King of Hollywood

Chapter 150: Chapter 150: The Calm Before the Arrival

The film had been released for a while, and the praise from the American media had risen from the original 80% to 90%. As for the reason, that had already been analyzed before, so there was no need to repeat it. However, it was worth mentioning that Laverne had seized this opportunity well, allowing Fox, responsible for distribution, to quickly contact more theaters. As a result, in less than three weeks, the movie had raked in 30 million US dollars in ticket sales.

Basically, the cost had been recouped just like that, and aside from the United Kingdom, the film had not yet been released in other parts of the world. Perhaps “Scent of a Woman” might not be as hugely profitable as the recently ended “Pulp Fiction”—which had made off with 110 million US dollars in the North America box office alone, with overseas releases still ongoing and, judging by the momentum, likely not to fall short of North America. Adrian’s popularity had garnered the film even more profit—but profitability was definitely not an issue, so people couldn’t help but give Adrian yet another substantial credit in their hearts.

Although the film had managed to recover its costs in less than three weeks for reasons other than Laverne’s actions, Laverne’s vision and decisive approach were still very commendable. Even though it had been acknowledged many times, upon receiving the news, Adrian could not help but be moved and feel fortunate to have uncovered such a talent.

Compared to the consistently positive film reviews, the opinions of the movie fans were much more diverse. Pacino’s fans undoubtedly loved it, with many going to watch it multiple times in theaters. Adrian’s fans were split, half liked it, thinking the film told a good story that moved and inspired them; the others believed Adrian had lost his own most proud style and had begun to compromise with the mainstream. However, aside from some more extreme cases—such as those obsessed with “Pulp Fiction” to the extent of desiring to mimic every move of its characters in their lives—most at least didn’t dislike it.

Adrian was aware of these because the film was unanimously praised, and the media invariably circled around him. The contrast between past incidents and the current state created nonstop news, so it would have been hard for him not to be aware of the reactions. However, Adrian never gave a direct response, merely speaking through his spokesperson with a few casual words like “thank you for your support” and “Al’s outstanding performance is key.”

Thus, with the release of “Scent of a Woman,” Al Pacino, already a target of entertainment journalists, received even more “enthusiastic” treatment due to his comments. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, he was blinded by the myriads of flashing lights the moment he stepped outside. Even so, in his remarks, Pacino was full of praise for Adrian.

“He is an excellent director; he is always adept at setting the mood. I am very happy to have worked with him, just like ‘Hollywood Report’ said, this is the best role I’ve had in the past two years!” That was what Pacino had said.

The same words were spoken by Pacino at the beginning of the year, a pity that back then no one took them to heart. Nowadays, if someone recalled them, the feelings would be mixed. Unfortunately, reporters wouldn’t have such sentiments; they only wanted news.

But after Thanksgiving arrived, there were far fewer of such reporters, and the media, which had been incessantly extolling “Scent of a Woman,” began to return to a strange, eerie calm as if a storm was on the horizon…

“Thank you for your hospitality, Godfather, it was a pleasant evening.” Standing in front of the mansion, Adrian said goodbye to his godfather’s family, arm in arm with his girlfriend.

“I’m glad you could join us for this wonderful holiday, kid,” Benedict laughed heartily, hugging his godson. “If it were like this every year, it would be fantastic.”

“That’s a good suggestion,” Adrian said, glancing at Claude beside the godfather, a smile immediately appearing at the corner of his mouth. “But I have a better one—Claude’s new villa is on Beverly Hills, not far from me, so we could come back together for every important holiday.”

Claude showed a look of surprise, but before he could speak, Benedict chimed in cheerfully: “Of course, that’s possible. Beth and I would not object. What do you think, Claude?”

“No problem, Dad, as long as—” Claude snuck a glare at Adrian and made a neck-wringing gesture with his hands below, “Ed remembers to call me.”

“I think Ed won’t forget,” Beth then interjected, smiling warmly toward Kate, who was arm in arm with Adrian. “Of course, remember to bring Kate along. That would make us even happier.”

“Would you like to join us, Kate?” Adrian then turned to his girlfriend.

“It would be an honor.” Kate immediately responded, wearing a reserved smile, although she had appeared distracted for a few minutes, making her smile seem somewhat tense.

Adrian squeezed her hand and formally bid farewell to his godfather: “Then, we’re heading back.”

“Let my father’s driver take you home; you’ve had quite a bit to drink,” Claude said then.

“No need, I know my limits,” Adrian waved it off. “Just need to drive a bit slower, no worries.”

Soon the car was on the street, heading toward Beverly Hills in the night. Just as he had said earlier, the speed was well maintained, neither too fast nor as slow as a snail’s crawl.

“Do you have something on your mind, Kate?” Adrian asked, enjoying the cool breeze coming in from the car window as he glanced at the girl beside him.

“Nothing.” Kate, snapping back to reality, gave an apologetic smile, “Just lost in thought?”

“Really?” Adrian pressed. “It wasn’t because the Godfather and Beth gave you a bad impression?”

“How could that be? They are all very nice people,” Kate’s tone took on a hint of poutiness, “If anyone left a bad impression, it should have been me. I was distracted several times throughout the evening.”

As she spoke, she suddenly let out a sigh and looked ahead, silent.

“I know. In fact, you’ve been distracted not just once or twice during this period, which is why I ask,” Adrian slowed the car and turned to her, “Kate, can you tell me what’s on your mind? You know, I’ve always been your best listener, and I’m willing to do anything for you.”

Kate looked at him, opened her mouth, but said nothing, and Adrian immediately gave her an understanding smile: “It’s alright, everyone has things they don’t want to talk about, but if you do want to talk, I hope to be the first listener.”

After she nodded with a smile, silence returned to the car, and a few dozen minutes later, they arrived back at Adrian’s villa. As soon as they got out of the car, a cool breeze blew by, and Kate, wearing a thin-strapped dress, couldn’t help but rub her arms. Adrian immediately took off his jacket and draped it over her.

“Thank you.” Kate smiled, hesitated for two seconds, and then suddenly asked, “By the way, Ed, a while ago… when I called London, you seemed not to be there.”

“Yes, I sneaked back to Los Angeles for a few days,” Adrian replied directly without a second thought.

“Sneaked back to Los Angeles?” Kate’s eyes widened, “Why? Why… didn’t you tell me?”

“Oh, dear, you should know that during that time the journalists were very persistent,” Adrian explained, “And the work in London wasn’t finished. If it weren’t for some important matters in Los Angeles that needed to be handled, I probably wouldn’t have come back until after ‘Scent of a Woman’ was released. Only Crow and Laverne knew I was in Los Angeles those days.”

“But… but…” Kate hesitated, not sure what to say.

“Well, if you’re upset about this, shall I apologize?” Adrian pulled her into his arms, took her hand, and looked into her eyes sincerely.

“No, I just…” Kate held his hand and before she could finish speaking, she felt the warmth on her cheeks as Adrian leaned in for a kiss. Then the hand on her shoulder slid down to her waist, sweeping her into a twirl in the foyer.

Subconsciously, Kate wrapped her arms around his neck, shrinking her neck and squinting her eyes as she was lifted, and not until they stopped did she punch him on the shoulder, chiding, “Ed!”

“Do you feel a bit more cheerful now?” Adrian asked with a chuckle.

“I really want to know what tomorrow’s headlines would be if, just now, you accidentally tossed me out and there happened to be a journalist outside to capture the moment,” Kate said, puffing up in feigned annoyance.

“First of all, I would never toss you out,” Adrian laughed, shaking his head, “And second, there are no journalists outside the villa now.”

“None? Are you sure?” Kate incredulously glanced toward the gate, “A few days ago, you were complaining about how those journalists who surrounded you on the street were as annoying as flies.”

“Of course, I’m sure. They’ve been unnaturally quiet these past few days, waiting for the final moment to strike,” Adrian said, looking towards the gate with a half-smile, “Haven’t you noticed that the media has started to talk about other things in these past few days?”

“It seems so…” Kate turned her head, thought for a moment, and then looked at Adrian, puzzled, “Why is that?”

“Because the movie in which you played a supporting role is about to be released,” Adrian said, speaking in a roundabout way.

“Are you talking about ‘Howards End’?” Kate blinked, finally catching on. She wasn’t dumb, and she was clear about the whole situation, especially since she was part of the cast when the British media criticized the filming of ‘Howards End.’

“So it seems that some people have been worried about you causing a stir, while others have been waiting to see you fail for a long time now,” she said, looking at Adrian with a sly squint in her eyes.

“Unfortunately for many, they are bound to be disappointed. I don’t do things I’m not confident about,” Adrian shrugged nonchalantly, “You know, Kate, your performance was excellent. At least in my eyes, second only to Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins.”

“Listening to you say that, I suddenly really want to see the movie right away,” Kate said with a sparkle in her eyes.

“Soon enough, let’s head inside and talk more,” Adrian said as he laughed and once again wrapped his arm around her waist to lead her inside. (To be continued. For more chapters, please visit www.qidian.com. Support the author by reading the official version!)