**Chapter 322: Unique**

Ten or twenty years later, the concept of brunch will have become deeply ingrained in people's lives. It's not just a simple combination of breakfast and lunch; it represents more of an attitude toward life:

Not waking up early in the morning, possibly exercising, and considering health factors, one might not want to skip breakfast. However, with lunch too close, continuous eating is avoided, so brunch becomes the choice. At the same time, the menu selection still needs to be healthy—not too greasy or heavy. Since this is the first meal of the day, one can opt for slightly higher-calorie foods.

Health. Fitness. Daily routine. Calorie counting. Nutritional balance.

So-called brunch is not just a trendy fashion but a lifestyle.

However, in 2001, this was still a budding concept.

Even the editor-in-chief and senior reporters of *The New York Times* were puzzled.

When Nicholas mentioned this term, Howell couldn't hide his confusion, which made Nicholas smile smugly.

"Yes, you heard it right."

"It's a term that combines breakfast and lunch, but it's more than just eating the two meals together. It's a state of living, a lifestyle, a habit."

"So, I have an idea."

"Remember when *People* magazine did that feature on how to live like Jennifer Aniston?"

"I think maybe we could turn Anson into a fashion icon, from clothing to lifestyle habits to attitudes. His youth, health, focus, posture, and taste could become a fashion benchmark."

After *Friends* became a hit, Jennifer Aniston's hairstyle on the show became something millions of women tried to emulate. This reached a new peak after Jennifer started dating Brad Pitt.

As a result, *People* magazine did a feature on living like Jennifer Aniston, covering everything from her style and makeup to her lifestyle, showcasing every aspect of this American sweetheart's life.

**That Issue of the Magazine Was a Sensation**

Unsurprisingly, it became an absolute hit.

Afterward, other magazines and newspapers tried to create similar features, but without exception, they failed. None could replicate the same impact.

The reason is simple: becoming a fashion icon isn't easy.

Now, Anson... seems to have the potential. Every time he formally appears before the media, he creates a strong fashion statement, steadily building a fashionable image. If *The New York Times* could seize this opportunity with a feature like this—

There's still a risk.

After all, Anson is a newcomer. *The Princess Diaries* is his first film, and his influence and popularity are far from established. He's nowhere near Jennifer Aniston's level; in fact, he's not even on the radar of third- or fourth-tier celebrities. Can his fashionable lifestyle really interest readers?

Thoughts surged in Howell's mind.

But soon, Howell understood Nicholas's intentions.

Howell nodded slightly, thought it over carefully, and then made a decision. "Alright, I'll read it all through, and we can discuss it later."

In truth, Howell didn't go back to Nicholas, because he was very satisfied and didn't think the interview needed any changes; it could be published as it was.

Nicholas had approached the conversation with Anson from a completely first-person perspective, as if two friends were casually strolling through Los Angeles, chatting along the way.

They talked about the unexpected success of *Friends* and its impact, including Anson's guest appearance in three episodes. They discussed the *GQ* magazine photoshoot and the opportunities that followed. They talked about Anson's thoughts on acting and character development, and his style choices for public appearances.

They even delved into Anson's hobbies, his daily routines, his favorite lunch spots, his choices for socializing with friends, his preferred places for relaxation, and his morning exercise routes.

All of these discussions offered a comprehensive understanding of who Anson was as a person—his personality, his style, his choices. Through the details of his daily life, Anson's image was vividly portrayed.

This kind of actor was real, breaking away from the Hollywood mystique of the '80s and '90s. It shattered the "pretty face" stereotype and presented a real, tangible Anson.

They talked about everything, except *The Princess Diaries* itself.

An unconventional approach.

Even though the purpose was to promote *The Princess Diaries*, they deliberately avoided discussing it.

Although the opportunity arose from *The Princess Diaries*, they intentionally steered clear of straightforward promotion, avoiding the usual "Go see the movie in theaters now!"

In simple terms, they abandoned hard advertising in favor of soft advertising.

The strategy was to first promote Anson, and then let the audience become interested in the movie because of him.

It was a risky and innovative approach. Nicholas was certainly bold.

Without a doubt, this was a fresh attempt. Not only for Anson, but also for Nicholas. This type of interview, this kind of feature, this angle—it was all new and hadn't been seen in 2001.

Yet, Nicholas believed in his judgment and in his choice.

Nicholas saw in Anson a unique personality, sharpness, and color. Everything about him was distinctive, whether it was his fashion sense or the success of *The Princess Diaries* and *Friends*. None of it was a coincidence; it was all an extension of Anson's personality beneath his good looks.

Had it not been for a lack of focus, Nicholas might have delved into the topic of *Spider-Man*. The transition from *The Princess Diaries* to *Spider-Man* was certainly worth exploring, but the timing wasn't right.

No worries, there's always next time—

And so, the conversation circled back to the beginning.

Anson was always exploring and searching. Both fashion and acting were platforms to showcase the colors beneath his exterior, while also finding his place as an actor.

Clearly, Anson had done well so far.

Each of his red carpet appearances had become a talking point. His two roles had both been highlights, making people eager to see his yet-to-be-revealed third role. All of this stemmed from the vibrant colors and sharpness Anson displayed.

Howell agreed. Though his perspective differed from Nicholas's, as the editor-in-chief, he also saw a unique opportunity.

Taking risks may come with significant dangers, but it can also bring great rewards, right?