Chapter 33: Progress

Robert Iger's luxurious villa is located in Malibu, where many wealthy individuals have purchased properties. However, Gilbert couldn't afford a house there yet. He still lived in his previous apartment and occasionally stayed at his old man's place.

When Gilbert arrived, Robert Iger was already waiting outside, showing a sincere gesture.

"Hello, Director Gilbert. Nice to see you again," Robert Iger greeted him with a warm hug, which made Gilbert feel slightly uncomfortable, though it was brief.

"Long time no see, Bob. You still look energetic!" Gilbert responded with a compliment.

"And who is this?" Robert Iger finally noticed Cameron Diaz, who was standing next to Gilbert, wearing his jacket.

Gilbert introduced them, "Bob, this is Cameron Diaz, a friend of mine who's here in LA to pursue acting. Michelle, this is Robert Iger, CEO of Touchstone Pictures."

"Hello, beautiful lady. Welcome to tonight's party," Robert Iger greeted her with a kiss on the hand.

Cameron Diaz smiled brightly, "It's an honor to be here."

Robert Iger led them into the villa, which was already filled with people, mainly mid-to-high-level managers from Walt Disney. Everyone wore professional smiles and greeted Gilbert warmly.

After some small talk and socializing, Robert Iger and Gilbert found a small room to discuss business.

Gilbert turned to Cameron Diaz and said, "You go ahead. Bob and I have something to discuss."

Cameron Diaz nodded and was about to head back to the hall.

"Wait..." Gilbert called out to her.

"Hmm?" Cameron Diaz turned around, confused.

"Don't drink any alcohol. You'll be driving us back," Gilbert said.

Cameron Diaz nodded in understanding.

After she left, Gilbert and Robert Iger sat down to talk.

"Gilbert, our Disney distribution capabilities are on par with Universal's. And in our live-action film business, we're not as strong. If you join us, you'll be the top priority," Robert Iger's pitch was quite enticing.

Top priority? Sounds like something from a brothel, Gilbert thought to himself, but he maintained a smile. "I'm sure you've heard the rumors about my demanding conditions. Can Disney meet them?"

"Don't worry," Robert Iger assured him. "Mr. Eisner said that any conditions can be negotiated."

As long as they were willing to negotiate, everything else could be discussed. They clinked glasses, signaling a mutual understanding. The rest could be handled by Gilbert's agent and the studio.

"By the way, should we give Michelle a role?" Robert Iger asked.

Having gotten acquainted, Robert Iger also began calling Cameron Diaz by her middle name.

"We'll see. If she meets my standards, she'll be considered," Gilbert replied.

Robert Iger felt reassured. This indicated that Gilbert was a principled person who wouldn't let external factors or women influence his judgment.

The small party eventually ended, and both sides got what they wanted. After seeing Gilbert and Cameron Diaz off, Robert Iger returned to his study and called Michael Eisner.

"Hello, Michael, it's all settled," Robert Iger said.

"I hope he won't disappoint us," Michael Eisner responded.

"He definitely won't. Rest assured," Robert Iger was confident that Gilbert would succeed again.

The car pulled up outside Cameron Diaz's apartment building. She extended an invitation, "Would you like to come up for a cup of coffee?"

"Sure," Gilbert, who hadn't drunk much but was still not in the best shape to drive, agreed.

They headed upstairs, where there was no elevator, so they had to take the stairs. Watching Cameron Diaz walk in front of him, Gilbert couldn't help but admit that while her face might not be the most beautiful, her figure was undeniably attractive.

Inside Cameron Diaz's apartment, she changed out of her rented dress, slipping into something more casual and fitted.

As usual, it was instant coffee. Perhaps because she hadn't had any alcohol at the party, Cameron Diaz poured herself a glass of red wine and sat by the window with Gilbert, chatting.

"Are you going to work with Disney?" Cameron Diaz asked.

"Yes, they've basically agreed to my terms. The rest are just details," Gilbert replied, sipping his instant coffee while thinking about how nice it would be to have some tea from his homeland.

He had grown up drinking tea and still preferred it over coffee. Although his homeland also produced coffee beans, they were never as famous as its tea.

Cameron Diaz looked at Gilbert expectantly, hesitating as if she wanted to say something but didn't dare to.

Seeing her expression, Gilbert knew exactly what she was thinking.

But he still asked, "Did you sign up for the acting class I mentioned?"

"Yes, yes," Cameron Diaz nodded earnestly. "I've been taking acting lessons."

Knowing her future trajectory, Gilbert thought it might be fun to be the one to help her become the future Hollywood sweetheart. He decided to give her a chance since this project needed some attractive leads.

"Alright then, have your agent submit a resume and attend the audition. If you meet my standards, I'll give you priority," Gilbert said.

Cameron Diaz was overjoyed and nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, I'll definitely do my best."

They chatted about various other topics. Gilbert, with his humor and wit, had Cameron Diaz laughing heartily.

"Time to go. I should be heading back," Gilbert said, checking his watch. It was about time to leave.

Cameron Diaz stood up with him and tried to persuade him, "You've had a drink. You shouldn't drive. Why not stay here for the night?"

Gilbert looked at Cameron Diaz's face, flushed from a bit of wine, making her look particularly charming.

Her big, watery eyes and her beautiful figure were something no man could resist.

They moved closer and closer until they were in each other's arms.

At 5'9", Cameron Diaz looked petite and delicate next to the 6'1" Gilbert.

"Hey, Michelle, you're truly captivating..." Gilbert said, holding her soft waist.

Cameron Diaz's long eyelashes fluttered, just like in the song, batting her eyes at Gilbert as if she were taking a photo.

Neither of them were beginners, and they quickly became intimate.

Cameron Diaz, though not in heels, was the picture of a sweet and coy figure in Gilbert's arms.

"You're really good at this..." Cameron Diaz said, her voice filled with satisfaction and exhaustion.

Gilbert responded innocently, "Dear, that's not fair. You're the one with all the yoga skills."

Cameron Diaz, pleased with his words, whispered in his ear, "How about another round?"

"Sure," Gilbert agreed, not one to turn down such an offer.

That night, they engaged in several more rounds of "yoga," their activities covering the bathroom, by the window, and on the table.

They climbed the mountain together, becoming one...