That evening, after the match, Richard threw a grand party at the Hilton Hotel to celebrate his victory with many friends. The atmosphere was joyful but also a bit tense.
The joy came from having many friends present, from the entertainment industry, boxing circles, fashion world, and other areas. Everyone celebrated this victory together, creating a great feeling.
However, there were too many beautiful women at the party—actresses, models, and a few socialites. Each one was stunningly dressed, putting a bit of pressure on Richard.
"Phew!"
Standing on the steps in the hotel corridor, Richard loosened his tie and exhaled heavily, expelling the smell of alcohol.
With many friends at the party, he was toasting with everyone, having consumed a fair amount of champagne and alcohol. Paul, Norman, and Anthony had also teased him quite a bit, so he ended up drinking more than usual.
"Hey, Richard, what are you doing here?"
Sarah Michelle Gellar approached him with a smile.
"I drank a bit too much and came out to clear my head," Richard shrugged.
"How's the night view here?"
Sarah stood beside him, looking at the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"It's beautiful. I rarely had the chance to stand in such a high place and appreciate Manhattan at night. Seeing it now, I finally understand why so many people strive to climb higher; it's to stand taller."
Richard crossed his arms and squinted his dark eyes, taking in the magnificent view of Manhattan.
Sarah looked at him and smiled slightly, "You've become a champion, winning a match with a prize of over a million dollars. You've succeeded."
"Not really. Being a champion is just the starting point. In the future, I should be even more outstanding, more successful, and stand even higher!"
Richard clenched his fist.
Sarah blinked, "You really are an ambitious guy. I wasn't wrong in choosing you at the coffee shop. Being your wife wouldn't be easy."
Richard smiled lightly, "How would you know if you haven't tried?"
"I just know."
Sarah snorted softly and nudged him with her elbow, "There's something I've been wanting to ask you."
"What is it?"
"Last time, I got drunk, and you took me home, right?"
"Yes, is there a problem?"
Richard asked curiously.
"The next day, I woke up with a swollen butt. Did you hit me?"
Sarah glared at him.
". . . How could I? I never hit women. You must have accidentally fallen."
Richard took a step back.
"Humph, I checked in the mirror, and there were finger marks. How do you explain that?"
Sarah pressed him with a cold face.
"Maybe it was your assistant, Linda. You often oppress her, so she—"
"Still making excuses!"
Sarah punched him, ready to strike again when they heard the sound of high heels.
"Humph, I'll deal with you next time!"
Sarah stepped on his foot as she walked to the restroom.
Richard winced. Stepping on people's feet wasn't a good habit.
"Richard, who was that?"
Charlize Theron approached, wearing a sleeveless blue gown. Her golden hair and tall figure looked beautiful under the lights.
"That was Sarah Michelle Gellar. Are you also going to the restroom?"
Richard smiled.
"No, I came to find you. I have plans tomorrow and need to leave early, so I wanted to say goodbye."
Charlize explained.
"Alright, did you drive here? Should I have my assistant take you?"
"No need, I brought my assistant."
"Okay!"
Richard stopped and smiled at her, "Charlize, thank you for coming today. I'm really happy to see you."
"You're welcome!"
Charlize bumped his shoulder, "When are you coming to Los Angeles?"
"In a few days. 'Dangerous Liaisons' is premiering, and 'A Kiss' is being filmed. I'll be in L.A. for a while. Why, are you offering me meals?"
Richard joked.
"Sure, but you'll have to handle the house cleaning. How about that?"
Charlize laughed.
Richard hesitated, "Can't I just have the meals? I'm not fond of cleaning."
"No work, no food. Deal?"
"Deal!"
Richard laughed, and they walked together, eventually reaching the main hall.
"I'm leaving!"
Charlize bumped him again.
"I'll walk you out!"
"Okay!"
They continued walking out together.
—
After seeing Charlize off, Richard returned to the main hall.
The party was lively with lights, music, conversations, drinking, flirting, and dancing.
"Hey, Richard, let's dance. I wanted to dance with you last time, but you left."
Paris Hilton extended her hand.
"Alright, it's my pleasure!"
Richard smiled and danced with Paris.
"Richard, you seem a bit nervous," Paris blinked and smiled.
"Yes, I'm not very good at ballroom dancing. I'm worried about stepping on your feet."
"Haha, it's okay, I'll teach you!"
Paris took the lead.
After dancing with Paris for a while, he danced with Gisele, then Reese, then Angela, and finally Miss Thompson.
"Hey, Richard, you're becoming a real charmer."
Norman handed him a glass of champagne, laughing.
"Thanks! I'm exhausted," Richard smiled, sipping the drink and pointing to Paul and Anthony, "What are they excited about?"
"Haha, it's about the bets. Your odds were high this time, so we all made good money. Even the most conservative ones made over three thousand."
Norman grinned.
"Really? How much did you make?"
Richard asked curiously.
"Haha, guess?"
Norman winked, grinning widely.
"A hundred thousand? Two hundred thousand? It must be a lot."
"Hehe~"
Norman didn't answer, pulling out a set of car keys with a silver Rolls-Royce emblem.
"This is my promise. The paperwork will be sent over tomorrow."
Norman handed over the keys.
"No need, it was just a joke."
Richard said.
"You deserve it. I won four cars last time—three sports cars and one sedan. This Rolls-Royce is yours. We'll keep collaborating in future matches."
Norman raised his glass.
"OK!"
Richard clinked glasses with him.
After chatting with Norman, Richard talked with Fred, Dr. L, Alvin, Charles, and other seniors, finally arriving at the movie crowd.
There were many film industry people at the party, including producer Neil Moritz, producer Kopelson, director Davis, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jude Law, and others.
But tonight, they weren't discussing movies; they were talking about making shoes, with Daniel Day-Lewis leading the conversation.
After finishing "The Boxer," Daniel went to Florence, Italy, to learn shoemaking from master Stefano Bemer. He studied for six months and wasn't there to prepare for a role; he was purely passionate about it.
"Hey, Richard, want some shoes? I can make you a pair."
Daniel shouted.
"Master Day-Lewis, it would be an honor!"
Richard smiled, sitting down to listen.
"Richard, Warner Bros is planning a racing movie. I'm in charge of the project. Interested?"
Producer Neil Moritz asked.
"Of course, is there a role for me? When's the audition?"
Richard asked.
"It's just a plan now, still working on the script."
"Well, Neil, I love racing. If there's a role, please consider me. I'd even take a pay cut."
Richard said.
"Haha, alright."
Neil Moritz patted his shoulder.
—
Around 8 PM, the party ended, and Richard returned home.
"Parties are exhausting. I don't get why so many people love them."
Richard flopped onto the sofa, sighing.
"Want some tea?"
Gisele brought him a cup of red tea.
"Thank you!"
He drank the hot tea, feeling much better. He put down the cup and looked at Gisele across from him, pulling at the corners of his mouth.
At the party, Gisele had been a bit distracted but hadn't said much. Now at home, she seemed unable to hold back.
"Dear, if you have something to ask, just say it. No need to stare at me like that."
Richard took her hand, smiling.
"Who's staring at you?"
Gisele blinked, "Alright, how do you know so many wealthy young ladies?"
"I've only met them twice. The first time was at Vickness's party, and today they came with Norman."
"Mm~. Charlize is very beautiful."
Gisele stared at him.
"Haha, you're the world's most beautiful woman. It's rare for you to acknowledge others' beauty."
"Stop joking. Just tell me how you know her."
Gisele patted his shoulder.
"Last year, during auditions for 'Murder Case.' It's a long story. Is the hot water ready? How about I tell you the story while we soak?"
Richard pulled her up.
"Alright, but you must explain clearly. Otherwise, no bed tonight."
"Hey, Gisele, you're too much. Today I got the championship belt and became the champion, and you still won't let me in bed?"
Richard protested.
"Yes, no bed until you explain clearly. Now talk!"
Gisele pushed him into the bathroom.
Richard shook his head secretly. If he had known, he wouldn't have thrown the party. Cleaning up afterward was too much trouble.
---
(End of Chapter)