Chapter 83: You Smell Amazing

[Chapter 83: You Smell Amazing]

"Quentin just wouldn't shut up. He can really talk your ear off," Sofia Coppola remarked after Quentin and the others left.

"Quentin at least makes things lively. The conversation never drags with him around," came the playful retort.

"Who would ever let a conversation drag? Well, okay, maybe you're just a little stiff; talking to you can get pretty dry," Sofia teased with a laugh.

"Are you two going to start bickering again?" Monica Bellucci chimed in with a smirk.

"No way, I wouldn't dare argue with him. He's so talented; it's just a twenty-thousand-dollar film that has left everyone in the industry speechless. I wouldn't stand a chance," Sofia explained.

"It's their bias. They can't accept a young director who's also better than them," Monica added.

"Yeah, I can't accept it either. You're only a year younger than me, yet you direct films so well. Why? Are you a genius or something?" Sofia looked at him, genuinely curious.

"Clearly not. They call me Ed Wood II -- the director of bad movies."

"Ha! Those people are just jealous of your talent and the fact that your films can actually make money. They're just sour grapes -- don't pay them any mind," Sofia reassured him.

"Yeah, Link, to me, you're the most talented guy in the world. Other guys don't even compare to your pinky finger," Monica said, playfully wrapping her arms around his.

Link ran his fingers through her long, dark curls.

Seeing the two of them being so affectionate made Sofia feel uncomfortable, so she quickly changed the subject. "So, Link, when are you shooting your next movie?"

"Next year, I think I just mentioned that," he replied.

"Has the crew been assembled? Do you need a cinematographer? I can even help as an assistant director," Sofia asked eagerly.

"You want to join my crew? Why?" he inquired, confused.

"I want to learn how to make films from you," Sofia stated frankly.

"Are you kidding? Your dad, Coppola, is a legendary filmmaker. When it comes to directing, no one's better than him. If you want to learn about filmmaking, why not go to him? What can you possibly learn from a rookie like me?" he countered.

"My dad is from an older generation. His filmmaking experience and views are outdated -- they just don't suit me anymore. I want to learn from you, a fellow newcomer, to see how you make films. Just say yes already," Sofia's tone became more authoritative, yet it wasn't off-putting.

"Okay. But if you don't learn anything here, don't say I wasted your time."

"I'm not that kind of person," Sofia said with a small smile, extending her hand for a shake to seal the deal.

Link grinned and shook her hand.

---

After saying goodbye to Sofia Coppola, Link went back to reading the script Jim Carrey had sent over, a wacky comedy titled Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

The writer of the script was none other than Jim Carrey himself. The story was inspired by the 1989 movie, The Naked Gun, where Jim had a minor role.

Ace Ventura followed the story of "Snowflake," the Miami Dolphins' mascot, who gets kidnapped right before the big game. The team's manager hires a pet detective to find Snowflake.

The lead character was basically a caricature of Jim Carrey, something tailored just for him. After spending over a decade hustling in Hollywood, Jim had found a niche in slapstick comedy.

This film was Jim Carrey's breakout hit that launched his career, leading to appearances in blockbuster films like The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, Liar Liar, and The Truman Show.

Jim Carrey's movies exploded in popularity worldwide, and he became the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, beating out the likes of Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks with a whopping twenty-million-dollar salary per film.

Jim had two main purposes for bringing the script over today. First, he sought help with revisions. After the success of Buried and Paranormal Activity, his writing talent garnered attention in Hollywood, and he wanted Link's insight.

Second, after the success of Paranormal Activity, Guess Pictures was bound to make a lot of money. Media sources speculated that Guess Pictures could easily make over two hundred million dollars just from box office shares, video sales, and sequel rights.

If Guess Pictures achieved such success, it could very well join the ranks of Hollywood's top ten independent production companies, establishing itself as a rising star in the indie film scene.

With cash and strength behind him, Jim also wanted to know if Link was interested in investing. Ace Ventura was the film that could propel Jim's career; it crossed the one-hundred-million-dollar mark in North America, with a production cost of about ten million.

Clearly, a profitable venture.

Link was open to the idea, considering bringing Jim under the Guess Pictures umbrella to churn out those low-budget comedies.

...

"How's the screenplay?" Monica asked, leaning over from behind her chair to rest her shoulder against his.

She had just showered, and the scent of her body wash enveloped him. Her long dark curls tumbled from behind and brushed against him.

As he set the script down, he noticed the twilight darkening the sky outside the window, neon lights flickering on the streets, while beside him, Monica had changed into a black silk nightie.

Her fair, soft skin contrasted even more beautifully against the dark lace, tempting him to reach out, to feel her warmth and softness.

It was nighttime, and Link wasn't a workaholic, nor did he intend to keep working. He tossed the script aside, embraced Monica, and slipped his hands under her nightie, exploring the secrets hidden beneath.

"You're so frisky," she chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"You smell amazing," Link remarked, inhaling the scent of her hair and neck.

Monica giggled, tilting her neck closer to him. "Darling, are you going to direct this screenplay?"

"Not really. I prefer making serious films. I'm not great with comedies; it's easy for them to turn into disasters."

He was a serious and focused director, excelling in thrillers, dramas, and romances -- but not comedies. That was one key reason he didn't plan to direct this film personally.

Another reason was that he had better scripts in hand that could also be profitable, so there was no need to waste time with other films. If he were to make Ace Ventura, he could easily hire someone else, and the cost wouldn't be too high.

He also wanted to experiment with not directing -- just being a writer and producer -- to see if he could reap rewards and box office hits after the film's completion.

If that worked out, he could fully transition into being a producer, making ten films a year and potentially earning even more rewards, boosting his recognition.

Plus, when he worked on films or working on Monica, he wouldn't have to worry about stamina.

"Take it easy! Why do you always have to pinch my behind?" Monica teased, biting his earlobe.

"Did you gain weight?"

"No! Well, okay -- I gained a little over two pounds since last month. You don't like that? I can drop it from tomorrow."

"I like it. A little fat feels good, and you're nice to hug."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. Let me show you now."

"Ha-ha!"

Before night fully set in, Link and Monica engaged in playful antics, nearly soaking the documents on the desk with their shenanigans.

*****

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