before her was different now. The old Hugo had also been cheerful and radiant, but his sharpness was more pronounced, like a blinding sunlight that though dazzling made it hard to look at directly. But the Hugo now was still bright yet gentler, a kind of warmth you could stare at and feel without harm just a steady comforting warmth.
"I think I'll gradually get used to this name." Uma still hadn't been able to completely walk out of the shadow brought on by the uniqueness of her name, but in Hugo's gentle words, Uma felt that maybe the name wasn't so bad after all. At least, it sounded pretty good coming from Hugo.
Hugo smiled lightly and nodded, then continued asking, "You haven't told me what you're doing here yet. Are you buying furniture?"
"Oh, no, I'm planning to have dinner over there." Uma pointed at the restaurant not far away. After saying that, she hesitated for a moment and then took the initiative to invite him. "How about it, would you like to join me? I'm alone tonight." Actually, ever since the premiere of The Final Analysis, Uma had wanted to invite Hugo, but in the end, she hadn't spoken up. After all, Hugo had always been the one to ask before and she was the one to refuse. It still felt a bit awkward. Today, she had finally taken the initiative.
Hugo raised an eyebrow, seemingly a little surprised, but he didn't keep Uma waiting too long. He smiled and said, "I just moved into a new home and still have a ton of things to do today. I've got friends waiting at home too, so I'm afraid I can't. I'm really sorry. Maybe next time."
Even though she was rejected, Hugo's tone didn't make anyone feel uncomfortable. Uma buried her disappointment deep in her heart and smiled, "That's all right." Then she shifted the topic. "You moved into a new place today?"
"Yes, just moved in." After Hugo answered, he thought for a moment and then warmly added, "If there's a chance in the future, you can come visit. I live just behind Sunset Plaza." Hugo gave the address of his new home.
"On that little hill?" Uma naturally knew that area. "I live nearby too. I think I'm just three blocks away from your place."
"Haha, that's quite a coincidence. We can get together sometime." Hugo's words were filled with sunshine and sincerity. For a moment, Uma was dazed, but she quickly snapped out of it. Then she looked deeply at Hugo, "Then I won't bother you anymore. My stomach is already calling out for food, so I'd better go take care of that first."
"You'd better hurry, because you've awakened my appetite too. That's not a good thing." Hugo's teasing made Uma burst into laughter. This time, she didn't say anything more. She waved at Hugo and then turned to leave. Her tall and graceful figure shimmered under the sunlight, casting a mesmerizing glow..
.....
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