If Ron Meyer knew that right after he rejected Hugo, Hugo would immediately receive help from Paul Junger Witt to attend a movie premiere, and one that was going head-to-head with "basic instinct" at that, his expression probably wouldn't look too good.Originally, Joseph had come down to look for the address book and see if there were any options he hadn't considered, but now that was no longer necessary; Paul's invitation had solved the problem, which was truly wonderful.Joseph took the invitation from Hugo's hand, opened the beautifully packaged envelope, and took out the black-based card inside, on which was written in gold font, "'the last analysis'?"For a moment, Joseph couldn't recall the movie and couldn't help but look at Carl, who was standing opposite him."Kim Basinger." Carl remembered it immediately and said the name of the lead actress, which also jogged Joseph's memory."Oh, that work she collaborated on with Richard Gere!" Joseph picked up the conversation. He finally remembered the movie; it was a highly anticipated work, not at all inferior to "basic instinct."However, Joseph then remembered something else and looked at Hugo with some concern.Hugo hadn't heard of the movie "the last analysis" and knew nothing about it, but he was very familiar with the two Actors, Kim Basinger and Richard Gere.Kim Basinger was the first actress in history to both appear on the cover of "Playboy" and win an oscar statuette. In the early eighties, she quickly became known for her sexy and mature temperament, achieving fame overnight, and subsequently delivered a passionate performance in "9 1/2 Weeks," successfully carving out a place for herself in the film circle. In 1989, she starred in Tim Burton's version of "batman" and achieved impressive results.Of course, what truly made Kim go down in history was the 1997 work that won her the Oscar best supporting actress, "l.a. confidential."At this point, the thirty-nine-year-old Kim Basinger was already a goddess-level figure who commanded the most attention in Hollywood.Speaking of Richard Gere, this sexy icon, who had the most explosive influence in the eighties, was clearly at the top. From "American Gigolo" to "An Officer and a gentleman" and then to "pretty woman," all of these made him a charismatic man who was incredibly popular in Hollywood.However, compared to Kim Basinger's global sex symbol image, Hugo's biggest impression of Richard Gere was that he was a supporter of Tibetan independence. Richard had publicly made anti-China remarks many times, making it difficult for Hugo to have a positive impression of him.Hugo didn't know what would happen at the premiere. If he inexplicably harbored hostility toward Richard, the scene would probably be very strange, not to mention that his current appearance was that of a thorough white man.Hugo was thinking about the situation at the premiere, but in Joseph's eyes, it looked like a hint of worry. "Hugo, are you okay with attending this premiere?"Hugo was startled and couldn't help but suspect: could Joseph have already noticed his rejection and disdain for Richard? That was impossible; he hadn't said anything. Hugo feigned calmness and asked, "What's wrong? Is something the matter?"Joseph thought for a moment and decided to tell the truth. "Uma is also in this movie.""Uh... Uma Thurman?" Hugo's response was cautious because Joseph's attitude seemed to be telling Hugo that something unpleasant had happened between him and Uma. Could it be that they had worked on a movie together before?Uma Thurman had never been able to become a massive superstar in Hollywood, but her representative works were always talked about with relish. "pulp fiction," "Kill Bill," "The Avengers," and so on, ensured she always had a place among Hollywood actresses, and her fatal charm with an oriental mysterious quality radiated an attraction that was not flashy but dazzling.Of course, the current Uma was just a budding new actress. Hugo didn't remember his predecessor having worked on a movie with Uma. But Joseph's expression clearly indicated: there was something fishy going on here! So Hugo had to carefully consider his tone, "I don't have a problem. I think that's all in the past."Hugo thought carefully and added, "Besides, this is just work. One must be professional, right? Paul's invitation didn't come easily, so we naturally can't miss it."Joseph carefully examined Hugo's calm face, confirmed that Hugo wasn't lying, and then nodded. Hugo couldn't help but wipe cold sweat from his brow, but after getting past Joseph, what should he do when he actually saw Uma? Hugo really didn't know what had happened between them, whether it was good or bad. He figured he would just have to deal with it as it came."Since you've decided to attend the premiere, you must buy two outfits." Although Joseph was officially an agent, he was now practically wearing multiple hats, including supervising Hugo's styling and assistant work. Fortunately, Joseph only had Hugo as an artist for now, so the work wasn't too heavy.Hugo didn't react for a moment, "Aren't there many new clothes in the closet?" Hugo thought carefully, "That outfit I wore to the Golden Raspberry Awards last time was only worn once, right?"As soon as these words came out, Joseph stared blankly at Hugo, and Carl, who was beside him, cast a gaze as if looking at an alien."Hugo, this is Hollywood." Joseph said simply. Hugo didn't answer; he vaguely realized that he had just made a common-sense error. If he spoke again, he would probably reveal the fact that he knew very little about the Hollywood industry. "If you appear at two different public occasions wearing the same outfit, the newspaper headlines tomorrow will probably say you're down and out."Hugo immediately understood. He had read quite a bit about this when he watched the news before. In Hollywood, this Vanity Fair, every appearance had countless eyes staring at you, from hairstyle to clothing, makeup to accessories, female companions to partners, all would become the focus of scrutiny under the flashlights. Wearing the same outfit to two different public occasions, or wearing the same outfit as another artist, were both very terrible things. This was especially true for female artists, for whom the requirements were extremely strict. Relatively speaking, the conditions for male artists were much more relaxed, but the principle itself did not change. Not to mention at large occasions like the Oscars or premieres, every pore of an artist would be placed under a microscope for observation.It was no wonder Hugo made a mistake. Before, when their band, Glory to Death, performed at various small venues, there were no stage costumes; everything was just their own personal clothing, only dressed up more formally. Any outfit was worn over and over again; there was simply no concept of Hollywood in that.Looking at Hugo's current situation, the aftereffects of the Golden Raspberry Awards still lingered, "scent of a woman" hadn't been released yet, and he was temporarily unemployed... This in itself was countless handles waiting for reporters to pick at. If he were caught wearing the same outfit he wore to the Golden Raspberry Awards to the premiere of "the last analysis," there would definitely be groups and groups of people laughing at him.Joseph looked at the bewildered Hugo, feeling quite exasperated. He greeted Carl and then took Hugo away from the company, preparing to go on a proper shopping trip."But, aren't our funds very tight right now?" Hugo didn't have any manufacturers willing to sponsor him, so any investment had to come out of his own pocket. Not long ago, Hugo had checked his bank account; there was less than two thousand dollars inside. It looked like a lot, but food, clothing, housing, and transportation all cost money. Moreover, Hugo had no work for the next period, so he had to tighten his belt even more.Joseph's financial management concept was clearly clearer than Hugo's. "Don't worry, the payment for 'scent of a woman' will be deposited today.""Really?" Hugo's eyes immediately lit up. This was his first income since he transmigrated, or to put it bluntly, his first official income since he ran away from home at fifteen.Hugo didn't know the specifics of the personal income tax that needed to be paid in the United States very well, but based on his income bracket, he had to pay thirty-six percent in personal income tax. However, this still needed to go through tax exemptions and standard deductions plus progressive tax rates. Ultimately, the personal income tax Hugo needed to pay was around fifteen percent. After paying taxes, he also needed to pay a ten percent commission to Joseph and the agency. In the end, the payment that would reach Hugo's hands would be about three hundred and eighty thousand dollars. The exact figure would still need to be calculated by an accountant after Joseph handed it over.Three hundred and eighty thousand dollars; this was truly too important for Hugo, who was in a difficult situation."We need to make some soft investments; buying clothes is just the first step." Joseph had long known the date the payment would arrive and had started planning for Hugo's future life, "Then you also need to find a new house.""Do we have to move?" Although the environment of Joseph's current residence was truly terrible, it was, after all, the place Hugo was most familiar with since he transmigrated, so his first reaction was still some reluctance.Joseph chuckled, "Of course, you must move, and I need to move too." The current residence was just an expedient measure. Although they still didn't have enough capital to buy a house or live in high-end housing, it was very necessary to change to a safer and cleaner residence.Hugo quickly understood this point. Living in the current place forever was not a long-term plan; moving was inevitable, so he nodded and didn't continue to dwell on this point. But soon, Hugo's cheerful mood calmed down. Early nineties clothing? Especially men's clothing, it seemed to be far from the aesthetics of 2014. This...Buying clothes didn't seem like an enjoyment, but a torture.
