"Of course, we'd love to work with Ford, but he's not suitable for 'Pretty Woman'. It's a romance film, and Ford is better at playing lone hero roles. It would be hard for him to spark chemistry with the female lead".
…"Be confident, Kevin. You know Michael well and have been preparing for so many years. No one in Hollywood knows how to shoot 'Dances with Wolves' better than you. It's definitely the right decision for you to direct it yourself".
…"Mike, Orion's recent release, 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure', is doing well at the box office… Haha, you know what I mean. The 'Pulp Fiction' revenue split has been delayed for half a year. That movie made so much money for you guys, and I don't want things to get too ugly".
…"This year's Cannes jury president is Wim Wenders, and he'll definitely prefer films like 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape.' So, we're not aiming for the Palme d'Or this time, Ira. Sometimes, taking a step back is very necessary".
…"Japan? Sandy, why are you concerned about Japan? Girls should act, get spa treatments, keep themselves beautiful, and if they have free time, find a girlfriend… No, everyone's watching. Tsk, Lady, be a lady".
…"Good evening, Bob, and Martin, it's a pleasure to see you. How's the preparation for 'Goodfellas' coming along?"
…"Terry, I heard that Martin Davis from Paramount is also interested in Time Warner. You might be in trouble… As for me, of course, I'm also very interested, but this is a big business, and Daenerys Entertainment can't handle it yet, so you can rest assured".
…Inside a mansion on the hillside of Palisades.
The cocktail party started at 7:30 PM, with hundreds of guests scattered in small groups across the spacious courtyard, yet the atmosphere wasn't noisy at all. There were no strict time limits for the party; some guests were still arriving, while others had already left.
Simon was socializing in the crowd, currently chatting with Terry Semel, when Nicole Kidman, dressed in an elaborate gown, gracefully approached the two.
Seeing Nicole walk over, Terry Semel smiled, raised his glass to Simon, and then turned and walked away.
Nicole Kidman came closer to Simon, masking the nervousness in her heart, and said nonchalantly, "Simon, did you call me over for something?"
Simon led Nicole to the cliff edge, leaned against the railing, and looked out at the night view of Los Angeles below, saying, "Joe told me you want to leave WMA and also hope to terminate the remaining two option contracts with Daenerys Entertainment?"
Nicole hesitated, then bravely said, "I'm very grateful for the opportunity you gave me in 'Pulp Fiction,' Simon, but I hope to plan my future more freely".
Simon shook his head directly: "If you want to leave WMA, I won't stop you. However, you must fulfil the remaining two option contracts with Daenerys Entertainment."
"Why is that, Simon? Didn't you already let Meg Ryan go?"
Simon was not moved by the pitiful tone in Nicole's voice. He turned slightly, fixing his gaze on her eyes, and said, "Daenerys Entertainment terminating its contract with Meg Ryan does not mean that's the end of it. I don't have the mentality of expecting gratitude after making you famous; that's very unrealistic in Hollywood. All I ask is that you fulfil the promises you signed after achieving success. I absolutely despise people who are unwilling to honour their contracts".
Nicole felt Simon's stern tone, and her resolve weakened a few notches. Simon's words, hinting that the Meg Ryan matter was not entirely over, made her even more uneasy.
In a flash, Nicole quickly understood why Simon's attitude was so forceful.
Because of its knack for discovering new talent, Daenerys Entertainment currently holds many option contracts. Simon's ongoing production of 'Batman' reportedly has its male and female leads and main supporting actors signed to long-term film contracts.
Daenerys Entertainment had already terminated one option contract with Meg Ryan. If they let her go again this time, others who become popular in the future would surely follow suit, and the large number of contracts held by Daenerys Entertainment would become worthless.
To protect its own interests, Daenerys Entertainment clearly could not allow such a situation to happen.
Thinking of this, Nicole couldn't help but worry for Meg Ryan. She realized that Daenerys Entertainment seemingly letting the other party leave easily was actually to set an 'example' for newcomers, to let them know the consequences of rashly breaking a contract.
Simon looked back at the city lights below the mountain. After a moment, he asked in a calm tone, "Have you figured it out?"
Nicole nodded, her voice even softer, saying, "I actually really hope to continue working with Daenerys Entertainment, Simon, but I also hope Daenerys Entertainment can provide me with good enough opportunities".
"You want the female lead in 'Ghost,' I know that, but this role isn't suitable for you. I need a female lead with a more mature demeanour; you're too young. The company is preparing 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.' You can play April O'Neil".
Nicole subconsciously raised her chin, but then realized that Simon wasn't speaking in a negotiating tone this time.
Daenerys Entertainment had previously shown her the script for 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'. The female lead in this film is essentially a comedic sidekick, a mere pretty face. To go from being the female lead in a blockbuster like 'Pulp Fiction', which garnered both box office success and awards, to playing a mere pretty face, even if 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' does well at the box office in the future, it would still be a step backward for her.
"I, Simon, Jonathan seems to be pushing for Erica Anderson for this role in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'?"
"Erica's qualifications are too shallow; I've already rejected her", Simon explained, shaking his head, then added, "If you're unwilling, you can take a break for a while".
What does 'take a break for a while' mean?
That hateful man!
Nicole grumbled inwardly but knew she had no other choice. Given Simon's current attitude, if she forcibly broke her contract with Daenerys Entertainment, she would definitely face a prolonged lawsuit. Not to mention she had no money to afford a lawsuit, even if she could, if the case dragged on for several years, the popularity she had gained from 'Pulp Fiction' would have completely cooled down by then.
Simon heard Nicole reluctantly agree, then waved her off, signalling she could leave.
After drinking a cocktail alone by the railing, Simon was about to rejoin the crowd when another female voice beside him said, "Hi, Mr. Westeros".
Turning his head, a dark-haired woman in a backless evening gown appeared before him, it was Demi Moore.
At this time, Demi Moore had almost no fame in Hollywood; she was probably only known as Bruce Willis's wife.
However, their marital relationship, in Simon's eyes, had too many implications of a Hollywood contractual marriage.
Many of Bruce Willis's screen images were those of a tough guy with a tender heart who would do anything for his family, hence the need for a marriage. The timing of their quick marriage during the filming of 'Die Hard' was no coincidence. Privately, Bruce still played around as he pleased.
As for Demi Moore, her sensational affair with Leonardo DiCaprio was a clear example.
Thinking this, Simon smiled playfully, shook Demi Moore's hand, and deliberately said, "Hello, Mrs. Willis".
Demi Moore didn't expect Simon to know her, but quickly explained, "I didn't take my husband's last name, Simon. You can call me Demi".
Simon didn't pay attention to Demi Moore's subtly changed, more intimate address, and asked, "Didn't Bruce come?"
"He went to New York to record a TV show", Demi Moore explained casually, then asked, "Simon, you must have seen the audition materials I prepared for 'Ghost,' right?"
"Yes," Simon didn't hide it, saying, "First, congratulations, Demi, you've successfully made it to the final round of auditions".
A look of joy appeared in Demi Moore's eyes, but then she thought of the competitors in this project, such as Michelle Pfeiffer and Daryl Hannah, and immediately realized that her chances of ultimately getting the role were very low.
Noticing the young man beside her still observing her, and remembering that he had recognized her identity at a glance, Demi Moore immediately made a decision. She subtly moved closer to Simon, her eyes shimmering as she looked at him, and said, "Simon, I think I'm more suitable for this role than anyone else. How about we find a private place to chat?"
Simon raised an eyebrow slightly, motioned for a passing waiter to come over, got a fresh cocktail, and leaned against the railing, looking as if he was all ears, saying, "This place is fine, Demi. You can tell me your thoughts on the character of Molly".
Looking at the man's demeanour, Demi Moore couldn't help but realize he was teasing her.
However, with Simon like this, she didn't feel she had the right to put on airs. She just showed a resentful expression and said, "Simon, you really don't understand a woman's heart".
Simon took a sip of his cocktail, turned and leaned against the railing, scanned the crowd in the courtyard, and then raised his glass, gesturing to the woman beside him, saying, "Alright, Demi, I'll give you a chance. Go find a companion in the crowd, then both of you go upstairs in the villa and wait for me. Remember, second floor, turn left, third room".
A hint of difficulty flashed across Demi Moore's face. After a moment, she finally said, "Simon, if I do this, will I get the role?"
Simon shrugged: "I don't know. You can try".
Demi Moore carefully provoked, "I thought you would be a man who keeps his promises".
"Of course, I'm a man who keeps his promises", Simon glanced at the woman beside him, saying, "It's just that I don't remember ever making you any promises".
Simon finished speaking and, without waiting for Demi Moore to respond further, walked towards the crowd in the courtyard.
Demi Moore stood there, hesitating for a while, then finally made a decision and also left the railing. However, she certainly wasn't foolish enough to actually look for a target at the party as Simon had instructed; instead, she walked directly towards Marvin Josephson, the president of ICM, who was in the crowd.
After listening to Demi Moore's whispered narration, Marvin Josephson showed no surprise, shock, or moral dilemma in his expression. Being in Hollywood, he had experienced the most absurd and bizarre things, and Simon's request seemed utterly normal to Josephson.
Moreover, Bruce Willis was a WMA client, so he didn't need to consider anything for him.
After a moment of thought, Marvin Josephson whispered to Demi Moore, "Famke went to New York, and Helena happens to be in Los Angeles. How about that?"
Demi Moore knew Josephson was referring to Famke Janssen and Helena Christensen, the two candidates for Wonder Woman, but she wasn't familiar with either of these girls and had no idea about their temperaments. For tonight's matter, she definitely needed a 'partner' she knew well.
"Marvin, I'm not familiar with them".
"Then, um, how about Joan Severance? You met her at Jeffrey's party last time".
Demi Moore continued to shake her head, thought for a moment, and said, "Rene Russo, she should be suitable".
Marvin Josephson thought for a moment, then said, "She's a client of Ed's, and besides, she seems a bit old".
A smile appeared on Demi Moore's face, and she said, "That's why I said she's suitable".
Marvin Josephson was stunned for a moment, then quickly understood. He scanned the crowd for a moment, found the young man's figure, and nodded with a smile, saying, "Indeed. Alright, I'll call Ed now. I imagine that woman won't refuse such an opportunity."
Simon didn't know he had become an object of speculation for many in Hollywood, and even if he did, he wouldn't care much.
Since returning to Los Angeles, he had been single.
Just now, on a whim, if Demi Moore had actually found a companion in the crowd, he wouldn't mind relaxing tonight. As for the role in 'Ghost', Simon had already decided to use the original cast to maximize the chances of success, so he didn't need to spend too much thought on this project.
With the rapid increase in his assets, Simon's time was severely limited now.
Over an hour later, Simon was chatting with Joe Roth, who had replaced Ronald Goldberg as president of Fox Pictures last year, when Demi Moore reappeared in his line of sight. This time, however, she didn't come over, but rather, she and another tall woman with a mature demeanour walked across his field of vision and then entered the villa together.
Simon vaguely felt that the woman beside Demi Moore was somewhat familiar, but he hadn't seen her face directly. He watched the two women enter the villa until the end, but still couldn't recall who she was.
Joe Roth noticed where Simon was looking, glanced over, and said with a smile, "Simon, do you want to go introduce yourself?"
"No need", Simon shook his head, saying, "It's just that it seems someone took advantage of a loophole".
"What?"
"Nothing. You just said Fox plans to shoot 'The Exorcist III'?"
"Yes, Simon. Do you want to take a look at the script and offer some suggestions?"
"I'll pass. I've been too busy lately".
Hollywood parties and cocktail events are exactly like this.
Everyone chats about the latest happenings in the industry, discusses ongoing projects, or simply laughs and jokes. Then, the connections that many outsiders envy so much are established through these subtle conversations, and some potential collaborations unknowingly begin to sprout during these interactions.
The party began to wind down at ten o'clock.
At eleven o'clock, Jennifer diligently supervised the party company employees as they finished cleaning up and left. She still greeted Simon formally, then pulled Amy's assistant, Vanessa, and left together.
Aside from the bodyguards responsible for security in the annex, Simon was the only one left in the large villa.
Hmm.
Or perhaps three people.
Simon, slightly tipsy, arrived on the second floor of the villa, feeling a bit dizzy. He forgot if it was the second room on the left or the third room on the right, or perhaps another, so he patiently searched.