**Chapter 451: The Crisis of Crossing Over**

In a back-and-forth exchange, the conversation flowed naturally without hesitation, revealing the underlying thoughts behind the words.

Anson's casual remark caused the smile on Mike's face to freeze for a moment—

Wait, did he really lack confidence?

Was he subconsciously agreeing with the internal market analyses of the company? Was today's visit with Dustin actually a gamble?

This brief pause interrupted the conversation's flow, subtly shifting the balance of power in Anson's favor.

Anson glanced at Mike, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, before adding, "Oh, by the way, we hope this will be a one-album contract. As for the second and subsequent albums, we can sit down and discuss the details later."

The real bombshell was hidden here.

Mike was stunned, caught off guard by the sudden shift, and instinctively blurted out, "No way!"

After thinking it over, Mike shook his head, "That's not possible."

A short-term one-album contract would mean Warner Music could be left holding the bag, with no control over future outcomes. Such a losing proposition was not something Warner Music would ever agree to.

Anson wasn't surprised—

As he mentioned earlier, record companies need to hold onto the reins.

They could either stipulate the number of albums in the contract, such as requiring the band to release three albums with Warner Music before discussing renewal or ending the contract.

Or they could set a time limit, requiring the band to stay with Warner Music for three years before considering other options.

During the contract period, the record company holds all the cards, especially larger companies that are skilled at protecting their interests.

Mike's response was entirely expected.

Anson shrugged slightly, "Mike, of course, we can sign a three-album contract or a three-year contract; but honestly, it makes no difference to me because I'm not even sure there will be a second album."

Mike: ...

Dustin, "But ..."

The words were on the tip of Dustin's tongue, but when he saw Anson's calm expression, the follow-up words got stuck, jumbled on his tongue.

"Right, maybe there won't be a second album. After all, you don't really need to care, as you have other work, so obviously, you don't need to worry about these things."

Mumbling to himself, Dustin seemed a bit lost—

He no longer had the heart to joke about Mike.

A smile spread across Anson's face, "Maybe Warner Music should reconsider this offer. If you decide to pass, I'll understand."

This ...

Something didn't feel right. Warner Music should have had the upper hand, but why did Mike now feel like he had lost control?

Dustin, feeling a sudden pang of urgency, leaned closer to the table. "Anson, are you serious? You don't want to sign a contract?"

Anson laughed heartily, waving his hands, "No, no, no. I'm happy to record an album, and Warner Music's personal visit is an honor."

"But, playing in a garage band is always simpler, while leaving the garage and stepping into the real world is more complicated, right? We need to face reality."

"You're uncertain about your choice, and I also need to discuss this with the other three band members. There are many possibilities, so there's no need to rush into a conclusion, don't you agree?"

Everything was just beginning.

Calm, composed.

Anson once again demonstrated a different side, taking control of the negotiation.

Regardless, one thing was clear: 

There was no need to rush.

Warner Music needed more internal discussions, and Anson had to consult with his bandmates—decisions wouldn't be made in a hurry.

And so, the meeting ended.

As they watched Anson ride off on his skateboard, Dustin felt anxious. "Mike? Is that it? We're just letting him go?"

Mike, "What else can we do?"

Dustin, "At the very least, we should try harder to convince him."

Mike looked at Dustin, "Do you think Anson is that easily convinced?"

Dustin: ... The words caught in his throat, he felt a wave of frustration, "Why does this feel so off, like something isn't right?"

"Heh," Mike chuckled, "We've all underestimated that young man. No, I think the whole of Hollywood has misjudged him."

"Dustin, he's an actor—young, handsome, and talented. He has a promising future as an actor."

In the North American entertainment industry, there are countless examples of singers crossing over to acting or actors crossing over to music—Cher, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and so on. The younger generation also has its share, like Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, etc.

That's why the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) is regarded as the highest achievement in the North American entertainment industry, spanning television, music, film, and theater—the pinnacle of awards across the entire industry.

However, reality is a bit different.

People generally believe that talent is limited, and one should focus on mastering a single field. Those versatile stars who excel in multiple domains are rare exceptions.

So when an actor tries to become a singer, or a singer tries to become an actor, they often face significant challenges and even harsh criticism.

And after the millennium, this trend has become increasingly pronounced.

In the younger generation, people like Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift have all tried acting, with better and better resources, yet they all faced severe criticism.

Justin, after several attempts without breakthrough success, was even quietly shunned by Hollywood studios. While not outright blacklisted, producers often sighed when they saw his name, with no projects willing to give him a chance—even a superstar like Justin faced such barriers.

After the millennium, achieving an EGOT became an almost unattainable dream. Compared to singers or actors, songwriters and producers had a better chance of collecting all four major awards, as they worked behind the scenes and performed the same role across different domains.

In 2002, the situation wasn't as severe, but there was no denying that it was a reality they needed to face—

Whether Anson was willing to record an album was one thing; how the album would be received after its release was another.

Mike had to admit that it wasn't until now that he truly recognized Anson's status as an actor.

Initially, Anson was just a pretty face—he had limited screen time in "The Princess Diaries," and like millions of viewers, if not for that transformation moment on "The Tonight Show," they would have completely overlooked Anson's acting career.

But now, Mike suddenly realized, "Spider-Man" was about to be released, and Anson's acting career was on the rise—this was an issue they had to take seriously.

Once the album was released, Warner Music might face backlash.

Dustin suddenly became alert, sensing the deeper meaning in Mike's words, "So, you're saying we should give up?"

"No, no, no."

"Mike, we shouldn't miss out on Anson."

"He's outstanding, truly outstanding. Believe me, his music deserves to be heard. We wouldn't want to miss out on such a talented musician."