Chapter 115 Picking Up Charlie

[Chapter 115 Picking Up Charlie]

That damn guy, so knowledgeable and capable, sometimes humorous, sometimes domineering, and also strong and handsome! His appeal to women was practically as addictive as a drug. But why was he also such a cold, ruthless, and incredibly evil bastard, even a devil? Rachel gazed at Charlie with growing resentment.

She took a deep breath, adjusted her mood, and with a charming smile, played with Charlie's fingers, cleverly saying, "So you're saying that similar situations exist in today's society? Like women fighting for their freedom?"

Charlie smiled warmly and whispered in Rachel's ear, "More or less, there's nothing new under the sun. Chicago's story is bizarre and has a core of rebellion against tradition. Using song and dance adds to the movie's absurd and crazy atmosphere. These elements create potential for big box office success and awards!

To some extent, any story in this world can sell well. And as a businessman who profits from selling these, I look for elements that resonate with the social environment! Then highlight them and package it for sale."

These mercenary words erased the slight emotional feelings Rachel had just had. She said sullenly, "Hmph, I thought you actually cared about or understood women."

"Don't I?" Charlie, a rotten bastard at heart, was full of indifference and mockery.

Feigning emotion and affection, he wrapped an arm around Rachel's waist, rested his head against hers, took a deep breath, and sighed, "After thinking a bit, I think this project might suit you better."

"W-what are you talking about?" Rachel stood up and stared blankly.

Charlie deliberately acted casual, "Your crazy, neurotic side scared me. So I have to find a way to make it up to you. I'll try my best to help you land a role in The Mummy and then also in Chicago, at least to get an Oscar nomination.

That way, you can leap to become a top Hollywood star! Chicago might not be a blockbuster, and Corleone Studios might struggle to find quality Oscar material, but it's the best fit."

Rachel stared at Charlie dumbfounded.

Bang bang bang... Gunshots on stage snapped Rachel back to reality.

Charlie shrugged, pointed to the stage, and smiled, "I don't want you to end up like the characters above, shooting me one day."

Hehe... Rachel laughed softly and threw herself into Charlie's arms, "Ha, you bastard, are you afraid too?"

"Of course!" Charlie held the warm body, smiling as he looked ahead. Glancing at Rachel's cheek, he smirked inside: 'Wanna play? No matter what you want, let's see what you got!'

Rachel's chin rested on Charlie's shoulder, smiling sweetly but secretly cursing inside: 'Bastard, don't think I'm still that silly, innocent girl I once was!'

...

Clapping and cheering erupted. It was intermission in the musical, people hurried to stretch and move around.

"Darling, I'm going to the restroom," Rachel whispered as she grabbed her purse and left.

Charlie sat back, feeling relaxed, stretching his arms widely. Seeing this, Uncle Lamont gave him a strange look, making Charlie laugh, "Ha! Uncle Lamont, don't misunderstand, I'm a good guy. It's that woman who keeps clinging to me."

Uncle Lamont shook his head with a smile, at a loss for words about his good buddy's son.

Maybe because over the days Charlie really treated him like family, he couldn't help but advise, "If you want a relationship, take it seriously. Don't drive someone crazy. Women can go wild, and it wouldn't be hard for them to get a gun."

"Uh, got it, Uncle Lamont," Charlie replied sheepishly.

...

The new Chicago musical ran about two hours.

After intermission, the show continued.

Rachel focused more on watching the show. Maybe because Charlie told her he intended to cast her in the movie version, or some other reason.

Anyway, the two stopped their constant witty banter and mind games.

Charlie hadn't even seen musicals before, and since he wanted to adapt this, he watched attentively, though his expression showed disdain like he was chewing on cardboard.

...

"Vera, Martin, Maggie, congratulations on a very successful performance! I believe it will revive on Broadway!" After the show backstage, Charlie sincerely congratulated Martin and the crew.

They all complimented each other politely and humbly.

Then, invited by Martin, they washed off their makeup, changed clothes, and several dozen people took multiple cars to the Hilton Hotel for the celebration party.

...

Upon arrival, Charlie was stunned.

Martin had rented out a huge, several hundred square foot nightclub bar at the hotel.

A famous band was arranged, along with expensive champagne, drinks, and desserts.

Additionally, more than ten beautiful professional hostesses were hired.

All this must have cost a fortune!

For a moment, the place was lively with roaring music.

Cast members clustered in small groups, danced wildly, played drinking games, showered each other with drinks.

They were downing drinks, using all sorts of weird gadgets and tubes to funnel alcohol into their stomachs when they lost games amidst cheers.

The atmosphere was loud and hectic.

Charlie thought Martin was really something to party this hard at his age.

On the surface, Charlie joined the old man in drinking quite a bit, prompted by Martin.

Though everyone was going wild, most weren't very close or were strangers.

At most, couples hid in corners, cuddling or popping a pill alone.

Vera, Rachel, Maggie, and other actresses clustered drinking and playing games.

No major conflict happened, so Charlie didn't pay much attention, chatting casually with Martin instead.

...

The party lasted until three or four in the morning.

Martin splurged and booked many hotel rooms.

Many drunken guests staggered off to rest in pairs or alone.

Charlie felt great.

Guided by conversation, Martin voluntarily said he planned to have Corleone Studios produce the Chicago movie.

And had already scheduled to talk details in person next year after setting up the Broadway show.

After Martin happily left with two women in his arms, Charlie coldly shook off the people around and prepared to find Vera.

However, when Rachel came over drunk and tried to test him with a few words, Charlie immediately pretended to be drunk and lay on the table without moving.

Rachel was quite pleased, found some help, and carried Charlie away!

*****

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