King of Hollywood

Chapter 121: Chapter 121 Agreed

“A story about an assassin living in New York?” Luc Besson couldn’t help showing a curious expression.

“Hmm, let me think,” Adrian tapped his head, “The plot is roughly like this…”

It took about ten minutes, and he outlined the general plot. Because of certain reasons, coupled with his eloquence, the story was engaging and moving. Whether it was Besson, Reno, or Monica, they were all captivated. If it weren’t for the waiter serving the food just then, the four might have been immersed for even longer.

“This story sounds very interesting,” Besson said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. The onion soup in front of him suddenly lost its appeal, and after glancing at Reno, he asked, “Why do you think Jean suits the role of this assassin?”

“Let’s put it this way,” Adrian thought for a few seconds and then said, “This assassin, although skilled, cautious, and reserved, is not a ruthless person. Do you remember a scene I just told you about? This assassin named Lyon goes to the cinema alone, watches Singing in the Rain, and hums along with a smile. He has just closed himself off; in some ways, his heart is still that of a child.”

Adrian paused, then smiled and looked at Reno, “I’ve always been troubled, although I have a few candidates in mind, I wasn’t sure if they could accurately portray these two traits at the same time, until I saw Jean just now. Although I don’t particularly like or endorse the tone of The Big Blue, I think Jean’s performance in it was extraordinary, his attachment, his subtlety, his deep affection made a deep impression. Coupled with his previous roles as cold, violent, and slick characters, I believe he can perfectly embody this contradictory assassin.”

“That’s very well said,” Besson clapped softly, “I’ve always thought Jean is an exceptional actor. In fact, during the shooting of that film, for a long period, people thought he was the protagonist.”

Then he turned to his old partner, smiled and squinted his eyes, “What do you think, Jean?”

“I feel… isn’t this all a bit sudden?” Reno took off his glasses, hesitating. He was naturally not a man of many words, otherwise Besson wouldn’t have spoken on his behalf.

“It is indeed sudden,” Adrian didn’t deny, “But though this idea jumped suddenly into my mind, I know my judgment is correct. As a director, sometimes you have to trust your instincts.”

Reno, stroking his chin, didn’t agree immediately; he was still hesitant. With Adrian’s current fame in Hollywood, he was definitely a worthwhile collaborator, and Besson clearly agreed, but…

“If you have doubts, I can have someone complete the script and hand it over to you soon, then you’ll have a more direct understanding,” Adrian continued.

“No, no, no, Ed, I didn’t mean that,” Reno quickly said, “Actually, I’ve got a film contract at the moment, a comedy movie, so I’m afraid I don’t have much time right away.”

“That’s okay, in fact, I also don’t have spare time now,” Adrian laughed, “You all know I have a nickname ‘workaholic.’ Now that Pulp Fiction has been released, my new movie is coming up on schedule, so this movie couldn’t start preparation until next year anyway.”

“You’re starting a new movie already? That’s really surprising,” Besson couldn’t help but chime in, “I never expected you to be so crazy about filmmaking. When I first heard about it, I thought it was an exaggeration.”

“It’s just this year, from next year I’ll need to slow down quite a bit.” Adrian smiled and shrugged his shoulders, then looked at Reno again, “How about it, Jean? I can wait for you. I just want a commitment. Finding an actor who fits the movie perfectly isn’t easy. If next year doesn’t work, I can wait until the year after.”

“Hey, Ed, maybe…” Besson looked at him eagerly, “You could consider letting me direct?”

“Don’t even think about it, Luc!” Adrian flatly refused with an arched eyebrow, “The idea for this script was there since the end of the 90s, it took me over a year to fully develop the story, and it was hard to find the right actor. Now that I’ve found Jean suits, how could I possibly hand it over!”

“Okay, okay, I was just saying,” Besson spread his hands and didn’t insist.

“Of course, we will have opportunities to collaborate in the future. In my view, you are 100 times better than those art directors.” Adrian then gave him a form of consolation, and Reno, who had been pondering all this while, made his decision, “Alright, I think I have no reason to refuse anymore. So, whenever you need me next year, I can join in.”

“Thank you very much,” Adrian immediately raised his glass, “Let’s toast.”

Although it felt somewhat underhanded to discuss someone’s work in their presence, Adrian had done it more than once or twice and didn’t take it to heart; the world was inherently unfair, and he could always make it up to Besson later. Even if he hadn’t run into them here, Adrian planned to visit Jean Reno after the Cannes Film Festival ended because “The Professional” had something he wanted!

“What are you thinking about?” Monica, sitting in front of the vanity, flipped her hair and looked at Adrian in the mirror. She had already taken off her jacket and was only wearing a white shirt and a black over-the-knee skirt.

“Nothing much, just about the screenplay Luc and I discussed earlier in the restaurant.” Adrian, standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, turned around and smiled.

“Aren’t you thinking about your little girlfriend?” Although Monica’s tone was teasing, her slight jealousy was quite apparent.

“Why do you say that?” Adrian smiled as he walked over, bent down to hug Monica from behind, kissed her cheek, and then slipped his hand inside her collar.

“Whether on the way back or since we entered the room, you haven’t spoken a word, just lost in thought,” Monica kept her eyes on Adrian in the mirror. “Don’t think I can’t tell.”

“Alright, I admit,” Adrian’s hands gently kneaded, “but it’s not Kate; it’s the French’s beloved.”

“No wonder Luc said you were so disappointed when she didn’t come,” Monica suddenly pushed Adrian’s hand away, stood up, and leaned against a small table, “Are you that fascinated by her?”

“Not really, just curious,” Adrian shrugged his shoulders, “After all, I’ve never had the chance to talk to her face-to-face. I really want to know who’s more attractive, her or my Italian beauty.”

“Sorry, there are no ‘your’ beauties here.” Monica hummed lightly, brushing her hair back from her ear.

“That only makes you more provocative, Monica.” Adrian said with an impish smile.

Monica didn’t respond, walked over to the coffee table to pour herself a glass of water, and then spoke again, “Although I haven’t been around you much, I’ve never heard you talk about that killer script before; I’m curious if the story was already prepared or just made up on the spot?”

“Hmm, it was somewhat both,” Adrian walked over to her, took the glass she had drunk from, and sipped from the spot with her lipstick mark, “The concept was already there, but the details were mostly improvised. I indeed think Jean Reno fits the killer’s role.”

Although Monica had anticipated this answer, disbelief still flashed across her face momentarily.

“No wonder they call you a genius director…” She sighed with mixed emotions, then raised her eyebrows, “So, would you consider writing a script for me?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already prepared one.” Adrian pinched her chin, leaned in, and sucked gently on her voluptuous lips, “I’ve said it before, I always keep my promises.”

Monica didn’t speak again, just stared at him, some things both understood without words.

“After finishing the promotion for ‘Pulp Fiction,’ rest well for two months, then you can start preparing for the romantic comedy I’ve prepared for you.” Adrian caressed her cheek, blowing air by her ear as he spoke.

Taking a deep breath, Monica suddenly stepped back, turned around, and swayed to the door of the inner room. She turned her head, biting her lip provocatively at Adrian, and slowly began to roll up her skirt. As the hem rose, the straps of her black stockings became gradually visible; it goes without saying, she really knew how to seduce.

Then, Monica stopped her movements, crossed her arms above her head, and rested them on the doorframe of the inner room…(To be continued. For further details, please visit www.qidian.com. More chapters are available supporting the author and legal reading!)