A classic gray Ford was parked on the side of the road. The young man who got out of the car threw a coin into the timer. After finishing his elegant handmade suit, he walked into the exquisite building next to him. coffee shop.
Under the guidance of the waiter, he quickly found his goal, walked over a few steps, sat down in front of the other party, and said in a lazy tone"Is there anything you want to do with me, Drew?"
"It's very simple, Si, I want you to help me rob the Japanese." Andrew closed the newspaper in his hand and put it aside, raised his head and looked directly into the other's eyes with a smile.
Simon was son of his father's friend Richard Parker, His god father. Both of them were in same school from kindergarten and are friends since forever.
"Be creative, the other party couldn't help whistling, tell me the time and place, and the LAPD may award me a Good Citizen Medal"
"Right now, the entire United States is robbing the Japanese, and I just want to seize the opportunity to get a share of the pie." Andrew pushed the newspaper in front of him in a leisurely manner, and the analysis article on the Nikkei index in the economic page was very conspicuous.
"When did you start to like watching economic news?" Simon asked half-jokingly and half-surprised.
"I believe that you are doing the same thing during this time, but the godfather must have restrained you a lot," Andrew didn't wait for answer, but said," Although my funds are not much, only about 20 million, But it can hold you fully responsible. What about that condition, Simon?"
"What are you talking about, Drew?" If it was a bit of a joke before, Simon has become serious now.
"Do you really want me to do it again, Si?" Andrew folded his legs and placed his fingers on the table.
Looking at this familiar action, Simon raised his hand unconsciously. "You know Drew, for a few seconds I thought that there was another person sitting in front of me - why did you suddenly ask me to do this?"
"Well I have completed my education and need to focus on future. Godfather owns a investment firm you work as a intern investment manager. Who else am i suppose to find?"
"So you found me and asked me to help you manage your investment. After you make money." Simon said seriously.
"If you agree, I'll notify Lawyer Wilson right away" Andrew ignored his jokes, to let you squander it at your own discretion, "I'll just see the result - the money will be at least five to ten times higher!"
Five to ten times? Simon looked surprised again, You have to know that it's almost the end...
"That's why I'm looking for you" Andrew interrupted unceremoniously. "Don't tell me, you've been in your father's company for one year and you've honed your sharpness,Si."
"Don't think about using this trick, Drew." Simon twitched the corners of his mouth. "Let's be honest, what exactly do you want to do."
"It's simple, Andrew said with a slight smile, becoming serious, I want to open a Production studio in Hollywood. You know I did my Major in Production and Management."
"I agree, as you said, I have nothing to lose anyway. Besides, I also want to know what kind of miracles I can create with my friend from childhood to adulthood." Simon said and spread his hands.
________
"Andrew, that's incredible! You're going to be in a movie?" Pete grinned, taking a sip of his drink. "I always knew you'd make it big!"
"It's just a supporting part," Andrew said modestly. keeping Jennifer close. "What's your news? I thought you were about to start an internship?"
"Yeah, I'm heading to the Bay Area soon. A small company there offered me a position," Simon replied, scratching his head.
"Oh, and by the way," Pete chuckled, "after you beat up Jonny, I heard he went home and got another thrashing from his dad."
Jennifer Aniston laughed and kissed Andrew on the cheek. "So Jonny not only lost money but also got beaten up twice?"
Andrew's attention was drawn to the TV in the corner. "Is that the finals?"
Peter nodded eagerly. "Yep, last year the Lakers beat the Pistons. This year, the Pistons are back for revenge!"
"Kareem's 41 now, right? He should be retiring soon," Andrew pointed out.
"Probably," Pete shrugged.
"This year, the Pistons are really strong, and the Lakers players are aging and not in the best shape."
Peter's eyes lit up. "I'd love to see a game at the Lakers' home, the Great Western Forum."
Andrew glanced over. "Then go. Even though Lakers tickets are the priciest in the league, they're still just a bit over $40!"
In the NBA, either the Los Angeles Lakers or the New York Knicks have the highest ticket prices. The Great Western Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles, hosted the Lakers until they moved to the Staples Center a decade later.
Peter grimaced. "Haha, we can't afford finals tickets; they're several times more expensive."
"Even playoff tickets are steep. Regular-season tickets are more affordable, though!"
"Alright, I'm heading to the dance floor," Peter said, spotting a curvaceous woman and heading towards her without hesitation.
Andrew nodded, lost in thought. Michael Jordan hadn't won a championship yet, but the Chicago Bulls dynasty was just around the corner!
"What's on your mind?" Jennifer Aniston nudged Andrew. "Come on, let's dance!"
"Oh, right," Andrew said, shaking off his daydreams.
On the dimly lit dance floor, bodies swayed to the rhythm of the music as Andrew held Jennifer close.
Jennifer leaned in and kissed Andrew, who responded eagerly.
"Let's head to my place tonight," Andrew suggested after their kiss.
"Alright," Jennifer agreed, knowing it would be a while before they could spend time together again. She planned to spend the next few days with Andrew.
"Darling, take a break while I go to the restroom," Andrew said, returning to their seats before making his way to the back.
Navigating through a dim corridor covered in graffiti and ignoring couples in intimate conversations, Andrew reached the restroom.
After finishing, Andrew washed his face at the sink and stepped outside for some fresh air, lighting a cigarette.
"Hey, man, the girls here are incredible, right?" A guy in baggy hip-hop pants, a large T-shirt, and a hoodie approached Andrew.
Andrew glanced over. "Not bad."
The man moved closer and said conspiratorially, "Need anything? I've got some stuff."
Andrew knew what he meant and shook his head. "Not interested."
"Come on, man. It's cheap," the guy persisted.
Andrew waved him off, dropping his cigarette and turning to head back inside.
"Hey, kid," the guy called out, and two more men appeared, surrounding Andrew.
"Hand over your money," the first guy demanded menacingly.
Realizing he was about to be mugged, Andrew quickly scanned their hands, noting that they didn't seem to have any visible weapons.
"I don't have any money. I'm a college student at UCLA; we're broke," Andrew said, spreading his hands.
"Take him over there and search him," the first guy ordered, and he and another man dragged Andrew into a dark alley.
"Hand over the money, or we'll get rough," the leader threatened, pushing Andrew against the wall.
Andrew noted the perfect setting for a mugging: a pitch-black alley.
Without hesitation, Andrew kicked the leader into the wall. The other two men barely had time to react before Andrew grabbed one by the hair and slammed his head into the wall. As the third man stood stunned, Andrew punched him in the face, grabbed his neck, and kneed him, sending him crashing down.
"Damn it," the leader growled as he lunged at Andrew again. Andrew countered with a powerful punch followed by a kick to the groin.
"Oww!" the leader howled, clutching his groin and collapsing to the ground.
Andrew quickly checked them for weapons and, finding none, turned his attention back to the remaining thug.
"Man, we really messed up," the second guy, whom Andrew had smashed against the wall, began to beg.
"You can still take a beating?" Andrew asked, surprised he was still standing.
"What are you trying to do?" the guy crouched as Andrew approached.
"Ugh, hand over your money!" Andrew's patience wore thin.
The guy handed over $12. "That's it?"
"He's got more," the guy pointed to the downed men. He quickly retrieved their cash and handed it to Andrew.
Andrew counted about $100. "Pathetic."
He delivered a final kick to the man, leaving him twitching on the ground. "Bad luck for you guys!"
Pocketing the money, Andrew casually returned to the bar, leaving the three men gasping in the alley.
"Andrew, why were you gone so long?" Jennifer Aniston asked with concern when he returned.
"Just had a run-in with some punks in the alley. Gave them a lesson," Andrew said calmly, sitting next to Jennifer.
Jennifer frowned slightly. "Should we leave?"
"Leave?" Andrew was taken aback. "They wouldn't dare come back."
"Alright," Jennifer patted Andrew on the shoulder. "Let's find Peter and head back quickly."
Jennifer stood up, visibly worried.
"Okay, fine," Andrew agreed, heading to the dance floor to find peter. "Ready to head out?"
"Ah, now?" Peter, who was still flirting with the curvaceous woman, looked puzzled.
Peter thought for a moment. "How about you and Jennifer go back first, and I'll take a cab home later?"
Andrew considered it, then nodded. "Alright, have fun," and glanced at the voluptuous woman next to Peter, noting his friend's unique taste.
"We'll head out first; Peter will take a cab later," Andrew said to Jennifer.
Jennifer nodded. "Let's go!"
Andrew drove past Jennifer's rented place and reminded her, "Jennifer, pack some things and bring them to my place!"
"Okay, come with me," Jennifer didn't argue and led Andrew into her rented apartment.
The cozy one-bedroom apartment reflected Jennifer's bright personality through its furniture and decor.
Inside, after Andrew sat down, Jennifer made coffee. "I came to Los Angeles late last year after several theater performances in New York. I didn't expect to have such few opportunities after six months here!"
Andrew, holding his coffee, looked at the family photos on the table and sighed deeply.
The room fell silent. Jennifer noticed the sadness on Andrew's face and followed his gaze.
She then hugged him, kissing his face gently. "Honey, do you miss your parents?"
Jennifer knew about Andrew's family situation. Despite her own parents' divorce, they were still alive.
"Yes, but I can't see them anymore," Andrew missed his parents, but not Mr. and Mrs. Williams.
"Don't worry. It's all in the past. We have to look forward, right?" Andrew regained his composure, hugging Jennifer and smiling warmly.
He suggested, "If your father has connections, you should use them. He's a veteran TV actor and knows people. In this industry, opportunities are crucial. Every role, no matter how small, is highly competitive."
Andrew finished his coffee and leaned back on the sofa. "But I'm confident in myself."Jennifer smiled.
"Of course I believe in you, sweetheart!"
"Andrew, let's pack tomorrow," Jennifer suggested, lying on Andrew.
"Sure," Andrew agreed, kissing her.
"Let's take a bath first," Jennifer stood up from the sofa after a while and proposed.
As mid-June approached, Andrew prepared to leave for Florida to film "Edward Scissorhands".
Meanwhile, he nearly completed the script for 0"0American Pie". He took the outline to the Writers Guild for registration, just in case.
As Andrew arrived at Tampa International Airport, Jennifer Aniston drove him there. "I might head back to New York next month. I'll call you when you get back!"
Andrew nodded and kissed Jennifer passionately. "Relax, I'll make it big soon!"
He grabbed his backpack from the back seat. "I'll finish the American Pie script quickly in Florida."
"Sure, if you come to New York, you must visit me," Jennifer, who had enjoyed their recent time together, was reluctant to say goodbye.
Andrew nodded. "I will. Drive safely, and remember, our Jennifer Aniston is not too bright, haha…"
"You rascal," Jennifer laughed, watching as Andrew dragged his suitcase and backpack into the airport.
In Florida, Hillsborough County, Lutz—a small town in central-west Florida, just north of Tampa—awaited Andrew.
Tampa, near Tampa Bay, is the second largest metropolitan area in Florida after Miami.
Upon arriving at Tampa International Airport, Andrew had to catch a cab to Lutz. As a newcomer, his agent's attention was minimal.
Fortunately, Lutz was just 15 miles from Tampa, making it a brief 20-minute ride from the airport.
Andrew was on his own, without an assistant, adhering to the assistant director's arrangements.
The following day, Andrew had the opportunity to meet director Tim Burton, along with the lead actors Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder.
Johnny Depp, now 26, had an unmistakable charm, while 18-year-old Winona Ryder was strikingly beautiful.
With Tim Burton's upcoming release of *Batman* drawing considerable media attention, reporters were more focused on him during their visit to the set.
After all, Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder, though talented, were not yet major media sensations.
"Andrew, have you met Depp?" Tracy Jacobs asked with a grin.
Andrew nodded, "Yes, he has this melancholic aura that really fits the character of Edward!"
"In the script, Edward is portrayed as pale and thin, with untidy hair and clad in tight black leather, complete with enormous scissor hands. Characteristically, Edward is delicate, eccentric, and feels out of place, but he's also free-spirited, solitary, and graceful. Caroline Thompson's script for Edward Scissorhands is truly remarkable!"
Tracy Jacobs was taken aback by Andrew's perceptive evaluation and then asked, "Do you think this film will be a success?"
Andrew nodded affirmatively, "It's definitely shaping up to be a classic love story, and the cast is exceptional! By the way, Tracy, I'm expecting to finish my American Pie script in about two weeks. I'll need your assistance once it's done," Andrew mentioned, "It's a bit rough at this stage, but I'll improve with time!"
"Absolutely," Tracy Jacobs agreed, thinking they might find interest in the script later.
At that moment, Caroline Thompson, the screenwriter of Edward Scissorhands, approached them.
"Hi, Tracy, Andrew. What's the discussion about?" Caroline inquired with interest.
"Not much," Tracy Jacobs responded with a smile, "Andrew is working on a script!"
Caroline Thompson, 33, was an intellectual with a background in writing and screenwriting. While Edward Scissorhands was her debut script, she had previously seen one of her novels adapted into film.
Intrigued by Andrew's script, Caroline asked, "Andrew, you're only 20, right?"
Andrew smiled, "Yes, Caroline. Age isn't a barrier. My script is a commercial teen comedy set in a high school."
"Impressive," Caroline Thompson said with a smile. "I published my first novel at 27."
"Caroline, Andrew was just praising your script," Tracy Jacobs mentioned, relaying Andrew's positive comments.
"Andrew, you've got a keen eye. Hiring you was certainly a good decision," Caroline Thompson remarked.
Andrew grinned, "The script fits Tim Burton's style perfectly. The quirky, dark humor and Gothic elements are his trademarks."
"I'm also grateful to the team for selecting me for this project!" Caroline added.
As they continued discussing their work, Andrew felt a renewed sense of excitement about his own screenplay and the opportunities that lay ahead.