[Chapter 209: A Day at Work]
Since he made it onto Forbes's list, Link noticed a surge in the number of women reaching out to him. Brooke Shields was one of them.
Living nearby and being notably stunning, they had played a few games of basketball together, so they knew each other reasonably well. However, Link had decided to spend the night alone, ignoring her messages when he saw them.
...
The next morning, while out for his run, Link felt someone catching up from behind. It was Brooke, dressed in a light green sports tank and brown yoga pants that accentuated her curves and long legs. Her brown hair cascaded into a playful ponytail, swaying with each stride she took, radiating the energy of a vibrant young woman.
Every time she showed up in public, the men around couldn't help but gawk at her figure, but Link was the only one who really looked into her eyes, captivated by her blue irises.
"Good morning, Brooke!"
"Link, were you home alone last night?" she inquired.
"Yeah, I was watching a movie. By the time I saw your message, it was after ten."
"No worries, I figured you were busy."
A subtle smile played on her lips as she adjusted her pace to match his, almost running shoulder to shoulder.
Other men seethed with jealousy, thinking, 'What's the big deal with this guy? He's just got some money, looks good, and is young.'
"Do you have time today? Want to play some tennis this afternoon?" Brooke asked.
"I'll be done with work around four."
"How about we start at five-thirty? We could play for a couple of hours."
"Alright, I'll be there by five."
They continued jogging together until they ran into Jim Carrey, who was out for a walk with his wife. Noticing Brooke, he shot Link a sly wink, as if he had discovered a scandal.
---
Later that morning, while sitting down for breakfast, Jim approached him again, balancing his tray as he slid into the seat across from Link. He peered around in his usual exaggerated manner.
"Where's Brooke Shields?" he asked.
"She went home."
"Link, I totally admire you. Not only do you make movies and rake in cash, but you've also got some serious game with the ladies! If I could come back in my next life, I'd want to be your middle finger."
Jim raised two middle fingers, mimicking a rude gesture playfully.
Link resisted the urge to punch him, considering Jim's acting career relied heavily on that goofy face of his. He decided to let it slide.
"How's the production on the The Mask movie shaping up?"
"It's going smoothly. We're set to start shooting next month and should wrap by July," Jim replied, digging into a waffle with a heavy dollop of syrup.
"Have you settled on a leading lady?"
Having recently been tied up with various projects, Link had passed most of the responsibilities to his production team after finalizing several film projects.
The producer for The Mask was James Schamus, and since Jim was also one of the producers, he was quite familiar with the team's dynamics.
"Cameron Diaz. She did the best at auditions. Wait -- Link, you didn't know? She's your girlfriend! How could you be oblivious to that?"
"Who told you she was my girlfriend?"
"It was in the gossip columns! Miss Diaz got noticed by you during the casting for Final Destination, and you two started dating then. Entertainment Weekly even said she was one of your fifty-seven girlfriends!"
"That's bogus; it's just my competition smearing my name."
"I figured it might be a stretch. Even with your money and time, dating fifty-seven girls at once? No one's body can keep up with that! But you do at least have about twenty-seven -- Monica, Brooke, Jennifer..."
"Stop! Let's eat in peace!"
Link quickly finished his breakfast and drove to the office.
---
It was a relatively light workday. Link signed a few documents and discussed hiring new staff with Michael Leeson. After the company's financing, Link planned to expand their production and distribution departments. He aimed to increase their annual output and enhance their capacity for overseas releases.
At the same time, he wanted to establish an international film department to invest in foreign projects and acquire promising international films for distribution in North America.
Guess Pictures had now grown into a leader in the independent film sector, outpacing even MGM, part of the big seven studios. Given this trajectory, maintaining momentum was essential; any retreat would leave the company vulnerable.
In his vision, Guess Pictures, after solidifying its stature, would acquire the big studios and invest in media conglomerates, gaining control over marketing and distribution channels. That was when they could truly claim to have a foothold in America.
...
"Link, the director's script is ready. Take a look," Sophia said as she bustled into his office, hair disheveled, bringing the script for The Man from Earth -- her labor of love to keep the project on track.
Link reviewed it, marking a few areas for discussion with Sophia. The film featured a simple structure where seven or eight people of differing identities gathered in a confined space to debate their perspectives.
Although filming posed no significant challenges, a lot depended on the actors' delivery of their lines and their chemistry with one another. If Sophia mastered these elements, the film would be done well.
"The script looks good overall. Focus on casting and get the shooting prepped. If you hit any snags, come find me."
"Got it!"
Sophia hardly lingered, rushing out with the script, showing no signs of wanting to come back for anything.
Indeed, once a woman became a strong woman, she stops being cute.
...
Not long after Sophia left, Ben Affleck dropped by to visit, once again trying to persuade him to direct Good Will Hunting. Link was hesitant.
Good Will Hunting told the story of a janitor at MIT with exceptional mathematical talent. He also dealt with significant personal issues until a professor helped him open up, bridging the gaps between him, love, and friendship.
The film promised inspiration, human connection, and thought-provoking discussions on humanity and self-identity. The narrative was uplifting and aligned with the mainstream American ethos, making it an Oscars favorite.
Initially, Link had considered directing this film himself, but with his current focus on thrillers, Good Will Hunting didn't fit his style, and he had no intention of shifting gears so soon.
Moreover, since he hadn't penned the script himself, his involvement was minimal, making any box office revenue compensation negligible. After some thought, he called Gus Van Sant, the original director, to take the helm.
Gus was a renowned indie filmmaker, known for his acclaimed work, My Own Private Idaho, which featured Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix, released in 1991.
"Was your collaboration with Gus not smooth?"
"Not at all," Ben grimaced. "He wants us to change the script. You know what he proposes? Making the lead and supporting characters romantically involved, leading to one of them dying in a construction accident. That's just too dark! It undermines the uplifting ending with a lack of healing, you know?"
Link nodded. Van Sant had a penchant for exploring themes of sexuality, evident in his previous films. It was understandable that, upon seeing the strong bond between the two male characters in Good Will Hunting, he might want to incorporate a romantic subplot.
But that would derail the film's hopeful essence; while the actors and he might not agree, it simply wouldn't work.
"I support your decision -- the script shouldn't be altered. You can have a chat with Gus, share your thoughts, and I believe he'll come around. If not, then come to me."
"Alright, you said it. By the way, I've heard about your new film casting -- why not consider me? I'd love to take on the lead again. We had great chemistry in Se7en!" Ben smiled, closing in on Link.
Link didn't even spare him a glance. "It's not a good fit. The lead in the new film is around twenty, and you're getting a bit too old for that vibe."
"I'm only twenty-three! I'm not old!" Ben pouted, leaving with a hint of disappointment.
*****
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