Dunn had a fiery temper, but that didn't mean he was foolish or impulsive.
Peter Jackson, a New Zealander, had faced tremendous hardships to make it in Hollywood. He had spent over a decade climbing from the independent film scene to the mainstream, eventually getting the chance to work on a big production like *The Lord of the Rings*.
How could he make such a foolish mistake?
Dunn remained calm and requested Peter Jackson's phone number to contact him directly.
Peter Jackson's accent was heavy, and Dunn had to listen carefully to understand him. "I'm sorry, Dunn , this is a misunderstanding."
Dunn frowned. "A misunderstanding? I don't think so. To me, this feels more like an insult."
"No, no, no!" Peter Jackson's tone became anxious. "Dunn , let me explain. I did extend an invitation to you, but that was three months ago."
"Three months ago?" Dunn 's eyebrows twitched.
"Yes," Peter Jackson confirmed. "At that time, as you know, the entire country was mocking you. I've experienced that kind of situation and know how unpleasant it can be, so I wanted to help you out by offering you a place on my crew to lay low, not in the way you might think."
Dunn wasn't sure how much to trust this explanation, but his anger toward William Milhauk intensified.
The invitation from three months ago was verifiable and couldn't be fabricated.
Why was William suddenly bringing up an invitation from three months ago? What was he trying to do?
"Peter, I believe there's been some misunderstanding here, but I think we need to discuss this face-to-face. What do you think?" Dunn 's eyes sparkled.
Peter Jackson, eager to avoid offending the promising director, immediately agreed. "Sure, I'll clarify everything. I owe you an explanation."
If Dunn made this information public, Peter Jackson's reputation in the industry could be ruined.
Given Dunn 's current fame and reputation, even the most seasoned Hollywood moguls wouldn't dare offer him a mere assistant director position—this was an insult!
Fortunately, Dunn 's approach was… quite mature.
"It seems Dunn 's temperament isn't as frivolous and simple as the rumors suggest. He's surprisingly composed. Thankfully!"
After hanging up, Peter Jackson sighed in relief and pondered for a moment before calling his assistant. "Find out who Dunn Walker's agent is."
---
Dunn also pondered for a while before smiling and shaking his head, dialing another number. "Hey, Liv, it's Dunn ."
"Ah! Dunn , hi!" Liv Tyler's voice was full of excitement.
Dunn chuckled. "Do you have time tonight? I'd like to take you out for dinner."
Liv Tyler understood Dunn 's intention and replied happily, "Sure, I'd be honored!"
"Great, I'll pick you up later."
Dunn 's mood was relaxed. Another wonderful evening, wasn't it?
---
The next day, Dunn took Liv Tyler to the Hilton hotel lobby, where they were greeted by a smiling and friendly Peter Jackson.
Liv Tyler didn't know why Dunn had brought her along today, but the bearded man seemed somewhat familiar. When Dunn mentioned his name, she realized it was Peter Jackson!
Although not officially announced yet, it was known in the industry that New Line Cinema was teaming up with Peter Jackson to bring the epic classic *The Lord of the Rings* to the big screen.
They went back to the room, and Peter Jackson spoke first. "Dunn , I think the situation is now clear."
"Oh?"
Dunn glanced at him with a smile.
Peter Jackson glanced cautiously at Liv Tyler.
Dunn smiled and put his arm around Liv's waist. "It's alright, she's my friend."
Liv Tyler smiled sweetly, thrilled. Making friends with a highly potential director was a boon for her future career.
Peter Jackson lowered his voice. "Dunn , you're aware that aa is facing significant upheaval right now, aren't you?"
Dunn nodded.
Aa, the Innovative Artists Agency, once the largest in the U.S. with control over Hollywood, had experienced a major shake-up in 1995.
Michael Ovitz went to Disney as president, Ron Meyer went to Universal as president, Jay Moloney committed suicide, and Eli Emanuel left to create Endeavor Talent Agency.
The departure of these major figures created panic within this Hollywood giant, causing many signed artists to leave, including Peter Jackson.
Though Liv Tyler was also in the industry, she was alarmed by such high-level Hollywood secrets, sensing a hint of conspiracy.
If Liv understood the situation, Dunn certainly did. His expression changed immediately. "Aa is using me as a pawn!"
Dunn was furious!
He was a contracted director with aa but hadn't expected to be unintentionally caught up in a power struggle between big companies.
Dunn had openly boasted in the media about "1.8 billion guarantees," "easily surpassing Spielberg," and "my film is legendary," leading everyone to believe he was a talented, intelligent, yet eccentric young man with poor emotional intelligence.
But they didn't know that it was all part of Dunn 's self-promotion.
If everything had gone according to aa's script, Dunn and Peter Jackson would be at odds, potentially causing Peter Jackson's agency a lot of trouble.
Using others to fight your battles—how typical!
Aa had really played their cards well!
Fortunately, Dunn was calm on the surface and chose to investigate rather than escalating the issue impulsively.
Seeing Dunn 's anger, Peter Jackson knew he had passed this test. "Dunn , this was ultimately my mistake. If you need any help in the future, just let me know."
Dunn smiled. "Peter, don't be so formal. You meant well, didn't you?"
Peter Jackson sighed in relief. "I'm glad you understand."
Dunn patted Liv Tyler's back. "Peter, let me introduce you to a very talented actress, Liv Tyler. Isn't she beautiful?"
Liv Tyler was ecstatic.
She understood Dunn 's intention perfectly. She was thrilled to the point of fainting!
She had made every effort to get into high-profile parties to meet influential people like Dunn Walker. She had flattered and courted him to advance her career.
Unexpectedly, after only two dates with Dunn , without making any requests, he was already actively paving the way for her.
In all of Hollywood, could there be a better man than Dunn Walker, who valued relationships so deeply?
At that moment, Liv Tyler's eyes sparkled with admiration. How lucky would she be to be his girlfriend?
Peter Jackson glanced at Liv casually. He understood that this was Dunn 's way of settling the matter. Smiling, he said, "Hello, Liv. You've probably heard some rumors. I'm planning a major project, *The Lord of the Rings*. If you're interested, you can come audition for my film."
Although it was called an audition, Dunn made it clear that this was a transaction, and Liv Tyler had no reason not to pass the audition.
"Sure, it's an honor to work with a director of your caliber."
Liv Tyler's smile was as radiant as blooming peach blossoms, both beautiful and charming.
Peter Jackson nodded and then focused back on Dunn . Liv Tyler was a minor player and not worth much consideration.
"Dunn , what are you planning to do about this?"
Dunn 's lips curled into a cold smile. "Hmph, if aa is going to be unreasonable, then Dunn Walker won't be easy to deal with either! If aa is falling apart, I don't mind adding fuel to the fire!"
In this situation, Peter Jackson was also a victim and his face darkened. "Yes, I'll communicate with a and apply more pressure. aa has gone too far this time!"
---
After leaving the Hilton Hotel, Liv Tyler wasn't afraid of paparazzi at all. She snuggled up to Dunn , linking her arm with his, and said playfully, "Dunn , my place is too small. I'd like to stay with you for a while. Is that okay?"
Dunn couldn't help but appreciate the girl.
She had climbed up from the bottom and, with family influence, handled social matters exceptionally well. After Dunn gave her a big gift, she immediately reciprocated.
In Hollywood, everything ultimately boils down to transactions.
"Sure, I'd love that." Dunn didn't care about the paparazzi; a little gossip might even increase his exposure.
Liv Tyler smiled and, after a moment's hesitation, lowered her voice. "Dunn , are you really going to fall out with aa?"
"Oh?" Dunn 's eyes showed some surprise. "What do you think?"
Liv said, "aa has too much influence. Even if it's facing a crisis now, it's not… I think you could just fire your agent. There's no need to make it a big deal; it wouldn't be good for anyone."
Dunn couldn't help but laugh. "Liv, I'm starting to appreciate you. You're a very smart girl."
"Thank you, you…" Liv Tyler beamed, then her eyes widened. "You… Dunn , you were lying just now, weren't you? You didn't tell Peter Jackson the truth!"
Dunn shook his head, his expression turning slightly stern. "Liv, sometimes being too smart isn't very charming."
Liv snuggled closer to him and whispered, "Dunn , it's because I trust you completely that I'm saying these things. Otherwise, I would never have spoken out."
That was the truth. Dunn recommending her to Peter Jackson had created an excellent and impressive image for Liv Tyler.
Dunn was silent for a moment, his expression a mix of mockery and coldness. "aa is no good, and a is no better. Let them fight it out among themselves. I just want to know what kind of benefits I can gain!"