[Chapter 252: Why is Scarlett so short?]
Scarlett's performance was really lively and, most importantly, incredibly charming, winning over everyone on set.
"She's a natural actress, and there's no doubt she'll find her place in Hollywood someday," was the unanimous opinion among the crew.
Scarlett seemed to think Linton was especially handsome and the boss on set, so she threw herself into her role, partly inspired by him.
"I really like Linton," she said. "When I'm bored, I stick close to him and, just like in the movie, I affectionately call him uncle."
Even during lunch, she climbed into Linton's RV with her lunchbox. Her mother, Melanie Sloan, couldn't stop her and had to tag along. Thankfully, even though there were parties every night during that time, Linton and Monica kept the RV spotless.
However, at lunch one afternoon, Linton noticed that Scarlett was very picky and generally avoided eating high-protein foods.
No wonder she looked so pretty and cute as a kid but grew up short and stout; standing at only 5'3" really affected her look.
The real kicker was that her entire family -- siblings including her twin brother -- stood over 5'11", meaning her genes shouldn't have made her so short.
It turned out her picky eating was to blame. Without balanced nutrition during childhood, especially protein, it was no surprise she hadn't grown taller.
Should he step in?
That was the dilemma.
...
Monica had few scenes, wrapping her role in under 10 days.
She had a comfortable time on set, with Linton taking care of her during the day. Everyone seemed to revolve around her, and every night Linton was spending with her, which left her feeling fulfilled and intoxicated -- this was the life she always dreamed of.
On days like these, she didn't want to leave, but as an actress aspiring for stardom, she had to seize every opportunity.
Happy Death Day was a big hit, so she had to attend various events arranged by her agency to ride the wave of popularity and build her fame and fortune.
Cristiana finished her overseas promotions last week and was now accepting invitations and appearing on various TV shows and events across the U.S. per her agency's plan.
After wrapping filming, she stayed an extra day to give it her all one last time before reluctantly leaving to start her nationwide tour.
...
Monica, Naomi Watts, and Heidi Klum left one by one, leaving only Sophie Marceau and Winona.
Charlize Theron finally got to indulge herself. Under her playful charm, Linton agreed to spend a third of his time with her.
Two nights, Linton played with Sophie Marceau and Winona; the next night, he was with Charlize in the next room -- and so on.
...
That night, Linton and Charlize stayed in the next room. Unexpectedly, though Charlize didn't join the parties, she self-taught herself, greatly improving her skills and playing extremely bold...
A sweet and beautiful song played...
During a break, Linton told her about the movie The Fault in Our Stars.
"Sally, you'll play the lead female in The Fault in Our Stars."
"Really, honey? When do we start filming?"
"The prep has already begun. Once you finish filming The Rock, you'll join the new crew."
"Wow, you're so good to me, honey -- I love you so much."
"But to avoid distracting you during The Rock, I can't give you the script just yet."
"Okay, I'll trust you, dear. Why are you always so sweet to me?"
"Because you're my woman."
"Honey, you are not mad I skip you and Sophie's party?"
"It's okay, baby, just be yourself."
"My dear, I love you tons. I have to reward you well."
After saying this, she turned into a daring female knight and took the initiative...
The sweet joyous voice sounded again...
...
Sophie Marceau and Winona were not happy about this and tried several times to entice Charlize to join the party.
But Charlize couldn't bring herself to join and knew Linton wouldn't force her, so she declined.
Linton figured since she had given her heart to him, he should pamper her more, so he let her do as she pleased. He firmly supported her when Sophie and Winona complained, keeping everything harmonious and perfect...
---
Time flew by, and December arrived in a blink.
The movie market entered the hot Christmas season with heavyweight blockbusters arriving fast.
Mrs. Doubtfire, produced by 20th Century Fox, debuted first, pulling $43.5 million its opening weekend.
Happy Death Day's daily box office dropped sharply to less than $400,000, but its North American total was $86.74 million, close to the $90 million goal.
Merchandise sold out, and overseas box office exceeded $100 million.
---
None of this distracted Linton, who stayed focused filming The Man from Nowhere at Universal Studios.
Filming went smoothly, and the day's shoot was crucial.
Sam's mother was killed by an organ-harvesting gang, and Sam was also captured. Linton and Will Smith had their first fight in the bathroom; Linton was shot and wounded.
After finding a black-market doctor to remove the bullet, Linton was ready for revenge.
The audience's pent-up emotions were about to explode -- now it was Linton's turn to show his power.
...
"Camera crew, ready?"
"Ready."
"Silence. 3, 2, 1, action!"
Linton stood calm in front of the mirror, eyes filled with fierce anger.
He cut his long hair with a trimmer.
The mirror reflected a handsome man with a nearly shaved head.
His appearance wasn't harmed; the short hair emphasized his amazing features.
His sculpted face and prominent nose looked like a statue's perfect work, and his eyes -- deep and intense -- were starlike.
In the first half of the film, his eyes were calm like a still lake, but now they burned with rage and icy lethal intent.
His six-pack was obvious, and then he quickly put on a black Armani suit.
To clarify, Armani sponsored $6 million during the film's investment process and got product placement.
Linton hid a knife in his sleeve with his left hand and took out a pistol with his right, holding it upside down to his ear, skillfully testing the trigger's pull.
...
His sharp look excited the assistant directors Jonathan and James behind the monitors.
"Cut! Perfect."
"Wow, he's so handsome!" exclaimed Scarlett nearby, eyes shining.
Everyone around agreed, even her mother, Ms. Sloan, who squeezed her legs and looked enchanted.
The women on set closed their legs tightly, faces dazed and eyes lit, screaming in admiration.
"God is so unfair! Linton is so handsome women can't keep their legs closed -- why can't I be like him?"
Will Smith's funny voice broke the tension, making everyone laugh.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.