Chapter 003: Trouble Abounds
Upon thinking of this, Hugo couldn't help but shiver. For the first time since his crossing, he felt a tangible sense of being alive. Although he still had not fully adapted to the unfamiliar environment and the strange body he now inhabited, at least he was still alive, and that was something to be grateful for
Hugo was quite certain that he must have been overwhelmed by confusion just now, which led him to run into the ladies' restroom. However, was there anyone in the restroom before? ... Hugo realized that he had not paid any attention at all; if there had been someone there...
Joseph heard Hugo's murmurs, but he scoffed with a laugh, clearly not believing in Hugo's determination. "Let's go, if you don't want to deal with those persistent tails, you must hurry."
Taking a deep breath, Hugo quickly opened the bathroom stall door and immediately saw the imposing man standing next to it. He stood around 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall and weighed at least 200 pounds (91 kilograms), exuding an overwhelming presence. The pair of icy blue eyes remained the most vivid impression in Hugo's mind; this was Joseph Gibbs, the nominal agent of this body.
What are you still doing? Are you really going to wait for the reporters to swarm over, guarding the entrance of the ladies' restroom, and then add a bit of gossip to tomorrow's headlines? Joseph looked at the dazed Hugo, clearly unable to comprehend, and helplessly glanced at the restroom door. Tonight's events had already gone off the rails; they needed to return first and discuss it later, hoping that people could focus their attention on the upcoming 49th Golden Globe Awards that would unfold tomorrow.
The sharply defined facial features exhibit a ruggedness characteristic of Westerners, yet they lack the harshness of Greek deities sculpted with knife and chisel, instead possessing a hint of Eastern softness. Those light brown eyes effortlessly capture all attention; the allure and haziness within those almond-shaped eyes are entirely concealed in a pool of amber lake water, their crystalline clarity appearing both intoxicated and sober, reminiscent of the verdant lakes and mountains during a gentle spring rain. Under the dim, creamy yellow light of the bathroom, they are shrouded in a faint halo, quickening one's heartbeat. The thick, dark, slightly arched eyebrows seamlessly blend into the temples, while the long, dense eyelashes and high nose bridge together outline a clear three-dimensional contour, accentuating those almond-shaped eyes that resemble two deep and mysterious lakes.
First, he became the first actor in the history of the Golden Raspberries to personally attend the award ceremony, then he tearfully and gratefully accepted the most humiliating trophy of his acting career, ... and then he spent nearly half an hour in the ladies' restroom ... . ... Hugo felt a deep sense of sadness; regardless of what his circumstances were before his journey, it was now evident that he had to bear these situations himself.
The trouble is not over, damn journalists
No wonder Joseph kept asking him if he was still in a high state; both "Big Harry" and "Kaka" are slang for heroin. It is not surprising that after waking up, everything appeared so hazy, and his emotional fluctuations were so intense. This reminded Hugo of Lindsay Lohan and Macaulay Culkin, who became famous at a young age but lost themselves in the glamorous and hedonistic world of Hollywood. It is likely that this body also succumbed to the intoxicating lifestyle of this great cesspool, ultimately leaving this world and allowing him to enter this skin. No wonder this actor has such an outstanding temperament, yet he was unable to achieve success later on; it was entirely due to his own self-destruction of his future.
Through the palm that covered his eyes, Hugo saw someone pushing forward, forcing him to retract his foot that was about to step out of the elevator. He loudly asked, "Mr. Lancaster, not only have you been nominated for the Golden Raspberries three times in two years, but you are also the first actor in history to attend the awards ceremony in person to accept the award. Is there any special reason for this? Just now, when you were on stage, you were in tears; is there some hidden story behind it? From your acceptance speech, it is evident that you have a particular fondness for this award. Is that true?"
Hugo's gaze shifted to the makeup mirror, where he saw his current appearance, which was neither the self he remembered nor any famous actor from his memory, but rather a stranger's face.
However, this silence lasted for less than a minute. When the elevator stopped at the basement level, a blinding flash of light burst in as soon as the elevator doors opened. Hugo instinctively closed his eyes; the light was so piercing that it gave him a headache. He knew it must be the damned drugs causing this, but he felt utterly powerless.
Is this really myself? Hugo let out a long sigh, feeling as if everything was unreal, even though the sting from the earlier slap still lingered on his cheek, it still did not feel real enough
In fact, when it comes to appearances, due to the differing aesthetic viewpoints of individuals, each person's definition of handsome men and beautiful women is naturally different, so this exterior may not necessarily be captivating. However, the key point is that this face possesses a natural charm, as if it were a magnet attracting people's attention—including Hugo's own.
Seeing Joseph's dreadful expression, Hugo finally understood, "Are you saying... drugs?" Hugo could hardly use the first person smoothly, as he was utterly shocked; the previous life of this body was indeed remarkable! Not to mention the Razzie Awards, which everyone avoids, he actually overdosed on drugs and fainted backstage at the awards ceremony, clearly signaling to all reporters: Hey, I have countless news scoops, come quickly!
Hugo immediately noticed the astonished expression reflected in the mirror, with his eyebrows slightly converging towards the center, forming a small "川" shape. It was only then that he realized that the owner of this face was none other than himself. The thought of being startled by his own "beauty" was indeed quite strange. Hugo couldn't help but pat his own cheek, feeling a slight sting, as the reality of the situation hit him.
Hugo and Joseph stood in the elevator in complete silence, with no one speaking. Joseph assumed that Hugo had not fully recovered from his high spirits, which explained his unusual behavior; meanwhile, Hugo was at a loss for words, fearing that saying too much might lead to mistakes, and could only obediently keep his mouth shut
The smoothly contoured chin is adorned with a light stubble, making the slightly pursed thin lips appear incredibly tender. The stubble, referred to as the "five o'clock shadow," complements the dark golden hair, which, due to Hugo's relentless teasing, has lost its original shape and now hangs casually and lazily, just above the eyebrows. It is evident that this is naturally wavy hair, though not excessively so; it merely curls slightly into arcs, adding a touch of nonchalance. A subtle classical charm faintly radiates between the brows, giving this face an indescribable allure. This very charm is hidden within every expression and detail on the face, making it difficult for one to look away.
"Yes, I should be grateful," Hugo said, taking a deep breath. "I must quit this damned thing for good." Hugo murmured softly; although he was whispering, the English words slipped out. Hugo could feel himself gradually integrating into this world.
After leaving the restroom, Hugo only had time to glance at the hotel corridor and did not have more time to explore this venue of the first Academy Awards, which left him somewhat reluctant. In his twenty-five years of life, he had never been abroad, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was located in Los Angeles. Hugo indeed wished to stay and visit like a tourist, but Joseph's urging gaze compelled him to quicken his pace and step into the elevator, shutting the vintage charm of the corridor behind the iron door. In his twenty-five years of life, he had never been abroad, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was located in Los Angeles. Hugo indeed wished to stay and visit like a tourist, but Joseph's urging gaze compelled him to quicken his pace and step into the elevator, shutting the vintage charm of the corridor behind the iron door.
Hugo's words seemed to have angered Joseph, whose expression immediately darkened as he said irritably, "You should be grateful that you just managed to stay awake and weren't taken directly to heaven by Kaka to meet Jesus."
Hugo was taken aback for a moment, taking a few seconds to realize that Joseph was referring to the paparazzi. Although he still felt sore all over his muscles, this was merely a physiological sensation; mentally, he was completely healthy. Therefore, after gathering his spirits, he quickly caught up with Joseph's pace
Hugo withdrew his gaze and looked at Joseph, pausing for a moment, "Oh, I just feel a bit dizzy, and also, I am really very tired." This was not an excuse; Hugo immediately followed with a big yawn. Ever since he regained consciousness, he had felt fatigued, and his entire head was in a fog, lacking any capacity for information processing. Just now, he had been overwhelmed by the joy of "stepping onto the stage of the Midi Rock Awards," which had clouded his mind, so he had not expressed it. Now, realizing that he had crossed over, a wave of soreness washed over him. "What just happened to me? Why did I faint in... the bathroom?"
Drugs, during the ten years that Hugo spent in the underground rock music scene, he witnessed countless individuals soaring in the world of drugs, only to forever fall into the ocean of black poppies. Even the most talented geniuses could not escape the clutches of drugs. The first guitarist of Glory to Death, Zhang Xiaoye, lost his life to drugs. At that time, Hugo was by Zhang Xiaoye's side, watching him enter a state of bliss, enduring endless suffering, and then sinking into a deep sleep. His vitality, like fireworks, bloomed proudly and then vanished, never to awaken again. The first guitarist of Glory to Death, Zhang Xiaoye, lost his life to drugs. At that time, Hugo was by Zhang Xiaoye's side, watching him enter a state of bliss, enduring endless suffering, and then sinking into a deep sleep. His vitality, like fireworks, bloomed proudly and then vanished, never to awaken again.
Hugo was taken aback; this was indeed a remarkably handsome face. Although there are countless handsome men and beautiful women in this world, the number of those who have made a name for themselves in Hollywood solely based on their good looks is even greater. Just now, Hugo received the award for Worst Actor at the Golden Raspberries. While it is not a glorious accolade, he certainly would not overlook the "Actor" part, which indicates that the original owner of this body had at least managed to secure a leading role in Hollywood, rather than being an obscure extra. Hugo can be certain that this appearance must have contributed significantly, yet he does not recall ever seeing this actor in his memories. It seems that this is merely a superficial figure in the ruthless competition of Hollywood.
Hugo discovered that his line of sight was basically parallel to Joseph's, albeit slightly lower, indicating that he was at least 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall. As he raised his gaze slightly, Hugo caught sight of Joseph's probing look directed at him, which made him feel somewhat awkward, prompting him to shift his gaze to the makeup mirror on his right. Although he was aware that he had crossed over, and that the man before him, named Joseph, was the first person he had met since his transition, strictly speaking, he and Joseph were still strangers, leaving him at a loss for words. Moreover, if he were to say something indiscreet, and Joseph were to discern that his soul had been replaced, it would not bode well for him.