Since filming *Titanic*, Dunn has been a hot topic in the tabloids.
At first, it was Dunn promoting himself, trying to quickly boost his fame.
Later on, it was all because of his scandalous rumors.
For instance, the most explosive gossip recently is that Dunn Walker invited two starlets, Reese Witherspoon and Elizabeth Hurley, to his home for a threesome. The rumor is detailed and has been spreading widely, with tabloid news following suit.
The relatively conservative Brit, Elizabeth Hurley, was the first to be bothered by these rumors and moved out of Dunn's house. During an interview, she laughingly said that she was just staying temporarily as a guest of her good friend Reese Witherspoon, and that the threesome rumors were completely baseless.
Reese Witherspoon also "happened" to encounter a reporter and cheerfully said she was dating Dunn, and that Elizabeth is her good friend. Since Elizabeth is British and finds it inconvenient in the U.S., she invited her to stay together, hoping the media wouldn't make up stories.
Dunn didn't care about such rumors at all. He also ignored Reese Witherspoon's words. Of course, he wasn't dating Reese, but he needed to give her some space for self-promotion, right?
Reese Witherspoon was leveraging his fame, and Dunn was interested in her body—just a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Back at Dunn Films, Dunn was pleasantly surprised to find his office had been completely refreshed.
There were two potted plants on the windowsill, the bookshelves and desk had been wiped clean, and the floor was spotless.
Seeing Reese Witherspoon's gentle, sweet smile, Dunn asked in surprise, "Did you do all this?"
Reese Witherspoon spread her hands and tilted her pink face playfully, "How about it?"
"Very nice!"
Dunn sincerely complimented her.
Reese smiled and picked up a document from the desk. "The people you requested have been arranged. The *Star Wars* crew had no objections, but there are some limitations regarding authority."
Since it was a film Dunn was shooting, his regular team had to move over.
However, this caused some conflict with George Lucas's film team, which Dunn understood. "It's okay. This time, it's mainly for them to gain experience and learn about the production process of a commercial blockbuster."
"That's what I thought too." Reese Witherspoon handed the document to Dunn. "This is the report the production department submitted to Manola. She agreed and thinks the film has artistic value. It's not expensive, so we should buy it outright."
Dunn glanced at the document and couldn't help but show a hint of astonishment!
Reese Witherspoon didn't notice Dunn's expression and continued, "I heard it's a work by a young British director, with an investment of only $6,000. I've seen the final cut; it's quite good. It's hard to imagine the cost was so low! But Andrew said the film has little market value."
Dunn had already calmed down his excitement. "How did it come to us?"
Reese frowned and said, "I'm not too sure. After all... I'm just helping out temporarily, so it's not good to ask too many questions. But I heard that the British director worked really hard. He probably approached many film companies, but no one bought it."
Dunn closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and put down the document. He said, "Reese, notify them that Dunn Films will take on *Following* and contact that British director. I want to meet him."
A hint of surprise flashed in Reese Witherspoon's beautiful eyes. "You... you don't even need to see the film?"
Dunn smiled confidently, "No need!"
...
When Reese Witherspoon returned to the office, Dunn patted his thigh, "Come sit here."
Reese blushed, turned around to lock the door, and then swayed her hips, walking over to sit on Dunn's lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes full of flirtation, looking as if she were inviting him.
Dunn, both amused and annoyed, lightly tapped her, "You little minx, what are you thinking? This is the office!"
"Huh?!"
Reese Witherspoon let out an embarrassed exclamation.
Dunn took the opportunity to hold her and softly asked, "Reese, let's talk about your career plans."
Reese's mind buzzed with happiness, almost overwhelming her. She was one of the few well-educated actresses in Hollywood, so how could she not understand Dunn's intention? He was planning to pave the way for her career.
"I... I... Dunn... I..."
The excitement and joy on Reese Witherspoon's face were evident as she stammered.
Dunn gently patted her slim waist, "Hilda Quirley is an excellent agent. With her help, it shouldn't be difficult for you to make a name for yourself in Hollywood."
"Dunn, I trust you even more!"
With her intelligence, Reese Witherspoon could easily see which option was more advantageous.
Dunn pondered for a moment, "Reese, you're too sweet-looking, which severely limits your range. You're usually cast as a pretty face in horror films, which must have been the case for the past few years. And you're a bit petite, so you're not quite suitable for commercial blockbusters. As for art films that can win awards, your acting skills aren't quite there yet."
Reese Witherspoon was taken aback by Dunn's low assessment of her, her expression turning disappointed. "So, I don't have a chance to make it to the top?"
To pursue acting, she even neglected her studies, falling behind in credits and eventually dropping out of Stanford University.
If her acting career didn't turn out well, it would all have been for nothing.
Dunn shook his head, "It's not that you don't have a chance; it's just that the films suitable for you are rare. Or, I should say, movies where you can really shine are few. There is another path, though—like Julia Roberts, you could star in those sweet, romantic comedies. But honestly, I believe that's beneath your status."
"My status?" Reese Witherspoon was puzzled. "What status do I have?"
Dunn chuckled, "You're a top student, a Stanford alum. Isn't that right?"
Reese Witherspoon's expression grew a bit bitter. "If I were a top student, I wouldn't have dropped out."
Dunn firmly shook his head. "Reese, that's different! You need to understand that your background naturally places you above all the other Hollywood actresses. Are you willing to be stuck in the same circle as them?"
"Hmm?" Reese's delicate brows arched slightly. "Dunn, I don't understand."
"Don't be fooled by their glamorous appearances; actors have a very low status. Do you know what superstars like Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise are doing?"
"They're... they're transitioning to producing." Reese appeared dazed, starting to grasp what Dunn meant.
Dunn nodded. "Exactly. No matter how high an actor's status is, they're still just an actor. They occupy the lower tier of Hollywood, constantly being exploited—even Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz are no exception. You're a smart woman. Do you really want to be just another plaything in the hands of men?"
Reese Witherspoon curled her lips into a smirk, teasingly looking at Dunn as she leaned into his embrace. "And am I not that already?"
"Ahem..." Dunn blushed slightly. "This is different, Reese. I'm a young man, after all. Even if you're not dating me, wouldn't you date other handsome guys? But those older men aren't the same."
Reese Witherspoon dropped her teasing smile. "Dunn, I understand. But... I still can't believe that even someone like Julia Roberts would face such situations?"
Dunn shook his head. "Now, Julia doesn't, of course. But on her way to success, all of that was unavoidable!"
Reese Witherspoon took a deep breath. "Dunn, I understand. Tell me, what should I do?"
"Enter Hollywood from a higher position!"
Dunn's words were like a needle that pricked Reese's heart.
"Dunn, you'll help me, right?" Reese Witherspoon had realized that Dunn was her only hope.
"This can't be rushed; it has to be done gradually. You're smart and capable. I think you could temporarily work as my secretary, assisting me with some company affairs."
"Huh? A secretary?"
Reese Witherspoon was surprised; she hadn't expected this outcome.
Worried that she might misunderstand, Dunn quickly added, "Dunn Films is still small, but I can assure you it will grow quickly. There will be more and more work, and I'll definitely need to hire more assistants and secretaries. Naturally, your position will rise as well."
Reese Witherspoon quickly understood, her eyes lighting up. "Then, I could be in a mid-level... or even high-level position in the company, gaining more connections and resources, and be able to choose roles that suit me better. With a higher status, I'd join film crews and enjoy better treatment."
Dunn smiled, pulling her into a tight embrace and kissing her. "You're indeed a top student—so smart!"
Reese Witherspoon's cheeks flushed as she glanced at the office door, her voice low yet alluring. "Dunn, do you want to... in the office..."
"You little minx!"
"Oh my, you're really going for it... Ah!"
...
The next morning, the director and producers of the film *Following* arrived at Dunn Films to sign a series of buyout agreements.
Dunn Films purchased all the rights to *Following* for $50,000.
Dunn also invited the film's director into his office.
Looking at the young, handsome British director, Dunn's eyes showed unmistakable admiration. "May I call you Chris?"
"Of course!"
"Chris, *Following* is a very good film, but... you should understand that there is still room for improvement. I have an opportunity for you now. I'd like to invite you to join the crew of *Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace* as an assistant director, to be involved in the filming and production. Are you interested?"
"Star... Star Wars?"
Christopher Nolan's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"That's right. I'm extending this invitation with 100% sincerity and hope you'll accept the position," Dunn said with a smile.
"I'd love to!"
Christopher Nolan didn't hesitate. His overwhelming excitement instantly washed away the hardships he'd endured over the past two years trying to sell and distribute *Following*.
Lady Luck had arrived suddenly!