[Chapter 146: Jodie]
"Link, you're mistaken. The rules at CAA are just for regular clients. For major clients like you, we would welcome you as a senior partner, with a position similar to mine. All the company's regulations would serve you. At that point, you wouldn't feel restricted, but rather experience untold freedom. At CAA, you could do as you pleased," Jay Moloney said with his arms wide open, grinning.
"Sounds great, but I'm not looking to jump ship just yet. Mr. Moloney, you didn't bring me here to discuss that," Link replied.
"Indeed, there are other matters." Jay Moloney nodded, "Director Link, I heard there's been some conflict between you and Richard Gere and Robert Downey Jr. I'm curious if there's a chance for reconciliation. We all know you're an exceptional young director, and both Richard Gere and Robert Downey Jr. are outstanding actors. We all work in the film industry, and it's beneficial to have friends instead of rivals."
"I agree with that. Since entering Hollywood, I've tried to make more friends rather than enemies. The same goes for Richard Gere and Robert Downey Jr. I've never proactively gone after them. The conflict with Robert started when he attacked me first. And Richard offended my girlfriend at a party. If they're willing to apologize and avoid bothering me, I have no interest in treating a couple of actors as my rivals," Link said calmly.
Jay Moloney nodded, smiling. "It's certainly their responsibility when they clash with you. I'll have a serious talk with them to make sure they apologize. We all want to work together in the entertainment industry."
"Absolutely!" Link shook hands with Jay Moloney.
---
On the way back to the bar, Link encountered his neighbor, Jodie Foster, along with her two companions: her live-in girlfriend, Sydney, and Hollywood actress Diane Lane. The three were dressed in light-colored golf shirts and slacks, chatting and laughing as they approached.
"Hey, Jodie, you here for some golf too?" Link called out, stopping to greet the rarely seen neighbor.
"What? Women can't play golf?" Jodie Foster shot back.
"Sure they can. How's your game?" Link inquired.
"Nice. Definitely not worse than yours," Jodie replied, chin held high, exuding confidence.
"Is that so? We should have a round sometime." Link chuckled, shaking Jodie's hand and greeting her companions before taking his leave and entering the little bar.
...
"Jodie, do you know Link well?" Diane Lane asked, glancing back at Link's retreating figure.
"We've met a couple of times, or more accurately, just once. A couple of years ago, I bought an apartment on Wilshire Boulevard, and Link also lived there. We ran into each other in the elevator once, and at the Oscars, we were both presenters backstage but didn't actually talk," Jodie explained.
"Only once? But you seemed quite familiar when you were talking to Link. He was pretty casual with you, and I thought you two had something going on," Diane Lane remarked, amused.
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not into men, let alone that obnoxious guy."
"Obnoxious? Link is quite handsome, talented, and looks like a gentleman. How could he be obnoxious?" Diane replied, looking towards Link's booth where he was chatting with a few others, his demeanor charming.
"You know, I have a bad sense of direction. I haven't been to the house in Golden Oak for a long time and almost forgot where it was. I accidentally walked in his direction when I got off the elevator, and when he noticed, he didn't say anything. He even teased me, which was annoying, right?"
"Is that all?"
"Plus, my new movie was released alongside The Blair Witch Project. You saw The Blair Witch Project, right? It was mediocre, the kind of film I wouldn't even consider watching for free. Yet it ended up doing far better at the box office than Sommersby, significantly disturbing the market. Isn't that annoying?" Jodie expressed with a huff.
"Alright, I'll admit that's a bit true. But, come on, the guy is impressive! He writes and directs every movie himself, and only spends tens of thousands of dollars, and his box office returns are in the millions. The top two records for box office earnings are from his movies. Plus, he went from nothing to making the Forbes list at just 21. Nowadays, he's called an 'inspirational icon.' Oh, and his book, Interstellar, was one you recommended to me. You said it was fantastic. So why the attitude towards him now?"
"Not sure. Maybe there's just a natural clash between us," Jodie Foster shrugged.
Diane Lane chuckled and joined Jodie and Sydney at a nearby booth for drinks.
...
When Link returned to his booth, a new guest had joined their group -- Michelle Pfeiffer, one of the biggest names in Hollywood. At 35, Michelle had starred in films like Scarface and Dangerous Liaisons, and just last year, she portrayed Catwoman in Batman Returns. With her striking looks, standing over 5'7" with blonde hair and stunning legs, she captured the spotlight as one of the most beautiful actresses in the industry.
Link had encountered her once before, but she hadn't paid him much attention while with Dustin Hoffman. Today, however, she was warm, congratulating him on the success of his film and his new book, showering him with praise.
Link politely acknowledged her compliments and engaged in small talk.
As the conversation flowed, the gentlemen at the table became more animated, trying to impress her, showing off their charm. Link found little interest in their chatter, feeling disengaged. After a short while, he decided to excuse himself and left the table.
Not far down the path, Michelle Pfeiffer got up to catch up with him, saying she wanted to chat.
...
"Damn! Why are women so shallow nowadays? Just because he's young and handsome, they run after him, while they ignore mature, charismatic, talented men like us. It's so superficial," Jerome Preston groused, feeling jealous of Michelle following Link.
"Men like young women, and women like young men. That's not unusual, why be jealous of Link?" Aaron Kutz grinned.
"Who's jealous? I'm just stating a fact. Fine, maybe I am a little jealous. Link excels not just at making films but also at writing and charming the ladies. And he's so young! Damn, he really knows how to make an impression," Jerome remarked, downing his drink, trying to wash away his envy.
*****
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