Chapter 233: Beautiful Woman

[Chapter 233: Beautiful Woman]

"Michelle, congratulations on another great movie," Link said as he held up his beer in a toast.

Michelle Pfeiffer, draped in a sleeveless black gown with her golden-brown hair cascading over her shoulders, replied with a radiant smile, "And congrats to you too. The movie Speed from Guess Pictures is great. Many people are saying you're amazing -- none of your investments seem to flop."

Link couldn't help but reminisce about the countless nights captivated by her. Despite having explored every allure she possessed, her mature elegance was ever-enchanting. She wasn't just a fleeting indulgence but more like a book that got better with each read.

"It wasn't that amazing. Landing Speed was largely a stroke of luck. Sandra brought the script to me; otherwise, I wouldn't have found it," Link laughed.

"But you did find it, invested in it, and despite the pressure from the other big studios, it stole the box office crown. You're incredible," Michelle's eyes sparkled with admiration. If they weren't surrounded by people, she might have showered him with kisses.

"Uh, you guys know each other well?" Winona Ryder, seated close by, felt something was not right. She was more familiar with Link and had met him several times before she and Depp broke up. But after sitting down, Michelle chatted enthusiastically with Link, leaving her, an acquaintance, no chance to interrupt.

Michelle grinned, "Is it strange for Link and me to be acquainted?"

Winona gave a knowing hum. Michelle had mingled with Richard Gere and Dustin Hoffman, who didn't always see eye-to-eye with Link. By rights, their rapport shouldn't have been so smooth, yet there was an intimate undertone between them.

The age difference -- Michelle at 36 and Link at 22 -- only added to the intrigue. Rumor had it Link liked older women. Winona decided to observe closely.

"So, Winona, what movie are you working on?" Link shifted the conversation, avoiding any implications.

Winona shrugged, "I'm not as big as Michelle, not drowning in resources. I take what's available. It's not like I have the pick of the litter."

Michelle rolled her eyes. "Link asked what you're working on. Just tell him."

"Okay, fine. I'm shooting How to Make an American Quilt, a low-budget romantic comedy directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse. Happy now?" Winona teased, her playful demeanor charming rather than annoying.

"Speak properly! Why the face?" Michelle retorted, going to pinch her cheek. Winona, laughing, evaded, then teased back, "There's definitely something between you and Link. Spill it."

"Nothing at all, stop imagining things." Michelle tried to deflect, but Winona giggled, whispering something that made Michelle blush.

Link, uninterested in their banter, continued chatting with Jerome and Jay Moloney.

...

"Hey, Link, here for a game too?" James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger had just arrived, joining the conversation with familiar ease.

Link and Cameron were neighbors at the Golden Oak Apartments, frequently crossing paths. Cameron and Schwarzenegger, like Jay, were both CAA clients, making Link's invite to join him seamless.

"So, Jim, you mentioned filming Titanic after True Lies. What's the timeline?" Link inquired, genuinely curious.

True Lies, a Fox project slated for a July release, was a major competitor, but certain matters were out of Cameron's hands. Link didn't consider him a rival.

"No rush on Titanic," Cameron admitted, downing his beer and explaining the project's complexities. Initially, he'd envisioned a modestly budgeted love story built around the Titanic's tragedy, aiming to showcase a softer side to counter critics who thought his style overly bombastic.

Yet, diving into Titanic's history stirred something profound in him. The story required more gravitas -- a simple narrative wouldn't capture the monumental loss and drama of the disaster. Thus, Cameron ditched the original script for an epic retelling, determined to construct a massive, authentic ship replica, only increasing the film's ambitious scale.

Higher costs, estimated at $160 million, troubled Fox executives. "Link, it's kind of your fault too," Cameron joked.

"My fault?" Link laughed. "What'd I do?"

"Remember, you asked why not depict the sinking itself? Hundreds on board, dealing with fate and human nature -- those visuals haunted me. I scrapped the old concept for a stronger story, and now it's $160 million because of that vision."

Jay playfully chimed in, "Wow, Link, you're to blame."

"Thought you'd blame me for sapping Fox's profits and tightening their budget," Link teased.

Cameron chuckled, "Can't blame you if they can't make hits."

"Jim, Fox Film has performed so-so in the past two years. It has tight funds and will become more cautious when investing. If they pass, Guess Pictures will back you. We lack for nothing when it comes to making films," Link offered boldly.

...

As the three discussed, Michelle and Winona eavesdropped, Winona rolling her eyes at Link's display of bravado while whispering to Michelle, "He's like a rich kid flaunting wealth."

Michelle chuckled, "Link is charming and few dare to say such things in Hollywood."

Winona pondered this. Though the Big Seven studios ruled, their CEOs weren't all-powerful -- big projects needed top corporate approval. Link, as the owner of Hollywood's largest independent studio, wielded unmatched influence and has power greater than that of the presidents of the seven major film studios.

This was also the reason why the presidents of the seven major film companies were not ranked as high as the presidents of several major brokerage companies and independent production companies in the "Hollywood Power Rankings".

His youth surprised her -- a year younger yet so formidable, she mused privately, captivated by Link's charisma.

Winona laughed, whispering to Michelle, "Is he a beast in bed too or just a charmer?"

Michelle shyly rolled her eyes, recalling recent nights.

...

Director Cameron said solemnly, "The initial budget for the Titanic is $160 million. After filming begins, the cost may increase and may exceed $160 million."

Because the cost was too high, after revising the script, he did not choose his old employers, Carolco Pictures. Currently, only the seven major film studios can afford a film with a production cost of over 100 million.

When working with an independent production company, it was possible that the film was not completed and the funding chain was suddenly cut off, leaving the entire project unfinished.

"Jim, I understand your thoughts. The production cost is too high. The risk of this project has become extremely high. The investment may fail. However, I like this story and I believe in your ability. $160 million is risky, and your budget might balloon, but I believe in you and love your story. If Fox won't fund it, Guess Pictures will -- with an initial $120 million, more if needed. You should know that Guess Pictures is not short of money, and neither am I."

Link's words were confident, compelling.

Cameron nodded, clasping Link's hand in thanks.

...

"This guy is really cool," Winona murmured, watching Link in admiration.

"Falling for him?" Michelle teased.

Winona blushed deeply, hugging Michelle, "Can't help it, he's strong and handsome."

"Very normal."

Michelle beamed, deeply charmed.

...

They wrapped up with Cameron and Schwarzenegger, just as the band invited by the club took the stage. Link found the noise grating, deciding to leave early.

Michelle planned to leave too, but Winona, having drank too much, was slumped against her shoulder, muttering for another drink. With no choice, she asked Link for help getting Winona home.

Link, in gentlemanly fashion, arranged for them to head to Michelle's place, lifting the lightweight Winona into bed. The slim, petite actress seemed no heavier than a teddy bear.

Once Winona was settled, Michelle wrapped her arms around Link, indulging in their affair that began the previous July. Their routine was well-practiced, needing no guidance to navigate the familiar intimacy like a well-driven car ride home.

Yet just as their journey began, the door creaked open. Winona stood there, in her white camisole, feigning sleep as she watched them with amusement.

"Winona, you're not really drunk?" Michelle gasped, embarrassed.

"How's my acting?" Winona retorted with a sly smile.

Michelle shot her a look, then pulled her into the room, leaving the moon outside to witness the discarded clothes and the whispers of youth unfurling beneath the night.

After an eventful evening, Link returned to the hustle and bustle of the office, diving back into work.

*****

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