King of Hollywood-Chapter 618 - 26: Really a Jerk Plus Scum!

Adrian refused Weinstein’s request not just to put the film on hold, but to take away their production rights. And even if they lost the production rights, they would still hold the distribution rights, so there was absolutely no reason to ask for compensation. Of course, to appease them, Adrian still promised to consider Miramax for Marvel Comics resources in the future, and also threw out a trilogy because of the Oscars, which left Weinstein with no complaints.

However, both the trilogy and the Superhero would have to wait a while, at least until the end of next year before considering the preparation work. So in order to reassure Weinstein, upon receiving the script for "Little Miss Sunshine," Adrian immediately handed it over to Miramax, but unexpectedly, they also misjudged this time.

"Don’t you think this script is a bit too bland?" Weinstein asked him.

"As long as the finished product matches my vision, it will definitely be a film that surprises many people," Adrian replied.

Although the film started production five years earlier than the original version, there were many uncertain factors. For instance, although the activities for homosexuals fighting for their rights had already begun and were growing, they were nowhere close to what they would be in a few years. However, the theme of the movie—that life is not just about winning or losing—is always inspiring. As long as they could grasp that point, "Little Miss Sunshine" would still be a good film.

Since the Miracle Director had spoken and even had his name as a producer, Weinstein had nothing more to say. But Adrian was beginning to worry that if Miramax focused too much on big-budget productions and neglected the type of works that they started with, giving them a second-tier Superhero to produce might not be a good idea.

"The Punisher," that was the Superhero Adrian had prepared for Miramax. Since the adaptation rights for "Blade" were given to New Line, Miramax could naturally handle "The Punisher." Compared to those Superheroes who effortlessly fly and evade, "The Punisher" without superpowers undoubtedly required much less investment to turn into a film, perfect for their mid-sized movie company.

However, the issue was that the character image of "The Punisher" didn’t differ much from ordinary tough-guy action movies. With too many tough-guy choices available for the audience, without eye-catching plots and stories, and without more thrilling and innovative action scenes, it would be difficult to attract an audience, which is why the original "The Punisher" films had repeatedly failed.

Miramax was very skilled at finding the points of interest in overly similar scripts, so Adrian thought they could definitely try to make "The Punisher" into a relatively unique Superhero movie. However, if they lost that trait, it would be hard to say what the outcome would be.

Of course, it was a bit early to think about this now, and even if Miramax messed up, it wouldn’t be too bad as long as it wasn’t unbearably awful and didn’t cause unprecedented losses. Besides, who could predict what changes would happen in the future? So there was no need to worry about these things now.

Talking about "Billy Elliot," the male lead and the director were basically the same as he remembered, only the supporting female role had become Nicole. However, the script had also slightly changed—the original British female teacher became an American female teacher. Unlike Naomi, who was born in Hawaii, it was somewhat improper for her to perform as a British female teacher, so they simply changed this detail.

Additionally, the female teacher’s character was adjusted to be a rather cold woman who liked to keep people at a distance, and many of her teachings were perfunctory. However, after discovering the male lead’s talent and passion, the flame in her heart seemed to be reignited, and then she tried her best to nurture and help him.

Despite Lee Hall, the original playwright, being very dissatisfied with these changes, the script had already been sold. No matter how much resentment he harbored, there was nothing he could do about it.

Now it remained to be seen whether Nicole could not only perform well in this role but also complete her training successfully. Even though ordinary dances didn’t require special training like ballet, it was still not easy to master them.

Aside from them, the other women, Rachel, Zetajones, were shooting their respective movies, "The Mummy 2" and "Traffic", and Liv was having a pleasant collaboration with Sofia. Sofia admitted over the phone that the script was indeed tailored for Liv—there was no more suitable actress than her.

In contrast, Sarah was somewhat lazy. Adrian had prepared a script for her, still a romantic comedy rather than a meaningful film like "American Beauty," but she actually used the excuse of being too tired not to appear.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer has already taken up too much of my time, why can’t I rest for a few more days?" Sarah pleaded as she cuddled up in his arms. "Besides, you said it yourself, the story is cliché, so the lead actress’s performance is crucial. Can’t I spend a few months getting into character?"

Faced with Sarah like this, how could Adrian refuse? After all, the script was there and wasn’t going anywhere.

Monica’s "The Bone Collector" was also in the middle of filming. Although Sophie currently had no work, she was happy taking care of the two little ones at home. Deva and Juliet were becoming plumper and healthier, very lovable, and although they cried and fussed like other babies, ate and slept all day—they were comparatively quieter, especially compared to Lily—so they weren’t especially annoying.

"I’m not that noisy." Lily couldn’t help but protest, showing her dissatisfaction with her dad always talking about how her sisters were better than she was.

The little one really loved her two sisters. Even though they had different mothers, the little one didn’t think too much about that, and would often run over to play with them excitedly. Although they couldn’t talk and could only make simple sounds, Lily still talked to them, told them stories, and played joyfully on her own.

Interestingly, Deva and Juliet seemed to really like their big sister. When Lily was around, their smiles seemed to increase, making Adrian a bit jealous.

"Does Lily have something tasty or something fun? Hey, I’m talking to you." He asked as he lifted Deva up, but the little one didn’t care about him at all, still turning her head aside, eyes fixated on her sister.

Well, better not to hold these little grievances against his daughters. He just hoped that they could still get along this well after the third sister was born.

After the initial panic and confusion, Jessica had completely calmed down—thanks also to various therapists—and now that she began to show, she started using the excuse of continuing to film "Dark Angel" in Canada and didn’t come home anymore. Joshua’s visits had also lessened due to some contrived reasons, so Jessica began to peacefully nurture her pregnancy.

"Relax, relax your eyes, your mouth, your nose, everything. Then close your eyes and feel the child in your womb..." With those words from the middle-aged woman, the row of pregnant women began to close their eyes and stroke their bellies.

Most of these pregnant women were around their late twenties, and although Jessica was the youngest, she was doing the best. Not only did she relax her body first, but the smile as she closed her eyes and caressed her belly was filled with maternal affection. Because, someone was right beside her and before, as per the counselor’s instructions during prenatal classes, whether it was singing lullabies next to her or calling to her belly saying "Daddy loves you, you’ll be the new member of our family," he had been very committed.

Yes, this was a pregnancy counseling class. Many first-time mothers came here to learn how to nurture their pregnancy and how to take care of the baby later. Although Adrian could have hired a teacher at home—as Monica and Sophie had—he thought it would be good for Jessica to get out and interact with other pregnant women due to her young age, so he ultimately decided to do both, inviting a teacher home and occasionally bringing her to the counseling class.

"You really are patient, buddy. I’ve never seen a man as detailed as you. Is this your first time being a dad?" In the men’s lounge separated by a wall from the classroom where the women were being taught, a man in his early thirties withdrew his gaze from the glass wall and asked with a curious expression.

After bringing Jessica to the pregnancy counseling class, not only did Adrian stay by her side the whole time, but he was also busy with many responsibilities, either handing over a drink or wiping sweat, acting the part of a devoted husband. His sincere demeanor during the prenatal classes had made many pregnant women envious. Their husbands or boyfriends mostly just dropped them off and then left, only to return once it was over. A better scenario like the man who had just spoken meant waiting nearby for a few minutes; unlike him, who had always been by her side from arrival to departure, and it was always this way.

Facing the man’s question, Adrian just smiled and didn’t answer—a familiar stranger who always had a lot to say.

Sure enough, the man’s gaze returned to the other side of the glass wall and he started talking again: "This is my wife’s first pregnancy. Honestly, it’s quite nerve-racking. We had planned to have kids only next year, but you know..."

Listening to his words, Adrian chuckled softly and continued to focus on Jessica inside. When they came, they had both dressed differently; Jessica’s a bit better. Although "Dark Angel" had some recognition, it didn’t compare to those blockbuster films or TV shows and its audience was quite niche, mostly teenagers who liked science fiction and action movies. Plus, "Save the Last Dance" hadn’t been released yet, so a slight disguise meant she didn’t have to worry about being recognized.

But Adrian was different; after all, he was Hollywood’s Miracle Director and also Sect Leader at AC Media. Though he always kept a low profile, and ordinary people might not recognize him by name, it would inevitably cause some trouble once the news leaked. Thus, he was always cautious; he not only spent a lot of time dressing up but also avoided interacting with too many people, ensuring no one had recognized him thus far.

"Coming here is always such a hassle." After leaving the class for expectant mothers, Jessica muttered, seemingly in complaint, but in fact, she spoke in a delighted tone.

Clearly, the compliments from the other expectant mothers made her happy; having such a man by her side to take care of her was no small feat. Compareatively, her thoughts were quite simple, especially during pregnancy.

"This can’t be helped, but at least it’s interesting, right?" Adrian said, comforting her with a smile.

"Where to next?" After getting into the car, he looked at the rear-view mirror; Jessica, as an expectant mother, was sitting at the back, "Remember, today I am your chauffeur."

"Let’s just drive around first, I’ve been cooped up at home for days," Jessica thought for a moment, "Oh, I’d like to try that apple pie from the restaurant on Hassenland Road that we went to last time, can we?"

"No problem, at your service, dear lady." Adrian snapped his fingers and then started the car.

It took about ten minutes to get to Hassenland Road, and another ten minutes in line before Adrian managed to get the apple pie—this restaurant’s apple pie was quite famous.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, dear lady, here’s your apple pie." Adrian, grinning, presented the food in front of Jessica and even bowed a little inside the car.

"Thank you." Jessica’s eyes twinkled with gratitude as she took a small bite, then breaking off a piece and bringing it to Adrian’s lips, "You try some too."

"Much obliged." Adrian said, swallowing the piece of apple pie and then gently licked Jessica’s fingers.

"It really does taste good." He added, meaningfully.

Jessica blushingly withdrew her finger and playfully called out, "Ed!"

Then, both of them burst into laughter and playfully shared the large piece of apple pie, one bite after the other, the atmosphere in the car becoming warm and sweet.

Comparatively speaking, Jessica’s thoughts were quite simple, so soothing her was very easy, and such care could reassure her that her initial choice was correct. Gradually, bit by bit, she fell completely into Adrian’s hands. Even if she later realized something, it would be hard to entertain different ideas, just like a frog boiled in warm water; many women had been ensnared by Adrian, how could Jessica be the exception?

"Get a good night’s sleep, don’t stay up too late, you can swim moderately in the summer, but not for too long, listen to some music, but nothing with too intense of a rhythm..." After dropping Jessica back at the cozy villa prepared for her in Beverly Hills, Adrian, preparing to leave, nagged so much that it almost overwhelmed Jessica.

"Okay, Ed, I’m not a three-year-old child." Jessica interrupted him with a laugh, "I admit I was very panicky at first, but now I’m doing really well."

"All right then, I’m really leaving now," Adrian said as he embraced her and kissed her long and deeply. "I’ll come see you again in a few days."

It wasn’t until the car had left the small villa that Jessie, standing by the door, turned and went back inside. It was no wonder, really—when alone with a woman, Adrian was absolutely the best among gentlemen. Even if it was all an act, it was flawlessly executed, genuinely heartfelt, so no woman could resist. That was precisely one of the characteristics of a true playboy: they invest wholeheartedly in every romantic endeavor—of course, they also detach just as quickly. One second, they’re madly in love with one woman, and the next, they’re equally passionate with another.

Like now, after driving back to his mansion—Jessie’s small villa wasn’t far from his own mansion for convenience—he took a shower and then switched cars to go out again. He drove to a residential area in Santa Monica before sunset and at a small park entrance, he found his target.

"Ed!" Scarlett plunged into his arms as soon as she got into the car and immediately kissed him on the lips.

After repeatedly kissing in the car for quite a while, Adrian freely explored her voluptuous, or rather magnificent, body to his heart’s content.

"Who were you fooling around with earlier?" Scarlett, still somewhat breathless after their intimacy, asked bluntly.

"Oh? Was it that obvious?" Adrian didn’t deny it but just expressed surprise. freewebnσvel.cѳm

"Never underestimate a woman’s intuition, Ed," Scarlett said with a hum.

"A woman? You hardly qualify as one now, do you, Scarlett?" Adrian teased.

"Ha, if you dare say that again, Ed, guess how I’ll teach you a lesson," Scarlett retorted, lifting her chin.

"I certainly know, but..." Adrian said leisurely, then suddenly pulled her into his arms, lifted her clothes, and Scarlett screamed, trying to resist, but a tingling sensation quickly spread from her chest.

"Since I’ve already committed a crime, might as well continue," he whispered in her ear.

"Let go! Otherwise, I’m really getting angry!" Though Scarlett said this, the temptation in her voice was unmistakably apparent.

"Stop resisting. I deliberately came back for this Bentley, arranged to meet you here in this secluded corner, do you think I’d let you off easily?" Adrian said sternly, lowering the passenger seat a bit, turned her over, and pressed her down, grabbing one of her magnificent assets, which instantly excited Scarlett.

This was their first time in this Bentley, and the marks on the passenger seat from that time hadn’t been cleaned. Since Adrian always used this car to pick her up, it held a special significance for her and brought an extraordinary thrill. Each rendezvous in recent times found Scarlett becoming increasingly keen on their intimate moments in the Bentley, having tried almost every conceivable position within the confines of the car.

"You’re really annoying," Scarlett chided playfully, then turned her head to kiss Adrian passionately. After he entered, she started moving her rounded hips in rhythm.

The sun had already set, and the Bentley’s stable base ensured the car’s vibration was barely noticeable, allowing the two inside to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Who would imagine that this playboy, entwined with a young girl, had kissed goodbye to his few-months pregnant lover just tens of minutes ago? What a real bastard!（To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote and subscribe. Your support is my greatest motivation.）

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