As night fell, a black Bentley drove into Malibu. The driver didn’t head into the city but continued north to a famous private club.
"Two consecutive films have grossed over $100 million at the North Arican box office. Duke Rosenberg has created a miracle..."
In the back seat, Nancy Josephson was clearly in a good mood as she flipped through several newspapers and read aloud, "In the dazzling action movie realm, no one does it better than the young director Rosenberg."
She suddenly lifted her head to look at Duke beside her. "Want to see? It’s all praise for you."
"No, thanks," Duke replied, shaking his head. He had no intention of seeking psychological comfort through the dia. "There are a lot of praises, but I’m sure there’s plenty of criticism too."
Without needing Nancy to answer, Duke could guess the negative comnts from the dia, such as "the director of destruction," "the noise maker of the set and cinema," and "the popcorn director who only knows how to play with explosions and technology."
The Bentley soon arrived at the club entrance. Duke and Nancy Josephson got out and walked straight in, where Fox employees had been waiting to guide them through a tree-lined path to a grassy area near the pool. It was brightly lit and bustling with people; a lavish and lively party was in full swing.
This was a party organized by 20th Century Fox’s CEO, Thomas Rothman, at his personal invitation. After confirming Duke’s return to Los Angeles with Nancy, he sent out the invitation.
Duke had no intention of declining. His relationship with 20th Century Fox and Thomas Rothman stemd from comrcial interests rather than personal grudges. As "The Rock" broke through, their comrcial conflicts gradually faded, leaving room for potential future cooperation.
"Hey, Duke!"
As they approached the edge of the lawn, Thomas Rothman ca over to greet them, extending his hand. "Long ti no see."
"It really has been a while!" Duke shook his hand firmly.
Many people at the party turned their attention toward them. Unaware, Duke chatted with Thomas Rothman while heading toward the party’s center. Both he and Rothman skillfully avoided ntioning the disputes prior to "The Rock" release, as if they had never happened.
"This is Jon Landau..."
"This is John Stanlis..."
As they reached a group of formally dressed individuals, Thomas Rothman enthusiastically introduced Duke to various Fox executives, renowned directors, and producers. Duke greeted them all with a bright smile.
"This is director Jas Caron..."
Across from him stood a burly middle-aged man with a full beard, soone Duke could easily recognize from any stage of his adult life.
"Nice to et you, Mr. Caron!"
Even though Caron was a significant idol in Duke’s past and a goal in his current life, Duke maintained his earlier deanor without showing any special emotions.
"Nice to et you too!" Caron nodded in acknowledgnt.
They exchanged simple greetings, and Duke quickly turned his attention back to the Fox executives led by Rothman. He was no fool; he understood that their invitation to the party was partly to ease the relationship with this clearly rising comrcial director and partly to explore potential collaborations.
"Congratulations, Duke."
Tim Fisher approached with an exceptionally warm and sincere expression. "Another film has grossed over $100 million!"
"Thank you!" Duke said modestly, "Just good luck."
"Luck can be part of it, but two successes in a row isn’t just luck."
Accompanied by Rothman and a few others, they walked toward the pool area. "In Hollywood, there’s no such thing as a repeat of good fortune!"
Duke glanced at Nancy Josephson but said nothing, following along. Around the pool, dozens of white round tables were set up as resting spots for the party. Many n and won, especially young won, moved between the tables, seemingly searching for sothing.
Like all private parties in Hollywood, this one was no exception in featuring beautiful won. So were specifically hired from professional agencies, while many were friends or aspiring actresses and models who pushed their way in through agents or party connections.
Their intentions were clear: to connect with the executives, directors, producers, and big-na stars present. While they might not secure substantial roles, they hoped for appearances in various films, and with enough luck, a chance at stardom.
This was a common scene in Hollywood, not limited to female actresses and models but also including many male actors and models.
The distance between the tables was not very far apart. Duke helped Nancy pull out a chair, checking the space behind to ensure it wouldn’t hinder the blonde woman sitting with her back to them before sitting down.
"Duke, Tim and I have read your new script."
As a waiter brought over champagne, Thomas Rothman raised his glass toward Duke and stated directly, "I assu Nancy has conveyed Fox’s cooperation intentions?"
"Yes."
Setting down his glass, Duke smiled. "We had a very pleasant collaboration before, and I hope we can continue working together."
"Fox is currently pushing for project reviews..."
The script itself held no special value. Like "Speed" and "The Rock," its creativity and structure could only be deed average. However, Fox valued the director; producing two average scripts into box office hits said a lot.
Moreover, it involved more than just the destruction of a city! That was what Duke Rosenberg excelled at—explosions!
"Thomas, there are so things I must say upfront," Duke said, his deanor suddenly serious. "What I’m best at isn’t a secret. In the upcoming film, I don’t just plan to destroy a city or an island; I want to blow up all the iconic buildings in Arica. The film will feature nurous explosions—constant explosions."
He looked at Thomas. "My habit is to shoot all explosions in real locations! And incorporating sci-fi elents will incur significant costs!"
"Can you give a specific number?" Rothman asked.
Duke slowly extended his right index finger. "One hundred million dollars!"
Behind him, the blonde woman at the neighboring table suddenly looked up.
Across from him, Thomas Rothman and Tim Fisher exchanged glances and fell silent for a mont. Although Fox’s production of "True Lies" had a budget of $130 million, much of that funding ca through financing. Even if they lost money, it was primarily on the backs of investors and overseas distributors.
Such a large investnt and financing would certainly require careful consideration from Fox.
After so polite chatter, Rothman and Fisher excused themselves, needing to weigh whether Fox would continue investing in this currently code-nad "DAY" project.
"From a risk managent perspective..."
With only Nancy remaining, Duke gently tapped the table as he spoke. "No company would invest such a large amount of money in a single film."
"Is that why you agreed to talk to Fox?" Nancy quickly grasped Duke’s intention. "You want to involve Warner and Fox..."
"I didn’t say anything," Duke shook his finger at her.
"This number..." Nancy frowned. "Why didn’t you tell earlier?"
"Sorry, I forgot!" Duke shrugged, appearing apologetic.
It wasn’t just a dismissive statent. Duke had been focused almost entirely on "The Rock" before; as a normal person, it was inevitable to overlook certain matters.
"Is there no way to lower it?" Nancy asked.
"In my vision," Duke pondered for a mont before speaking slowly, "the film’s main selling point is its visual effects. You can’t save costs on special effects! Just like how n want to see the most beautiful, sexy won to get their hormones flowing..."
He pointed to the several long-legged, slim-waisted won swirling nearby. "To catch the audience’s attention, visual effects must be adorned with expensive costus, jewelry, and makeup."
"Alright, I’ll do my best. Not just with Warner Bros., I’ll contact other companies too." Nancy stood up, teasingly added for revenge, "Just don’t get involved with any of my other female clients. Feel free to flirt with the girls here; I won’t interfere."
Crossing his arms, Duke stared at Nancy, surprised that the usually serious female agent would make such a joke.
"I’ll introduce you to so people."
As Nancy extended her hand, Duke stood up and followed her into the crowd, encountering several girls who seed eager to strike up conversations, all of whom were deterred by Nancy’s stern gaze.
Just then, the blonde woman sitting with her back to Duke at the poolside stood up, gently running her fingers through her golden short hair as she watched the two retreating figures. After a mont of thought, she followed at a distance.
"Duke, I won’t interfere with your private life, but I must warn you about sothing you need to rember."
When they reached a less crowded area, Nancy’s tone turned serious. "You are now a very successful director, and your works have brought fa to several people. This is a realistic circle, and you will face many temptations in the future. You will be pursued by both n and won with various motives."
"You can ss around; no one will bla you."
Hearing Nancy’s words, Duke couldn’t help but roll his eyes, but the female agent continued earnestly, "But there is one forbidden zone you must never touch!"
....
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