[Chapter 348: Do You Like Link Too?]
After saying goodbye to Jackie Chan, Link checked the time and drove over to the set of Scream at Universal Studios.
Scream, produced by Guess Pictures, was a new horror-comedy project. It revolved around a peaceful small town that fell prey to a masked killer. The main character, Sidney, along with her friends -- journalist Gale and police officer Dewey -- found themselves caught up in the killer's deadly game. Ultimately, through her wit, bravery, and a bit of luck, Sidney repeatedly escaped danger and managed to outsmart the masked assailant with Gale's help.
The script had been submitted to Guess Pictures by a newcomer named Kevin Williamson, which Link selected from a pile of scripts after he finished sorting through the library. The story and tone were relatively light with little depth, categorizing it as a popcorn flick, which wasn't really his current style. Link served solely as a producer and editor for the film rather than the director.
Directed by Wes Craven, known for classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Hills Have Eyes, he was a well-known figure in the horror genre. The main cast featured Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Drew Barrymore, Charlize Theron, Joaquin Phoenix, and others, aiming at a youthful audience, consequently the actors were generally younger and quite attractive.
Once at the set, Link chatted briefly with Joaquin, Courteney, and Drew before seeking out Wes Craven to inquire about the filming progress and if there were any issues. Filming had started in mid-July and was currently at 80% completion, with expectations to wrap up within two weeks. Link did the math; if they could finish before October, he could edit this film before diving into the next project.
..
Not wanting to interfere with the crew's work, Link took a quick tour of the set before heading to the parking lot. A moment later, Courteney Cox, wearing a mask for disguise, discreetly approached him.
Courteney had done a few years of modeling and had an amazing figure. With dark hair, deep eyes, and fair skin, her beauty stood out. She achieved fame last year as the second lead in Friends, becoming a first-tier star. While filming, she also landed some movie roles, and the reporter role in this film was one she eagerly pursued.
Once in the van, the two chatted for a few words and got straight to the point. This was the first time they had been alone together without Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow around, which previously had kept Courteney restrained. Now, without their presence, she was like a child seeing a mountain of ice cream; she couldn't help shouting and screaming, and the roof of the car was almost blown up by the sound waves.
"Honey, this is amazing!" Courteney whispered against his shoulder.
"Wasn't it good before?" Link asked, feeling a little perplexed.
"It was fine, but with Jennifer around, I couldn't compete with her. This time, there's no competition."
"Alright then!" Link leaned over and kissed her damp hair.
Courteney wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning in closer for a moment before Link drove off. ...
After Link left, Courteney pulled on a baseball cap and started making her way back to the set. Just as she was nearing, Drew Barrymore came over, linking her arm with Courteney's and helping her onto a nearby bench.
"Thanks! I stumbled over a couple of bumps outside and twisted my ankle," Courteney said, lifting her smooth leg to rub her ankle while speaking.
Drew smiled at her with a knowing look, saying nothing in return.
Courteney took a few gulps of water before wiping her lips and looking at Drew, "Why are you staring at me?"
"I didn't know you were Link's girlfriend. The media hasn't reported anything; you two kept it pretty secret."
Drew chuckled.
Realizing that Drew had figured it out, Courteney decided not to hide anymore, "We've been dating since last year, but we keep things low-key and avoid the paparazzi." In reality, every time they went out, she, Jennifer, and Lisa were always together, leading the paparazzi to believe that she and Lisa were just covering for Jennifer.
"Is Link really that impressive? You're not the first woman I've seen walk like that. During Batman, I saw quite a few."
Drew casually made a playful gesture with her hands as she strolled with a slight strut.
Courteney raised an eyebrow at her. "If you're that interested in Link, during Batman's shoot, why didn't you pursue him then? You're young and beautiful; he probably wouldn't reject you if you played your cards right."
"I thought about it, even tried a few times. But during the Batman shoot, his girlfriends seemed to circulate through the set like they were on a schedule. After the film was done, there were still more to come. Each time I tried, there was simply no opportunity," Drew shrugged.
Courteney smirked, remembering that when Link was filming Batman Forever in New York in March and April, she and Jennifer, along with Lisa, visited to support him. At that time, no other women had any chance with him.
"Do you like Link too?" Courteney asked as she assessed Drew, noticing how the 20-year-old had a doll-like face with a light build, yet her curves were inviting.
"He's sexy, so manly, and especially when filming; the cool vibe he gives off is explosively attractive. He seems powerful too, which I can clearly see in the way you were walking. Who wouldn't like a powerful and charming guy like him?" Drew blushed as she confessed.
"So, are you hoping I'll introduce you to Link?"
"Can you?" Drew's face lit up with hope as she affectionately held onto Courteney's arm.
Courteney thought for a moment before she agreed. With Drew on her side, it would make it easier to invite Link over for a date next time; it seemed like a promising idea.
"You're the best, Courteney!" Drew exclaimed as she excitedly hugged Courteney, placing several kisses on her cheeks.
...
Just then, Charlize Theron strolled onto the set, raising an eyebrow at the sudden closeness between the two.
"Hey, Charlize!" Joaquin Phoenix called out as he approached, dressed in a hoodie with his hands stuffed in his pockets.
"Joaquin, what's up?" Charlize smiled elegantly.
"Uh, actually, I have something to give you," Joaquin scratched the back of his head, feeling slightly nervous despite having dated a few girls in the industry before.
At 19, Charlize stood tall at 5'10" with fair skin and a stunning figure. Her blonde hair cascaded down, and her bright blue eyes captured attention. Having practiced ballet, she naturally possessed a poised demeanor that added to her allure.
"So, here it is," Joaquin said, producing a letter. "This is a note Ben Affleck sent you. He wanted me to deliver it since you didn't respond to him last time."
"Thanks for bringing this, Joaquin. Please let Mr. Affleck know I'm focused solely on my work at the moment and not considering personal relationships," Charlize replied, maintaining a friendly yet slightly distant smile.
"Alright, I will. Sorry to be the messenger of bad news," Joaquin replied, slightly dejected, and then walked away.
Charlize took a glance at Ben Affleck's note, carefully folded it, and elegantly tossed it in the nearby trash can. Meanwhile, Joaquin felt a pang of sympathy for Ben from a distance, shaking his head at the unfortunate fate of his friend.
*****
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