Live broadcasts are all about immediacy. Even a 0.01-second hesitation can mean missing a crucial moment. It's a test of on-the-spot reactions.
Compared to Brad and Jennifer, it was clear that Kate and Anson demonstrated a level of professionalism that was on a completely different level, firmly controlling the situation.
Just a second ago, Kate was still commenting on their "close relationship." Brad and Jennifer exchanged a glance, worried—
They hadn't invited Anson to their wedding.
If Anson brought it up or if Kate asked, they would definitely have to offer some sort of explanation.
In the next moment, Anson made a light joke, "For display purposes only. Like the exhibits in the Metropolitan Museum of Art."
If he had only said the first part, it might have come across as a bit sarcastic, implying that their so-called friendship was just for show. But adding the second part, a dry joke, whether or not it was actually funny, lightened the mood.
Kate couldn't hold back and burst out laughing, "Oh my God, that's the coldest joke I've heard all year."
Anson didn't mind and spread his hands, "Sorry, this is my first live broadcast. I'm a little nervous. Can we rewind and try that again?"
"Haha." Not just Kate, even Jennifer couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Brad couldn't believe his ears and looked at Jennifer with a disappointed expression, as if saying, "You're really amused by that joke?"
But what their looks truly meant was probably known only to them.
However, the surrounding reporters also smiled.
A first live broadcast, a first awards ceremony—nerves were understandable. But Anson's handling of it, showing wit beneath the surface tension, was impressive.
It was a rare skill.
Moreover, Anson's cool demeanor throughout created an innocent, aloof vibe, which contrasted with the live setting and created a different kind of humor.
Kate, quick to react, made another joke, "Don't worry, viewers are always forgiving of a first time. Or, for certain handsome men, even a second and third time."
Her gaze fell on Anson—
It was a compliment.
Anson nodded slightly and pointed to the side, "You mean Brad?"
Brad finally caught on, "Hey, I'm innocent."
Usually, when Brad gathers with friends, he's the humorous one, but in front of Anson, he feels awkward. It was like this last time, and this time is no different.
They had planned everything perfectly, yet they didn't expect Anson to break through directly, not only facing the pressure of "riding the wave of fame" but also effortlessly controlling the situation, making the newlywed couple mere background characters. Worse yet, he gained attention by teasing them.
...How does Anson do it?
So much so that Brad completely lost his usual humor and couldn't even show a tenth of his normal self.
Look, right now.
Even though Brad responded with a line, all the laughter rushed towards Anson.
Kate's gaze couldn't leave Anson, and Brad and Jennifer were reduced to mere accessories.
Is this... reasonable?
Brad! Jennifer! The newlywed couple! America's sweethearts! The biggest topic of tonight's Emmy Awards! And yet! They've become background characters!
How is that possible?
Yet, this is exactly what's happening. Whether it's the audience or the reporters, no one feels it's out of place, as if Anson was supposed to be in that position. Even though nothing special happened, the focus naturally fell on Anson, so naturally and so reasonably.
Kate smiled at Anson. "I'm praising you, but maybe the audience watching the red carpet on TV doesn't know you."
Blair-Miller was watching the TV screen, nodding vigorously—
From behind, her mother's voice came, "Blair, nod any harder, and your head will fall off."
But obviously, Blair didn't care; it went in one ear and out the other.
Initially, Blair wasn't interested in the Emmy Awards. She just wanted to pass the time by watching the red carpet, maybe catching a glimpse of Brad and Jennifer.
However!
She never expected that when that figure appeared on the screen, that face, that build, that expression, that aura—her gaze couldn't move away.
Even though Brad was right there beside him, Blair could only see that figure. No smile, no movement, yet every gesture effortlessly drew her full attention, and her heart was about to explode.
Who is he?
That's the only thing Blair cared about.
So, when Kate said that, Blair couldn't control herself anymore. Every cell in her body was screaming.
Clearly, Blair wasn't the only one.
Not just the millions of viewers watching this moment on TV, who initially tuned in for Brad and Jennifer, but accidentally discovered a hidden gem; the scene at the Shrine Auditorium was no exception. The audience at the red carpet entrance stopped cheering and shouting, holding their breath and straining their ears.
Kate smiled, "Your guest appearance on 'Friends' last time won countless applause and praise, and you're even nominated tonight for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. It's hard to imagine you're only eighteen this year, and 'Friends' was your first work. So, why don't you introduce yourself?"
The microphone was once again pointed at Anson.
"Wood. Anson Wood."
Crisp and concise.
Blair felt her heart stop beating; her mind was filled with just one name, "Anson Anson Anson."
On the screen, Anson gave a faint smile, but it disappeared in an instant. Yet, the curve of his lips tugged hard at Blair's heart.
Kate noticed the detail and tilted her head slightly, "Wait. Were you just imitating James Bond in your introduction?"
Her eyes revealed a hint of mischief and playfulness. She never expected Anson to make an impression in such a way.
But...
Kate couldn't help but take a closer look at Anson. For a moment, Kate, who had seen it all and been through it all, couldn't stop her heart from skipping a beat.
Maybe, just maybe, Anson is actually perfect for the role of 007. Of course, his age might be a bit... But with that aura and demeanor, isn't he a perfect fit for the role of a suave British secret agent?
Kate was a little amazed.
Anson didn't answer—at least not verbally.
He just raised his right index finger to his lips, "Shh."
That was a silent acknowledgment, yet it told all the viewers to keep it a secret?
Then, his face, which had been devoid of extra expression, showed a slight change. The corners of his mouth gently lifted into a faint smile, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
In that fleeting moment, a radiant charm bloomed.
Ah!
Blair couldn't control herself; every cell in her body was screaming, screaming with all her might as she watched the TV screen, falling, slowly falling.
In the camera, Kate was also slightly stunned. She hadn't expected Anson's response, nor had she anticipated his smile.
The cool and distant aura, like the clouds parting after a storm, suddenly brightened, as if a fiery red sunset poured down like a waterfall, igniting the red carpet beneath his feet, yet obediently and calmly laying down at Anson's feet. For a brief moment, a very brief moment, time and space lost their meaning.
All the focus quietly converged on Anson.
Everything else faded into a blur.
End of the second chapter.