บท 149: Chapter 149: Playthings
[Chapter 149: Playthings]
Amid the cheers of fans, Eric made his way through the crowd, smiling as he hurriedly signed a few autographs on posters held out by fans along the red carpet. He then waved to Brooke Shields, who was also signing autographs, and the two headed to the media interview area.
"Mr. Williams, are you confident about the box office?" one reporter asked.
"Ms. Shields , you seem quite close to Mr. Williams. Is there something going on there?" another inquired.
"Mr. Williams, over here! Look this way!"
"Mr. Williams, what do you think about the forecast for box office performance?"
"...."
Surrounded by frantic flashes, Eric wrapped his arm around Brooke Shields' waist, smiling for the cameras but had no intention of answering any questions.
Once he opened his mouth, the reporters would undoubtedly throw sensitive questions his way. Having learned from past experiences, Eric realized that no matter how he answered, it wouldn't go well. If he displayed too much confidence and the box office ended up falling short, he would face relentless mockery. Conversely, if he showed any hint of doubt, it would only amplify the commotion; a director lacking faith in his own work wouldn't inspire any favorable press. Even if he provided a neutral, diplomatic response, crafty reporters could twist his words. Therefore, the best strategy was simply to remain silent.
Hearing the even louder cheers behind him, Eric knew that Cruise and Hanks had just hit the red carpet together. This had all been arranged in advance. Glancing back, he saw the two actors smiling as they slowly navigated through the adoring crowd. Eric knew it was time for him to make space for the two stars, so he gestured to Brooke Shields, who once again linked arms with him, and they entered the theater together.
...
Outside, amidst the uproar of excited fans, Nicole and Drew had just stepped out of the car, taking in the scene not far from them.
Drew, sporting pink heart-shaped sunglasses and chewing gum with her hands shoved in the pockets of her little jacket, casually stared at the frenzied fans and the ceremony unfolding with Cruise and Hanks.
This outfit was something the girl had picked up after watching Kubrick's films. She firmly believed that Eric harbored the soul of a man with a Lolita complex, so she decided to dress up this way and suddenly appeared before him. Eric had indeed been charmed by her playful appearance, and with Drew's doll-like face coupled with a classic Lolita look, it was impossible for him not to feel a spark. Ever since that encounter, Drew had taken a liking to this outfit, knowing that Eric appreciated this playful style.
Casting a sidelong glance at Nicole standing next to her, Drew, though not fond of the woman, had followed Eric's orders to drive her to the event. Observing the admiration in Nicole's eyes as she gazed at Cruise and Hanks basking in the fans' euphoria, the girl scoffed, "Hey, you really envy them, don't you?"
Nicole was momentarily taken aback before realizing Drew was talking to her. A bit surprised, she replied, "Of course! If it weren't for this, what would be the point of coming to Hollywood? Don't you yearn for that?"
"What's there to yearn for? After your film's release, you'll be receiving the same kind of adoration," Drew dismissed casually.
"Oh," Nicole was even more surprised now as she looked down at the girl beside her. "That doesn't sound like something one would expect from your sharp tongue. I never thought you'd compliment me."
"Ha," Drew sneered slightly, "Which ear did you hear me compliment you? I'm just confident in Eric's script. Just get any beautiful woman from Hollywood, and if she lands the lead in one of Eric's movies, she can become a big star, just like Julia Roberts -- he picked her up from a little diner. You're just another fortunate woman he chose."
"Oh, what about you?" Nicole replied, her tone slightly sarcastic.
Drew didn't mind raising her chin proudly and responded, "I'm Eric's."
"Wow," Nicole didn't know how to react, letting out a vague sound.
"I am Eric's," Drew reemphasized. "Eric knows I belong to him. So, his feelings towards me are different from his feelings for you women. Not even Jennifer Aniston could block my position in his heart."
"But it sounds to me like you're more like..." Nicole began, glancing at Drew, hesitating. Despite Drew often meddling in her plans, she didn't want to completely alienate her, knowing Drew was very close to Eric.
Drew interjected carefree, "A pet, right? Ha, how ridiculous! I can't believe you'd conjure up thoughts similar to that little fool Aniston. And even if I were a pet, do you know what you women are?"
Nicole, though aware Drew wouldn't offer any sweet words, couldn't help but display an inquisitive expression.
"Playthings," Drew quickly shot back. "Want to know why I asked that question when we first met? Because if the answer were yes, then Eric might have some feelings for you, and you could possibly become his mistress. But since the answer is no, it means Eric doesn't see you that way. He regards you as a plaything -- just a pretty doll dressed up to sit in his mansion because it amuses him."
Nicole's face darkened as she trembled, replying, "That's impossible! It can't be like that. He... he gave me the lead in a movie."
"Pfft -- just a lead in a movie! You're way too full of yourself. Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You've been trying every way to seduce him these days, haven't you? You want to become Mrs. Williams, right? How ridiculous! He doesn't even have the interest to sleep with you, let alone marry you!"
Nicole abruptly raised her head, glaring at Drew with daggers. "I get it! You want to push me away with those words. Little girl, you think I'll back down? If what you said were true, why would you keep trying to stop me?"
Drew shrugged. "I just don't want to put Eric in a difficult position. His views are a bit different from others, and if you actually climbed into his bed, plus with a woman like you being so cunning, it could be hard for him to shake you off later. So, before you leave my place, I'll keep a close eye on you, Nicole Kidman. You'd better give up this idea sooner than later."
"Let's wait and see, Miss Barrymore," Nicole said with a mocking tone as she walked toward the theater entrance.
Drew adjusted her sunglasses and followed her. After Cruise and Hanks exited the red carpet, yet another celebrity guest took to the stage. Unable to contain herself, Drew leaned in to Nicole, "Look, those actresses getting even wilder screams from the fans -- if Eric wanted, he could just wave his hand, and most of them would happily shed their clothes to climb into his bed, willingly sticking up their butts. So, while those starlets might earn more screams than Eric did just a moment ago, he's the one who truly wielded the power in Hollywood."
Though Nicole pretended to be unfazed by Drew's words, deep down, she had to acknowledge that the girl spoke the truth. For just one role, she had willingly gone to Eric's house, donned a seductive maid outfit to please him, and considering the status Eric accumulated from his string of successful films, there weren't many starlets in Hollywood who would turn down any of his requests.
*****
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