Kapitel 194: Million Dollar Baby
In the early morning, sunlight slipped through the gaps in the floor-to-ceiling window curtains, casting its warmth onto the rumpled sheets.
The bed was indeed expansive, and the bedding luxuriously soft.
This was the blessing and effect of wealth – lying on it, one could vividly sense the allure of money.
The surroundings were immaculate, and the lamp on the bedside table was still lit.
Ah, last night, he and Eva had moved into their new home, foregoing a hotel stay.
Perhaps he had had enough sleep, or maybe his body was signaling him.
Lyman awoke, his eyes gazing at the intricately patterned ceiling above. It felt somewhat unfamiliar.
Half-sitting, he lazily stretched, then rubbed his eyes.
He looked at Eva, who was still asleep beside him.
This was his first night in his new home, and his sleep quality had been decent.
He absentmindedly picked up his phone from the bedside table and checked the time. Oh, it was already past eight.
But he realized he didn't have much planned for today. A yawn escaped him involuntarily.
Oh well, time to get up. Sitting halfway and leaning against the headboard wasn't very comfortable. Lyman gently pulled back the covers and slipped on his slippers.
He walked to the side of the bed, which was near the front corner of the walk-in closet. There, a small cabinet stood. This was Eva's "Awards Exhibition Hall" as she called it – a testament to their career achievements.
Although Lyman wasn't particularly fond of awards and such, he understood that these awards were often influenced by personal biases of judges. In essence, they were just that. He'd rather have solid market box office numbers.
At the very least, these awards demonstrated the recognition of their work by audiences and fans, right?
But that was the logical perspective. He didn't object to Eva's idea, though.
Inside the small cabinet now rested two trophies from "3 Idiots" and one from "Miscreant". They were the Audience Award from Sundance Film Festival, the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, and the Jury Prize from Cannes, respectively.
As for Eva, she hadn't even received a nomination, let alone any authoritative industry awards. A scoff.
However, even with such a spacious five-tiered cabinet, not even the first tier was completely filled. It was far from Eva's vision of a space brimming with awards.
Lyman strolled around the bedroom, then headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face.
The bathroom was also expansive, and the mirror was gleaming, reflecting back a version of him where even his pores seemed magnified, everything crystal clear.
He scrutinized himself carefully, then decided to wash his face again.
Ah, that was better; at least he wasn't in that drowsy state.
Although there was a kitchen at home, no one was making breakfast.
Lyman was lazy and didn't want to bother. Eva wasn't skilled in cooking, but she could handle simple tasks like toasting bread and brewing coffee.
Perhaps in a few more days, once he found a suitable chef, the kitchen at home might finally come to life with flames.
He strolled leisurely into the backyard downstairs, taking a walk. Eva had just woken up, but she still needed to change and freshen up. He would wait for her a while down here, treating it as his morning exercise.
Then, Eva got herself ready as well.
The two of them headed to a restaurant to satiate their hunger.
Los Angeles in July was quite pleasant, not as scorching as the previous month.
Pedestrians and vehicles bustling along the streets mirrored the city's pace, an embodiment of its restless spirit.
Lyman and Eva strolled along with keen interest, only to be met by their agent John in a car when they'd walked a fair distance.
Casual conversation ensued, with most of the time John reporting on work and Lyman listening attentively.
Honestly, his mood was splendid at the moment.
He felt incredibly relaxed, devoid of worries. The filming of "Saw" was progressing smoothly, with René assisting over there. His own new work, "Effervescent", was in preparation with Thomas and George overseeing things, leaving him with minimal involvement.
And then there was the script that Warner Bros. CEO Barry Meyer had brought him a couple of days ago. Just as Tom Cruise had said, it was indeed a good thing.
Lyman had read the script, more than once in fact.
To be truthful, it had stirred his filmmaking desires.
It was a good story, a really good one. Perhaps Barry knew that, which was why he was so confident Lyman would accept.
Of course, it was indeed the case.
A great story could easily reignite a director's passion.
Just like how, after his first film had earned money, he had desired to make something like "3 Idiots".
Now that he had found success in his career, he wouldn't refuse such a deep and meaningful subject.
The plot was simple, revolving around a renowned boxing coach who had neglected his family due to his dedication to his boxing career, leading his life into turmoil and distancing him from his daughter. Many years later, these became the indelible shadows in the old man's heart, causing him to grow increasingly self-enclosed and repressed. Then enters Maggie, a determined apprentice who aspires to make a name for herself in boxing and prove herself to the world.
Through a series of fortunate events, they form a bond akin to family...
In the future, as an inspirational classic film, "Million Dollar Baby" was undoubtedly a must-watch. Lyman had always enjoyed this story.
He didn't know that the film was funded by Warner Bros., but just like how the "Saw" project had come unexpectedly, he hadn't anticipated witnessing the birth of this film in such a manner before opening the script.
Yes, its birth. This film from 2007 had arrived in his hands four years early.
And he had decided to direct it.
Once the filming of "Effervescent" was complete, he would officially sign a contract with Warner Bros. and take the helm of this film.
Being able to direct a work he had liked from his past life was undoubtedly a source of great joy for Lyman. And as he awaited Lyman's affirmative response, Barry's mood also became more at ease. He had more plans ahead, and now it was a matter of whether Lyman possessed the matching capabilities.
...
Warner Bros. Studios.
A lively place throughout the year.
A destination countless film crews chose when shooting in Los Angeles.
One soundstage had affordable rent, another offered a well-structured shooting process, with everything you needed easily accessible.
Today, Lyman's destination was naturally this place.
For no other reason than to oversee the filming of "Saw". With nothing much to do, he, in his capacity as the nominal producer of the film, wanted to come over and take a look. He was also somewhat concerned that James Wan's on-set experience might not be extensive enough, fearing that some mishaps might occur. As for directing skills behind the camera, he had no particular doubts.
John parked the car skillfully, and the three of them proceeded to soundstage number three in single file. The entire soundstage had been rented out by the film crew.
Upon entering, they saw the crew members inside bustling about. Lyman took a careful look around without disturbing James' work, then jauntily went to find René.
There were a few matters he could clarify by asking René.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein