King of Hollywood
Chapter 309 - Chapter 309 Chapter 36 Various Aspects of Life

Chapter 309: Chapter 36 Various Aspects of Life Chapter 309: Chapter 36 Various Aspects of Life During this period, Adrian’s personal life had not become complicated like his work; he still had well-organized dates with his women. However, there were small changes, like Gwyneth officially entering his schedule–which posed no challenge for Charlize, who skillfully managed everything to avoid any conflicts.

While in Canada, Adrian had flirted with her on horseback and even experimented with passion in the storeroom, but once back in Los Angeles, Gwyneth became conservative. No matter how she played with Adrian, dining, shopping, clubbing, visiting bars, attending parties, as long as it was outside the apartment, she would start to resist and then look at him with pleading eyes.

With Adrian’s observational skills, he could naturally tell whether her behavior was pretense or heartfelt, so after a few times, he would stop before she showed any resistance and then go home with her. Gwyneth was very grateful for this.

“Thank you, Ed.” After the passionate day, she tenderly rested her head on his chest and said this.

“Don’t say that, Gwyneth, it’s basic respect. You don’t have to do this–or are you trying to tell me that you don’t like me?” Adrian hugged Gwyneth and gently kissed the top of her head, already having a good idea of what she was thinking.

Understanding the minds of women had never failed Adrian, except maybe with Liv. He had already known what Liv might be thinking, but not quite believing it, which made him feel puzzled. Anyway, this was a good change, beneficial for keeping Gwyneth close to him, where both interest and affection were indispensable.

Now, another woman was about to enter his schedule. After spending the winter in Melbourne and finishing her stage play contract, Kate Blanchett had finally returned to Los Angeles.

“I thought you might stay longer, didn’t expect just a week, what a pity.” Sitting at the long table in his villa’s dining room, Adrian looked at Blanchett and said with a smile.

The room’s lighting was dim, with most wall lights turned off. Two candelabras sat on the long table, each holding three lit candles, whose flames gently flickered, casting subtle, romantically scattered shadows.

Blanchett sat opposite Adrian. Compared to before, her hair was cut a bit shorter, now falling just above her shoulders, which gave her an air of bold beauty and allure. However, the black sleeveless, knee-length dress she wore added a feminine charm, mingling two vibes that uniquely enticed.

“I am not a part of Hollywood yet, so there’s no need for me to stay here long term.” Blanchett responded to Adrian with a similar smile, her words rich in implication, though her smile carried a teasing tone, so Adrian simply raised his eyebrows and didn’t continue the conversation.

“Just wait a moment, I think the soup should be ready.” Adrian glanced at the clock, then stood up.

When he returned, holding a steaming pot of soup, with pieces of cucumber floating on its creamy surface for garnish, a delicious aroma immediately filled the air, causing Blanchett to close her eyes and take a deep breath in appreciation.

“It smells wonderful.” She admired, her eyes brimming with curiosity as she looked at Adrian.

“Try it first before you say anything.” Adrian laughed and served her a small bowl.

Carefully tasting it with a spoon, Blanchett’s eyes instantly widened, and her curiosity deepened, “This is fantastic, Ed! I had no idea your cooking skills were so exceptional!”

“I admit women have a natural talent for culinary arts, but that’s not exclusively their domain.” Adrian laughed as he served himself a small bowl and took a pleasing bite before sighing, “Alright, I know you must have been dissatisfied; planning a dinner at home, but ending up with either ready-made meals or not-so-tasty food, I hope this soup makes you feel a bit better–this is the best dish I can make, the rest are just ordinary, so…”

He gestured helplessly, and Blanchett burst out laughing.

“No no, Ed, this soup is delicious, I really like it,” she said with a smile, “You truly surprised me, no man could make it better.”

“You really liking it would be great, then I can rest assured,” Adrian exaggeratedly patted his chest as he relaxed, eliciting laughter from Blanchett again, and the atmosphere in the restaurant grew even more intimate.

Actually, women are quite easy to please–as long as you know what they’re thinking and display the charm they want to see at the right moment, making them feel special in your heart, they will be attracted to you unconsciously.

It might sound somewhat exaggerated and unreliable, but that’s the truth–women fall for this approach. No matter what type of women, be they strong-willed or full of personality, without exception, as long as the female hormones dominate within them.

That’s why it’s often said that women are emotional creatures, and why charming men often succeed–because they always manage to handle this aspect well. Just like Adrian, despite being separated by the Atlantic, still occasionally called Sophie in Paris to discuss “Braveheart” as a pretext to probe gradually, yet without ever making Sophie feel repelled.

Of course, all this hinges on the prerequisite of being able to own and provide a comfortable material life–it’s the foundation of all strategies, only by satisfying material needs can one pursue romantic aspirations spiritually.

If we delve deeper, there’s much more to say–for instance, some feelings, even if brief in a woman’s heart, can have considerable impact, but let’s not get into that here.

Blanchett had stayed in Los Angeles as long as Adrian had accompanied her, just like their previous time in Australia and New Zealand, where they spent every night intimately together. Although Adrian repeatedly expressed his wish for her to stay, Blanchett still chose to return to Melbourne after 7 days.

“Okay, at least you’ll come to the premiere, right?” Adrian asked helplessly as he drove her to the airport.

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it,” Blanchett smiled and kissed him, a gesture she always made these past few days whenever she had the upper hand and Adrian compromised helplessly, using a kiss to show her joy.

Simply put, it was a kind of hesitant, conflicted mentality–on one hand, she felt strongly for him, yet on the other, she was troubled by certain things. Adrian could guess what these things were; though Australia was far from the United States, verifying some matters was still quite easy. However, he believed that once “Speed” premiered at the year’s end, these wouldn’t be issues anymore.

Unless I’m wrong, unless the world suddenly turns into a fairytale land. Standing outside the airport, Adrian watched the rising plane and thought to himself. Speaking of which, Blanchett’s demeanor had some similarities with Gwyneth, though, of course, they each had their characteristics, but perhaps he could…

During this week and more, the other women showed little reaction. Even if they didn’t know the specific situation, they could guess bits and pieces. For Monica, Julia, Kate, and Sarah, they were already used to this. Julia and Kate might feel unhappy inside, yet wouldn’t overthink it–people are like that, once they’re accustomed to something, even if it’s not normal, they rationalize it in their hearts to make it easier to accept.

As for Gwyneth, who had just joined, she must have guessed some too, given her initial motives which made her more sensitive in this regard. However, although Adrian had been with Blanchett these days, he also found the time to call his other women, so there was no need to worry Gwyneth might overthink.

Of all the women, Liv was the most interesting–a girl who still liked to take the initiative, do whatever she wanted, and didn’t dwell on anything, threatened more than once after Adrian called her that she would come to assert her dominance. Of course, that was all talk, and she never showed up.

Perhaps that’s why, right after sending Blanchett off, Adrian went straight to Liv’s apartment and in front of Bibi Bill invited Liv out, Bibi Bill’s expression was sour but he didn’t stop it.

“So, you should go back, Liv,” Adrian insisted on taking her home after they had illegally drunk at a nightclub, “Your mom will be worried.”

“She won’t be, I bet she’s getting cozy with her new boyfriend right now, ever since she came to Los Angeles, she’s changed boyfriends like a dozen times,” Liv said nonchalantly.

Adrian immediately burst out laughing, “Do you really think so, Liv? Don’t tell me you didn’t notice your mom’s expression when we left–she’s really worried about you.”

Liv pouted and held his gaze, and after a moment, she conceded defeat with some annoyance and waved her hand, “I don’t like her meddling in my life. I enjoy dating you and sleeping with you–that’s my business. I don’t care how many women you have, why can’t she just show a little respect for my choices?!”

“Because she cares about you, Liv,” Adrian immediately took over the conversation and replied, “When have you ever seen your mom pointing fingers and lecturing someone else’s daughter? You’re her daughter, she loves you, and she doesn’t want you to get hurt.”

Liv fell silent for a while, then looked at him with a curious expression, “Since when did you start liking to preach, Ed?”

“Everyone has a rebellious phase, doesn’t want to listen to their parents, wants to live their own life,” Adrian laughed, “but sometimes it’s okay to indulge them, because… when you think about it, maybe you won’t have the chance anymore.”

“You mean…” Liv started to say but then stopped, and looked at Adrian with a complex expression.

“It’s okay, I’m fine. Just remember some things,” Adrian reassured her, gently caressing her smooth cheek, “so, let’s go back, Liv, we’ll have plenty of time later, won’t we?”

Liv stared at him for a long time, a slight smile then appeared on her lips, her bright blue eyes flickered in the dimly lit car. She leaned in and kissed Adrian on the lips, actively entwining her tongue with his, engaging in a passionate and repetitive embrace.

The two of them indulged in this way for quite a while until the low sighs began to sound, and they finally parted. A tempting blush appeared on Liv’s pale cheeks, and even with Adrian’s self-control, his eyes still flashed with uncontrollable desire. The young girl giggled twice, then mischievously blinked and pushed him away, “Let’s go back.”

Adrian couldn’t help but chuckle, playfully scraped her cute nose, and then started the car’s engine.

“Hi, Mom, I’m back.” When Bibi Bill opened the door, she was surprised to see her daughter waving at her.

“You…” she looked at them doubtfully, then her expression soured as she thought of something.

“Good night, Ed.” Liv chose to go home at Adrian’s urging, but it didn’t mean she would immediately start behaving properly. So as she said goodbye, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him in front of her mother before entering her room.

“Good night.” Adrian waved at her and then looked at Bibi Bill with a smile, “I brought her back, Miss Bibi. She had a few drinks at the nightclub, but nothing inappropriate happened. You know, young people always like to live a little recklessly.”

As he spoke politely and was about to leave, a realisation hit Bibi Bill who quickly called out, “Wait…”

“Is there something else?” Adrian turned around and asked.

“Um…” Bibi Bill made a gesture but didn’t know what to say at first; after a long sigh, she finally spoke, “I just want to say… thank you, Ed. Thank you.”

Though somewhat insincere, it was a bit more earnest than before.

Adrian nodded and walked downstairs. Upon exiting the apartment, he stretched comfortably under the streetlamp. Looking up at the window above, he saw Liv peering out from behind the glass. When she saw him looking, she smiled, waved playfully, and playfully twisted her body before quickly pulling the curtains shut.

Lovely girl. Adrian smiled and shrugged, stretching again and taking a deep breath. Although there were some small regrets, compared to what he gained, it was worth it–not only did it relax Bibi Bill somewhat, but it also positioned him in Liv’s heart, replacing Steven Tyler–of course, once wasn’t enough, this needed to be done a few more times, each time with finesse.

He thought everything would go back to normal after Blanchett’s departure, but another unexpected visitor had arrived in Los Angeles. Well, not so unexpected since he had invited him, so perhaps a ‘little trouble’ was a better description.

“Am I a troublemaker?” The little girl squinted her eyes and pouted, hugging her arms while sternly looking at Adrian.

“Troublemaker?” Adrian looked around with a look of righteous indignation. “Who told you that? Let me teach him a lesson! How could my lovely Emma be a troublemaker?!”

“Oh?” The little girl mimicked his expression and delicately arched her thin eyebrows. “Pretending like that is utterly useless, Ed!”

Despite being just a little tyke, she tried to seem like she could see through everything with a “you can’t fool me” expression. Her small yet cunning demeanor was truly adorable, causing Sarah, who was sitting next to Adrian, to burst into laughter immediately.

“Alright then, when did I ever say you were trouble, dear?” Adrian asked, spreading his hands.

“You never said it, but your actions all show… all show…” Emma struggled with the word for a long time before giving up on it, awkwardly twisting her body. “Anyway, that’s what you mean.”

“It really breaks my heart, Emma,” Adrian said with a “sorrowful” expression. “You accuse me based on baseless speculation, how can you do that.”

“I… I…” These words left the four-year-old Emma at a loss for words. Her mouth puckered as if she was about to cry, but she suddenly scowled and puffed up her cheeks like two little buns, then she waved her little fist at Adrian before stomping off into the house.

Watching the little one’s retreating back, Adrian shook his head with a chuckle, while Sarah expressed some concern. “She seems to be angry.”

“No worries, she’s just pretending,” Adrian shrugged, “Emma is very clever. She wouldn’t get upset so easily. All this is just for show; she thinks I’ve been neglecting her.”

“I think you better go and check on her, Ed,” Sarah said earnestly.

“You’re too worried, Sarah. She’s definitely in her room now, smirking at me, and besides…” Adrian glanced at the party going on in the yard and then winked at Sarah. “We finally found a chance to sit here and talk alone. Do we have to split up already after just a few words?”

Sarah looked hesitant but soon shook her head. “I think it’s better you go check on Emma. She’s still just a child. As for us, there’s plenty of time and opportunities, right?”

“Alright, alright,” Adrian sighed as he stood up. “Kids have their privileges; everyone has to cater to them.”

He paused, then chuckled at Sarah with a teasing tone, “But Sarah, next time might be different from this.”

Catching his implication, Sarah coughed dryly and turned her head away, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Adrian laughed out loud, then turned to walk into the house, sighing again as he did so. Having a child around made many things difficult, particularly with a smart and self-aware yet often misunderstanding little one like Emma. So he had to use hosting a party to celebrate the good ratings of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to get a chance to flirt with Sarah–still, the little one would interrupt, which he must admit was quite frustrating.

“Alright, I’ve come to see you now, are you happy?” Adrian sighed as he pushed open the door to the room prepared for Emma, and as he had expected, the little one was sitting there, arms crossed, grinning triumphantly.

Emma immediately cheered and, hopping over, jumped up to hug Adrian, hanging around his neck like a koala.

Adrian sighed again, trying to focus on the bright side–having the little one around did have its benefits.