Though she was carefully made up, Simon could still easily spot Meg Ryan's obvious bags under her eyes and deep nasolabial folds. Her skin lacked any of the glow a 26-year-old woman should have, making her look more like an overworked housewife in her thirties.
Having spent two lifetimes in similar circles, Simon naturally understood what Meg Ryan's current state implied. [TL/N: Drugs?]
Josh Lieberman, the CAA agent sitting beside Meg Ryan, noticed Simon's expression and quickly broke the silence. "Mr. Westeros, Meg and I have carefully studied the script for When Harry Met Sally. Meg is very eager to play the role of Sally. However, we've heard this film hasn't secured funding yet—what does Daenerys Films plan to do?"
"The film will start shooting by September at the latest," Simon said, shifting his gaze from Meg Ryan to Josh Lieberman. "If we can't find a partner, Daenerys Films will invest in the project itself."
Hollywood filmmakers followed a very common rule: never invest your own money in movies.
Hearing Simon's response, Josh Lieberman mentally tagged him as a 'greenhorn,' but nodded on the surface. "In that case, we have no issues."
"Then, let's talk about my concerns," Simon turned back to Meg Ryan, getting straight to the point. "Miss Ryan, do you have a drug addiction?"
Having been scrutinized by Simon earlier, Meg Ryan was already uneasy.
She had thought this would be a very relaxed meeting, but this young man, reportedly not even 20, unwittingly exerted more pressure on her than those studio executives.
Now, hearing this, Meg Ryan immediately shook her head. "Of course not."
"In that case, take a drug test," Simon said flatly. "As long as you pass, no need for an audition—the role is yours."
Meg Ryan immediately glanced guiltily at her agent beside her.
Josh Lieberman coughed awkwardly and defended his client. "Mr. Westeros, I can guarantee that this won't affect the film shoot at all."
Simon shook his head. "Sorry, Mr. Lieberman, your guarantee isn't worth $15 million."
After last year's Top Gun, though she only played a minor role, it wasn't that hard for Meg Ryan to land offers. But most were supporting parts.
A leading role in a $15 million production was still out of her reach. Thus, both Josh Lieberman and Meg Ryan valued this opportunity highly.
Now, sensing Simon's assertiveness, Josh Lieberman hesitated briefly before suddenly saying, "How about, Mr. Westeros, you talk to Meg alone."
With that, without waiting for Simon's response, Josh Lieberman stood up briskly, giving Meg Ryan a not-so-subtle look, and headed out of the office.
Simon watched Josh Lieberman leave, just smiled, and turned back to Meg Ryan across from him, still bluntly asking, "What do you usually use? Injections or heroine?"
"Of course not," Meg Ryan glanced sideways at the closed office door, then at the villainous young man opposite, paused, and lifted her hand to mimic smoking. "Just, just occasionally like this, Mr. Westeros. I don't have an addiction."
Simon eyed the woman opposite, still hesitant.
With a $15 million production budget, possibly self-funded, Simon absolutely wouldn't risk such a huge sum.
In his memory, Meg Ryan hadn't been affected by this and started her big break two years later, but Simon couldn't guarantee his butterfly's appearance wouldn't change things.
Meg Ryan noticed Simon's indecision, recalled her agent's look when leaving, eyed the young man opposite, thought for a moment, and quickly said, "Mr. Westeros, perhaps we could have dinner together later and discuss this in detail."
Simon raised an eyebrow slightly. "Sorry, Miss Ryan, I already have plans."
Having said it, Meg Ryan didn't mince words. "Tomorrow night works too."
Simon smiled at the corners of his mouth. "Unfortunately, I have a date tomorrow night as well."
Meg Ryan felt the young man's bright gaze on her, inexplicably feeling humiliated, but that soon turned into some indefinable defiance.
Determined, Meg Ryan stood up, walked around the coffee table, and knelt on the carpet at the man's feet, reaching for Simon's belt.
Simon sensed the still pleasant woman's scent before him, raised his hand to stop her. "Alright, sit back down."
But Meg Ryan persisted, reaching out again, so Simon had to grab her wrist and gently push.
Then.
Meg Ryan simply collapsed softly to the ground, curling up, turning her face with a resentful gaze toward Simon.
Nice acting.
Muttering helplessly to himself, Simon leaned back on the sofa, crossed his legs, too lazy to help the woman on the floor. "This time I wanted to discuss the script with you. But now, two things: First, take a drug test—I need to confirm you haven't touched certain things. Second, after confirming, I'll arrange an audition for you. If you pass, until filming starts, you must come to Daenerys Films every day, nine to five, no staying up late, no clubbing, no more touching that stuff, and regular maintenance. Sally is a very refined woman; you can only achieve the state I need through a regular lifestyle and routine care."
After speaking, seeing the woman still sprawled on the carpet, Simon simply stood up. "Think it over and come back tomorrow."
As Simon reached the door, a voice came from behind: "Tomorrow is Saturday."
Simon opened the door without looking back. "Or, you don't have to come."
Back at the audition room, Simon continued working until evening, then left Daenerys Films' headquarters and headed straight to a mansion midway up Beverly Hills.
Simon did have plans tonight—a party at Robert Redford's, aimed at another role in Pulp Fiction: the boxer Butch Coolidge.
In the original, Butch Coolidge was played by Bruce Willis, but Simon had little feeling for Bruce Willis. This time, he had his eye on another guy who'd played a boxer before.
Of course.
Not Sylvester Stallone.
With an $8 million budget, they couldn't afford Stallone anyway.
The one Simon wanted to invite was Robert De Niro, star of The Godfather, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and more. Robert Redford happened to be on good terms with Robert De Niro and had agreed to introduce them at tonight's party.
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