Chapter 277: Nicole Kidman Chooses to Take the Initiative

[Chapter 277: Nicole Kidman Chooses to Take the Initiative]

After a few days off, Link returned to the studio, ready to dive into work.

As the end of the year approached, the various departments began wrapping up their annual reviews, planning for the upcoming year, distributing year-end bonuses, and organizing holiday schedules. It was a bustling time filled with tasks.

Additionally, with the release of Good Will Hunting on the horizon, Link needed to dedicate time to oversee the film's promotion. The movie had received high praise during its test screenings and had significant box office potential.

Link instructed the marketing team to ramp up their efforts, urging them not to skimp on the budget, particularly with several big releases coming during the winter break. To secure ample media exposure, he emphasized that it was essential to invest in the film's promotion.

After two weeks of solid marketing, Good Will Hunting garnered some recognition amid the crowded winter release slate.

On Friday, the film held its premiere at the Highland Theatre in Hollywood, where Link, along with Monica Bellucci, Jennifer Connelly, and Sofia Coppola, attended to support the film.

Link had not interfered much during production; the core team of director and cast remained intact, and the film's content was quite similar to the original.

As the screening concluded, the audience erupted into applause, the clapping lasting over five minutes. Matt Damon's performance earned widespread praise from fellow attendees.

...

"Looks like Guess Pictures has produced another great film," Sofia remarked while applauding.

"Absolutely. Before Final Destination, Guess Pictures faced a lot of criticism, but now when we release something, it's bound to be top-notch," Link agreed.

This year, Guess Pictures had released nine films, from the first, The Underneath, to the last, Good Will Hunting. Although the box office results for The Underneath, Eat Drink Man Woman, and Before Sunrise were modest, the quality had been generally well-received by critics.

The other films performed well at the box office; not counting Good Will Hunting and Pulp Fiction, four had crossed the $100 million mark in North America. It seemed Guess Pictures had achieved both critical and commercial success this year.

"Link, how are you so talented -- it's not just filmmaking, you're exceptional in every aspect!" Sofia looked at him with admiration.

Monica Bellucci held onto his arm tightly, wearing a tender smile.

"That's all thanks to your support. It's your encouragement that helps me keep improving," Link replied while wrapping his arms around both of them with a grin.

"So we really matter that much to you?" Monica teased as she gazed up at him.

"Of course!" Link leaned down to kiss Monica on her smooth cheek. Then he pointed to Sofia's cheek, giving her a kiss as well.

...

"Ugh! This guy is living it up, not a care in the world," Nicole Kidman observed from the back row. Seeing Link with Monica, Sofia, Jennifer Connelly, and Renee Zellweger, all laughing and chatting, left her feeling a twinge of jealousy, as if he had taken something that belonged to her.

"Two years ago, the media kept reporting on their love triangles. They were all said to be Link's girlfriends. Now that kind of news has lost its novelty, so he probably doesn't mind being seen with them," Naomi Watts remarked, gazing at Link.

Naomi, who was in the same class as Nicole, had moved to Hollywood from Australia last year. She had a minor role in Final Destination, and later joined UTA, picking up a few roles, but none that made her a star.

"Yeah, a guy like him, notorious for being a player, really doesn't need to care about his reputation," Nicole said bitterly.

Naomi shrugged but remained silent. She had heard about Link's issues with Tom Cruise, who had reportedly suffered significant losses due to Link. Perhaps that was why Nicole was so critical of him.

However, Nicole was not just part of Guess Pictures' film To Die For but was also set to star as the lead in Link's next movie, the Batman sequel. This dynamic suggested that they might not have as much of a conflict as it seemed.

Unsure about their relationship, Naomi chose to hold her tongue.

...

"Hey, Link, hope we're not interrupting you. How's our new movie looking?" Ben Affleck and Matt Damon approached from the front row to greet Link.

"Looking great, Matt. Congratulations on writing a fantastic script and making a stellar film. I have a feeling you're about to become a big star," Link said with genuine enthusiasm.

"Thanks! It wouldn't have been possible without your support, Link. It's great to finally see Good Will Hunting hitting theaters," Matt replied with a warm smile.

"Hey, what about me? I'm also the screenwriter and star of that movie! You seem to have forgotten to congratulate me," Ben joked, pointing to himself.

"Of course, congratulations! How's your training going? We start filming in February. I hope you don't hold up the crew," Link added playfully.

"I won't! Check out my arms -- they're like twice the size they were three months ago," Ben flexed his muscles, puffing out his chest to show off his newfound strength, as if he was possessed by Chris Barnes.

"Looking good -- keep it up," Link acknowledged, then made his way over to director Gus Van Sant and co-star Robin Williams to extend his congratulations.

Gus directed both Good Will Hunting and To Die For, while Robin, apart from this film, would be playing Professor Parker Wilson in Hachi: A Dog's Tale.

...

While Link chatted with Gus about the movies, Nicole walked over to congratulate Gus, then casually greeted Link.

"What are you doing here?" Link asked quietly.

"Well, if a certain coward won't come see me, I suppose I must go to him. Let's chat in the restroom," Nicole said, pretending to listen to others while leaning in slightly.

"No way. I don't have a habit of chatting it up in the restroom," Link replied firmly.

"Why didn't you say that last time?" Nicole shot back with a playful glare, her cheeks slightly flushed as she leaned closer, a hint of enticing perfume wafting toward him.

Link shook his head, keeping an appropriate distance. With a serious expression, he stated, "Ms. Kidman, we're starting Batman in February or March. Make sure to review the script and study your character -- Dr. Chase isn't just a pretty face; her role is significant in the film."

"Sure, Director Link. If I have questions, can we discuss them in person?" Nicole asked, batting her eyelashes with a smile.

"If I have time, that should be fine."

After offering his congratulations, Link found Monica, Jennifer, and the others, and they all departed the theater together.

Nicole watched them leave and felt a sudden urge to rush over and join them.

*****

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