Adriaan didn't remember the date of Old Ptello's death. He didn't even know if Old Ptello had passed away before he was reborn, although there was a good chance he could find it in his memory. However, he was not surprised by Old Paltrow's death. Everyone knew that Old Paltrow had throat cancer. It was just that it had been a long time. He had been fighting it and had achieved some results. A few weeks ago, his complexion had been good, but he had suddenly passed away.
Old Ptello died in Italy, and his death was very sudden. After attending his daughter's birthday party in Italy, he went to Rome for a vacation with his wife. His throat cancer suddenly worsened, and he only lasted about four days. Adriaan wasn't there, and he didn't read the medical report, so he didn't know the specific situation. He could only guess that Rome's climate or something else had affected his illness.
He didn't attend Gwyneth's birthday party. In fact, except for Kate and a few other women who already had children, he basically didn't attend other people's birthday parties. As for the reason, it was because of Valentine's Day. Of course, there would be plenty of gifts and blessings, and he would also go out alone for a couple of days.
What's more, Old Ptello had always disliked him because of his daughter. It was hard to say if the two of them would argue in private. It was fine in the past, but since Old Ptello's throat cancer was diagnosed, Adriaan began to avoid such situations as much as possible. He couldn't be calculative with the patient, right? He wouldn't push Gwyneth, who was basically in his hands, away.
So he received the news from Old Ptello in Los Angeles. Just as he was hesitating about whether or not to go to Italy, the news of Old Ptello's critical condition came. Then Gwyneth called him in tears, saying that her father had passed away. It was a pity. If he had been there … it would have been normal. After all, it was more than half the world away, and the transmission of news would inevitably be delayed.
Gwyneth didn't blame Adriaan. She just kept crying to him. When she was in Italy, she cried on the phone for dozens of minutes every day. After sending her father's body back, she curled up in his arms and cried every day. Except for her mother, she didn't want to see anyone. Both her eyes were swollen. It wasn't strange that she fell into his words in front of everyone that day.
Because the cause of Old Paltrow's death was not disputed, his body was quickly transported from Italy and a funeral was held on Friday. Many friends and relatives came that day. The Paltrow couple knew a lot of people in Hollywood. Even Spielberg came. Gwenis also made a lot of friends over the years. Blanchett and Liv also came. After all, the public knew that they were very close friends. As for the news in the circle, no one would mention it at this time.
In short, the funeral was still very grand.
Of course, Adriaan had to attend. He sat next to Gwyneth, but Gwyneth had asked for this seat for him. Blythe didn't want the guy who had kidnapped his daughter to sit next to Gwyneth at the funeral. It was one thing to tacitly acknowledge their relationship in the circle, but it was another thing to appear together at a family event like this.
However, no matter how firm his belief was, he couldn't resist his daughter's begging.
"Mom, please, I've already lost my father. I can't lose Eide too," Gwyneth said with tears in her eyes.
Faced with her daughter's red and swollen eyes, Blythe had to agree against her will.
"… This is a noble man. May his soul rest in peace in heaven." With the end of the priest's eulogy, the funeral also came to an end. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but the usually sunny California finally had a few drops of rain after being overcast for a long time.
"Don't be sad anymore, Gwyneth. Look, even God is sad for you." After throwing flowers into the coffin, Adriaan quickly came to Gwyneth and comforted her softly in the light drizzle.
After seeing her father buried with her own eyes, Gwyneth finally stopped crying. She just snuggled in his arms and hugged his arm tighter, no matter who came to say hello. Although this might cause some rumors — in fact, because she was almost inseparable from him these days, there were already some rumors. It was precisely because of this that Blythe reluctantly agreed to his daughter's request. If he could force Adriaan to marry her, it would be fine, even if the possibility was not high.
But Adriaan didn't care. If he didn't seize the time to comfort Gwyneth, would he let the opportunity slip away? Besides, it wasn't like the woman around him didn't know what kind of person he was.
After the funeral, they returned home and entertained the guests, and this matter came to an end. But that night, Adriaan and Gwyneth stayed at her parents' house. This was very rare. Because Old Pablo and Adriaan didn't have a good relationship, he basically didn't stay at Gwyneth's parents' house. It was self-evident what this breakthrough meant.
"Do I look ugly these days?" Under the slightly dim bedside lamp, Gwyneth lay on the bed and snuggled in Adriaan's arms. Gwyneth asked.
"Well, a little, but at least you look better than a few months ago, really," Adriaan said jokingly, and finally made her smile.
But then she let out a long sigh and buried her head in his chest. Her body tightened even more. "I knew … that this day would come sooner or later. Ever since dad was diagnosed, I've been worried. Ever since Dad was diagnosed, I thought I was prepared, but … but … when his condition improved, he even smiled and said, 'Look, I still have a few more decades to live. Who knew it would be so soon … "
Gwyneth's voice was choked again. Adriaan hurriedly patted her back and comforted her again. She really cared about her father. Deep down, Gwyneth was actually a very small woman. She liked to rely on men and liked the feeling of being pampered and protected.
Old Pablo was actually a good person. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made so many friends, and he wouldn't have made Spielberg agree to be his daughter's godfather. His love and concern for his daughter weren't ambiguous at all. Not to mention, he was worried about his daughter and talked to Adriaan several times. Every time his daughter was nominated for an Oscar, he would be busy doing public relations for her. If it weren't for Adriaan deliberately suppressing Gwyneth, she might have won the award last year.
So, if it weren't for the fact that Adriaan was good at coaxing women and used all his means early on, as well as his increasing power in Hollywood, he might not have been able to occupy an advantageous position in Gwyneth's heart. Even so, Old Pablo was still an indispensable part of her life. The reason why he kept suppressing Gwyneth was more or less related to this.
"I still remember how Dad looked at his birthday party a few days ago. He said to me never again … never again … and he should have seen …" Gwyneth, who controlled her emotions, didn't finish her sentence.
After a moment of silence, Adriaan sighed. "I'm sorry, dear, but … I promise, next year, I'll definitely let you receive this overdue honor in the most glorious manner."
"The most glorious?" Gwyneth didn't understand.
"Yes, the most glorious." Caressing her face, Adriaan nodded affirmatively. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you everything now. Otherwise, the surprise will be lost. But when the Oscar nomination list comes out, you'll understand. I believe Blue will be very happy to know."
"Oh, Eide …" Staring into his eyes for a moment, Gwyneth immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.
After repeating this several times, as if she had vented all the pain in her heart, Gwyneth finally separated from Adriaan. Then, she pressed her head against his face and panted slightly. "You won't leave me, right? Not like Dad? Not in any way? "
"I won't." Adriaan replied softly. "In the future, I'll replace your father and protect you from harm. You're mine, Gwyneth."
"I'm yours." Gwyneth murmured. Then, she sat up and reached out to open her pajamas. "Let's make love, Eide."
Adrian had always remembered Old Paltrow's solemn and dissatisfied expression when he spoke to him in private. As a father, Adrian had always remembered Old Paltrow's stern and dissatisfied expression. As a father, he could understand his feelings. But as a man, and a playboy who "abducted" his daughter, even though his attitude was modest, he never wanted to give in at all.
It was a pity. From now on, Old Pablo would never argue with him again. But from now on, Gwyneth was completely his from the inside out.
No matter how big the blow, no matter how much pain she was surrounded by, as long as she wasn't alone, as long as she had family, friends, and loved ones, she would walk out of the haze. It was only a matter of time. Of course, it was necessary to relax. But almost a week after the funeral, Gwyneth had basically recovered. When Adriaan invited her to go to China with him, someone told him that he was a step too late.
"Gwyneth has already agreed to go skiing with us in Canada. Don't even think about taking her away, Eide." Blanchett held Gwyneth's arm and said with a smile.
"That's right. In the next few days, she's ours. Don't even think about taking her away!" Liv held her other arm and said. Gwyneth, who was in the middle, could only smile bitterly, but she still looked happy.
Adriaan knew that Blanchett and Liv just wanted to comfort Gwyneth in their unique way. It was actually not bad. Every time the three of them hugged and caressed each other in front of him, it was very pleasing to the eye. But for the trip to China, he was going alone. Oh, and he was bringing Ivanka.
This time, he was going to China because Zhang Weiping sent an invitation through the Wang brothers. "Hero" was ready, and the promotion had already begun. It would be released at the end of 2002 during the New Year period. But before that, a test screening was inevitable. So, if possible, they really hoped that Adriaan could attend.
Zhang Weiping's words were very sincere. In addition, Wang Zhongjun also thanked him over the phone for everything he did for the North American release of "Big Shot." He also hoped that he could come to China again. So, Adriaan asked Ivanka to arrange the schedule. Of course, it was still not the time to show off.
It wasn't hard to guess what the Wang brothers were thinking. "Big Shot" had already accumulated more than 8 million in the North American box office, and was currently approaching 9 million. It was very likely that it would exceed 10 million, which was much better than the hundreds of dollars in his previous life.
This wasn't an exaggeration. The release timing was just right. Although it was the end of August, there weren't any commercial blockbusters before or after. Bosworth, who was responsible for the distribution, did a good job in promoting the movie. He wasn't greedy. He started the release in a few dozen cinemas, and after a certain amount of reputation, he added more cinemas. In a sense, "Big Shot" was also in line with the theme of American movies, where small people can do big things. Only the ending was slightly different. However, the two segments that ridiculed the website and the house were very much to Zhang Weiping's liking. Adriaan also specially instructed them to do a good job in the translation, and the dubbing staff also had to be of sufficient quality.
For Huayi, this was definitely a profit. How many Chinese directors, or rather, how many Chinese directors' works, could get close to 10 million in the North American box office? It was said that when this news spread back to China, many directors were envious. Feng Xiaogang was also very proud of himself. To a large extent, the invitation from Zhang Weiping was to prepare for the North American release of "Hero."
Through the release of "Big Shot" in North America, Adriaan had fully demonstrated his sincerity. Therefore, the Wang brothers would definitely start to seriously implement the package plan that he proposed and then perfected by his subordinates.
With a yawn, Adriaan opened his eyes slightly and woke up from a deep sleep. Probably because he often traveled between the United States and Europe, he adjusted very quickly to the time difference. Also, he had the best nutritionists and fitness trainers to arrange all kinds of maintenance for him. His body had always been in great shape. Even though the Wang brothers, Zhang Weiping, and the other guests had forced him to drink a lot of liquor last night, he only had a slight headache.
He moved his body and pinched the body in his arms. Just as he was about to get up, he suddenly realized something was wrong. He looked down and saw that the person curled up in his arms was an Asian girl.
Raising his eyebrows in surprise, Adriaan carefully examined the delicate face while trying to recall the details of last night. At this time, the eyelashes of the girl in his arms moved, and she opened her eyes with a yawn. She was a little confused at first, and after a few seconds of daze, she screamed and sat up in a panic. She pulled the blanket over her chest and looked at Adriaan with panic and helplessness.
"Um … please don't panic, Miss Gao." Adriaan showed a gentle smile, then sat up and got off the bed.
"You … you …" The young girl stuttered for a few seconds before she remembered who he was. She immediately pursed her lips and lowered her head. With an embarrassed expression, she clutched the blanket in front of her chest even tighter.
"If you want, you can call me Eide. I also want to call you Yuanyuan." Adriaan smiled indifferently.
The delicate girl in front of him who had slept with him was the "Clean Mouth Girl" Gao Yuanyuan. To be honest, the Wang brothers gave him a big surprise. He just casually said a few words, but they remembered it so well that they specifically called her to drink with them at the banquet last night.
At this moment, he had basically recovered his spirit. With a little recollection, Gao Yuanyuan's timid and nervous appearance at the banquet appeared in his mind. Although she was smiling, the small action of biting her lower lip from time to time did not escape Adriaan's eyes. It was obviously not suitable for this kind of scene, and she looked very wronged. But she didn't know that this complemented her delicate temperament, making people want to press her down on the bed, peel off her outer shell, and wantonly play with her.
Fortunately, he made her drink a few more cups at the banquet, allowing her to relax. Otherwise, with her various reactions, Adriaan might not have been able to easily bring her back to the room. Of course, he could also use force or power to oppress others, but that would be a little unsightly.
"Obviously, we … had a good night last night." Adriaan said after thinking for a while.
Gao Yuanyuan did not answer, but her face blushed, and it went all the way to her ears. Obviously, she recalled the details of last night in bed. Seeing this, Adriaan could not help but secretly laugh. Gao Yuanyuan, who looked very quiet, pure, and had the temperament of a daughter from a humble family, once her desire was aroused, her performance in bed was not inferior to Lin Zhiling and Lin Xilei. Not to mention anything else, just look at the clothes on the floor and the messy bed sheets on the bed.
Although this had nothing to do with drinking, no one would believe that she did not have this kind of desire in her heart. This made it even more tempting. Back then, he casually used her as an example.
"Aren't you going to say something? Or do you want me to find someone to make some thunder, lightning, and drifting rain outside, and then I will proudly hold you in my arms with a cigarette in my mouth, laugh and say that from now on, you are mine? " Adriaan spread his hands, "If that's the case, you have to cooperate first, pull the quilt and cry secretly."
Gao Yuanyuan suddenly burst into laughter, and then raised her head to look at Adriaan with a surprised gaze, probably wondering why this foreigner actually knew so many jokes that only Chinese knew. But she immediately lowered her head again, a little embarrassed and embarrassed, and the redness on her face that had dissipated a little became even more.
"What's wrong?" Adriaan was a little puzzled.
"Can … can you … put on your pants first …" The delicate and pretty girl finally uttered her first complete sentence after waking up. Her soft voice was very pleasant to the ear.
Only then did Adriaan realize that he was still naked, and that huge thing was still swinging outside. He immediately coughed a little awkwardly and said, "Sorry."
Then he quickly picked up his underwear and clothes, but because his movements were too hasty, he had already grabbed his clothes and trousers while putting on his underwear. Although he put them on, he probably lost his balance because he used too much force. Although he tried to adjust his balance and ran a few steps on the floor, in the end, he still fell down. Fortunately, he used the last bit of time to adjust his position, so he fell on the bed with a muffled thud.
Gao Yuanyuan was shocked at first, and subconsciously grabbed the quilt to move away when he fell, but when she saw his somewhat exaggerated appearance of gritting his teeth and inhaling cold air, she couldn't help but laugh again. When Adriaan rolled his eyes because of this, she couldn't help but laugh even louder, and the embarrassment after waking up in the morning disappeared.
