Chapter 12: Rachel Weisz

[Chapter 12: Rachel Weisz]

In a small quiet pub, the burly man Ophir was drinking heartily. "I really can't believe it -- you've transformed into a film producer. I've always hoped you would join me as my teammate."

"I don't like fighting and killing; it's too exhausting. Has that pig of a boss of yours left yet?" Charlie smiled. "I could help you out with some donations in the future."

Ophir looked regretful. "No, I just feel sorry that your amazing skills and marksmanship are being wasted."

After some small talk, Charlie quickly got to the point and asked some questions.

Ophir was the son of Charlie's old man, Mauro's war buddy, and there were a few other friends who all lived in San Francisco when they were young. Unlike Etto, Lamont, and the others, these kids all had muscle-bound fathers who were away from home for long stretches due to the war. Charlie was the youngest and the naughtiest, getting into lots of fights and getting beaten up plenty too.

Later, when Judy changed jobs and took Charlie to Los Angeles, their friendship was interrupted for a while. It wasn't until Mauro retired and often had war friends and family visiting that Ophir deepened his relationship with Charlie in Los Angeles. As a special forces guy, Ophir was highly valued in chaotic areas and had more connections than Charlie.

After a few calls, they figured out the situation quickly.

Just like Charlie suspected, Tupac was in deep trouble. Jada had used his connections to hire some small-time thugs.

Ophir said casually, "It's not a big deal. Just try to take your crew with you when you go out. And if you need, you can ask Colombo for close protection."

"Forget it. That guy doesn't like me," Charlie shrugged.

Colombo was another friend who worked at the FBI and had freedom of movement. The two used to fight fiercely as kids and every time they met afterwards, they challenged each other to spar.

Ophir laughed heartily, "He just isn't used to getting beaten up by a smaller guy. Honestly, your physical condition is amazing from birth."

...

Leaving the bar and revived by the alcohol, Charlie felt refreshed and energetic.

He called Judy to check in and strolled over to a bookstore across the street. Now that he had some spare money, he wanted to buy some books and learn. His old line of work obviously wasn't an option anymore.

The more he read, the more he understood that to fully capitalize on his advantage of having insider knowledge of the future entertainment industry, he needed to study well.

It was around 8 p.m., and few people were in the bookstore. Charlie asked an employee and headed straight to the film and entertainment books section, flipping through with muttered comments. The dense text gave him a headache, and to make matters worse, the books were ridiculously expensive.

"Knowledge is priceless, sir," a voice came from across the shelves.

A young woman in a light blue fitted cashmere sweater and straight grey pants smiled at him.

Charlie's eyes lit up. "That's true, but for someone like me who's starving for knowledge, shouldn't be turned away because of money. Luckily, all my frustration is being chased away by the warmth of a ray of sunshine."

The woman laughed heartily, enjoying the banter. "The pleasure's mine."

"No, I meant the heater in this shop," Charlie winked. "Just kidding. Ma'am, I know this might sound old-fashioned, but you look kind of familiar. May I have the honor of knowing your name? I'm Charlie Corleone, a fledgling film producer."

The woman smiled radiantly and suddenly covered her mouth in surprise. "Oh my God, I've heard of you. There's talk in Hollywood about a young small guy who's breaking in with fists and feet, making Fox take notice. Rachel Weisz, a British actress. Nice to meet you."

While shaking her soft hand, Charlie recalled that she was the leading lady in The Mummy.

"The rumor is wrong, isn't it? I don't look that young, and here I am in a bookstore, not rough or rude as one might imagine."

Rachel nodded, blinking her eyes. "Yes, exactly."

Charlie said, "Could I invite you to help me pick some film books?"

"Of course!"

That kicked off their conversation. They browsed books and chatted. Charlie effortlessly spun his tales, portraying himself as impoverished but seizing every chance and working cautiously.

It wasn't long before Rachel became deceived, her kindness shining through. She admired Charlie's hard work and respected his success.

Then, under Charlie's guidance, Rachel also shared about herself -- her pursuit of theater arts during Cambridge, the hardships of coming to Hollywood and struggling.

...

Without realizing it, two hours passed.

Carrying books worth several thousand dollars, they left together.

After placing the books in the trunk, Charlie bluntly invited, "Rachel, it's been a real pleasure talking to you. Want to grab a drink?"

The two lonely hearts in the late night began to draw close. Full of artistry and rich in emotions, Rachel took this day's encounter as a romantic meeting and happily nodded in agreement.

...

Just as they were about to get into the car, across the dim street in a Cherokee, Jada and the thugs she had called waited impatiently.

"Damn bastard, finally came out. And he's got time to flirt. I'm gonna break his leg! That guy ruined my life!" Jada shouted.

...

Charlie was restless, his focus on Rachel. He showed a gentlemanly gesture and gently kissed the back of her hand.

Before they knew it, five or six thugs and a furious Jada, wielding a baseball bat, charged fiercely.

Damn, that was fast.

Jada actually showed up in person -- was she crazy?

Charlie was alarmed and shoved Rachel into the car. Moments later, a whoosh.

Bang.

Suddenly a bat crashed onto the car roof.

"Watch out, Charlie!" Rachel screamed, terrified.

Damn, were they trying to kill him?

Burning with rage, Charlie kicked hard and yelled, "Hide in the car and don't worry about me!"

Then he bolted away.

This was reality, not a Hollywood scene.

With plenty of fighting experience, Charlie knew that facing multiple enemies meant he had to create space or be surrounded. Regardless of his fitness, he wouldn't last if boxed in.

"I'm gonna kill you!" Jada screamed madly.

While moving, Charlie glanced at the thug closest behind him, then suddenly slowed down and changed direction. He landed a brutal punch to the guy's jaw, grabbed his arms, and twisted them hard.

Amid agonizing screams, Charlie snatched the bat and swung it down with no hesitation, standing fiercely without looking at the fallen man.

His tall, muscular frame cast a long shadow on the ground.

The other four were stunned.

Jada angrily shouted and pushed them forward again, thinking of the hundred grand she had paid. The group advanced anew, though their faces showed panic.

Charlie noticed a short black kid nervously fumbling in his pocket.

Shit, he had a gun!

Charlie's heart skipped -- a gun scared the hell out of him. He stopped showing off and immediately confronted them.

The scariest thing in a fight was novice attackers with weapons. When nervous, they lacked control.

With strong long legs, Charlie closed the gap in a heartbeat.

He hit hard on the head, precise and ruthless.

It looked terrifying, with blood everywhere, but he held back.

The human skull was toughest, and as long as you avoided the back of the head and temples, and didn't hit too hard, at worst you'd just scrape the skin.

It was all from years of training. Most people did best hitting arms or legs.

In the blink of an eye, the gang froze. Only the shortest one and Jada trembled uncontrollably.

Panicked, the other party pulled out a gun, but unfortunately he was too slow. 

Charlie sneered disdainfully, "You guys don't know how to use this thing, do you?"

He looked like a demon towering over them.

Bang!

A gunshot rang out.

Charlie leisurely ignored Jada and the short kid, both clutching their legs and squealing like pigs, and returned to the car.

...

Rachel, still shaken, rushed over. "Are you okay? I heard the gunfire."

She tried to soothe him. Boldly, Charlie covered her mouth and kissed her passionately.

Rachel froze at first, then warmly reciprocated.

Minutes later, they parted. Charlie apologized, "Sorry for causing you trouble."

"You were brave just now," Rachel looked up with stars in her eyes, then worried, "Are you hurt?"

"It's okay, just a hit, nothing serious," Charlie frowned, watching his right arm, then cupped Rachel's cheek. "I'm more concerned whether our date is still on, darling."

Rachel nodded eagerly but asked hesitantly, "What about those guys? Are we just going to walk away?"

"Give me a few minutes to handle it! This might turn out great!" Charlie said, scanning Jada with a strange smile on his face.

*****

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