[Chapter 468: Find Link to Act]
"Boss, the security team recently observed that whenever our convoy heads out, unfamiliar vehicles keep tailing us. For safety reasons, we suggest increasing your security detail to avoid any unexpected situations."
The next day at work, Wallace, the head of security, came with safety advice and pulled up dozens of photos on his laptop showing a suspicious vehicle following Link, watching him more closely than any paparazzi.
Every time Link went out, he was accompanied only by a driver and two armed bodyguards. Wallace felt this wasn't safe enough and recommended adding more guards to ensure his protection.
"Are these people paparazzi?"
"Not sure yet. But our analysis of their behavior indicates they're clearly different from the paparazzi."
"Go check it out. If you find someone following me, send someone to investigate who they are and which media they represent. If they are media, warn them. If not, hand them over to the police."
Link was not just a celebrity; he was a billionaire backed by a team of elite lawyers. The media wouldn't easily cross him over mere headlines.
This was a kind of status-based preferential treatment.
Moreover, as chairman of MGM-Guess Pictures, he had many media business connections, so journalists were extra cautious in their dealings with him.
"Link, those people are quite sneaky. It will take a few days to investigate. During this time, your safety must not be overlooked."
Wallace was still concerned.
"Don't worry. With Bob and Hank here, it won't be a big issue. Just contact the security company and find out who that group is and what their purpose is as quickly as possible."
Bob was an old bodyguard who had worked with Link for more than four years. A former Delta Force operator with over six years of experience, he was skilled with all weapons.
Hank was a retired special forces soldier and former personal bodyguard to a high-profile leader. Highly alert and skilled marksman, he was grounded and trustworthy.
With these two around, Link wasn't too worried about surprises.
Even if they appeared, it didn't matter. After three upgrades, Link's physical strength had transformed qualitatively. He was much stronger than Batman and nearly on par with Spider-Man.
He had experimented and found that nothing -- long or short firearms, explosives, mines, fire, floods, chemical or biological poisons, or viruses -- could harm him.
Even weapons of mass destruction that temporarily affected his resistance didn't pose significant threats otherwise.
Additionally, he deliberately kept a slim security team for his family's safety.
If an enemy targeted him for kidnapping or ransom, kidnappers would logically go after him directly since he had fewer guards, rather than risk kidnapping children from a heavily guarded mansion.
That strategy also kept his family safer.
"Okay boss, I'll handle this ASAP."
Wallace got out of the car after reporting.
---
Link drove to the Guess Pictures headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard to continue his busy schedule, finishing the storyboard and director's script for Pirates of the Caribbean.
At noon, Jodie Foster came by with a script, wanting to review it with him.
"You're still pregnant. Don't run around for nothing. I'll read it tonight at home."
Link helped her settle on the sofa.
Jodie Foster rolled her eyes, touched her barely noticeable baby bump, and said, "It's only three months along. What's the big deal? You want me to stay home and take care of the baby? I'd be bored to death. Reading the script is work -- it's more fitting to discuss it at the office."
"Alright!"
Link hugged her and kissed her, dropping the argument. He took the script and skimmed through it. It was a familiar film.
Anna and the King
Originally starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-fat, it tells the love story between widowed British teacher Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam. Based on true events set in the mid-19th century.
The film was well-made, with exquisite visuals, gorgeous costumes, opulent scenes, and relatively high artistic quality. However, there were some issues.
For example, the chemistry between Chow Yun-fat and Jodie was weak, and emotional scenes felt stiff.
Also, the director had limited knowledge of Eastern and Western cultures, leaving obvious gaps that dulled many interesting plot points, focusing too much on details while neglecting the film's main theme.
These issues resulted in reduced viewer appeal, failing to attract audiences and causing mediocre box office returns.
"Finished reading? What's your opinion? I want to hear your thoughts."
Jodie crossed her legs and rested a hand on his shoulder, reminiscent of when they read scripts together at the Golden Oak apartments.
"Not bad. It highlights the clash between Western modern civilization and feudal dynasties, the cultural collision between Europe America and the East, and a love story across races. The theme is fresh with market potential."
"You mean we can make it into a film?"
Jodie laughed.
"Don't tell me you're going to film it showing off your baby bump."
"I can't act but I can direct. If I start now, it should be ready by August. By then I'll be six months pregnant and can handle some work. If all goes well, filming finishes before November, then I rest a couple months and give birth early next year. Perfect timing, right?"
Jodie was excited.
"No way! The film's set in Thailand and the crew would likely film in Southeast Asia. The heat, poor medical facilities, and infectious diseases are risky. Filming is tough -- baby can't handle it. Better to wait until after you've delivered. You'll perform better then."
Link held the petite woman and guided her patiently.
Jodie kicked his calf in mock protest. "So I can't do anything this year?"
"You can keep refining the script, choose roles, assemble the crew, or work as a producer on other films. I fully support you doing less demanding work," Link said while stroking her belly.
Jodie still looked a bit unhappy. "We women suffer a lot for babies, but you men have nothing to worry about. Easy for you."
Link smiled softly. "That's why women and mothers are praised. In childbirth, women are greater. You're a great woman."
"Hmph! Quit with the sweet talk. I'm no dizzy girl like Jennifer and Liv Tyler who swoons at kind words. I'm mature and care about your actions. Stop it!"
Jodie rolled her eyes, slapped his hands away from her clothes, hooked her arms around his neck, and said playfully, "Do you want to play the King of Siam?"
Link was momentarily stunned, staring in disbelief. "So after all this detour, you want me to play the king?"
"No, mostly because I missed you. The baby missed you, too, and I just wanted to come see you."
Jodie cooed in his arms. Though in her thirties and strong-willed, when acting coquettish, she rivaled Monica and the rest.
Link thought it over. "It's not suitable. I'm too busy making three films a year to act. Also, King Mongkut is an Asian in his forties with 68 children. I'm not the right age."
"That doesn't matter. We can use makeup to make you look Asian. Regarding age, the script can be tweaked to someone in their thirties. You have a mature, steady temperament unlike men your age. You're strong, domineering, and stubborn -- very much like the king. No special acting skills needed; just be yourself. And the king has 68 children. When filming starts next year, you'll have almost 30 yourself. There's no one better for the role."
Jodie continued her playful coaxing.
Link was helpless; he had good acting skills from years directing but no plans or need to act.
"Why not find others first? If no one fits and I have time, I could do it."
"Okay! It's settled!"
Jodie kissed him hard, like sealing a deal.
To avoid trouble, Link planned to recommend Asian actors like Tony Leung, Jiang Wen, and John Lone, who'd suit the king's role.
After script discussion, Jodie patted her rear and was about to leave, but Link asked her to stay and help with paperwork to see how busy he was--otherwise she'd find more work for him later.
But Jodie misunderstood and told Michelle and others on the phone that Link abused her and the children.
So ungrateful. If she weren't pregnant, Link wouldn't have let her get away that easily.
*****
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