Chapter 116: A National Hobby

"Ms. Bündchen, you're from Brazil, right?" Michael Davenport kept a polite distance from Gisele Bündchen, speaking courteously, "It's a beautiful country."

Gisele Bündchen's face, rugged like a man's, softened with a smile. "Los Angeles is also wonderful."

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Michael, Gisele looked at Carmen Kass and then at Michael before excusing herself.

Michael glanced around but didn't see Leonardo DiCaprio. He remembered that in the past, Gisele and Leonardo had an on-and-off relationship for several years. Eventually, Leonardo chose not to settle down with one person, and Gisele ended up marrying NFL star quarterback Tom Brady.

Maybe after many years in the modelling world, Gisele found true love. From what Michael remembered, Gisele and Tom Brady never divorced.

"Are you and Gisele Bündchen close?" Michael asked casually.

Carmen Kass adjusted her position slightly and said, "Not very close, but the modelling circle is much smaller than the film industry. There aren't many top models."

Michael sighed, "You're a supermodel now."

Carmen Kass adjusted her position again, and Michael noticed. He asked, "No more socializing for now? Shall we find a place to rest?"

"Sure," Carmen Kass agreed, feeling pleased with Michael's attentiveness.

Michael led the way to a quieter banquet hall area, and Carmen Kass naturally linked her arm with his. Many people in the hall noticed them.

On the way, they encountered Angela Lindvall, who curiously came over to greet them. They exchanged a few words and then parted ways.

Angela Lindvall's striking eyes left an impression on Michael. In the past, someone had said that Angela Lindvall's gaze could turn women.

Finding a less crowded place to sit, Michael curiously asked, "I heard Angela Lindvall is Karl Lagerfeld's muse?"

Carmen Kass lowered her voice, "A few months ago, Angela replaced Stella Tennant as Chanel's top spokesperson."

She glanced at Michael and asked, "Are you very interested in the fashion world?"

Michael naturally replied, "Because I often follow your news, I occasionally come across other supermodels' information in fashion reports."

Carmen Kass smiled happily and leaned closer as if sharing a secret. "Let me tell you something. Angela Lindvall and I are competitors, vying for next year's 'Model of the Year' by Vogue."

Michael immediately offered his support, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Carmen shook her head, "I've already done a lot on my end. I think I have a good chance of winning."

Michael had no connections in the fashion world but wanted to show his support. He asked, "Will winning 'Model of the Year' greatly help your career?"

"Yes," Carmen Kass leaned forward, lowering her voice even more, "Not just for modelling, but also for my business investments in Estonia."

Michael remembered her mentioning her investments during their phone calls. "Fame can certainly boost business ventures."

Carmen Kass agreed, "If I weren't famous, I wouldn't have had many investment opportunities."

"By the way, Carmen," Michael asked, "What businesses have you invested in? Only in Estonia?"

Carmen Kass explained briefly, "All in Estonia. Recently, I invested in a clothing business and established a brand under my name. I also started a real estate company this year and joined the Estonian Chess Federation."

Michael gestured with his hand, asking, "Have you ever considered investing in North America? The market here is huge."

Carmen Kass smiled, "I haven't considered it." She sighed softly, "I don't have enough fame, connections, or influence in North America. It's different in Estonia."

Suddenly, Michael realized that, aside from a small joke about Leonardo DiCaprio ever since meeting Carmen Kass, most of their conversations had been about work and career.

Two typical workaholics, their discussions always revolved around their jobs.

Because of Carmen Kass, many people in the banquet hall were watching Michael.

Gossip knows no boundaries of age or gender; it's a national hobby.

However, some were not interested in gossip. Their attention was entirely on Michael.

Daniel Malick, dressed in a suit, stood in an inconspicuous corner, looking at Michael and saying, "That young man is Michael Davenport."

Susan Arnold hummed in acknowledgment, observing quietly rather than approaching.

One of the evening's objectives was to meet Michael Davenport.

Recently, Susan Arnold had confirmed a collaboration between DreamWorks and Daniel Malick. Daniel soon submitted a new horror comedy script, which Susan promptly rejected.

DreamWorks intended to replicate the success of 'The Blair Witch Project,' not venture into horror comedy.

Susan sent the script back, instructing Daniel to rewrite it in accordance with The Blair Witch Project's successful model. Meanwhile, she heard that Relativity Entertainment was looking to sell the sequel rights due to financial issues and a fallout with Daniel Malick.

A sequel to a film that grossed $150 million in North America would surely be highly sought after in Hollywood.

"Should we go over now?" Daniel Malick asked.

Susan Arnold advised, "You should leave. Your bad relationship with Michael Davenport might complicate things. I'll find an opportunity to approach him."

Michael was engrossed in conversation with a beautiful woman, making it an unsuitable time.

Daniel Malick didn't argue, leaving the corner and mingling at the party. The grandeur of the banquet hall dazzled him, a world previously out of reach. Without the success of 'The Blair Witch Project,' he would never have caught DreamWorks' attention or attended such a high-class event.

This was all thanks to 'The Blair Witch Project.' Perhaps Susan Arnold was right; replicating its success was the best path.

Isn't that how Hollywood operates? A successful film is followed by sequels.

Daniel Malick requested a glass of red wine from a waiter and immersed himself in a crowd of women. His status as the director and producer of 'The Blair Witch Project' instantly attracted attention.

After chatting for a while, Carmen Kass's agent arrived, reminding her of upcoming activities. Michael, not wanting to delay her work, left the resting area alone.

Carmen Kass's modelling career was clearly on the rise. With Dior being one of the six blue bloods in the fashion world, securing such an endorsement ensured she would only accept high-tier contracts unless her career faltered.

Moreover, unlike many models who indulged in hedonism, Carmen Kass understood the fleeting nature of modelling and had a long-term vision.

Michael sighed inwardly: future female tycoon of Estonia.

"Nice choice," someone suddenly remarked, "Is she your girlfriend?"

Michael turned to see Tom Cruise, "Just a friend."

Michael found it odd that Tom Cruise approached him. They had only met briefly, and as a big star, Cruise had no need to connect with a producer.

Tom Cruise asked, "I heard you're selling the sequel rights to 'The Blair Witch Project?'"

Michael understood his intention and replied honestly, "Yes, I'm considering it."

"I have a production company," Tom Cruise said straightforwardly, "Interested in co-producing?"

Michael didn't reject the idea outright, "I'll think about it."

Tom Cruise smiled brightly, nodded at Michael, and left.

Opportunities that promised profit always drew interest.

Michael remained in the same spot, and soon, a middle-aged woman approached him.

"Mr. Davenport?" she asked.

Michael smiled, "Yes, I'm Michael Davenport."

The woman shook his hand, "I'm Susan Arnold from DreamWorks."

Hearing her name, Michael immediately recalled the information Robert had found. The face matched the photo.

So this was Susan Arnold.

Feigning confusion, Michael asked, "What can I do for you, Ms. Arnold?"

"I heard your company is interested in selling the sequel rights to 'The Blair Witch Project?'" Susan Arnold saw Michael nod and continued, "DreamWorks is very interested."

She then asked, "Why are you selling the sequel rights?"

Michael repeated his prepared explanation.

After listening, Susan Arnold gained a higher opinion of Daniel Malick. Both he and Michael attributed the success of 'The Blair Witch Project' to Malick, reinforcing her belief in his talent.

"Can we discuss this further elsewhere?" Susan Arnold suggested, "DreamWorks is very sincere."

Michael smiled, "Several companies have expressed interest. I'm not sure who is the most sincere yet." He thought for a moment, "How about we meet tomorrow afternoon at my office in Seashore Entertainment?"

Susan Arnold agreed, "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow."

Not just DreamWorks, before Michael left the party, Lionsgate and Tom Cruise had also arranged to send representatives to discuss the sequel rights the next day.