[Chapter 265: Madonna's Gift]
"What are you doing here?" Link asked Quentin from their booth, taking a sip of his beer.
"Don't think you're the only one here discussing work. We're in on it too," Quentin replied, reaching into his pocket to pull out a script.
Out of courtesy, Link took a look. The script was titled Four Rooms and revolved around stories set in four different rooms, with each segment featuring its own protagonist while also serving as a supporting story in others. It combined elements of thriller, eroticism, suspense, and family comedy, reminiscent of Quentin's style in Pulp Fiction.
However, the narrative felt chaotic, with an over-the-top design. Quentin had a bad habit of crafting lengthy, philosophical-sounding dialogues for his characters, trying to come off as cool. Some were entertaining, but others seemed hollow, sounding like meaningless chatter. Compared to Pulp Fiction, the script lacked a certain zest.
...
While Link was perusing the script, a stunning woman entered the booth. With blonde hair, blue eyes, and a curvy figure clad in a tight dress that accentuated her curves, she swayed her hips as she walked, exuding charisma. This alluring woman was none other than pop icon Madonna.
...
"What do you think?" Quentin asked when Link put the script down.
"Not bad," Link replied.
"That's all? Can you be more specific?"
"Your film mirrors the structure of Pulp Fiction, but both its intent and entertainment value aren't quite up to par. It's better than some of those lackluster indie films out there. If you aim to replicate the success of Pulp Fiction, you might face some challenges. However, if it's a practice piece to hone your skills and gain experience, it could work."
Link delivered his feedback diplomatically.
Quentin was less than pleased with the response. "What if this film outperforms Pulp Fiction at the box office and in reviews? What will you say then?"
"I'd say I underestimated you," Link shrugged.
"Deal." Quentin raised his beer bottle for a toast.
"What's the budget for this script? How much investment do you need?" Link inquired.
"Ha! Don't worry about that. Harvey said my project at Miramax is going to be produced independently, no need to partner with other studios," Quentin laughed.
Link shook his head.
Pulp Fiction was a massive success, and Guess Pictures, as another production partner, made hundreds of millions. Harvey probably wanted to take it all for himself. That's not a good habit.
...
"Director Link, I've wanted to meet you for a long time. I can't believe I ran into you here!" Madonna said warmly.
"Ms. Ciccone, I'm thrilled to meet you too. I'm a big fan," Link responded politely.
Madonna was an impressive figure herself. Having lost her mother at a young age, she moved to New York as a teenager, working as a waitress during the day while studying singing, dancing, piano, and guitar at night. She started performing in clubs at 22, signed with a record label at 24, and slowly gained fame. By 28, she had become a global superstar and pop queen, a figure of controversy and innovation.
Now at 36, she remained a world-class icon and was preparing to branch into acting, aiming for success in film. Despite her bold personality and the controversies she sometimes drew, she was an inspiring figure in entertainment.
"Really? Which of my songs do you like? Like a Virgin? True Blue? Like a Prayer? Or something else?" Madonna eagerly asked, excited by Link's comment about being a fan.
"I prefer ballads. I love Live to Tell, Open Your Heart, Sooner or Later. Those are my favorites."
"You can name those songs' styles? You're definitely a real fan! I'm so pleased to have such a handsome admirer. Today has been one of my happiest days," she beamed.
"Hey, can you not make it feel like a love-at-first-sight moment?" Quentin interjected, his expression displeased.
Madonna was the one he had invited to discuss the script, so seeing her so enthralled with Link left him feeling a bit overshadowed.
"Quentin, we're old friends. Can you lighten up? This is my first time meeting Link. He's so young and charming; my heart raced when I saw him. It's a feeling I've never experienced," Madonna exclaimed, covering her face with a playful smile, clearly thrilled.
"No way, Link's only 22, ten years younger than you! You actually have a crush on him?" Quentin looked incredulously at both of them.
"Do I look that old?"
"Well, not at all. You look like you're in your early twenties," Quentin shrugged, clearly not wanting to offend Madonna.
"Link, how about I give you a gift?" she grinned.
"Don't tell me it's you!" Quentin quipped.
"Of course not! Just wait a moment," she said, rising from her seat.
...
A couple of minutes later, she appeared on the bar's stage with a guitar in hand. Standing at the microphone, she announced she'd perform Live to Tell for Link. When she pointed him out, many turned to look.
Link waved, grateful for the unexpected tribute.
"Wow, it's Link!" fans exclaimed excitedly.
...
"Link is quite the celebrity now," Nicole Kidman commented from a corner of the bar, swirling her drink with a smile.
Cindy Crawford watched Link from among the crowd, noting his tall, handsome, and affluent presence. "He's a big deal, so it makes sense he's popular."
"Normal, huh? Three years ago, right here, Link and Quentin were chatting next door while we sat with our husbands, and everyone was watching us, including Link," Nicole remarked. "Now Richard's in the hospital, Tom's career's affected, and Link just keeps rising while stepping on their reputations. It's terrible!"
Nicole wore a frown, her tone tinged with unfairness.
"What's the point in dwelling on the past?" Cindy shook her head.
"Would you want to get revenge for Richard?"
"Revenge? Link is worth over a billion, a major film mogul. Regular people can't even approach him. How could we take revenge?" Cindy replied, puzzled.
Nicole smiled slightly, leaning in to whisper her idea.
Cindy looked surprised. "Aren't you worried Tom will find out?"
"If I say Tom wants me to do this, would you believe me?" Nicole asked playfully.
"Really?" Cindy's eyes widened further.
"Just kidding! Even if Tom found out, it wouldn't matter. I have my ways to keep him from caring. What do you think about teaming up?" Nicole offered her hand.
Cindy hesitated, "Actually, my marriage with Richard fell apart last year. If it weren't for his troubles, we would have divorced long ago. I don't harbor any resentment towards Link, nor do I want revenge."
"I get that. But Link is a big player who values his image. If we find something out about him, we could leverage it for opportunities in Hollywood and fashion. Don't you want to advance your career?" Nicole asked, her voice soft as she draped an arm around Cindy's shoulder.
Cindy glanced back at Link. "Do you think we could succeed?"
"Hmph! Taking down a guy like Link? That'll be a piece of cake," Nicole chuckled confidently, clinking her glass with Cindy's, gulping down her drink.
*****
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