America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 118. You two are truly a hidden dragon and a phoenix!

For an entire afternoon, Ashley and Mary were in such great form that the filming progressed at breakneck speed.

In just half a day, they filmed a full six pages of the script. Anyone familiar with the film and television industry will understand how terrifying that number is.

After working overtime for another hour, the crew simply finished filming all the scenes that needed to be shot at Universal Studios in one go.

When it was all over, not only the actors, but even the MGM staff looked on in disbelief.

Such a crazy filming schedule is something you might not see once in ten years, and the key is that the quality is still guaranteed.

Eric clapped his hands: "Thank you all so much for your hard work today. That's a wrap. See you next Monday!"

With his command, today's work came to an end, and everyone began to leave one after another.

Andrea excitedly hugged the Olsen sisters: "Ashley, Mary, you two are amazing, beyond my expectations!"

The two sisters smiled sweetly and said, "Thank you!"

James McAvoy was still reeling from the performance. He approached Ashley Wilkes, his co-star, and humbly asked, "Ashley, how did you do that? Your performance was amazing! Is there some special trick you can share with me?"

Ashley glanced at Eric and said, "I'm not really sure either. I just suddenly figured it out. Maybe it's what Eric meant by conviction. An actor has to believe in their character."

McAvoy looked puzzled: "I know all of this, the teachers in school teach it, but how do you explain the process?"

Ashley shook her head: "Sorry James, I can't really explain it either. It's just a feeling, I don't know how to describe it."

The more fantastical the story, the more James McAvoy believed it, because acting is a very talent-dependent art, and flashes of inspiration are not uncommon.

He could only sigh helplessly: "It seems I still need to accumulate experience. Perhaps going back to England to continue participating in plays would be a good choice."

"Keep it up, James. I believe you will become an excellent actor."

After offering a casual word of encouragement, Ashley moved around Eric, flanking him with Mary on either side, just like half a day ago.

"Eric, come over to our house on Saturday. Garnett invited you when we came back from Santa Barbara last time, but you declined."

"That's right, you didn't know that little Elizabeth specifically called my mother to make a big dinner, and you hurt her feelings."

As they spoke, the two cursed Gal Gadot in their hearts. Originally, they didn't have any feelings for this woman, at most they just envied her good luck.

But things are different now. Little Elizabeth says Gal Gadot is Eric's acknowledged girlfriend, so the question arises: what are the sisters?

While the two sisters will certainly have competition, that's an internal conflict. Gal Gadot is different; it's an external force invading, and she must be driven away first.

Eric is such an outstanding man, he would definitely be a great choice as a boyfriend or husband.

Young, handsome, talented, from a wealthy and privileged family, and with close ties to Shuangxing Entertainment—it would be foolish not to seize this opportunity.

Eric was unaware of the Olsen sisters' thoughts when he received the invitation, but he had to go to New York that weekend, so he naturally couldn't accept.

I've been ignoring that slut Elena for over a month now. If I don't show up and make a trip soon, she might really get angry. I also need to visit Sergei Hasenfeld; this relationship is very important, and maintaining it will be very helpful for the future.

He carefully considered his words: "Saturday is probably not an option; I already have plans."

The two sisters immediately went on alert, with Mary asking directly, "With whom? Gal Gadot?"

Eric thought to himself, "I'm going on a date with your dear aunt, but I can't tell her."

"No, why are we talking about Gadot? I'm going to New York to discuss a business deal with Hasbro."

Hearing this, the two sisters breathed a sigh of relief, as long as he wasn't messing around with Gal Gadot.

"That's a shame, but you've already stood me up twice. Don't you feel a little guilty?"

Eric shrugged. "I don't think so. You guys invited me, it wasn't like I wanted to go. Why should I feel guilty?"

boom!

"Ouch, stop hitting me! Okay, okay, I'll definitely go next week. It's a deal, alright?"

Having received Eric's promise, the two sisters left happily.

In the pink Lamborghini, Mary hesitated and said, "Ashley, do you think he's lying to us? Eric is a sly guy."

"I don't know either. We can't keep pressing him, that will only annoy him. Do you have any good ideas?"

"Should we have Aunt Elena keep an eye on him? After all, she lives in New York and they're friends. We'll find out whether Eric is actually going to work in New York or not."

After a moment's hesitation, Ashley sighed, "Is it really necessary? Even if we find out he's lying to us, what can you do?"

This question left Mary speechless. Yes, even if she knew it was a lie, what could she do?

This relationship was unequal from the start; the Olsen sisters were in a weaker position, while Eric was in absolute control.

There aren't many options for them. They could either withdraw early and simply avoid getting involved, maintaining a business partnership from now on.

But for young people like the Olsen sisters, whose minds are not yet fully mature, this path is a bit difficult, especially given the complicated relationship between the three of them.

Or he could strive harder, drive out the other competitors around Eric, and eventually succeed in taking the position.

This path is even more difficult. The primary condition is to learn to be patient, to control one's temper and personality, and even to the point of becoming a Ninja Turtle.

After all, Eric isn't exactly a pure and innocent man. Given his inability to control his lustful nature, coupled with the temptations of the entertainment industry, it's too difficult for him.

Mary sighed, "Don't ask me, I don't know what to do either, but if we don't even know if he's lying to us, I feel even more uncomfortable and resentful. Whatever, I'm going to call Aunt Elena."

"Alright, let's fight then."

"Eric, are you going out again? I heard some noises last night, was there a pretty girl?" Joshua asked cheekily.

Gudong!

"ah"

Eric put down his glass, took a sip of water, and wondered how effective the health-preserving wine Han Sanping had given him was. Judging by the taste alone, it was really not good.

However, my dad seemed to feel good after drinking it that night, and the bottle that was originally full is now only half full, so it probably really worked.

Nicole is definitely not going to let him off the hook tonight. He's already expended too much energy on Ashley and Mary and hasn't recovered yet, so he might as well try this thing.

"I'm asking you a question, Eric. Do you know any pretty girls? Introduce me to one." Joshua nudged his brother's shoulder.

"What pretty girl? I'm going to work overtime."

"Nonsense! Don't you even know what time it is? Do you think I'm stupid?"

Eric held up the script of "La Vie en Rose" in his hand: "Why would I lie to you? I'm busy filming during the day and don't have time to study it. I can only do it at night. I've made an appointment with the screenwriter."

Joshua asked skeptically, "Really?"

"Believe it or not, it's up to you. But don't just sit around doing nothing all day. Go back to the team and learn some management skills."

After saying that, Eric walked out of the house, and the Lamborghini sped away.

Practice makes perfect, and this time climbing over the wall went much more smoothly. He didn't fall or tear his clothes, and Eric arrived at the door with practiced ease.

She rang the doorbell: "Nico, open the door, your husband's here!"

Click!

The door opened, and Nicole Kidman walked out wearing a semi-transparent dress with a distinctive double-knot necklace around her neck.

"Husband? Where is he? Where is he? I can't see him!" She pretended to look around, searching.

Eric pointed to his chin with his thumb, then realized something was wrong. Why had he unconsciously made Vegeta's defeated gesture? This gesture was unlucky, so he quickly stopped.

"Look here, isn't that me?"

"You? You're Eric Cooper, how come you're my husband?" Nicole looked at him with a half-smile.

Eric deftly took off his coat and scooped her up in his arms: "You'll find out soon enough."

Eric carried Nico to the sofa and kissed her nose: "Honey, you seem a little heavier."

"What?! No way!"

Nicole Kidman instantly broke free from his embrace, her eyes widening in surprise.

She went to another room and came out a moment later carrying a weighing scale.

"OMG! I've gained 1.5 pounds! This is terrifying!"

Seeing her intense reaction, Eric quickly pulled her into his arms and kissed her to silence her.

After a long while, the two separated, and Eric gently stroked Nicole's forehead: "Relax, ma'am. You've only gained a little weight, which is actually quite good. You used to be too thin, and I wish you could gain another 10 pounds."

Nicole pulled his hand and placed it on the bear: "You're always trying to comfort me. Female celebrities can't gain weight, it'll ruin everything. Look at Kate Winslet, now she can only play housewives."

"Hehe. What's wrong with being a housewife? Doesn't it showcase acting skills even more? Besides, I have a friend who's obsessed with Winslet. He doesn't care if she's fat or thin. That's true love."

Nicole reached out and hooked her arms around Eric's neck, looking directly at him. "And you? Do you care if I'm fat or thin?"

"Of course I don't care. Didn't I just say I want you to gain another 10 pounds?" Eric said without hesitation.

"Why? Give me a reason."

"I think it should be health!"

Nicole shook her head: "Could your excuse be any more ridiculous?"

"A little bit of meat is good; being too thin is uncomfortable!"

"Ugh! You're such a jerk."

Before they could finish speaking, the two had already started a French kiss.

After a few days apart, Eric was promptly squeezed out for two hours.

After the battle, Nico returned to her languid state, lying in Eric's arms like a kitten.

"Honey, no wonder you won an Oscar for Best Actress, I think I've found one reason now."

"What?"

"Just now you were acting like you wanted to devour me, but now you're as docile as a bunny. Isn't that the epitome of acting in real life?"

"Eric, I find you're getting more and more annoying," Nicole said, wrinkling her nose.

"Hehe. Really? You hate me?"

"Of course I hate you, but... I hope other women hate you even more, so you'll have no choice but to stay by my side."

As she spoke, she climbed up to him, and the two kissed tenderly.

After a long while, Nicole picked up the script and started reading.

"Get off me and don't move. Let me concentrate."

"Do you need a guide?"

"That would be best!"

The script the two currently have is only a first draft, and it's still a long way from being perfect, so Eric's explanations actually make it easier to understand.

The two watched until late at night. Eventually, Nicole simply abandoned the script and listened intently to Eric's story.

Boom!

As the midnight bells rang, the legendary life of Edith Piaf slowly came to a close with Eric's voice.

"Wow. Although I did some research on her after you mentioned her last time, her life is still very moving."

"Eric, what kind of film do you want to make?"

"A biopic, it has to be a biopic!" Eric said with absolute certainty.

If "La Vie en Rose" were adapted into a commercial film, the work would lose its meaning and would be a complete failure in both commercial and artistic terms.

"Yes, I'm glad we've reached a consensus on this. I think playing such a role would be very interesting and challenging."

"Nico, I believe in your acting skills. You are fully capable of handling this role, and it might even win you another Oscar!"

Nico nodded: "I like challenges, but there are still a few problems. Little Lark is less than 1.5 meters tall, but I am taller."

Eric waved his hand: "That's not a problem. We can adjust it with camera technology, including the singing. I plan to use Edith Piaf's original soundtrack. You just need to lip-sync and learn the proper acting manners."

"Is this a good idea? Won't it seem unprofessional? This is the first movie that won me an Oscar for Best Actress, and people will definitely gossip about it." Nicole was a little embarrassed.

Eric scoffed. "Don't worry about what those film critics think. In a few years, with the demise of print media, these people will also meet their end. You know, we're filming the life of a legendary French singer. Are we going to write the entire film in French?"

"Of course not! This is a Hollywood movie, it only uses English, what bigger flaw could there be?"

Eric dared to say this because the original Marion Cotillard also used the original soundtrack, but it didn't affect her winning the Best Actress award at all, because this is not a problem that can be solved by personal effort alone.

"Okay, but I still want to give it a try, at least to show some attitude."

(End of this chapter)