Chapter 293: Nicole, What Are You Looking At?

[Chapter 293: Nicole, What Are You Looking At?]

At the party, Link took the initiative to congratulate the cast of Forrest Gump for their big win at this year's Golden Globe Awards.

The artistry of Forrest Gump aside, its storytelling technique, the themes it conveyed, and the use of CGI visual effects set a benchmark for many filmmakers to follow.

When Tom Hanks saw Link, he warmly introduced him to the members of the cast and ultimately invited him to pose for a group photo in the center with everyone.

...

Monica Bellucci also attended the Golden Globes. Last year, she starred in the biopic Ed Wood, which premiered in September. Although it didn't perform particularly well at the box office, it received favorable reviews and garnered three nominations at this year's Golden Globes.

Link also approached the Ed Wood cast to greet them, chatting with director Tim Burton and lead actor Johnny Depp.

Tim Burton, known for directing the first two Batman films, was replaced for the third installment when his script was deemed too niche by Warner Bros. Despite having no personal conflict with Tim, Link recognized his talent and extended an invitation for collaboration.

As for Johnny Depp, he had just ended things with Winona Ryder and had already found a new girlfriend, so they weren't rivals in love. However, when Winona publicly supported him, Depp sent Link a message, asking him to treat Winona kindly since she was a fragile girl.

Link assured him he would.

...

Jodie Foster also made an appearance at this year's Golden Globes. Her film Nell received three nominations, including one for Best Actress in a Drama.

Link found her and struck up a conversation, which led to introductions with British director Michael Apted and lead actor Liam Neeson.

"What's with you running around at the party? What are you doing?"

Jodie Foster, holding a champagne glass, stood before him, her blue eyes appraising him.

"What do you mean running around? I'm networking," Link replied.

"Now, with the rumors that the major studios are trying to blacklist Guess Pictures, you think it's a bit late to start networking?"

Jodie scrunched her cute, upturned nose, her demeanor charming in its feminine way.

"It's precisely because of the rumors that I'm pro-actively networking. Who knows if it'll help, but I'm doing it anyway."

"You're something else. You get to be the box office champion with your films, start a production company, and now the big studios are banding together against you. Keep it up, and you might turn Hollywood upside down."

"Are you impressed?"

"Not at all. I'm just trying to keep my distance to avoid any tabloid gossip."

Jodie took a half-step back, laughing playfully.

...

Link was about to speak when Michael Ovitz approached from across the room, his smile wide but somewhat stiff, suggesting he might have ulterior motives.

"Ha ha, Link, congratulations on your award-winning film. Oh, I mean at the Berlin Film Festival," Michael said with a grin.

"Winning anywhere is still winning, Michael. I heard you're a busy man. What brings you to the awards gala?"

"Why can't I come?! Without our CAA involvement, the Golden Globes would be half the show," Michael huffed.

Link had only made a casual inquiry, but Michael took it as a jab, suggesting he shouldn't be attending the awards since he hadn't received a nomination.

"Michael, are you really here just to argue with Link?" Jodie teased.

Michael's lip twitched, trying to conceal his displeasure.

After a scandal had broken, he communicated through agents that he didn't want his clients collaborating with Guess Pictures or getting too close to Link, but Jodie brushed his concerns aside by defending Link right in front of him.

If Jodie weren't a double Oscar winner and one of the top actresses, he might have considered blocking her as a lesson.

"Michael, are you really here to pick a fight? If so, I have to apologize; I'm not interested in arguing with you," Link quipped.

"Hmph! I'm not interested in a fight either; I have matters to discuss."

Michael gathered himself, his expression transitioning to a serious one, radiating an intense aura. Though his power had diminished over the past two years, he still commanded respect.

"Please, go on!"

"Link, I'm here on behalf of various investment companies for a final negotiation about Guess Pictures' second round of financing. We want you to lower your price and offer more shares for financing to bring in additional capital. This is beneficial for both you and the company; I hope you can accept," Michael stated stiffly.

"What price are you proposing?" Link asked.

Hearing him soften, Michael smirked, "A valuation of $600 million, minimum 50% equity. That's the best deal."

"Is this your approach to negotiations?" Link shook his head. "30% equity at a $1.6 billion valuation is my final offer. Those two points won't change. Also, Michael, if you're the representative from the investment companies, I'm disappointed. They should have sent someone more professional."

"Link, you must have heard how powerful the major studios and their backers are. Lowering your price and offering more shares is the only way forward for Guess Pictures, or you'll face industry-wide sanctions. Are you sure you want to go up against everyone?"

Michael chuckled coldly, raising his eyebrows in challenge.

"Michael, you can only represent yourself, not everyone."

"Ha ha, well, Link, I'm glad to see you stand your ground. I hope next time we meet, you'll still be so composed."

Michael's smirk was unsettling.

"I believe I will. I've faced many setbacks and opposition since starting out, but my skills and luck have seen me through time and again. I believe I'll win this round too."

Link held his head high, determination in his deep black eyes, his confident demeanor intensifying.

Michael narrowed his eyes, feeling Link's resolve was blinding.

Jodie looked at Link with admiration, saying, "Michael, how about one more bet? I can be the mediator."

"Hmph! You won't always have luck on your side, Link. This time, I guarantee you'll lose."

Michael sneered, walking past them with a strut.

...

"That guy is really annoying. I heard at the company that Michael Ovitz was genuinely nice before CAA became the strongest agency in the industry. He was humble, friendly, sharp, and a social butterfly -- a true gentleman in Hollywood.

But after CAA gained power, he began to act domineering and power-hungry. He even betrayed Lou Wasserman, the former Universal Pictures chairman who once helped him, almost causing a heart attack.

Several partners who founded CAA with him left because they couldn't tolerate his ways, and David Fincher once said he lacked gratitude. It seems power truly can change a person."

Jodie Foster smiled at Link, commenting, "When you become a big shot in Hollywood, don't turn into someone like him."

Link shrugged. "I'm already one of the most powerful in Hollywood, even more so than Michael Ovitz. You think I've changed?"

"You have -- you're more of a player now. If it weren't for the tabloids, I wouldn't have known you had so many girlfriends."

Jodie chuckled.

Link laughed and shook hands with director James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who came up to greet him.

...

Link asked Cameron about the filming of Titanic, to which Cameron replied that funding was secured and the crew was constructing the ship at Rosarito Beach in Southern California, expected to be completed within the year.

Link proposed visiting the site once Titanic was finished. Cameron welcomed the idea.

...

"Link, is it possible to conduct an interview here? It'll only be three questions."

Once Cameron left, Ross Stanton, editor of the entertainment section of the Los Angeles Times, asked.

Having interviewed Link before, Ross was somewhat of an old acquaintance, having praised and criticized him in the paper.

"Alright, Ross, let's hope your questions aren't too sensitive."

"Not at all. My questions are easy to answer."

Ross began the interview, primarily asking about the recent gossip regarding his relationships with various actresses, his stance on public figures, and whether he intended to change his approach because of it.

As he answered questions, a pair of beautiful eyes were focused intently on him.

...

"Nicole, what are you looking at?"

In the seating area for Interview with the Vampire, Tom Cruise noticed his wife glancing toward Link while chatting with the group.

He should have been angry, but considering Michael Ovitz's plans, he suppressed his anger and casually asked Nicole to pay attention, reminding her there were a lot of people around and to avoid embarrassing him.

Nicole Kidman tore her gaze away, saying she was admiring Monica's beautiful necklace and was thinking of getting one just like it.

*****

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