Chapter 147: Driving

[Chapter 147: Driving]

"Director Link, do you come to Pelican Hill to play golf often?"

Inside the moving car, Michelle Pfeiffer stretched her long, well-toned legs as she asked.

"No, today's my first time here."

Link poured a glass of sparkling water and handed it to her.

"I don't come here often either. I'm here today to meet Mike Nichols. I have a collaboration with him on his next project."

Michelle Pfeiffer smiled.

Mike Nichols was a well-respected director in Hollywood. Although he hadn't directed many films, they were all considered stellar works, including The Graduate, Silkwood, and Working Girl. He had been nominated four times for the Academy Award for Best Director, winning in 1968 for The Graduate.

For Michelle Pfeiffer to star in one of his films was quite the opportunity.

"You and Nichols are both powerhouse talents; the movie is definitely something to look forward to."

"Thanks!"

Michelle clinked their glasses and replied with a smile, "I heard your new film is about to start shooting. I'm sure it will be great too."

"I can't guarantee an Oscar, but I'll do my best to surpass my previous work," Link said.

"Shouldn't it also surpass the box office of Paranormal Activity, Link? Your ambition is impressive."

Michelle teased him with a grin.

Link laughed, "It's all the same; don't tell me you're working with Nichols just for the paycheck and not because you want to win an Oscar for Best Actress."

"Ha! You guessed wrong this time. This film is a thriller about an ordinary person bitten by a wolf and turning into a werewolf. It's more commercial in nature, so the chances of getting an Oscar are pretty slim. I'm indeed in it for the paycheck," Michelle said playfully, tilting her head and laughing.

Even in her thirties, she could still project a charming style. It must be said that a actress's shelf life lasts longer than that of an ordinary woman.

"That doesn't say much. You're an excellent actress. With your attitude toward filmmaking, even if the chances of this film being nominated for an Oscar are low, you'll still strive to do your best and get noticed," he encouraged her.

"Link, you've put me in a bind. I was planning to take it easy during this shoot, but after what you said, I can't just relax; that would be unprofessional, right?"

Michelle pretended to frown at him.

"Should I apologize, then?"

"Fine, I accept your apology."

Michelle couldn't help but laugh, her long dress dancing as she moved.

Link smiled at her bright laughter. He couldn't help but admire how she knew how to navigate the room. Despite any past misunderstandings, after talking, it was hard to hold a grudge against her.

This woman had earned her place in the competitive landscape of Hollywood for a reason.

...

When the car returned to downtown Los Angeles, it came to a stop in front of an upscale apartment building. Michelle expressed her thanks before suddenly asking if he wanted to come up for a cup of coffee.

Link felt surprised. He had heard that Michelle had a boyfriend and hesitated, asking if it was convenient.

"Of course! I'm honored to invite you over," she said, wrapping her arm around his as they headed inside.

Link instructed their driver, Wallace, to park in the underground garage. He and Michelle took the elevator upstairs.

To be safe, he turned on his recording pen in his pocket.

...

Before night fell, Link straightened his clothes and headed back to the car.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" x500

"Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!" x1000.

"."

As the car started, he played back the recording. The results were a bit disappointing.

Before heading upstairs, Michelle had unexpectedly invited him in.

In the entertainment industry, inviting someone of the opposite sex over for coffee was usually a sign of interest.

Considering Michelle's relationships with people like Dustin Hoffman and her status in the industry, which was on par with two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster, it was unlikely she was this generous just to win him over.

Ultimately, her invitation could have ulterior motives.

To avoid surprises, he activated his handy recording pen to keep any potential schemes documented.

However, things didn't unfold as expected. Once inside Michelle's place, she took a shower, changed clothes, and pulled out her prized red wine. They settled on the couch to chat about movies and science fiction.

As the conversation flowed, the atmosphere became more relaxed, and they found themselves entangled.

From the living room to the bedroom, Link remained on high alert at first, trying to focus on the task at hand while also listening for any disturbances outside the door.

After ten minutes without any interruptions, he began to ease up. He planned to use this opportunity to draw out any potential threats and see who had more patience.

After over an hour, nothing seemed to have gone wrong when he finally left.

There were no traps or any unexpected twists.

It appeared he had misunderstood -- this evening, which should have been a romantic moment, had turned into a psychological thriller instead.

Still, just to be safe, he kept the recording for posterity.

...

As the car returned to Beverly Hills, the sky had completely darkened. The tall palm trees swayed in the evening breeze, their fronds shimmering, while neon lights lit up the streets, reflecting colorful glows against the car windows.

On the way, he received a call from Renee Zellweger, who asked what he was doing and if he wanted to come over tonight.

Link replied that he was tired from playing golf and wouldn't come by.

"I'm getting a massage, a Thai spa too. Want to try it out? I can come over," Renee offered.

After thinking it over, Link accepted her kind offer.

Renee immediately expressed her excitement and said she would be there shortly.

...

When the car arrived at Golden Oak Apartments, Link rubbed his weary lower back as he exited the vehicle and walked into the complex.

When he stepped into the elevator, he was taken aback to see a woman staring wide-eyed at him.

"Are you following me?"

Jodie Foster asked warily.

Link's lips twitched; he didn't respond as the elevator doors began to close slowly.

"Don't you think it's rude to turn your back to someone while talking?"

"Just casually suspecting others -- what a polite thing to do!"

"Alright, consider it my mistake. I apologize."

Jodie stepped forward and stood beside him.

"I forgive you."

"Hmm, what have you been up to? You only just got back?'"

"Discussing work."

"I don't believe you; you smell like Chanel perfume. Were you out messing around?"

Jodie crossed her arms, a disdainful smile curling at her lips.

Link turned to face her, looking closely at her cheeks and eyes.

"What are you doing?"

Jodie took a cautious step back, leaning against the wall. While she appeared anxious, her gaze was defiant and fearless.

"This should be my question. Your tone sounds a lot like a girlfriend."

"Get lost! I just think men are disgusting -- taking advantage of what little there is and being irresponsible. Some people use their wealth and status to do even worse things."

"What worse things?" Link asked with a smirk.

"I don't want to say."

"Everyone is born this way; why is it a bad thing?"

"Having children is different from that kind of thing -- one is noble, the other base."

"Fair point."

Link wasn't interested in bickering with her.

The elevator reached the twelfth floor, and Link politely gestured for Jodie to exit first, but she stood her ground and insisted he go first.

Link stopped being courteous and stepped out confidently to the right hallway.

...

Watching him to ensure he was headed the correct way, Jodie moved toward her apartment.

When she reached the door, Jodie fumbled with her keys for a moment and frowned, realizing she might have the wrong one.

"Want to try this key?"

Link offered, flashing a finely crafted key in front of her.

Jodie paused, turning to glare at him, "You jerk, are you messing with me?"

"Just a joke! You're so beautiful and gracious, I figured you wouldn't mind a little fun, right?"

"Ugh!"

Jodie bit her lip as she glared at him, her eyes sharp enough to cut.

"How about you come in to chat? Maybe we have some misunderstandings?"

Link grinned as he opened the door.

"Ha! Not interested."

Jodie stomped her foot in annoyance, walking a few steps before turning back to point at him. "Link, you've crossed a line. I won't forgive you easily."

"Hey, Ms. Foster, I really don't want to cross you. I'd love to be your friend. What do I need to do to earn your forgiveness? After all, even criminals get a chance at redemption," Link laughed.

Jodie frowned slightly, "I haven't made up my mind yet. I'll let you know when I do."

She waved her hand as she walked away, looking exceptionally cool.

Link chuckled to himself, watching her walk away, then closed his door.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.