Compared to the frustration of Ron Meyer and Richard Gere, Hugo and Joseph's mood was clearly as bright as the June sunshine on Malibu beach. This was perhaps the biggest good news since the Golden Raspberry Awards, even comparable to the successful audition for 'scent of a woman,' as it was the first time in two months that the media had given Hugo predominantly positive reviews.Even though these positive reviews were mostly about appearance, and many of the discussions were about Hugo and Uma, this was still a positive sign. It meant that Hugo, after hitting a low point with the Golden Raspberry Awards, was slowly but surely getting back on track. This was the most encouraging part.Originally, Joseph had only planned to increase Hugo's exposure and gradually repair his relationship with the media, aiming to present Hugo's positive image in newspapers and magazines. Although attending a premiere might not have direct economic benefits, in the long run, it would greatly help Hugo's public image. This would not only improve Hugo's standing with major producers but also make future publicity work for 'scent of a woman' and other projects much smoother.Surprisingly, Hugo's attendance at the premiere had an effect that others could only dream of. He not only completely outshone the real star of the premiere, Richard Gere, but also incidentally cast a shadow over the competing film 'basic instinct,' completely dominating the entertainment headlines the next day. This was truly unexpected.Hugo specifically called Paul Jon Witt to thank him. This time, Paul's help was truly timely, solving a major problem for Joseph and unexpectedly bringing Hugo unprecedented positive responses.'So, what did I say? A sharp suit is absolutely necessary.' Even the usually reserved Joseph was unusually cheerful today, his words filled with a hint of joy.Looking at Joseph's joyful expression, Hugo shrugged. 'That was four thousand five hundred dollars. If it doesn't work out, I'm going to return it.' Joseph's expression instantly froze, leaving him speechless.The positive aftermath of 'the last analysis' would take time to fully manifest. For now, Hugo was still without work, leaving him and Joseph idle once again. This time, Joseph was not in a hurry to find Hugo more work. Given Hugo's current situation, the focus should be on quality, not quantity. With the premiere as a foundation, Joseph's mind was gradually at ease.Taking advantage of this downtime, Joseph and Hugo looked for a new place to live, which was crucial for both of them. Two grown men sharing a small space was troublesome enough, but the lack of personal space was even more problematic.Although Hugo had a little money now, considering his next job was uncertain, he shouldn't spend recklessly. So, for the new residence, Hugo didn't want to live alone in a single apartment but instead asked Joseph to find a three-bedroom, two-bathroom shared apartment. Hugo would rent one of the rooms and share the rent with others. Such a large apartment would have a better environment, better security, and the cost wouldn't be too high due to sharing.Joseph had expected convincing Hugo to share an apartment would be difficult. After all, Hugo had been the lead in three films, even though he had squandered most of his earnings. It's easy to go from frugal to extravagant, but hard to go from extravagant to frugal. Moreover, asking 'leading man' Hugo to share an apartment seemed quite humiliating. Surprisingly, after Joseph tentatively suggested this, Hugo agreed without much hesitation.Once again, Hugo had impressed Joseph.For Hugo, sharing an apartment was not a big deal. In the past, during the toughest times with 'Glory to Death,' he had even slept on the streets and rented a large basement room shared with twenty people. After such experiences, accepting a spacious, bright shared apartment was no problem. Besides, although the suite Joseph found was not high-end, it was quite good.The famous Sunset Boulevard is one of the most iconic routes in Los Angeles. Just like its name, as the sun sets, golden light lazily spills over the entire street. Driving along this road feels like heading towards a heavenly paradise, with everything bathed in a beautiful golden hue, almost too good to be true. Hollywood Boulevard, home to attractions like the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, runs parallel to Sunset Boulevard. So, after a day in Hollywood, one can head south along Hollywood Boulevard, pass three small intersections, and reach Sunset Boulevard. From there, heading west along Sunset Boulevard towards the beach, one will soon arrive at Sunset Plaza, a small square with a strong European atmosphere.Scattered around Sunset Plaza are many open-air bars, cafes, and ice cream shops, along with numerous high-end stores. Even just sitting here and enjoying a leisurely afternoon, feeling the gentle sea breeze, basking in the lazy sunlight, and watching the beautiful people pass by, is pure bliss. Just two miles further is the famous Beverly Hills.Stopping at Sunset Plaza and looking towards the small hill behind it, one can see a not-so-wide road winding upwards. Along the way, tall holly bushes line both sides of the road, and residential buildings of varying heights are nestled among the greenery. The air is filled with the scent of the sea and earth, making it easy to feel at ease.On this hillside, there are many affordable apartment suites, though they are older buildings, so the rent is not high. A three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment typically ranges from one thousand two hundred to one thousand eight hundred dollars, depending on factors like furnishings, views, and the condition of the renovations.With the help of his company colleague Rick Rosen, Joseph found a new place for Hugo. The apartment is located midway up this hill, with an unassuming earth-toned exterior, but the surrounding environment is much improved. There are no homeless people or litter in sight, and while it's not spotless, it's clean and tidy.Climbing the slightly dim staircase to the third floor and opening the door, the first thing that comes into view is a garage-style living room. The dark blue concrete walls are bare, with only a basic coat of paint. The wall opposite the door is a large window, allowing sunlight to pour in and offering a clear view of the lush trees and bustling streets below, as well as the distant blue sea and white sandy beach.To the left is a simple low wooden cabinet with nothing on it except a remote control, but there's no sign of a TV. Opposite the cabinet is a maroon sofa set, its cracked and worn surface showing its age.Compared to the simple left corner, the center and right side of the living room are also unimpressive. In the center stands a large, rough wooden table, still covered in fine splinters and unvarnished. Behind the table is a piano, its dilapidated appearance making one wonder if it still works.On the right is a partition leading to the kitchen, which has nothing but a frying pan on the stove. The dining area outside the partition has only a large, irregular slab of marble on a sturdy wooden frame, with a lone light bulb dangling above. Finally, there's an appliance here—a two-person refrigerator standing in the corner near the kitchen. However, its peeling surface and oil-stained power cord raise doubts about its functionality.In the corner of the dining room farthest from the door is a red wooden door leading to a single room, which contains only a mattress. On the left side of the living room, between the low wooden cabinet and the main door, is a hallway leading to two bedrooms on the right and a bathroom and storage room on the left.Opening the doors to these two bedrooms, the one closer to the living room is clearly occupied. It contains a bed, desk, wardrobe, and other basic items. The bed is piled high with clothes, and the desk is covered in scattered papers. A pair of boxer shorts with a red ape pattern lying on the floor indicates that the room's occupant is male.The inner bedroom is like the room on the right side of the living room, containing only an old mattress. However, this room's door is a natural wood color, not painted red. Entering the room, the wall facing Sunset Plaza is also a large glass window, offering the same stunning view as the living room.Although the decor is almost non-existent and every detail shows its age, the nearly three thousand square feet (two hundred eighty square meters) of spacious layout and breathtaking ocean view are captivating. Not to mention, the environment is much cleaner and safer than the previous residence.So, after seeing the place, Hugo agreed to Joseph's proposal without hesitation and decided to move in!
