The Box Office King of Hollywood

Two years ago, if Rachel McAdams had made such a remark, Matthew would have probably taken it seriously and might have agreed to it. But now, this Rachel McAdams was no longer the one he knew from two years ago.

Time and circumstances always bring changes.

"Are we not good as we are now?" Matthew's meaning was clear, "This has been an unforgettable afternoon."

Rachel McAdams' gaze drifted downward, "Indeed… unforgettable!" She shifted in her seat, directing Matthew, "Take the second turn to the right, just stop in front of the burger shop."

Matthew slowed the car to a stop in front of the burger shop. Rachel McAdams unfastened her seatbelt and pointed upstairs, "I live on the second floor, right across from the staircase. You're always welcome to visit."

The implications of her words were clear, and Matthew understood. He replied, "Your bike is still with me. You're welcome to come and get it anytime."

Rachel McAdams smiled, revealing her dimples, "I'll call you before I come." She stepped out of the car, and as she closed the door, she leaned back in to say, "Riding your bike was amazing! I've never experienced anything like it!"

Matthew seemed especially confident, "There's even better."

Their conversation carried meanings only they could understand. After exchanging a few more words, Rachel McAdams closed the car door and turned towards the apartment building on the roadside.

Watching her graceful figure, Matthew recalled the afternoon's passionate encounter and thought that this Rachel McAdams was quite appealing in her own way - sexy figure, sweet face, and most importantly, skilled. A temporary bed partner like her, with no emotional strings attached and no responsibilities, was perfect for spending his excess energy.

As he continued his regular exercise, his hormonal levels surged like many athletes.

Without a girlfriend currently, he couldn't just rely on his own hand, could he?

Matthew didn't go home but drove around North Hollywood instead. Perhaps due to a long absence from such intimate activities, and having been exhilarated that afternoon, his mind was filled with those wild scenes. He eventually stopped the car to cool down, had dinner, and once his mood stabilized, he drove to Hollywood Boulevard, planning to visit the Black Mamba bar and have a drink with Johnny Depp.

Meanwhile, at the Walt Disney office associated with "Pirates of the Caribbean," producer Anderson Martinez responsible for promotions hadn't left work yet. He was meeting with the agents of the two lead actors.

After a while, Martinez looked at Helen Herman and Jaime Bainster across his desk, "This is a standard Hollywood promotional tactic. We had considered it, but hesitated due to Keira Knightley's age..."

Herman and Bainster exchanged glances, understanding that the matter was likely settled.

Martinez asked Herman, "Any objections from Matthew Horn?"

"I've discussed it with Matthew."

On the way back from the Caribbean to Los Angeles, Herman had brought up this matter with Matthew, "He's completely on board."

Martinez then inquired of Bainster, "And what about Miss Knightley? She's not yet eighteen. Do her parents agree?"

Bainster responded confidently, "No problem at all. We can wait until after Keira's eighteenth birthday."

Knightley's parents, being in the entertainment industry, were accustomed to such matters. Having allowed their daughter into Hollywood, they were well-prepared. It wasn't hard for Bainster to convince them.

Compared to that, convincing Knightley was a bit more challenging, but she was smart and agreed after weighing the pros and cons.

In Hollywood, such matters were hardly unusual.

"That's good. I'm in principle supportive of this promotional plan. It's beneficial for both the film and the actors," Martinez said, hinting there was more, "But I can't make this decision alone. I'll report this to Jerry Bruckheimer."

Herman and Bainster had no objections. This wasn't something Martinez could decide alone.

Bainster asked, "How long might it take? We'd like to prepare accordingly."

"Perhaps a week or more," Martinez explained, noting their significance as the lead actors' agents, "Jerry Bruckheimer is currently busy with other work and won't be at the set for now. I'll email him, but it'll likely wait until his return."

The agents, including those from major agencies, revered Bruckheimer as a titan in the industry.

Bainster, focusing on the answer, missed Herman's interest in an offhand remark by Martinez.

Bruckheimer was busy with other work? What work?

Herman, quick-witted, speculated based on Bruckheimer's producer profile and recent work habits. With "Pearl Harbor" unfinished, he had already been preparing "Black Hawk Down." During its filming, he was pushing "Bad Boys 2" and "Pirates of the Caribbean." Now, with "Pirates" half-done, what could he be busy with? Likely a new film!

If so, what was the genre? Who were the protagonists? Would it suit her agency's clients?

Despite her rapid thoughts, Herman didn't inquire further in Bainster's presence, sticking to their purpose.

They were negotiating for more promotional resources for Matthew and Knightley, striving for parity with Johnny Depp's exposure. Leveraging film promotion was far more effective than plain self-promotion. Beyond the inevitable impact of the work itself, Disney's massive media platform was unparalleled.

The negotiations involved posters, articles, captions, and commercials. Martinez couldn't decide alone; it would wait for Bruckheimer's return.

Knowing Martinez couldn't decide but choosing to speak with him anyway was intended to pre-emptively reach Bruckheimer. His status in commercial entertainment cinema meant even CAA founder Michael Ovitz had to bow to him. This would prevent any irreconcilable conflicts, a situation no agent wanted with a producer like Bruckheimer.

The discussion lasted until about nine in the evening. Herman and Bainster finally left, having clarified the situation, awaiting Martinez's report to Bruckheimer.

Exiting Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" offices, Bainster glanced at Herman. Her slender figure was concealed in a dark business suit, her striking face mostly hidden behind large, black-rimmed glasses. Even her beautiful, smooth blonde hair, tied in a common ponytail, couldn't fully mask her allure.

"It's still early..." Bainster ventured, "Helen, how about a drink?"

Herman declined, "Sorry, I'm busy tonight." Approaching the elevator, she added, "I need to use the restroom. You can go ahead. Don't wait for me."

Without waiting for a response, she turned towards the restroom corridor.

Bainster shrugged and took the elevator.

Shortly, Herman emerged from the corridor and returned to Martinez's office.

Seeing her reenter, Martinez curiously asked, "Helen, back so soon? Is there something else?"

"Yes, something else." Herman sat down again, "Is Jerry working on a new project?"

"Yes," Martinez admitted, "Jerry's planning a new big production with Disney."

He raised a hand to forestall further questions, "Don't ask for details. Even if you do, I won't say. And what I know is limited."

Herman didn't press him, simply thanked him, and left Disney's headquarters. Once in her Mercedes, she directed her driver to the Angel Agency and called a Disney executive.

Bruckheimer's new project, a major production, was something she didn't want to miss.

After a brief conversation, the executive shared, "Jerry's gone to Washington with two screenwriters to research some important documents. I'm not clear on the specifics."

Hanging up, Herman realized Bruckheimer, like with "Pirates of the Caribbean," had only a concept, with the screenplay yet to be written...

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