Chapter 66: The Beautiful Director

[Chapter 66: The Beautiful Director]

The newcomer was Sofia Coppola.

She was the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, the director of the Godfather series, and was also the cousin of Nicolas Cage. Sofia was destined to become the director of Lost in Translation, the film that would propel Scarlett Johansson to stardom.

At just 21 years old, she was a year older than Link and had previously been an actress. Sofia was born in 1971 during the filming of the first Godfather movie, where she played a baby being baptized in the film's closing moments. By the time of Godfather III in 1989, Sofia, at 18, portrayed Mary, the daughter of the newly appointed Godfather. Growing up alongside the Godfather franchise, she was known as one of Hollywood's star children.

...

"Link, I've heard so much about you from Monica. It's a pleasure to meet you," Sofia said, her bright eyes scanning him up and down as she approached their booth.

"Ms. Coppola, the pleasure is mine," Link replied, shaking her hand. Monica then pulled Sofia to sit on the fabric couch opposite them and signaled to the waiter for coffee.

"Link, guess how we met?" Monica asked with a laugh.

"On the set of Bram Stoker's Dracula?"

"No, earlier than that! In 1989, I signed with Elite Model Management to model in Paris, and during a Chanel fashion show, I met Sofia. She was interning as an assistant to Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's artistic director," she explained.

"I was just answering phones," Sofia shrugged.

Sofia, who had Italian roots, knew a bit of Italian and conversed with Monica when they met at the Paris Chanel show. Their encounters turned them into friends.

The reason Sofia spent time in Paris was straightforward. Following the release of Godfather III in 1989, she was criticized heavily for her acting skills, even winning the Razzie Award for Worst New Star and Worst Supporting Actress. Many media outlets branded her performance as the biggest flaw of the Godfather series. This setback hit her hard, causing her to struggle in Hollywood, leading her to Paris to study design. After a year as a junior designer, her mother convinced her to return to the U.S., where she enrolled in the California Institute of the Arts to study painting and photography, aiming to become a professional photographer.

Monica's role in Bram Stoker's Dracula had been recommended by Sofia, reflecting the closeness of their relationship.

...

"Link, I hear you and Monica lived in the same apartment complex?" Sofia inquired, studying him.

"Yes, in the apartments on Bird Streets. She lived downstairs and I lived upstairs," Link replied.

"So, what's your relationship now?" Sofia pressed.

"What do you think?" Link smiled.

"I'm not sure. I talked with Monica. She likes tall, handsome, strong-minded guys, not someone like you," Sofia responded, smirking.

"Oh? What am I missing?" Link laughed.

"Sophia, you don't know him like I do. He's a great guy, not just tall and handsome, but he's also charming and talented. He meets all my expectations of a partner," Monica chimed in, noticing the banter wasn't flowing smoothly.

"Tall and handsome is debatable. The charm and personality, I'm not so sure about. I saw his TV interview; he seemed polite and gentlemanly. From what I understand, those types usually fall into two categories.

One type is truly gentle and elegant, whether at home or in public. This type of person lacks vitality and passion, and living with them for a long time will be very boring.

The other seems charming on the outside, but are actually very bad-tempered, violent, alcoholic and violent. I don't need to tell you what you will encounter if you live with such a person.

Which type are you, Link?" Sofia stirred her coffee with a silver spoon, her tone playful yet pointed.

"Ms. Coppola, do you like milk in your coffee?" Link asked, gesturing to the milk jug on the coffee table.

"Not at all!" she frowned, looking confused.

"I do, and so does Monica. I heard that people who don't like milk in their coffee tend to have sharp personalities. When they chat, they often turn trivial matters into arguments just to gain the upper hand. This behavior usually stems from lacking a voice or listener in their personal lives. They often stir controversy to get attention," Link observed.

"What are you implying? Do you think I'm unreasonable?" Sofia's voice sharpened.

"Not at all, just a casual discussion. Please, don't get upset," Link smiled gently, raising his coffee cup in a calming gesture.

"Sofia, you told me you wanted to meet the genius director, Link. How did we end up arguing right after introductions?" Monica pulled Sofia to ease the tension.

"It's not an argument! I was merely asking him which type he is. He deflected the question and accused me of being hot-tempered and trouble-seeking. Do I seem hot-headed to you?!" Sofia retorted.

"Why don't you see for yourself?" Monica suggested, holding a makeup mirror to Sofia's face.

In the reflection, Sofia noticed her own flushed face, with excitement coursing through her, almost on the verge of an argument.

Sofia waved her hand dismissively, took a deep breath, and forced a tight smile. "Link, I apologize. I was too eager. I shouldn't have raised my voice. Now, back to our previous topic -- gentle personalities come in two forms. Which one are you? Please answer directly."

"Ms. Coppola, do you take milk in your coffee?" Link asked warmly.

"You!" Sofia squinted, her breathing quickening as she clenched her fists under the table.

"My point is, coffee, like people, can be prepared in many ways. You prefer it black, believing it tastes best that way, while I enjoy it with milk, just like Monica. You can't categorize those who enjoy milk in their coffee as lesser for their preferences; such thinking is simply narrow-minded. The best coffee isn't decided by someone else's opinion, but is found through personal experience. As for your question about my personality type? It doesn't need a definitive answer. As long as Monica believes I have a good character and enjoys spending time with me, then what difference does it make if I'm a violent alcoholic or a man without passion in private? One person's poison is another's honey; I hope that makes sense."

Link swirled his coffee cup, and the rich aroma filled the air.

Sofia listened and gradually her emotions settled. She glanced at him in surprise and turned back to Monica saying, "You must have never lost a debate with him."

"We never argue," Monica smiled lightly, gripping Link's hand across the table.

"Alright, Link, I apologize again. I shouldn't have asked that question," Sofia conceded.

"No worries. I heard you're studying photography?" Link inquired.

"Yes, for more than a year now," she responded.

"And are you planning to direct in the future?" he asked.

"No, just taking photos I like. I'm aiming to be a designer," Sofia said, stirring her coffee with a blink of her eyes.

Link nodded, shifting the topic, and he let the question go, turning to skim through a magazine on the table.

...

Meanwhile, Sofia and Monica chatted about makeup, movies, and the latest gossip. They discussed everything from Arnold Schwarzenegger's rumored affair with actress Goldie Hawn, Mariah Carey's drunken escapades at a nightclub, Kiefer Sutherland's troubles with alcohol and an argument with Julia Roberts, to Clinton announcing his candidacy for office.

Eventually, the conversation drifted back to Link.

...

"Link, there have been plenty of negative comments about you in the press lately. I heard your new movie is about to be released. Aren't you worried that excessive negativity might affect your 'genius director' reputation?" Sofia inquired, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Sofia, you promised no more debates with Link! Why are you starting again?" Monica covered her forehead in exasperation.

"I'm not trying to argue! I just have questions after seeing the news. Link, may I?" Sofia pressed.

"Not worried at all," Link replied.

"Why not?"

"Because my movie is great! If you're interested, you can come see it at the premiere."

"Great, I'll definitely be there," Sofia chuckled, promising herself that if the film turned out bad, she would hold Link accountable for today's banter.

...

"Hey, Sofia, you're here having coffee too?" Three glamorous individuals approached them.

They were all big stars. The first was Michelle Pfeiffer, one of the most beautiful actresses of the '80s, known for her works such as Scarface and Dangerous Liaisons, as well as the recently released Batman Returns. The second was Dustin Hoffman, a leading Hollywood star who won an Oscar for his role in Rain Man in 1990. The last guest was Andy Garcia, who played Vincent Corleone in Godfather III.

"Hey, A-list stars! How's it going?" Sofia greeted them warmly.

"Sofia, I heard from your mom that you're learning to be a director. When can we see your movie?" Michelle asked.

"Oh, no. I'm studying photography, just taking random shots," Sofia replied, casting a covert glance at Link. Earlier, he had asked her if she was pursuing directing, which she had denied, but now Michelle quoting her mother almost revealed her inconsistency.

"Sofia, we had a great time working together on the Godfather set. Would you consider acting again? I just received a new script with a role that would suit you perfectly," Andy offered with a kind smile.

"No, I really have no interest in acting," she replied firmly.

"Well, okay then. Nice to meet you, Link!" Andy greeted him with a handshake.

"Hello, Mr. Garcia!" Link returned the handshake.

Dustin Hoffman and Michelle Pfeiffer seemed indifferent to Link and greeted Sofia before moving on to the corner coffee table.

...

"Link, your movie is premiering soon, isn't it? That could be troublesome. Dustin and Andy's new film, Hero, is also scheduled for release. If your films overlap, it could spell trouble for you," Sofia smirked playfully, looking forward to the drama.

"Really?" Link laughed nonchalantly.

Seeing his calm demeanor infuriated Sofia again. If given the chance, she would punch this guy, who was regarded as a 'genius director' even though he was a year younger than her, just to knock that smugness off his face. Yet, it was frustrating how this guy had the patience of a saint, allowing her all the provocation without a flinch.

Sofia vowed to keep an eye on the box office when Link's new film came out. If it flopped, she would find the perfect moment to tease him about it to deliver that much-needed payback.

*****

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