Chapter 275: Not Being a Scumbag Is Wrong

[Chapter 275: Not Being a Scumbag Is Wrong]

"Link, Michael Ovitz just called me and said I should flirt with you. Isn't that hilarious?"

During lunch, as Link stepped out of the studio, he received a call from Nicole Kidman.

After the bathroom incident, Nicole had been calling him more frequently, reaching out for every little thing. This time, she mentioned that Michael Ovitz wanted her to get closer to him, ideally get him into bed, take some intimate photos, and then use all of that to create a scandal that would ruin his reputation.

Link felt exasperated by the scheme.

While he might have had a weakness for women, he wasn't the type to dive into bed with just anyone. Surrounded by so many beautiful women, he had high resistance to the whole "beauty trap" idea. Michael Ovitz had some serious thinking to do if he thought this tactic would take down Link.

"Michael Ovitz is an old-timer in the entertainment industry, shrewd and cunning. You'd better be careful while working with him. You don't want to find yourself blindsided," Link said as he munched on pizza.

"Is that you being concerned for me?" Nicole responded with a laugh.

"Sort of."

"Haha, got it. I'll be cautious. Are you free to come over for a date today?"

"No time. I'm in the middle of editing."

"How about I come to your studio? I'll wear the sexiest lingerie before I arrive. You'd want to see that, right?"

"Not really. The studio is a place for work, and I won't do anything else here."

"Hmph! You said no dating on set, and now that you're back in Los Angeles, you don't have time for me. Do you really dislike me that much, Link?"

"Nicole, you're a married woman, not a single lady."

"Bastard! So now you remember I'm married? Last time in the restroom, that didn't stop you from acting like I was single!"

"Sorry. I was impulsive back then and didn't think about it. But now that I've had time to reflect, if paparazzi catch us, it won't just hurt my career -- it could also affect yours. If you're okay with that and don't care about your reputation, you're welcome to come over for a date anytime."

"Can't we just date in secret? In your car or at the studio?"

"No way. Michael's paparazzi are watching us, and I don't want to be labeled the third party by the media."

"Hmph! You're just a coward!"

Feeling frustrated, Nicole scolded him a few times, then softened her tone, saying she missed him, dreamed about him often, and looked forward to their date.

Link didn't share her enthusiasm. Sure, Nicole was a stunning woman, but she was just one woman among many for him, and he wasn't about to give up several beauties at home for just one. It didn't make sense.

...

After hanging up, Link continued his lunch.

In the afternoon, he attended a screening for Paranormal Activity 2 at the company theater. The film was quite good, with an engaging plot and improved visuals and effects compared to the first one. It represented a strong entry in the horror genre.

Link served as the producer, screenwriter, and editor for the film, and after the screening, he earned a 1% boost in directing experience and physical stamina.

---

After finishing at the screening, Link returned to the studio to continue editing. It took him three weeks to complete the cut for The Sixth Sense, which he then handed over to the production team for post-production.

---

"Link, you're seriously busy! It's hard to catch you for a moment," Jodie Foster remarked, blocking his way at his office door.

"Really? I didn't hear from my secretary that you came by to see me. If you had, I would've made time no matter how busy I was," Link said, inviting Jodie into his office.

"Hmph! I know you're busy editing your movie, so I didn't want to interrupt," she replied.

"That's true, you are considerate like that," Link praised.

Jodie gave him a pointed look. He always had a way with compliments, making it hard for anyone to stay mad at him.

"Alright, enough of the small talk. I came to discuss work."

"What work?"

"Come on, you're the producer for Hachiko. We're nearing the start of production, but we've hardly had a conversation about it. Don't you think that's a bit much?" Jodie expressed her frustration.

Initially, they'd agreed for her to direct the film, with Link as the writer and producer, collaborating on Hachiko. However, after the project was announced, Link got tied up with preparations for the Batman sequel. Before he could get back to Hachiko, he ended up making another film.

Now that he'd wrapped up his new project, Jodie was determined to talk to Link and ensure he fulfilled his responsibilities as producer.

"Okay, I've been busy. How's the prep going for Hachiko? When do we start shooting?" Link asked while sipping his coffee.

"Not as smoothly as you think. Do you believe everyone can just call the shots like you do? That when you want to film, everyone will jump to serve you?" Jodie started venting.

After the project was greenlit, funding had been secured quickly and the production team assembled smoothly. The trouble came when casting for the lead role; Jodie had believed Richard Gere was the perfect fit, but he was hospitalized and unable to shoot.

After searching high and low, the casting director felt Robin Williams might be a better match. At 43, Robin was one of Hollywood's leading actors, having won the Golden Globe for Best Actor four times and receiving three Academy Award nominations. Last year, he starred in Mrs. Doubtfire, which grossed over $400 million worldwide, ranking third at the box office.

Robin was perfect for comedy, musicals, and family dramas, making him a great choice for the role.

However, Robin was busy filming Jumanji in recent months and couldn't take on any other projects, forcing the production team to wait a few months for his availability. They were also in the process of selecting and training Akitas in preparation for the shoot.

If all went well, they wouldn't be filming until early next year.

"Take your time. There's no rush. I believe in your capabilities; you can make this film great," Link reassured her.

"Is that it? Just moral support? Everyone in the industry says you're not just a talented director but also an exceptional producer. Are your talents limited to merely speaking them?" Jodie teased.

Link chuckled. "All right, once we start filming, I'll step in as the executing screenwriter and editor. I'll even tag along as co-director, helping you every step of the way. Is that support enough?"

"That's what you said! I'm not forcing you; let's seal the deal!" Jodie laughed as she extended her hand for a high-five.

Link bumped palms with her.

Feeling relieved, Jodie took a sip of her coffee and eyed him. "How did you and Diane get along while filming The Sixth Sense?"

Diane Lane had played the supporting role of Dr. Malcolm's wife in The Sixth Sense, and Link had picked her for the character because of her fitting image and her friendship with Jodie and Michelle Pfeiffer.

"It went well. Why do you ask all of a sudden?"

"Did you two sleep together?"

Jodie's eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"Of course not! I brought her on set to work, not to date. I'm not into that sort of thing with co-stars."

"But the papers say that almost all the actresses you work with end up sleeping with you. Why not Diane? Is she not your type?"

"Those are just rumors, not true at all."

"But Diane was hurt after filming because you didn't show her any affection. She felt unappealing and downcast, believing she lacked charm. You should apologize to her."

"Are you kidding? Is it wrong that I didn't sleep with her?"

Link looked into her blue eyes and noticed she was quite serious.

"Maybe you should see it from another angle. You sleep with all the actresses you've worked with but not with her? Isn't that discrimination? Whether it's about looks or age, you've unintentionally hurt her. Shouldn't you apologize?"

Jodie pressed her lips together, making her case clear.

Link nodded, realizing she had a point. "Alright, I'll set up a date with Diane to make amends."

"Great! I'll tell Diane to prepare ahead of time," Jodie beamed.

Link shot her a confused look. "Why are you so excited about me dating Diane?"

"Nothing! I just think it'd be interesting to see how that goes," Jodie replied with a laugh.

Link shook his head, unsure about the quirks of their friend group.

*****

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