บท 378: Chapter 378
On a private beach at the Eden Cap Hotel, Charles and Lin Chi-ling, wearing a bikini, lounged on rocks, enjoying a sunbath.
After spending the night with him at the hotel, Scarlett Johansson had flown back to the US this morning.
"It's getting a bit hot," Charles wasn't fond of staying in the sun for too long, so after a bit, he headed to the shade of an umbrella to enjoy the sea breeze.
Lin Chi-ling glanced over and followed him, ordering two drinks. They relaxed on the sun loungers, chatting away.
"Today, the crew of Red Cliff will fly to Cannes for promotion. This is my first time attending an event at the Cannes Film Festival!" Lin Chi-ling was visibly excited.
Charles took off his sunglasses and put them aside. He smiled and commented, "What are you so excited about? The North American distribution rights haven't been sold yet. The previous distributor, Summit Entertainment, returned the film. In Asia, it was split into two parts, but in Europe and the US, it's still one film, and it hasn't made much of a splash."
Lin Chi-ling, not fully understanding, whispered, "Is there no interest from North American distributors?"
"Not at the moment. Maybe next year they'll find a distributor." The promotional version of Red Cliff had already been sent to US distributors, and Charles had seen it.
Lin Chi-ling, being the lead actress in her first film, just needed to look pretty.
"This year, The Pursuit of Happiness and Taken both did well after the buyout. These two distributed films made Red Fruit Entertainment nearly 10 million yuan!"
Lin Chi-ling switched topics and mentioned last year's films purchased by Red Fruit Entertainment, "Yuanyuan asked me to see if you had any movie recommendations?"
"French film Transporter 3 is a good action movie worth buying. It'll cost more, but it should be profitable."
Lin Chi-ling noted it down, planning to inform her company for a quick acquisition.
In the afternoon, Charles took Lin Chi-ling sightseeing around Cannes as she requested, even visiting Saint-Marguerite Island off the coast.
In the evening, Charles half-lay on the sofa in the bedroom at the Cap Hotel, receiving a call from Sophie Marceau.
"The Intouchables is being filmed, want to come by and see?"
"Sure, I'll come to Paris tomorrow. I have no major interests at the Cannes Film Festival this year," Charles initially came to Cannes to meet festival chairman Gilles Jacob and network with French filmmakers.
"Charles, I'll be busy attending a movie press conference and media briefing with the Red Cliff crew tomorrow. It'll take two to three days," Lin Chi-ling emerged from the shower, the sexy sheer nightgown revealing tantalizing glimpses.
Charles nodded, got up, and hugged her from behind. "No problem, I'll be in Paris for a few days. If you're free after the festival, come visit Paris!"
"Really?" Of course, Lin Chi-ling wanted to go. She turned around and kissed Charles.
As they kissed, Charles's hands explored her 34C bust. "Sure, Paris, London, and New York, anywhere you'd like!"
Later, they moved to the balcony, which faced the Mediterranean Sea, enjoying life amidst the scenic Mediterranean views.
Lin Chi-ling leaned on the balcony, feeling the Mediterranean breeze, admiring the night scene, and occasionally looking back with a face full of suppressed desire!
"Wow," Charles, draped over her back, felt exhausted, squeezed her 34C bust, and teased, "Isn't the view beautiful?"
Lin Chi-ling nodded, then turned back to kiss him again, seemingly determined to use up her last ounce of energy.
Charles stood up, cradled her in his arms, and moved to the sofa, cherishing the tender moment together!
...
Paris, George V Peninsula Hotel, a private reception was taking place.
"The Intouchables was made entirely according to your vision, directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, starring Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy. I made a cameo as well. When are you planning to release it?" Sophie Marceau, still elegant at 42 years old, asked.
"Next February or March," Charles knew that The Intouchables was nearing the end of filming but didn't plan to release it this year.
"I heard you're planning to shoot a film with the Italian bombshell Monica Bellucci? People are eagerly anticipating the showdown between two European goddesses!" Charles added.
Sophie Marceau nodded, "It's a psychological thriller about schizophrenia, and indeed, Monica Bellucci and I were chosen for it. The movie is called Don't Look Back and is scheduled to start filming in August!"
"Alright, I'll catch up with you later. For now, I need to mingle with some other folks," Charles whispered.
Sophie Marceau smiled, "Make sure you don't drink too much, so you still have some energy tonight!"
After chatting with a few French filmmakers and investors, Charles found Luc Besson and asked when he could start preparing for the sequel, Taken 2.
"Taken 2? I'm really tied up now. EuropaCorp has several movies lined up for the next two years, all written and produced by me. I don't think I'll have time until the year after next!" Luc Besson spread his hands helplessly.
"Releasing it the year after next is fine, but if you don't start preparing until then, it'll be too late," Charles said, thinking about the hefty box office earnings of Taken in North America and globally. Capet Pictures made a killing with it.
EuropaCorp had the distribution rights in France, and this guy wouldn't be jealous of Capet Pictures, would he?
After all, the major part of Taken's box office earnings came from the North American market!
Luc Besson nodded, "Don't worry; I guarantee that Taken 2 will be released in 2010!"
"That's good. As long as it gets released, it's fine," with Luc Besson's guarantee, Charles felt assured. Taken had a budget of only $25 million, but the sequel's budget was definitely going to increase. A $45 million budget would surely suffice.
Subsequently, Charles encountered Lea Seydoux, who came from a prestigious French film family. Since her debut in 2006 with the film My Friends, Lea Seydoux had been auditioning for movie roles.
This year, she had an art film called The Beautiful Person which received positive reviews at the Cannes Film Festival, but she was still considered a newcomer.
"Lea, I heard you always go for auditions on your own?" Charles asked as he clinked glasses with the 23-year-old Lea Seydoux while sitting on the couch.
Lea Seydoux nodded, "I've auditioned for many productions, but unfortunately, everyone thinks I don't meet their requirements!"
With your family background, why do you waste your time like this?
"Don't worry; it's normal for newcomers," Charles had high hopes for Lea Seydoux because of her strong family background, making her potential immense. This is incomparable to the likes of Eva Green and Olga Kurylenko, who were also Bond girls.
"Thank you, Mr. Capet!" Lea Seydoux's attitude toward film boundaries was typical of many European actresses - completely indifferent.
My Friends and The Beautiful Person were both artistic works with significant boundaries. For French actresses, shedding clothes was as ordinary as eating and drinking.
Charles Capet had earlier brought Marion Cotillard to Hollywood, even helping her win an Oscar for Best Actress. Now, Eva Green was playing the lead actress in Thor, all thanks to Charles.
Two women connected to Charles Capet had already firmly established themselves in Hollywood. Who would be the third?
"By the way, Mr. Capet, I heard you've been awarded the French Legion of Honour, the highest accolade from the French government. The ceremony will be held at the Elysee Palace, right?" Lea Seydoux enviously said.
Charles nodded, "Just call me Charles; we're all young here. As for the award ceremony, it will be held in a few days at the Presidential Palace!"
The Elysee Palace is the residence of the President of France.
The award was decided during Easter in April. Charles' mother, Evelyn, would also attend. Charles himself didn't care much, but his mother seemed quite pleased about it.
At least it's the Legion of Honour. If it were some high-ranking knighthood or similar medals, Charles wouldn't even bother responding.
At the ceremony, Charles would also get a chance to chat with the current President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy!
Lea Seydoux nodded, smiled, and said, "If you ever need a guide while touring Paris or any other place in France, do look me up. I'd be happy to help."
Charles nodded, "That would be great. I'll give you a call then!"
With that, Charles stood up, hugged Lea Seydoux, accepted a kiss from her, and prepared to leave the hotel.
He planned to discuss life matters with Sophie Marceau at her countryside villa.
Sophie Marceau personally drove Charles back to her villa, "Never thought the French Kiss herself would play chauffeur!"
Sophie Marceau glanced at Charles, "It's only because you're worried about the journalists. Otherwise, would we need to sneak around like this?"
Charles chuckled, reaching out to gently touch the actress' thigh.
*****
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