Chapter 465: Summer Vacation is Coming

[Chapter 465: Summer Vacation is Coming]

In May, the North American summer season kicked off.

This summer, MGM-Guess Pictures had six movie releases, including The Waterboy, There's Something About Mary, Rush Hour 2, and MGM's Tomorrow Never Dies, Dirty Work, and Disturbing Behavior. They also had co-productions with Disney Pictures such as Armageddon and Mulan, and with Columbia Pictures and New Line Cinema like Godzilla, and The Wedding Singer.

The first summer release was Tomorrow Never Dies.

Link directed the film and returned from the island to attend the premiere.

At the premiere, he unexpectedly ran into Harvey and Epstein. Harvey was invited, but Epstein showed up uninvited.

"Haha, Link, I heard your new movie comes out today, congratulations!" Epstein greeted with enthusiasm.

"Thank you for the support. Hope you like it after watching," Link chuckled.

"Of course. I'm a fan. I've followed your work since Paranormal Activity. My favorite was Se7en. That movie was deep and shocking."

"I got inspiration for Se7en from many crime novels and real world cases. The shock comes from its authenticity. If you like that kind of film, I recommend John Grisham's novels. Some of his crime stories are even more shocking than films."

"Thanks! I'll check them out, Link. By the way, when will you have time to discuss what I mentioned last time? Let's sit down again, I can introduce some friends."

Epstein eagerly seized the chance to talk privately.

"Sorry, there's a lot going on at the company, and I'm prepping a new film. I rarely have time for parties. We'll chat when we can," Link smiled and then left with Diane Lane.

...

"Huh! Is that bastard Link hard to deal with?" Harvey asked Epstein quietly, watching Link walk away.

Epstein looked displeased. Last time, he had tried to get close to Link by visiting his crew but was rejected. This time, showing up sincerely at the Tomorrow Never Dies premiere didn't help. Link remained cold and indifferent. Epstein felt slighted.

"I don't know why, but when Link saw me, he clearly avoided me. Maybe he heard some rumors about me?" Epstein pondered.

Epstein shook his head. "Doesn't make sense. He likes beautiful women, and so do I. We share interests, he should be more welcoming, right? Why reject me?"

"Maybe he's afraid you'll steal his women?" Harvey suggested.

Looking at stunning ladies around Link -- Italian Monica Bellucci, British beauties Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kate Beckinsale, plus 007 actresses Diane Lane and Michelle Yeoh -- Epstein thought it would be tough to steal them considering Link's money, skills, and film connections.

"No, I know Link. He's lustful and used to beautiful women. That shows he doesn't put women above money. His unwillingness to engage or hear my investment ideas suggests prejudice... Maybe he's racist?"

Epstein shook off the thought. Link had dated Jewish actresses, so racial bias against him was unlikely.

"If you can't figure out why, don't overthink it. You said you have a way to deal with Link. What is it?" Harvey pressed.

Epstein frowned. "Ovitz said honey traps won't work on Link. Is that true? Link is lustful, why wouldn't he fall for it? Maybe Ovitz's skills aren't good enough?"

"It's not Ovitz's fault. He first tried married Nicole Kidman to seduce Link to find dirt. Link is principled and doesn't touch married women. Ovitz's plan failed. Then Ovitz tried other female stars, but none succeeded. If you want to try this trick, you need someone hotter and more obedient than Nicole Kidman. Got such resources?"

Epstein thought of Nicole Kidman's stunning looks and figure. Twice voted the 'sexiest actress in the world', hard to top her.

"Link's tough, but there's a way. We just need to monitor him and understand him better; we'll find a breakthrough."

"I don't think so," Harvey shook his head. "Link's a billionaire. Money, women, fame -- not lacking. He can play your game better, no need for your channels."

Epstein smiled confidently. "Even if he is rich, he doesn't have everything. Do you know what people want most when they've got it all?"

"What?"

"To live longer! To stay healthy and young-looking. Link's young now, no worries currently, but that'll be important later. I have many resources and connections in this area that even the rich may not have."

Harvey's eyes lit up. Many wealthy folk invest heavily in longevity and health research post-riches. Epstein's top broker status meant he had access to top-tier resources.

Using such 'bait' to catch Link could work.

"Go ahead, but how good is your research? Can it really make people healthier and live longer? I don't want that bastard Link living into his 70s or 80s kicking around."

"It's real. If not, why would so many believe me?" Epstein said, smiling at Harvey's skeptical face. "Don't worry. Advanced research details are only shared with friends, and Link isn't one."

Harvey felt reassured but serious.

---

Clap! Clap! Clap!

After Tomorrow Never Dies finished screening, enthusiastic applause echoed.

Harvey, busy chatting earlier, didn't watch and was ignorant of the film's quality. But cheers from the crowd suggested success, and Link would likely earn big.

"Link, congrats on another great film."

"Link, I really admire you. Your films always surprise."

Robert Shea, Jerome Preston, Tom Hanks, and others came forward to congratulate.

"Thanks! Glad it wasn't a waste of your time," Link said, then introduced his crew on stage to thank fans and promote the film.

---

Later, Link hosted a hotel cocktail party to entertain guests, discuss films and new projects, and network.

Harvey and Epstein attended.

At the party, Epstein tried again for a private chat. Politeness kept Link from refusing outright.

Epstein spoke about health and investment opportunities, claiming there's a safe bet in investing in oneself and health. They developed a new genetic medicine to boost immunity and vitality, used by wealthy elites and politicians with great results.

He cited examples: 86-year-old investment guru and billionaire John Templeton; 81-year-old real estate tycoon and former MGM Studios owner Kirk Kerkorian; and 90-year-old famed diplomat and billionaire Walter Annenberg.

Also, a new blood test device could detect current and future diseases from just a drop of blood.

Epstein invited Link to an event at the institute.

Link declined, citing too much work and youth and health was on his side. He said he trusted exercise over medicine for staying healthy.

After politely ending the chat, he continued greeting other guests.

Epstein was rejected again, his face darkening.

"Now you see how hard Link is to deal with," Harvey remarked, watching Link treated like a star.

"I always believed the simplest, most direct approach works best with such people," Harvey added coldly.

Epstein's face soured. "I thought Link was smart enough to negotiate for success, but he's arrogant, stubborn, and inflexible. He needs a lesson."

*****

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