A note, a message.
These words were the very same news reports from the British media back then, harshly criticizing Waltz with deep concern, expressing their worries in stern terms.
The classical literature and sheet music that Jeff had collected represented noble traditions. But Anson, like a storm, had turned the entire study upside down. Seeing the chaos, he realized it would be difficult to restore everything to its original state, so he left a note explaining the situation.
Anson believed Jeff would understand.
Then.
He left.
As he opened the door to leave the room, another door across the hallway also opened. Out came a figure, full of allure, adjusting her clothes while casually applying lipstick.
Their eyes met—
Angelina Jolie.
This bold, audacious, and always flamboyant actress did not shy away from the eye contact. Instead, she sized up Anson, a smile playing on her lips, unfazed as she continued adjusting her clothes, her entire demeanor exuding a provocative attitude.
Embarrassed?
No way!
Angelina showed no signs of being flustered at being caught; in fact, she was even more composed than Anson.
This confused Anson. From the situation, it seemed that the other participant, Billy Bob Thornton, had already left, which explained Angelina's composure. This also suggested they didn't want their secret to be discovered—
Everything was hidden underground.
But Angelina's demeanor was not only open but also slightly challenging, as if she wanted people to decipher the secret, almost like she was daring them to notice.
So, did these two want to keep it secret or make it public?
Or perhaps one wanted it secret, and the other didn't, leading to a difference of opinion?
However, Anson wasn't a novice either; he had seen his share of storms. Compared to the shocking antics that Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton would later be known for, today's incident was nothing.
Most famously, Angelina and Billy cut themselves and filled small vials with each other's blood, wearing them as necklaces at public events to symbolize keeping a part of each other with them.
It was considered shocking.
More discreetly, it was rumored they could start "fighting" anywhere at any time, even being arrested for engaging in that activity in public places. This made the 20-year age difference couple a prime example of Hollywood's indulgence and rebellion—a cautionary tale.
Knowing this, tonight's incident wasn't really surprising.
After a moment of slight surprise, Anson's lips curved into a smile. He then raised his hands and silently, politely clapped twice, applauding Angelina.
Just like an audience member.
Since she had prepared a performance, Anson decided to enjoy it as a spectator.
Angelina hadn't anticipated Anson's reaction. Her eyebrows rose as she flashed a neat, white-toothed smile, almost like a vampire. She then delicately pinched her skirt, curtseying as an actress would at the end of a performance.
Back and forth.
Anson and Angelina turned their backs to each other, one heading left, the other right, each walking away down the hallway in opposite directions.
From beginning to end, not a word was exchanged, but they left a deep impression on each other.
As soon as he rounded the corner and entered the rear courtyard, before Anson could take another step, someone stepped in his way.
"Wow."
### Chapter 215: Relentless
Tonight, as Anson stepped onto the red carpet of the temple hall, everyone was abuzz about Anson's head-to-head encounter with Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, where he held his own without faltering. His witty humor and cool, mysterious aura even overshadowed Brad's presence, creating a spectacular scene.
However, the fashion crowd was more concerned with one question: Where did Anson's suit come from?
Dior.
This was an unexpected name, one that even the most seasoned and professional fashion insiders did not anticipate—so surprising that it almost seemed absurd.
Involuntarily, everyone took a step back and gave Anson another once-over. Nearly every fashion expert had the same reaction after learning the answer.
They suddenly understood:
Just like "GQ" magazine, Anson's look tonight was another pleasant surprise, perhaps even a revelation, on par with the groundbreaking mix of suits with sneakers and skateboards—the fusion of formal wear with sports. If someone were to claim that tonight's outfit took it to the next level, there probably wouldn't be many objections.
After all, a suit is still a suit, but in the details of the cut and lines, a completely different charm was revealed for the first time—making people realize that men's formal wear could have this kind of appeal, a dangerous, mysterious, and seductive charm.
At the same time, at the after-party, Anson boldly broke free from conventions, completely overturning the serious, formal, and professional image of the suit, breathing new life into formal wear.
It's no exaggeration to say this was a shock that could change fashion perceptions, which is why those fashion professionals couldn't hide their reactions when they saw Anson.
It felt like when Michael Jackson first released the "Thriller" music video—no one knew exactly what was happening, but everyone realized something significant was unfolding.
Standing at the crossroads of history, no one could contain their excitement.
In just six months, this was Anson's second time leading the fashion trend.
So, what does this mean?
He's got the looks, the aura, the taste, and the intuition.
Whether or not Anson can make a mark as an actor remains to be seen, but there's no doubt that in the fashion world, Anson has a bright future.
It's important to note that in 2000, fashion was just fashion—its connection with movies wasn't as close, more like two parallel fields that progressed closely but separately. It wasn't until Justin Timberlake left *NSYNC to go solo and ventured into the movie industry that the situation started to change.
If anyone wonders why Justin Timberlake never became a box office giant in films, yet had such a profound influence in both movies and music:
"Fashion" is the key.
Now, *NSYNC still hasn't disbanded, and Justin Timberlake hasn't gone solo. Fashion and movies are still two unrelated parallel lines, but Anson has appeared.
History continues on its original path, yet at a certain fork in the road, a slight deviation occurs because of a small butterfly, leading into a parallel universe. The world is still the same world, the era still the same era, but the people and events in this universe have begun to change.
First, it was Brad Renfro, then it was men's fashion. This Emmy night is quietly veering off course.
Eve was very pleased with this—
"Anna Wintour will hear the rumors."
Everything was going according to plan, not just that, but the effect was doubled, even tripled.
After a busy night, it was already 5 a.m. by the time Anson returned home. His two roommates had long gone, disappeared to who knows where. He didn't have time to check on them; he could only silently pray for Brad before collapsing onto his bed and falling into a deep sleep.
His sleep was abruptly interrupted by what felt like an earthquake. Anson sat up suddenly, thinking he had just experienced his first earthquake in Los Angeles, only to see Chris's haggard, hungover face through a slit in his eyes.
"Someone's looking for you. He said you must head to New York."
Without any further explanation, Chris collapsed onto Anson's bed and fell into a snoring slumber. Anson didn't have time to care, quickly getting up, washing his face, and getting ready. When he went downstairs, he saw Edgar waiting for him.
After a whirlwind of activity, like a tornado passing through, Anson was already passed out on a flight, as the two of them once again crossed the North American continent, heading back to the East Coast.