King of Hollywood
Chapter 288 - Chapter 288 Chapter 15 Against Memory

Chapter 288: Chapter 15 Against Memory Chapter 288: Chapter 15 Against Memory In the spacious study, the intricately carved handmade furniture, the luxurious curtains on the windows, and the European-style decorations created a perfect classical ambiance. A row of tall bookshelves along the wall held numerous books, ranging from literature and philosophy to finance and business–one could say it had everything. The bookshelves were not locked, and through the glass, it was evident many of the books bore the marks of frequent perusal, so these were not merely decorative objects.

At the head of the study stood a large desk, crowded with items yet arranged in neat order. From this, one could infer the characteristics of the study’s owner: disciplined, authoritative, and beyond questioning. Right in the center of the desk sat a small bust with a thick head of hair and a beard. Below it was inscribed a sentence: “It is in the nature of man to pursue his own self-interest.” This was a famous quote from Adam Smith, whose “Wealth of Nations” has influenced many successors in the field of economics.

However, the bronze statue was not his own likeness, but that of a Duke from the Cowell family’s ancestors, who thrived during the Tudor Dynasty and laid a vast foundation for the Cowell family legacy. Moreover, after a series of twists and turns, he claimed lineage to Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

Every time Adrian thought of this, he found it amusing. He couldn’t understand why these people from the upper echelons of American society–especially those tagged with the WASP name–were filled with such aristocratic pretensions, always aspiring to link themselves to the British Royal Family as if that association naturally elevated their status.

It was understandable for Europeans to harbor a sense of nobility–they had traditions, after all. But Americans… well, they had come from the European continent, yet ironically had fought hard to become independent. It was difficult to tell if this was satire or mockery.

“How did you come in so quickly? I thought you would chat with them a bit longer,” Anderson’s stern voice suddenly rang out.

“I just remembered some things, wanted to find a quiet place to think, so…” Adrian gestured, trying to explain, but the other cut him off, “Remembered some things? What could be more important than the current reception? Warren is very interested in you; you should seize the opportunity, Ed!”

“Alright, I apologize, Uncle,” Adrian replied, shrugging his shoulders and striving to sound sincere. He was used to his uncle’s scolding manner and usually let his mind wander while the elder spoke his piece. Therefore, even as Anderson continued to ramble about the various matters related to Warren Buffett from the earlier reception, Adrian didn’t absorb a single word.

He had come to New York to visit his uncle and aunt out of politeness; it wasn’t yet time to engage deeply with people like Buffett. Besides, that should be Claude’s responsibility. All Adrian needed was to make a good impression.

Soon, a remark from his uncle brought him back from his daydreaming: “You’ve been getting too close with the Jewish people, Ed.”

“You know, Uncle, that’s Hollywood,” Adrian replied in an unhurried tone.

“I understand, but you must recognize this,” Anderson said, frowning, “Getting too close to those people is not a good thing. You must understand what you’re doing.”

“Yes, Uncle,” Adrian nodded, responding as expected but feeling a wave of scorn internally. For a true WASP, antagonism towards Jewish people appeared to be innate, akin to their penchant for chasing aristocratic lineages.

Adrian was well aware of this but never took it to heart. There are no eternal friends, only eternal interests–a phrase spoken by the 19th-century British Prime Minister Palmerston–not Churchill, who merely refined it–apt for nations and large organizations but hardly applicable to individuals. Therefore, there was no need for excessive worry. Of course, it would be wise to remind Claude to be cautious.

“If only Victor could be more like you,” Anderson suddenly remarked wistfully.

“Victor will understand in time, Uncle,” Adrian said insincerely, internally sighing for his cousin. He would bet that his uncle had spared no opportunity to tell Victor to “look at your cousin.”

No matter the place, the country, or the era, there were always parents who liked to hold up “other people’s children” as examples. They believed this would better motivate their own kids to advance, not understanding that what their children really needed was their parents’ affirmation. No wonder Victor was at odds with his father.

Of course, this was Uncle Anderson’s family affair, and there was no need for him to meddle; a couple of remarks would suffice. Although Adrian’s relationship with Victor was just so-so, he trusted that Victor wouldn’t resent him because of it.

“Then I’ll take my leave, uncle, it was nice seeing you,” Adrian said as he stood up.

“Leaving so soon?” Anderson furrowed his brows, “What are you busy with? Making another movie?”

“Umm… yes, a very interesting movie, one that spans over forty years of United States history,” Adrian explained. No sooner had his voice fallen did his uncle start to criticize again, “I think you should focus your energy on managing the company rather than movie production, even though you’ve received many honors, but…”

Who could bear this type of concern? Adrian thought to himself after he reached the street. But he quickly put it out of his mind; after all, his uncle had helped him out a lot, and if he liked it that way, let him be.

“To Long Island.” After he climbed into the car that came around, Adrian gave this instruction to the driver and was about to turn to his side, thinking of something, when he realized that Charlize, though she had come to New York with him, wasn’t by his side at the moment.

“Really got to the point where I can’t do without her,” Adrian said half self-mockingly, then noticed the briefcase left in the car. After opening it and checking, he smiled and shook his head, then looked out the car window.

He didn’t come to New York for the filming of “Forrest Gump”; the entire movie was essentially nearing completion. What remained were only the anti-war protest scenes at the Reflecting Pool beneath the Washington Monument and various location shots in Washington. So, if he truly had to be busy with filming, he wouldn’t be here.

However, since Adrian had come to New York, he naturally had things to do, such as visiting his aunt and uncle and handling some personal affairs. Then, he also needed to make a trip to London; apart from not having seen Emma for a long time, a very important issue had been settled; it was time to bring it under control.

The car stopped at the curb, and after Adrian straightened his clothes and took his briefcase, he crossed the fence of the detached two-story villa, took a few steps to the door, and rang the bell.

“Hi, Ed, so glad to see you,” Shelly, who opened the door, immediately gave him a hug and then turned her head to call inside, “Hey, Nata, look who’s here.”

“Ed?” The petite Natalie immediately came out from inside, looking at Adrian at the door with surprised eyes.

Adrian waved and greeted her with a smile without speaking. This was another reason for his visit to New York – to personally invite Natalie for a role. As for why he took a subordinate’s task, it goes without saying.

“I like this script, Ed, it’s very good,” Evan said with a satisfied expression after quickly browsing through the script.

“Thank you, I’m glad you like it,” Adrian said, smiling with a cup in hand, and then turned to look at Natalie.

A few months not seen, Natalie had grown a few inches taller, and her hair was no longer the bob cut from “The Professional” but was somewhat wavy like the first time they met, which added a touch of slender grace to her. Her rounded cheeks had started to become more pointed, but her eyes were still as bright as ever.

However, at the moment, she seemed a bit down, especially after reading the script. Although Natalie hid it well, and maintained a smile when Adrian asked, claiming it was good, she didn’t escape his notice.

“So, are you willing to accept the offer?” Adrian looked at her with a meaningful smile.

“Um…” Natalie opened her mouth as if she wanted to refuse, but after making eye contact with Adrian, she swallowed her objections and hesitated for a moment before saying, “I need time to consider.”

“Could you give us a few minutes, Evan?” Adrian asked with a smile, turning towards the girl’s father.

“Oh, of course.” Evan nodded, got up, and, taking his wife with him, went to sit at a distance, leaving the living room to the two of them.

“You think you can help persuade them.” After they left, before Adrian could speak, Natalie began to complain, and the frustration in her brows was no longer concealed.

“I’m sorry, Nata, but on this matter, I agree with your parents,” Adrian said in a low voice, spreading his hands.

“Why?” Natalie frowned, “Do you think I can’t portray this character? Or are you considering this issue from another angle, like my parents? Matilda is only 12 years old too, isn’t she?”

Adrian raised an eyebrow but didn’t dwell on the topic. “Nata, do you like acting in films?”

“Of course.” Although she didn’t understand why he would ask this, Natalie answered promptly.

“So, how do you view acting in films for yourself? I mean, are you planning to take on roles purely for interest, or are you planning to make it your career?” Adrian continued to ask.

Natalie didn’t respond immediately this time. Instead, she reflected for a while, a hint of a smile crossing her face, and glanced at her parents talking in the distance before giving her answer, “I intend to make it my career.”

“Then refusing is the best course of action.” Adrian immediately said, then raised his hand to stop her retort. “Hear me out, Nata, I know you love this book, and I believe you would definitely play the role well!”

You are a seductive Lolita in your own right. He silently said to himself, maintaining a serious expression. “But, playing her will ruin your future, Nata. This is not an exaggeration. You should know about the huge controversy caused when this novel was published, and I believe Sandy must have told you that Adrian Lynne is currently facing quite a few moral accusations. If you really take on the role of Lolita, then you will face the same criticism.”

“But…” Natalie hesitated, still trying to argue, “You handled ‘The Professional’ with such care, and wasn’t it still criticized? Besides, plenty of excellent actors are controversial.”

“This is entirely different from ‘The Professional.’ As you said, I handled it with care, I stopped short of delving too deeply into those emotions, and more importantly, the movie had other focal points as well, so the criticism was minimal.” Adrian patiently explained, “As for the other concern, indeed, many excellent actors are controversial, but few have faced such controversy at your age, understand? Society will not look kindly upon a girl of your age playing that kind of role. So if you really take on Lolita, you might continue to act, but you’ll have lost your chance of being a top-tier actor. Your parents were right to have Sandy turn down that guy who shares my name.”

Although Natalie hadn’t been to Los Angeles since ‘The Professional’ premiered in New York, Adrian had maintained correspondence with her, occasionally making phone calls, and played the role of a listener very well. Therefore, he was quite familiar with her current situation and, in some respects, even knew her better than her parents did.

Thanks to Adrian, Natalie was now more famous than he remembered actors of the same period being, so naturally, she was flooded with a myriad of film offers of all types. Even though he had toned down certain ambiguous scenes in his version of ‘The Professional,’ criticism was inevitable; there was no shortage of moralists anywhere, including many who targeted Natalie personally.

Natalie’s parents began to choose scripts for their daughter more carefully, rejecting roles that were too mature. Films like “Lolita,” still considered by conservatives to be an erotic novel, weren’t even considered. However, what surprised Adrian was that Natalie herself really wanted to play the role.

“I think I can handle this character well, and I don’t understand why Mom and Dad are opposed. Don’t they know I can take care of myself? I’m already a big girl, Ed. Do you have any good suggestions?”

This was a part of Natalie’s letter, confirming she really wanted to take on the role of Lolita and subtly indicating she hoped Adrian could help. Recalling how she accidentally blurted out her love for the novel “Lolita” during the audition, Adrian sighed again that one cannot believe everything in the media; Natalie’s refusal of the role was probably under her parents’ direction.

So, taking the opportunity, he went to New York to visit Natalie’s home–not to persuade Evan and Shelly–because even if Shelly might agree, the conservative Evan would not allow it–but to persuade Natalie. As he had just said, if she truly accepted the role, she would be ostracized by mainstream society and would never become a top-tier actress. This was not scaremongering; how many people knew of any notable works by the lead actress of the 1997 version of “Lolita”?

However, this was also a great opportunity, so Adrian had prepared a script well in advance.

“Do you think this script’s role lacks challenge, Nata?” Looking at the thoughtful girl, Adrian suddenly asked, “Do you think the role of a girl from a single-parent family is too simple?”

Looking at the script on the coffee table, Natalie shook her head, “Not necessarily, but… I just…”

She made a gesture, her lips curling into a bitter smile mixed with a hint of grievance, biting her lip in a pitiable way.

“A great actress is eventually brave enough to try different roles. Matilda and Lolita are similar in some respects, and you portrayed her brilliantly. I bet she’ll become a classic character in a few years, so there’s no need to play similar roles again,” Adrian said with a tone of gentle persuasion, “As for Amy, this lonely girl who has to live with her somewhat estranged father because of her mother’s car accident, she’s also worth your portrayal.”

The movie he had prepared for her was called “Fly Away Home,” a warm, eco-friendly, and entertaining film. It told the story of a girl named Amy, who, after losing her mother in a car accident, is taken back to live on a Canadian farm with her divorced father. Initially unsure how to relate to her father, Amy feels out of place until one day, she discovers a nest of wild geese eggs on the farm. She crafted an incubator for the eggs, ensuring the goslings hatched, eventually becoming their goose mother.

Amy grew fond of the geese, but a wildlife protection officer told her it was illegal to keep them unless they were wingless. So, Amy devised a way for them to migrate south, but how could they fly without having flown before? Her father, who was a pilot, sold his homemade lunar lander to buy a small plane, which acted as the mother goose, leading the geese southward.

Father and daughter faced many challenges, including accidentally entering an air force base, encountering heavy fog, and nearly crashing. In the end, they successfully led the geese back to the southern United States. After this incredible journey, Amy’s heart finally completely embraced her father.

In short, it was a film that told a warm and beautiful story about family, with nothing inappropriate. That’s why Evan previously praised it as a good script.

“Listen to me, Nata.” Seeing the girl was still conflicted, Adrian suddenly took her hands, and although Natalie was startled, she did not pull away.

“I like you a lot, Nata,” Adrian said seriously, looking into her eyes, “Remember what I’ve said, you are the most talented girl I’ve ever met, very smart and exceptional. So why limit yourself to only one type of role? Leverage your talent fully, and you’re sure to become one of the most outstanding actresses!”

After staring blankly at Adrian for a while, Natalie shrugged, “You’re really good with words, Ed.”

Then, as if she remembered something, her expression turned a bit weird and embarrassed. A flush of red crossed her face, and she suddenly pulled her hands back, saying “I’m going to tell Mom and Dad” before getting up and running away.

(To be continued. For more of the story, please visit www.NovelFire.net. More chapters are available for those who support the author and the official reading platform!)

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