King of Hollywood-Chapter 589 - 310 This Is Not Surprising

Jessica was ecstatic; she loved parties, loved meeting different people at them, and then chatting and joking around with them, making her thrilled to attend this super party. Although starring in "Dark Angel" had earned her a certain popularity, she had never before encountered so many top directors and stars, which made her even more grateful and fond of Adrian, who had invited her.

"Hi, have you seen Mr. Adrian Cowell?" After circling the hall, Jessica stopped a waiter and asked.

Earlier, after chatting with Alexander for a while and talking to Adrian who had joined them, she had cheerfully bid farewell to explore other areas. However, after wandering around, she realized that she felt most comfortable talking with Adrian, so she turned back to find him. Of course, the more important thing was that Alexander should no longer be by his side. Despite enjoying her conversation with him, there just seemed to be something off about the way she and Adrian spoke.

"Sorry, miss, I haven’t seen Mr. Adrian," the waiter replied apologetically.

Although she received such a response, Jessica wasn’t discouraged. She had already asked several people and figured she could simply ask someone else. Her efforts soon paid off; a waiter told her that Adrian had just stepped out of the hall, seemingly looking to get some fresh air outside. Jessica promptly followed suit, too pleased to ask any further questions.

The production crew had booked the whole floor, so there were few people in the corridors; logically, it should have been easy to find Adrian. However, Jessica walked down several corridors without a sign of him. Just as she felt disheartened and considered returning, a faint, barely audible moan reached her ears – something that might have been missed under normal circumstances but was blatantly clear at this moment.

In a place like this... Jessica glanced and quickly withdrew her head, leaning against the wall and starting to breathe a little heavily, her cheeks flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment. Then a hint of suspicion arose in her heart; why did the woman’s voice sound like Alexander’s, and the man’s silhouette looked...

"Oh, Ed... not here, please... what if someone..." The woman’s voice carried over, shattering Jessica’s illusions before they could even begin.

Adrian hadn’t realized that Jessica had witnessed his intimate moment with Alexander. Even if he had known, he wouldn’t have cared much. Some things, once begun, can’t be easily stopped because of such an incident; at most, it would only make him hasten his actions, so it didn’t affect his enjoyment of Alexander’s body.

Honestly, this Brazilian girl was quite something, knowing how to seize an opportunity and how to please him better. Her figure was sizzling, even though her features were somewhat sharp, but her smile was charming. So, Adrian decided that next year’s Victoria’s Secret showpiece lingerie would be worn and showcased by her. Since acquiring Victoria’s Secret, he had suggested that each year a high-priced lingerie piece, studded with diamonds and gems, should be introduced. Only the hottest Victoria’s Secret Angels were eligible to wear and display it, and this year it was model and Claude’s bed partner Heidi Klum who was showcasing it.

Moreover, the production cost of the lingerie increased every year, from $1 million in ’96 to $10 million this year. There was always some rich fool eager to buy and collect it, but for a model, particularly those signed with Victoria’s Secret, walking the runway in it naturally raised their market value.

Claude mentioned that for next year’s millennium celebration, Victoria’s Secret planned to create a $15 million piece of lingerie and that afterwards, even if lingerie valued in the millions was made, it would not exceed this price. The honor originally should have gone to Gisele Bundchen, but she had not yet signed with Victoria’s Secret, though she participated in the fashion show last year. Adrian, of course, naturally favored his own woman.

He was very satisfied with Alexander Ambrosio, and though she could maintain that standard, he didn’t mind enriching his collection a bit more.

"It’s not fair, Ed, doing this will just make all those hot models flock to you," Claude had once complained to him in private.

"Don’t worry, Crow, you know, I’m very picky. It won’t be easy for them to please me, and those models are very pragmatic, so you’ll still be their main target of pursuit," Adrian teased him in response.

Leaving aside these jokes between the two, after entering December, despite "Spider Man" still dominating the box office, roaring past 200 million in North America in two weeks, many movies still braved their way to release. The subsequent ones could possibly adjust, but the prior ones had no way to change their schedule. However, not every movie would be obstructed by "Spider Man." Different types of movies had different audiences, and sometimes they were simply on parallel tracks, without worrying about "Spider Man" snatching too many tickets, such as "American Beauty," which was released right at this time.

This movie was easy to produce. Although the main actors were very famous, Mendes only took two months to complete the shooting. The rest of the time was spent on post-production, making a December release easily manageable.

Although Adrian was very optimistic about "American Beauty," with his intermittent supervision, this movie was not much different from what he remembered. Whether it was Spacey or Nicole, or even Sarah and Love, they all performed up to standard. But since it wasn’t a commercial film, it only secured 300 theaters and, naturally, had no premiere ceremony.

"It’s really a pity, they can’t see you strutting on the red carpet," Adrian whispered to the lady beside him as he watched the big screen.

At this point, the movie was reaching its climax, Spacey was shot dead and began to reminisce about his wife and daughter. Although the footage was black and white, the shot of Nicole, playing the wife, laughing joyfully in the wheelchair, combined with Spacey’s heartfelt narration, was very touching, and Nicole also displayed a unique beauty.

"What, do you want to walk with me?" Nicole asked in a flat tone, but her gaze on the big screen didn’t waver; she seemed attracted and moved by her own performance.

"There will be a chance, I’m sure of it," Adrian laughed, patted her thigh gently, and did not interact with her excessively as he had done in Cannes.

Just as he wouldn’t walk the red carpet with her, no matter what, Nicole had just officially divorced at the beginning of the year, and there were not without rumors between them. Appearing together on the red carpet would still affect her, even if Adrian had flirted with her in front of Cruise. He knew very well what to do in any given situation.

After the screening, people left the theater in small groups. There weren’t many viewers, most of whom came for Spacey or Nicole, but they all thought the movie was quite good.

"Lester is actually a good man, he just wanted more freedom and to be himself."

"That’s true, Caroline is really pitiable; the success she pursues does not bring her happiness."

"Nicole Kidman is really beautiful, her acting is great; at first, I really wanted to punch her, but by the end, I couldn’t help but feel sympathetic."

"Don’t worry, my dear, haven’t we made it through over the years just the same? I’m not Lester, and you’re not Caroline."

As they walked, the audience shared their comments among friends, lovers, and spouses.

"Did you hear? Their reviews are quite good," whispered Adrian, to the lady walking at the end, while he gently caressed her hand in his.

"Should I go and say thank you then?" Nicole asked, neither warmly nor coldly.

"There’s no need for that now, it’s too early for thanks. You’ll soon see, this is just the beginning," Adrian said with a laugh, then leaned in closer to her ear, "I promise you, there’ll be a huge surprise this coming February."

Nicole looked intently at him, then raised an eyebrow, "What’s next? You didn’t invite me out just to watch ’American Beauty,’ did you?"

Her lips were slightly curved into a smile, but this only made her appear more coldly glamorous and unattainable – an attraction of its own kind, especially those gray-blue eyes that seemed to defy, irresistibly tempting one to pin her against a wall and ravish her. Adrian let out a hearty laugh and wrapped his arms around Nicole’s slender waist; after all, she was at a woman’s prime, and he must make the most of these moments.

As for "American Beauty," it truly was just a start; although the box office was mediocre, with only around four million in the first three days, these kinds of artistic films usually have a long run, so there was no need to worry too much about the initial takings. Besides, in terms of reviews, it was an almost unanimous praise, with many people lauding it.

"Lively, sentimental, brutal, yet real – a raw reality that stings our nerves. Should we also open our eyes to the rot lurking behind while we cheer for the American Dream? Mendes meticulously unfolds this scene for us with his superb directing skills, while Kevin Spacey and Nicole Kidman portray it with their exceptional acting.

Describing the protagonist, Lester, as a ’walking dead’ couldn’t be more apt. Despite having his own house, a beautiful wife, and a lovely daughter, he is not the least bit happy. His wife, Caroline, might seem capable and efficient, but she sees success as the only standard for happiness. Their daughter, who grew up in this oppressive household, is rebellious and numb. This is a portrayal of many American families, becoming increasingly numb with life, inevitably leading people to ask why. Why is it like this?

Mendes offers an answer in the film: because when we are entirely consumed by life, we gradually overlook the existence of beauty. Why do we feel happy? Because we experience the beauty of the world. This movie is not just a satire on what’s wrong with American lives; it’s also a portrayal and affirmation of the pursuit of beauty behind it. And it’s precisely for this reason that the movie can be rightfully called a classic!"

—— Los Angeles Times

This is a representative review, and in reality, critics are deeply divided over what the film seeks to express, and even Mendes himself admits that he has different feelings each time he reads the script.

"It’s a mysterious story, like a kaleidoscope showing behind the American middle-class family, with love, loneliness, and beauty. It is interesting, angry, and sad," said Mendes.

Many critics had also fastened labels such as "the meaning of life," "gender identification," and "the emptiness of the middle-class lifestyle" onto this film. Soon, under the guidance of AC Media’s umbrella, a consensus emerged on the most basic things. It was expressed in the Los Angeles Times: "It’s not entirely a satire on the malaise of American life, but also contains descriptions and affirmations of the quest for beauty that lies behind it."

Adrian had said before that the film peeled back the skin of the American middle class, but at the same time, it affirmed certain things that American mainstream society promoted, such as liberty and the self. Lester, who appeared somewhat sleazy and vulgar—astonishingly taking a fancy to his daughter’s classmate—stops himself upon learning the girl is still a virgin. His monologue after death elevated the entire emotion. It was certain that mainstream society would embrace and venerate it.

As for the acting, there was no doubt that both Spacey and Nicole received unanimous praise. Spacey needs no mention; he was always adept at playing various characters and now was his golden era, almost universally lauded. And Nicole, the title of "the best performance to date" had jumped from "The Others" to her role in "American Beauty." Some media outlets, under Adrian’s influence, were heavily hyping her up, asserting that Nicole, once separated from Cruise, was truly displaying her own grace.

Nicole naturally was very pleased with this. She was ambitious yet intelligent, understanding that Adrian was creating hype for her. Moreover, he had promised a surprise come next February, so she became even more obsequiously flattering in bed. However, outwardly, she became ever more haughty and aloof, even often demanding an increase in her prostitution fee in an uncompromising tone in the mornings.

She was acutely aware of Adrian’s preferences, but she didn’t realize that the more she behaved this way, the deeper she fell into his rhythm.

While Adrian was quite happy to fully enjoy Nicole’s body, he wasn’t short of other game. As the number of women around him increased, he began to go less on the prowl, but there were always those who threw themselves at him.

"Hey, Antonio, you look in good spirits. Is it because everyone’s raving about your action scenes in ’The 13th Warrior’?" Adrian laughed heartily as he greeted the Spanish man before him amidst the surrounding cacophony.

It was another party, not one he was hosting. As more films were being released during this hot season, there had been many social obligations lately, and Adrian couldn’t refuse them all. Besides, such places were good for renewing old acquaintances; some people he hadn’t seen for a long time could use these occasions to catch up—like the one in front of him.

"It’s not just that. I’m simply overjoyed to see you, Ed," Antonio Banderas said with a smile, giving him a hug before introducing a sexy lady who was chatting nearby.

Adrian’s eyes immediately brightened. The lady’s tall nose, full lips, and seductive eyes that seemed to be electrifying at all times, along with a hint of aggressiveness, unabashedly showcased her Latin sex appeal, like a little wild cat that could never be tamed.

"Wait, let me think. With such seductive allure, if I’m not mistaken, it must be Miss Penelope Cruz?" Adrian extended his hand with a smile to the lady before him.

"Allow me to compliment you, Mr. Adrian; your memory is quite impressive. I’m honored to meet the renowned Miracle Director here, and even more honored to be known by him," Penelope Cruz said. The celebrated Spanish beauty shook his hand, her gaze as flirtatious and untamed as her demeanor, defiantly staring back with a bit of taunting in her eyes.

Adrian couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

Although they had only known each other for a few hours, and even though Penelope had started by chatting with Banderas, this was not surprising. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, your recommendations and monthly votes at qidian.com are greatly appreciated. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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