Bab 81: Chapter 81: The Movie is Finalized
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"Boy, get the money out."
"And this girl—give her to our brother, or you won't leave the Xiacheng district alive today. Hehehe."
One of the thugs brandished a knife menacingly.
Taylor, terrified, huddled closer to Hardy, who quickly shielded her with his body.
"Hand over all the money you have!"
"Boom!"
A gunshot rang out, and the thug with the knife collapsed, blood gushing from his chest.
"Ah!"
Taylor screamed, burying her face in Hardy's chest.
Moments later, Big Ivan and his men arrived, sending the gangsters into a panic. They knew Big Ivan and the Russian Gang's reputation; no one dared cross them. The gangsters fell to their knees, begging for mercy.
"Don't kill us, don't kill us!"
Big Ivan, eyes full of anger, ordered, "Bring up the corpse and take all of them away."
Hardy, noticing Taylor's fear, gently guided her away from the scene. He led her to the car, ensuring she was safe and sound before driving out of the slum.
In the car, Taylor remained curled up in the back seat, visibly shaken. Hardy pulled over at a quiet park and joined her in the back seat, holding her close.
"This is the first time you've seen something like this, isn't it?" Hardy asked softly.
"Yes," Taylor murmured, tears streaming down her face.
"Do you remember when I told you about Matilda coming home to find her family murdered? Can you understand her fear and sadness now?"
Taylor nodded, her tears gradually subsiding.
"Matilda's strength—do you get a glimpse of it now?"
Taylor, still in Hardy's embrace, took a moment before responding. "My understanding of Matilda was too shallow before. I see now how much more there is to her."
Hardy nodded. "Good. It's important to truly understand the character."
By evening, Hardy dropped Taylor off at home. Sara noticed her daughter's subdued demeanor and was concerned.
"Isha, what's wrong?"
Taylor explained her day, recounting her experience in the slum and the harsh realities she witnessed. Sara, relieved that Taylor was simply shaken rather than hurt, reassured her.
"There are always hardships in life, but we have to strive to overcome them," Sara said, patting Taylor's head.
"Okay, Mom. I'm going to shower now," Taylor replied.
After her shower, Taylor lay in bed, reflecting on the day's events. She felt a mix of fear, admiration for Hardy, and anticipation for the role of Matilda. The impact of seeing a person killed was still fresh in her mind.
The next morning, Hardy visited the film company. The screenwriters were eager to show him their completed script.
"Mr. Hardy, the more we work on it, the more we believe this story will be a hit. It has Oscar potential," said one screenwriter.
"Yes, let's prepare five copies," Hardy instructed.
He then contacted MGM boss Meyer. "Mr. Meyer, let's discuss the script tonight."
In the evening, Hardy arrived at Meyer's villa. Hitchcock and Hans, MGM's production director, were already there. They gathered around the script, flipping through its pages.
Meyer was the first to speak. "What do you think of this script?"
Hitchcock, having read the script carefully, responded, "The story is engaging, with its themes of love, revenge, and survival. It's one of the best scripts I've seen recently. It has strong Oscar potential."
Hans, the production supervisor, added, "The film will be urban-based, with minimal set requirements. I estimate the cost at less than $1.7 million, excluding actors' salaries."
Meyer asked, "Who do you think should star in this movie?"
Hitchcock turned to Hardy. "You've been working closely with Taylor. Do you think she's right for the role of Matilda?"
Hardy, confident, replied, "I believe Taylor can embody Matilda. I've been training her, and she's becoming quite fitting for the role."
Hitchcock was skeptical but listened. Meyer then asked about potential actors for the male lead. Gary Grant, John Wayne, and others were considered. Hardy agreed that Gary Grant would be a suitable choice for Lyon.
"Hadi, what's your view on Gary Grant for Lyon?" Meyer asked.
"Gary Grant fits the role well," Hardy affirmed.
The discussion then moved to the director. Hitchcock was a prime candidate, and the production costs were discussed. Taylor's salary was set at $50,000, a higher amount than initially planned but agreed upon.
Meyer proposed a budget breakdown: MGM would cover $1.6 million, and Hardy would invest $1 million. Hardy agreed to the terms.
With the investment and actor selections set, Meyer was satisfied with the collaboration. The film's production was on track, and MGM's involvement ensured a strong start.
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