Out of proportion

After leaving the study, Joseph finally found an opportunity to stop Hugo at the corner of the corridor. He halted his footsteps and urgently whispered, "Why aren't you making more effort? This isn't like you." Joseph's thoughts blurted out of his mind unconsciously. Unbeknownst to him, his impression of Hugo had undergone a drastic change. "Hugo, who never gives up easily", was the Hugo Joseph now recognized.

Hugo rubbed his temples, and the smile on his lips vanished. Once he let down his guard, exhaustion mixed with anger surged forth, accumulating between his rigid eyebrows. "What else can I do? Sydney made it clear that it's not possible anymore! Should I kneel down and beg him or start performing in front of him? No, nothing will change. He will only see me as a clown and have that giant guy throw the two of us out!" Hugo's irritated words poured out one after another. The experience in the study just now truly left him frustrated, depressed, and unsatisfied. It was the first time in the past year that Hugo genuinely lost his temper, not because he missed an opportunity, but because his battle hadn't even begun before he was declared a failure. This feeling of frustration and helplessness was truly unbearable.

Recalling all the information he had learned throughout the day, it was not difficult to deduce that Ron and Tracey must have played a role in this process. Along with Robert Redford's relationship and Brad Pitt's agent, Martin, appearing at tonight's party, connecting all this information revealed the truth: Hugo had no chance because Sydney had already decided to give the role to Brad. In the past month, Hugo had been played like a fool without even participating in the competition, and his fate had been sealed.

It was even more disheartening than the failure of the audition for "A River Runs Through It". Not only did Hugo experience this treatment after the success of "Scent of a Woman" and "A Few Good Men", which made him realize the harsh reality of Hollywood, but also because this time, Hugo didn't even have a chance to fight and strive. He was sentenced without a chance. He refused to accept it! He was unwilling!

But that was the reality. Even if Hugo refused to accept it, what could he do? Just as Lang said, society is equal but unfair. In the "The Firm" film project, the advantages of Hugo and Brad were different from the very beginning, and the same was true for "Schindler's List".

Therefore, in front of Sydney, Hugo forced himself to calm down, and with a friendly and gentlemanly demeanor, he gracefully left. He didn't believe that his outburst would change the outcome in any way. It was better to leave with dignity.

However, all of these events happened in a single day, and even someone as optimistic as Hugo couldn't help but feel unsettled. Under Joseph's urgency, Hugo's emotions spiraled out of control.

Observing the dejected and angry Hugo before him, Joseph realized that Hugo was just as disappointed as he was, and with his understanding of Hugo now, he knew that Hugo wouldn't retreat without careful consideration. This made Joseph feel even more keenly the frustration in Hugo's heart.

Joseph knew that he had been too impatient and had lost his composure. He took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry, Hugo. I didn't mean it that way..."

After venting his emotions, Hugo looked at Joseph and waved his hand. "It's not your fault. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lashed out at you." Joseph was not an enemy but a friend on the same front. Hugo knew that his outburst towards Joseph was unjustified and could only lower his head to express his apology.

Joseph patted Hugo's shoulder and said, "Didn't you say that in Hollywood, no one is indispensable, and no project is indispensable? If we missed this project, there will always be another one, right?" Usually, it was Hugo who was optimistic and comforting Joseph, but today, their roles seemed to have reversed, and Joseph awkwardly tried to comfort Hugo.

Seeing Joseph's awkward expression, Hugo couldn't help but chuckle. He remembered his own frustration earlier and laughed again. He realized that his mindset had been somewhat disbalanced. First, he learned about Ron and Tracey's scheme and missed out on "Schindler's List". Then he was manipulated by others and missed out on "The Firm". For Hugo, who had been smooth sailing in the past two months, this was an unprecedented situation. It caused his emotions to fluctuate, and he felt that he had lost control, hence the laughter.

"Yes, there will always be another project after missing one. Always," Hugo laughed ironically, mocking his own anxiety. Then he took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and wore a radiant smile. Hollywood, the land of dreams full of opportunities, always had chances. If you missed one, there would be another. The question was whether you could seize the opportunity that suited you best and shine brightly.

"Do you think Sydney is playing with us this month?" Joseph finally regained his composure and discussed the matter with Hugo. Now that he looked back, he also sensed that something was off.

Hugo shook his head. "I think Sydney initially wanted to see if I was suitable for the role, but then changed his mind. However, Sydney didn't want to make an immediate decision, so it kept dragging on. I can tell that Sydney must be busy lately. The two projects we heard about this afternoon are both related to him."

""The Firm" and "Schindler's List" are both involved with Sydney, and both are rare and significant projects. The competition must be fierce," Joseph said, mentioning Ron Meyer, Martin Baum, Joseph Gibbs, Rick Rosen, and other agents who had been hovering around Sydney lately. There were also producers like Tracey Jacobs itching for action. Sydney was probably experiencing both pain and joy.

Joseph thought carefully and nodded in agreement. "I wonder if Baum has a bigger role in this, or if Jacobs has a greater influence."

"Does it make a difference?" Hugo asked simply, making Joseph laugh.

"You're right. Could it be that these two projects have a connected response?" Joseph suddenly thought of this and expressed his concern.

Hugo raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying that Brad will star in both films simultaneously?" Joseph nodded. Although Hugo had no personal grudges with Brad, Brad's relationship with Tracey was still intact, and the two had competed in multiple projects. Their careers seemed to be in a state of ebb and flow, and Joseph couldn't help but worry.

Hugo shook his head in denial. "That's not possible. "Schindler's List" is no longer in Sydney's hands. It's said that Steven will personally take over, so that's a different story. But it doesn't concern us. Both projects have nothing to do with us anymore."

Hugo took a deep breath. "It's up to you now. We still haven't heard any news about "Sleepless in Seattle". I hope you can bring me good news." Hugo's teasing remark made Joseph smirk. "And for other projects, we can only rely on your efforts."

Originally, Hugo thought that after the craziness of the year-end, his career would quickly take off and soar to new heights. But now it seemed that it wasn't that simple. Although overnight fame was common in Hollywood, paving a path of stardom required steady progress, step by step.

Joseph didn't say anything, just smiled. However, after experiencing several events in a row, Joseph also realized that he, as a talent agent, had a long way to go. Perhaps 1993 would be a good new beginning.

"Let's go, let's go back and join the party. It's New Year's Eve!" Joseph made an effort to lighten his tone. There were only a few days in the year when he could completely relax. A heavy heart wouldn't suit the joy and happiness of tonight.

Hugo started walking towards the stairs with Joseph, but he remembered something. "Since we're done here, let's go to Alex's friend's party as planned." They had come to Sydney's house tonight for "The Firm", but now that it was over, they could follow through with their plans and honor the agreement between friends.

Joseph shrugged. "If you don't mind leaving behind all these top celebrities in the room..." Attending such a top-notch party was infinitely attractive to any actor. In fact, taking a step back, Hugo missing out on "The Firm" might present a new opportunity at the party.

However, Hugo shook his head. "Tonight shouldn't belong to work." Sometimes work should come first, other times it should be loved ones and family, and sometimes friends were the most important. Tonight was such a night, even though everyone present seemed to carry an exclamation mark of opportunity, tempting Hugo. But he had made up his mind to leave. Work was done, and now it was time for friends.

"What about Uma?" Joseph didn't object much. They had already agreed before leaving that if they could finish early, they would go to Alex's place. Now they were simply following the plan.

Hugo stood at the top of the stairs, looking down, trying to find Uma's figure among the dancing crowd. The dance floor was filled with people happily dancing to disco music, and laughter mingled with the swirling snowflakes, making it difficult to spot someone in the dim lights.

Uma wasn't found, but Hugo's gaze caught sight of an unexpected person—Tracey.

Tracey stood in place as if she had been waiting for Hugo all along. When their eyes met, Tracey smiled, a charming yet disdainful and contemptuous smile. It appeared and disappeared amidst the chaotic lights, making it hard to see clearly, but the chilling coldness could be felt deeply.