Upon their first meeting, neither of them rushed to discuss business, opting instead for casual conversation.
After more than ten minutes, Simon, having fixed the tire and washed his hands, returned and once again scrutinized Sandra Bullock.
In the previous timeline, compared to Hollywood actresses whose careers seemed to be smooth sailing, such as Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock was considered a late bloomer.
Born in 1964, Bullock was already 30 years old when she starred in her breakout film, "Speed".
However, thanks to her popular 'America's Sweetheart' image, combined with her diligence and high productivity, Sandra Bullock maintained an active acting career for over two decades after her rise to fame.
In 2013, when veteran actresses like Julia Roberts were gradually fading from the public eye, Sandra Bullock still managed to earn a record-breaking single film salary of up to 70 million US dollars for 'Gravity', solidifying her status as Hollywood's undisputed box office queen.
Currently, Sandra Bullock is just 22 years old.
Indeed, she had just turned 22.
Simon called Sandra Bullock after returning to Los Angeles on Friday evening, but he didn't schedule their meeting for yesterday because yesterday, July 26th, was Bullock's birthday.
He had seen this on the girl's resume a few days prior.
Simon also noted from her resume that Sandra Bullock had graduated with a degree in drama and performance from North Carolina, which was why he had essentially decided to cast her as the lead in 'Run Lola Run' without an audition.
Due to the extremely low barrier to entry in the industry, Hollywood stars often give people the false impression that they are born actors who don't need any training, but the reality is far from it.
In Hollywood, almost all stars, during their journey to fame, undergo various forms of acting training, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Take Meryl Streep, the famous Oscar 'fixture,' for example. Most people only see her repeatedly nominated for Oscars, but few notice that she is a bona fide graduate of Yale University's drama and performance program.
Those ignorant individuals who merely possess good looks and aspire to reach the pinnacle of success in Hollywood are more likely to end up working in the 'valley'.
No film company in Hollywood would casually cast a newcomer lacking acting experience in a movie with an investment of several million dollars.
Similarly, 'Run Lola Run' is crucial for Simon, who is trying to break into Hollywood, and his selection of the leading actress is definitely not as casual as it seems.
The previous invitation to Courteney was also extended after several casual conversations, during which Simon learned that Courteney had been working in Hollywood for three years and had just starred in a TV series, indicating she had sufficient experience and qualifications.
Now, the same applies to Sandra Bullock, a recent graduate of a reputable performing arts program.
Ultimately, it's just an ultra-low-budget production with a budget of around one hundred thousand dollars, and Simon hopes to spend more money on the film's production. Professional actors with more impressive resumes are out of the question, so the girl in front of him undoubtedly fulfils his requirements.
Moreover, through his memories he is familiar with her acting ability.
Under the motel eaves, for this afternoon's meeting, Sandra had specifically worn a relatively formal women's shirt and casual trousers. Seeing Simon frankly appraise her, she knew the 'audition' had perhaps begun, and couldn't help but adjust her posture, even attempting to meet Simon's gaze.
However, she realized this boy actually had a pair of beautiful blue eyes.
She couldn't match those.
With this thought, she couldn't help but recall the scar near her left eye, an accident from childhood, and instinctively tilted her head slightly.
Her composure immediately completely deflated.
Simon, however, didn't wasn't paying attention to the subtle details of Sandra's expression. After a final glance at her flat sandals, he walked over to his bicycle, patted the handlebars, and said to Sandra, "Let's go. I happen to have some things to take care of, and I'll tell you about the project on the way".
Hearing Simon speak, Sandra Bullock quickly nodded, feeling inexplicably silly about her reaction. After a brief pause, she pointed to Simon's bicycle: "Are we… cycling?"
Simon nodded and said, "It's near Douglas Park. You can leave your car here for now".
Sandra Bullock remembered the distance she had just travelled from that direction, so she no longer objected.
Simon bid goodbye to Diago who was still watching the commotion nearby, then left the motel with Sandra.
Although it was the weekend, traffic on the street outside the motel was still sparse. Simon wheeled his bicycle off the curb, got on, and handed his backpack to the girl behind him before pointing to the back seat: "Come on."
Sandra Bullock instinctively took Simon's backpack, feeling a bit dazed as she took a seat on the boy's bicycle.
Sitting sideways on the back seat, clutching a dusty canvas backpack, Sandra stared blankly at the receding street-side greenery, her chaotic thoughts swirling. After a long while, they finally coalesced in her mind: "Dad, your daughter is being abducted by a poor boy on a bicycle!"
A suppressed little voice in her heart cried out, and Sandra suddenly couldn't help but burst into laughter.
That thought was truly silly.
Simon heard laughter from behind him and asked, "What's wrong?"
"No, nothing," Sandra quickly shook her head, grabbing the hem of his T-shirt, and offered, "You can call me Sandy".
Simon responded, "Alright, Sandy".
"Um, Simon, why don't you tell me about the movie?"
"Well it's not something that can be explained in just a few words. I've already promised to treat you to dinner, and we have all afternoon, don't we?"
"Okay, but there must be a story, right?"
"The story's basic are simple: a small-time crook named Manni loses $100,000, and his girlfriend, Lola, has to raise that money for him within 20 minutes, or Manni will likely be killed by his boss".
"Sounds exciting".
"It will be even more exciting to film, and very tiring, so you need to be mentally prepared".
"I haven't agreed to star in your movie yet, have I?"
"Imagine, many years from now, you start writing your memoirs: 'When Simon Westeros invited me to star in his first film, it felt like destiny, and I immediately accepted.' How legendary is that, right?"
Sandra couldn't help but laugh again, saying, "I don't know if it's legendary, but I definitely met an egomaniac today".
"Hmm well, don't include that line in your memoirs".
"Heh heh".
Since the movie was brought up, the two of them, without realizing it, continued to chat about that topic.
As Simon introduced more details about 'Run Lola Run', Sandra gradually realized that, no matter what, this was definitely going to be a very cool movie.
For the sake of the girl behind him, Simon did not cycle too fast.
After about ten minutes, Simon brought Sandra to a shop called 'Strong's Watch Shop' near Douglas Park.
Unlike other watch shops, this one offers custom handmade services to its customers.
Simon got the information about this shop from Jonathan's assistant, Owen Wright. It's said that many Hollywood films also order custom clock props here.