[Chapter 90: The Eighth Wonder]
After the massive success of Paranormal Activity, Link transformed from a small millionaire into a soon-to-be multi-millionaire. Monica began to feel anxious.
She wasn't worried about how many women Link could meet out there. Instead, she fretted over the idea that as he became a multi-millionaire and a prominent director, he might find her age unappealing and turn his affections toward younger women. For now, Link didn't have that inclination.
Younger women might be appealing, but they often brought along a lot of emotional and psychological baggage. There were easier ways to connect with them physically rather than emotionally. If he got in too deep in that regard, it could certainly affect his career, which wouldn't be worth it.
Though Monica was a bit older, she was smart and mature, with a stable temperament. She knew what needed to be done and what did not, making it easy to be around her. Link had no desire to change that right now.
---
In the gym that morning, Jim Carrey strolled over, wiping his brow. "Link, you're incredible! Lifting a hundred pounds and doing fifty reps? Your fitness level is almost that of a professional athlete!"
"It's not that impressive; I've just been working out more lately," Link replied, using a towel to wipe off his sweat.
After the system had enhanced his physical abilities, everything felt much easier. In the past, after a few rounds with Monica, he would wake up feeling sore and exhausted the next day, even breaking a sweat after just a short run. Not anymore.
Now, the one who struggled to get up in the morning was Monica. After he woke up, he could run five kilometers and complete four sets of chin-ups and resistance training. His physical condition had steadily improved, which was part of why he decided to continue making movies after becoming a multi-millionaire.
No amount of money could replace a strong body.
"Jim, when does your new movie come out? I think it's called Itsy Bitsy Spider, right?"
Link draped the towel over his shoulders and sat down to rest.
"It's already out! It premiered a couple of weeks ago at a theater in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the preview didn't do well, and the studio decided to pull it from theaters and release it on video instead."
"That's still good; I'll buy a copy once it's available."
"I already have one. I'll give you a copy."
Jim, sitting across from Link, hesitated before asking, "So, Link, what do you think of my new script? It's for Ace Ventura: Pet Detective."
"The script is interesting. If you're interested in collaborating, Guess Pictures could invest in that project."
"Really?!"
Jim jumped up excitedly.
Today he had tried to casually run into Link, hoping to gauge Link's feelings about the script after reading it. If Link didn't like it, he could take it back and revise it until it met Link's approval. He would take any feedback Link had because if Link was willing to invest, he'd be all ears.
But before he knew it, Link had straightforwardly told him the script was good, and Guess Pictures was interested in investing. This was the best news Jim had heard in years. After all, Link was the new multi-millionaire, currently the hottest director in Hollywood, and on track to be the annual box office champion.
To have Ace Ventura: Pet Detective garner his praise felt like the biggest encouragement Jim could hope for.
"It really is. Comedy films always resonate well with audiences, and your script is quite entertaining and has investment potential."
"That's fantastic! That's amazing!"
Jim clapped his hands and started pacing in excitement. He then stopped and asked, "Link, will I get to be the lead?"
"This is your script; of course, you'll star in it."
"Great! Perfect!"
Jim was even more thrilled, shaking Link's hand as he exclaimed, "Link, when do we start filming?"
"Early next year. But I won't be directing; you've been in Hollywood longer, do you have someone in mind?"
"Wait, you're not directing this film?" Jim looked disappointed.
"I'm not great at directing comedies."
Comedy films were lively, designed to entertain -- meant to make audiences laugh. Sometimes, to enhance the comedic elements, logical flow could be overlooked, along with the finer details. As long as the film made audiences burst out laughing, it was considered successful, regardless of everything else.
Usually, serious directors struggled with the genre, often producing loosely constructed films.
"I have someone perfect in mind, Tom Shadyac. He's a writer and director. He gave me a lot of advice when I was writing Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, but I'm just not sure if he's the right fit."
Jim hesitated.
Link wasn't familiar with Tom Shadyac, but he didn't reject the idea outright. He was willing to meet with Tom to discuss whether he had what it took to direct. After a conversation, he'd be able to tell if the guy had the chops.
"Sounds good. When you have a chance, bring him by Guess Pictures so I can have a chat with him."
"Great! I'll reach out to him right away!" Jim replied, bubbling with excitement.
---
After Jim left, Link continued his training. While he was doing squats with a barbell, a tall blonde woman walked over to the machine in front of him. It was Brooke Shields.
She wore black leggings and an olive green tank top, with her long blonde hair tied up in a ponytail, a yellow headband pushing stray strands from her face.
Her figure was impressive, with long legs and a tight outfit that accentuated her curves. As she performed chest exercises, her silhouette became even more alluring, occasionally revealing a glimpse of her toned midriff.
From a physical standpoint, she might have been more appealing than Monica.
Distracted by her presence, Link, who had initially planned to do thirty weighted squats, ended up only managing twenty-six. His legs began to shake. After he set the barbell down, Brooke strode over with her long legs.
"Good morning, Link," she greeted him with a bright smile.
"Good morning, Brooke."
"Link, you look so strong, like a weightlifter. Your physique is impressive!"
Brooke examined him appreciatively.
"I used to work as a mover, and now I'm a director who carries around cameras. It's all about physical strength," Link shrugged with a grin.
"Ha! That's funny. You directors have quite the interesting life journey. You were a mover, and Cameron was a truck driver, but you both ended up so successful -- so cool!"
"Is that right? Good morning, Mr. Cameron," he said, waving towards the direction behind Brooke.
"Are you joking with me?"
Brooke narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Good morning, Director Link! Congrats on your film's success!"
James Cameron's deep voice resonated from behind them. Accompanying him was his long-time partner, Linda Hamilton, who was visibly pregnant, looking about five or six months along.
Linda greeted both Link and Brooke, and he politely engaged in small talk about their new films. Afterward, James led Linda away as they departed.
...
"What a disaster! Do you think Cameron heard me call him a truck driver?" Brooke asked, slightly embarrassed.
"It's all good; Cameron really was a truck driver. Saying that doesn't mean anything bad."
"Okay, I'll take your word for it."
Brooke smiled slightly and began working out nearby, showcasing her attractive curves and long legs, making it hard for Link to concentrate on his own workout.
*****
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