"Okay, okay, it's Daddy's fault, Daddy's wrong. Don't cry, okay, Juliet?" Adriaan coaxed his second daughter in his arms, but the little fellow didn't buy his words at all. She kept crying, and her big eyes, which were inherited from her mother, were full of tears, which made Lily snicker.
"Lily!" Adriaan couldn't help but glare at Lily. This distraction made Juliet cry even harder. He had to continue to coax the little fellow in a flurry, and Lily suddenly laughed more through her fingers.
Before, Juliet, who was placed on the soft sofa, was doing what all babies would do — biting her fingers. The naughty Lily took her hand away from her mouth several times, and told her sister very seriously that it was not good to bite her own hand, regardless of whether Juliet understood or not. But every time she took her hand away, the little fellow would continue to put her finger in her mouth, and then Lily would take it away again, and the cycle would never end.
What was depressing was that Lily teased the little fellow for a long time, but the little fellow didn't say anything. After Adriaan held her, he took her hand away twice for hygiene reasons, and Juliet began to cry discontentedly. Obviously, the resentment caused by Lily's teasing had been transferred to Adriaan.
"Let me do it, Eide." After feeding Deva and coaxing her to sleep, Monica came over and said, "Juliet must be hungry."
"Okay." After hesitating, Adriaan handed Juliet to Monica.
When the little fellow held it in her mouth, she immediately began to suck it in big mouthfuls. It seemed that she was really hungry. Adriaan couldn't help scratching his head. He was experienced in judging children's activities accurately, but he didn't expect that he would make a mistake today.
"I'm not a fool. As long as I'm willing to put in the effort, it's not difficult to sum up their activities." Monica smiled slightly, and her loving and gentle appearance made her look quite holy.
However, some people liked to destroy this feeling, such as Adriaan. He looked there and smacked his lips, "I really envy Juliet."
"Eide!" Monica reminded.
"I just said what I thought. Is there a problem?" Adriaan said with a smile, made a very obvious gesture of looking around, and then spread his hands. At this time, Lily ran away, and the nanny took Deva, who was sleeping soundly, far away, so that she wouldn't worry about being heard.
Naturally, Monica also noticed this, and immediately rolled her eyes at him, "It's not like you haven't tried …"
Half of the sentence was enough, and her cheeks were blushing. When she thought of how she and Sophie fed him together, even the experienced Monica couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
"Okay — if Sophie knows, she will be very happy." Adriaan changed the topic, and said while patting the little head of his daughter who was still greedily eating.
"What do you mean by happy?" Kate's voice came at this time. She was holding a porcelain plate, and on it was the Apple Pie that she made. Although her cooking had never been good, she had always been thinking of ways to improve it.
Deva and Juliet were about to be five months old, and Adriaan often took the time to play with them and Lily. She called this as cultivating the relationship between sisters. Anyway, Lily liked them very much, and they didn't hate Lily. However, whenever he was free, if he brought Lily to Monica and Sophie's side, Kate would follow, and if he brought Deva and Juliet to Kate's side, Monica and Sophie would follow.
The three women would only have some common topics when they talked about motherhood, and the rest of the time, they were relatively indifferent. Therefore, every time Adriaan would choose when Sarah was not around, he would ask Monica and Sophie to come to Kate's side, and at the same time, he would send Charlize away to avoid making the already tense atmosphere even more strange.
However, Sophie did not come today, because she was busy with a movie. It was not the one that Adriaan prepared for her, but the female director Nancy Meyers' 100% Man.
Bosworth Pictures had invested in this movie, so last year, Adriaan recommended Kyla to get the role of the daughter. The female lead was originally Helen Hunt, but she quit at the beginning of January this year for some unknown reason, and the crew could not find a replacement. It just so happened that Sophie was recovering well, so when Adriaan found out about it, he immediately recommended her. As a woman from Paris, the fashion capital, she easily won Meyers' approval. Of course, the male lead was still Mel Gibson, who seemed to have lost some of his glory because of Adriaan.
The movie that Adriaan arranged for Sophie had an obvious goal, but because of Sophie's pregnancy and childbirth, she had disappeared from the media and the public for almost eight months. He had to let her hone her acting skills and regain some popularity first. It just so happened that there were some problems with 100% Man, and he just happened to recommend Sophie. Regardless of what happened to Helen Hunt, who was supposed to star in the movie, how could he let go of such a good opportunity?
"By the way, I haven't congratulated you on being nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars." After treating Monica to a taste of the Apple pie and chatting a bit about motherhood, Kate suddenly said this.
"Thank you." Monica smiled and did not say much.
Watching from the side, Adriaan could not help but secretly laugh and gently shake his head. Although Kate acted normally, the slightly jealous look on her face still did not escape his eyes. She was just like that. She clearly wanted it, but she never opened her mouth in front of him. She always thought that it would make it seem like they were making a deal. It was just like how she always liked to act like she was making a deal to cover up her feelings. This contradictory attitude was really … cute!
When Kate brought the leftover pie back to the kitchen, Adriaan followed him in. "Today's pie is slightly better. Did you add anything?"
"It's the same as usual." Kate shrugged and minded his own business.
"Can't you leave it to the servants?" Adriaan hugged her waist from behind.
"I like to do it myself, can I?" Kate finally turned around and snorted.
"Of course!" Adriaan smiled and kissed the back of her neck, then deliberately changed the topic. "Speaking of which, it's really not easy to get Monica a Best Actress Oscar nomination."
Kate took a deep breath, then turned around and asked nonchalantly, "Really? What are the chances of winning? "
"Not very high, so it took me a lot of effort." Adriaan shrugged and said.
In the end, Harvey Weinstein agreed to his request. As he said before, as long as the Weinstein brothers could make money, they could even jump on stage and do striptease. The big production trilogy that others said might be debatable, but it was another matter when it came from the mouth of the miracle director. In that case, why not work hard? For the Weinstein brothers, who were familiar with the operation and tone of the Film School, it was definitely not a particularly difficult thing. Although it was still impossible, it was infinitely close, not to mention the resources of AC Media could be deployed at will.
And what Adriaan had said was right. The Weinstein brothers had always hoped that Miramax could be responsible for some big productions, so that Miramax could develop into a big film company. Disney was supposed to buy them, but their conservative approach to young people didn't fit in with Miramax, which was a little more radical. Disney wanted them to play a supporting role, so they eventually parted ways with each other.
But AC Media did not have such a problem. After buying over Miramax, it operated very well. Although after Universal was bought over, the Weinstein brothers were worried for a while, they did not have any conflicts with AC Media. Adriaan also knew that it was impossible to be 100% sure, unless the entire Film School was bought over. The big production trilogy was not only to reassure them, but also to make them work harder in public relations.
Of course, Adriaan did not forget to add some conditions. The three best actresses that they needed to do their best in public relations had to be decided by him. At the same time, the earliest project for the trilogy would be approved would be 2002.
"Monica is really lucky," Kate couldn't help but say.
Adriaan couldn't help but chuckle. His hands began to move up from her waist, "Oh right, there's a role that you might want to try out for. 'Agent Beauty' and '28 Days' have been completed for so long, you should have had enough rest. "
"Didn't you say that the script for 'Tomb Raider' is still being written?" This was the first thing that came to Kate's mind.
"Yes, but I'm talking about another script." Adriaan said with a smile, "A relatively artistic script."
"You want me to make two movies a year again?" Kate turned around and frowned slightly.
"So what? Didn't you act in two movies last year too? " Adriaan held her face and smiled, "This movie is also adapted from a novel, and it has more room for development than '28 Days'."
This was the advantage of adapting a novel. As long as you got the rights to adapt it, you could advance or delay it as you pleased. Just like the 'Human Bone Jigsaw' that was prepared for Monica, the movie that was supposed to be released last year was only now being prepared, and it would take some time before it started production. Of course, Denzel Washington was still the male lead.
In short, as long as it was still in line with the current social environment, it didn't matter if it was delayed. This was also the case for the movie prepared for Kate.
"You know, if you want to win the Oscar for Best Actress, experience is a must." Adriaan kissed Kate's lips.
The title of Rose of England sounded good, and it also had some advantages, but it was restricted greatly. It was not easy to win the Oscar for Best Actress.
"It sounds like … you're ready?" Kate was a little uncomfortable, and her eyelids were lowered, as if she was secretly happy, but more than that, she was hesitating.
"Of course, my baby. Although it's a little troublesome and a little long, I've arranged it." Adriaan used a nauseating title.
After all, Kate was his first woman after his rebirth, and she was also the mother of his first child. Even if he wanted to win the Best Actress, he had to win it in an incomparably glorious manner, and not rely entirely on public relations.
"If you doubt me again, I will strip you naked in front of Monica …" He then threatened. Although he swallowed half of his words, it was obvious what he was going to say when he looked at his playful face. Kate immediately elbowed him without hesitation.
Just when Adriaan was about to pretend to cry out in pain, there was a knock on the door. After getting permission, a servant walked into the kitchen with a mobile phone.
"A lady is looking for you, Mr. Adriaan," the other party said.
"Okay, thank you." Although Adriaan said so with a smile, he sighed in his heart. If they were at his mansion, Ji Hui would first call him out to explain the situation, rather than in front of Kate.
Perhaps it would be better to bring Lily, Deva, and Juliet to my place in the future. Adriaan took the phone and thought so. Then he heard who was on the other side of the phone, and then he immediately made an apologetic gesture to Kate and walked out.
Kate sighed and put down the rest of the Apple Pie on the small plate. She was busy for a while, and when she was about to go out, Adriaan suddenly came in.
"Sorry, Kate, I have to go out for a while," Adriaan said apologetically. "I may not come back tonight."
"Got it," Kate replied helplessly. "Remember to tell Monica."
"Of course." Adriaan smiled and kissed her, then turned around and was about to leave the kitchen.
"Can I know what it is?" Kate suddenly asked.
"Mhmm …" Adriaan stopped and turned back after a long while. He smiled awkwardly, pointed to Kate's lower abdomen, and then quickly slipped away.
Kate thought for a few minutes before she understood, but unfortunately, Adriaan had already disappeared without a trace. Even if she put her face down, it would be useless.
He went to the living room and said goodbye to Monica, and kissed the three little ones one by one. Adriaan then drove away from the villa. The matter was not a big deal, but it was not a small one either. It was just pregnancy syndrome. Although it was only a month, and the lower abdomen was not obvious at all, Jessica was not even 20 years old, and she had to hide it from her family. It was normal for her to want to find someone to rely on.
"You see, I'm coming right away, so don't worry." Sitting on the sofa in Jessica's home, Adriaan hugged her affectionately and said.
"I'm just a little … scared," Jessica, who was nestled in his arms, said meekly.
Out of the purpose of taking care of her, and worried that she would feel more unsafe if she was alone, Adriaan hired a middle-aged woman to take care of her. Of course, the quality was the best. If it wasn't for the fact that a sudden move might attract her family's attention, Adriaan would have asked her to live in Beverly Hills a long time ago.
"Don't be afraid, no more people know about this for the time being." Adriaan continued to coax her, "And nothing is delayed. 'Keep the Last Dance' has been shot for a long time, and the second season of 'Doomsday Black Angel' is about to end. You don't have many scenes, so you can rest in peace."
After a pause, he then said, "Although I have a new movie to shoot next month, if you want, you can come to the set. We are going to Missouri, the forest there is very beautiful."
"I … I will think about it." Jessica nodded.
Seeing her like this, Adriaan couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Frankly speaking, the current Jessica was not as playful as she would be a few years later, so he didn't have to use that method to force her. But what was done was done, so it didn't matter anymore. Besides, Jessica had chosen the third option of her own accord. As for the fear that arose in her heart, it would slowly disappear with the birth of her child. It was just that he didn't know if it would be a daughter this time, and it would also be so … awkward.
Adriaan coaxed Jessica for the whole afternoon, making her giggle non-stop. She was a lot happier, and at night, they slept together in his arms. But when they woke up in the morning, one of her legs was over his lower abdomen, and she was almost crawling on him. It was fine now, but in another two months, she couldn't sleep in this position. From this, it could be seen that being pregnant and having no one to talk to was a big blow to her, but … this was exactly what Adriaan wanted to see, wasn't it?
Although taking care of his women and daughter took a lot of time and energy, Adriaan didn't put aside his work. For example, he didn't have so much time to go to Missouri to do a detailed selection of suitable actors for "Winter's Bone". In the end, whether an actor matched the image of the role, in addition to their own ability, the makeup artist also played an important role. Children born locally might have an additional temperament, but it was dispensable.
If children with good acting skills were eliminated because of this, it would affect the filming. Adriaan had another movie to produce this year, and "Winter's Bone" was added in midway, so he only gave himself six weeks to shoot.
In addition, he also had to ask about many movie projects, especially those for his women.
"I'm very optimistic about you, Steven, especially after watching" The Strategist, "which you directed. I know that you've finally begun to look at yourself." Adriaan, who was leaning against the high-back chair, spread his hands. Although he was a little lazy, his expression was very serious.
"Thank you, I'm very honored to get a review from the miracle director." The man sitting at the desk, who was less than forty years old, pushed up his glasses and said in a slightly mocking tone.
"Come on, Steven, you're also qualified to be called a miracle director." Adriaan laughed.
The man in front of him, who was called Steven, was not Steven Spielberg, but Steven Soderberg, the youngest Palme d 'Or winner before Adriaan. Although he basically took the niche route, with the release of "The Strategist" in 1998, he also began to develop into a commercial film, so Adriaan asked him to direct a movie that should have been directed by him: "The Drug Network"!
Speaking of which, the process of this movie falling into his hands was very interesting. The original version was a British TV series, produced in 1989, and later, a Hollywood producer bought the rights to make a movie. However, no one invested in it for a long time. Finally, Fox Searchlight was finally persuaded, but it was shelved due to various problems with the candidates. In the end, it was taken over by Focus Pictures, which was a subsidiary of Universal.
Every major studio had a small company that specialized in investing and producing artistic films, such as Fox's Fox Searchlight and Universal's Focus Pictures. When they got it, it was already the end of 1999, and then it was discovered by Adriaan, who often browsed through the company's scripts. Therefore, there was no need to say more about the rest.
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