制霸好莱坞

This was the first time Jenny and Dave had contacted each other since her failed invitation. She felt relieved to hear his voice. Though Dave now had Cesare as a client, Cesare's difficult personality made things challenging. He'd been away from home since signing Jenny, first in Europe and then flying back to China after 9/11. He'd been coordinating overseas filming for several of his high-profile clients. With American citizens now at risk, many crews were reluctant to film abroad. Jenny had heard from Lillian that Cesare might need to accompany Christopher Hanks, a leading actor, to Israel for location scouting.

Although Cesare hadn't forgotten Jenny - evident in arranging her "Chicago" audition - they wouldn't have a chance to meet anytime soon. Jenny didn't expect him to sit down and explain Hollywood's rules to her. As for Jim, while he was something of Cesare's assistant, he was still an agent with his own TV stars to manage. Between Jim and Dave, Jenny definitely felt closer to Dave.

Having just entered the industry, Jenny was grateful to have a friend like Dave. She wasn't interested in the industry gossip about Lynch. Instead, she asked about Dave's relatives and friends in New York. "Are your family and friends okay after what happened? I wanted to call you, but..."

"No problem. My parents live in Colorado, far from New York," Dave replied. "My friends are all fine too - we got lucky."

None of Jenny's acquaintances had connections in New York, except for Lillian, a distant relative who had been in the Twin Towers that day but escaped. The impact of 9/11 on America could only truly be understood by those living through it. In her previous life, 9/11 had been just news to Chen Zhen, relevant only to her husband's family business. Now, living in the United States, she felt its profound impact on national sentiment and the economy.

After discussing the industry's post-9/11 changes, Jenny made another invitation. "We should get together for a meal. Are you free tomorrow, Dave?"

"Sure, I have plans tomorrow night, but we can do lunch," Dave said cheerfully.

"Lunch?" Jenny was surprised - Dave must have found a new date if he was busy in the evening.

She was happy about this development. It meant they could truly be friends again. "That works. Where should we meet?"

Dave chose a mid-range Italian restaurant popular with business lunch crowds, a step up from their previous "all-you-can-eat" meeting spot. Jenny found parking across the street. When she arrived, Dave was already seated by the window. As soon as she sat down, he pointed at the luxury car outside and raised his eyebrows dramatically.

"It's Virgil's car," Jenny explained. "He's out of town, and since I'm his slave, he lent it to me."

In Los Angeles, not having a car was rare. The city's poor public transportation made it difficult to get around without one. The original Jenny's finances hadn't allowed for a car purchase, but her workplace had been close to home, making it manageable. She had planned to buy herself a car after getting her first interview callback, but... that callback never came for over a year.

Dave understood this context. "Don't worry. This time next year, you'll be driving your own luxury car."

"Thanks for the optimism. Right now, I'm still fighting for supporting roles," Jenny said.

"That's because your TV show just aired yesterday," Dave reassured her. He had more faith in Jenny's future than she did. "Trust me, your breakthrough isn't far off. I'm lucky to have known you when you were still a waitress."

"No, I'm the lucky one," Jenny corrected him. "If I become a star and people ask how I got into the industry, I'll tell them about my friend Dave Jensen. Without him, I'd still be waiting tables."

"Jenny." Dave was touched and joked, "I'll tell my future grandchildren: 'You won't believe it, but Jennifer Jefferson and I actually tried dating when she was still a waitress!'"

They both laughed at that.

The meeting flowed naturally, with their friendship easily rekindling. Dave shared insights about Rob Marshall, "Chicago's" director. "I've met him several times. This is his first film - he's been in theater, occasionally helping TV shows with dance choreography. I know him through Broadway connections. Rob's obsessed with dance and has an exceptional eye for color and lighting. I'm curious why he'd consider you for an audition. Being from Broadway, I expected him to cast familiar theater faces who can sing, dance, and act."

He quickly added, "Not that you can't--"

"It's fine," Jenny said. "I know the gap between me and Broadway veterans."

This was reality. Jenny wasn't confident about landing the role. Though Lucy Liu, Rob's eventual choice, wasn't a professional musical performer, she was famous and skilled. This wasn't like the Vanita role, which had been a minor guest appearance with little competition.

"I heard Lucy Liu's auditioning too," she volunteered. "So I'm not getting my hopes up."

"She's quite beautiful too," Dave mused. "Look, Jenny, I won't lie and say you'll definitely get this role. In Hollywood, every good part has fierce competition. Even A-list actors don't get every role they want. But I can tell you this: Hollywood always has more than one opportunity. Even if you don't get this part, impressing them at the audition could lead to something better."

"Don't worry, Dave. I won't get scared off," Jenny laughed. "This is just for female lead number three. If this intimidates me, how could I ever handle being the lead?"

Dave raised his glass. "For that attitude, lunch is on me."

"I'd hold you to that anyway," Jenny clinked glasses with him. "CBS hasn't paid me yet, and Virgili's away, so I haven't gotten my dog-walking money. I'm even broker than when I was waitressing."

Their conversation turned to Cesare Virgili.

"Everyone in the industry knows him," Dave explained. "Not just for his business success - he's incredibly handsome. Rumor has it Jennifer Bell broke up with him because her boyfriend couldn't handle her agent being better-looking. His business isn't bad either. They call him CAA's crown prince. Word is he's next in line for CEO when Ino Martin steps back. You're lucky he signed you. Besides Jennifer Bell, his clients are at least C-list."

Hollywood's super A-list and A-list are small, exclusive groups, with many top stars having their own agencies. Jennifer Bell had been B-list before starring in two blockbusters last year, elevating her to A-list. But after "Pearl Harbor" flopped, her A-list status was shaky. Still, even B-list film actors were wealthy by normal standards.

"Virgili discovered Belle in college and made her A-list in five years," Dave continued seriously. "He was just a mailroom intern then, hadn't even graduated. It was a famous Beverly Hills success story. She made his career too - he became a senior CAA agent in five years. Their breakup had people thinking his position might be in danger. Now he's signed you, another unknown Jennifer... so be extra careful around Belle." Dave never

Jenny understood his warnings about Hollywood's darker side came from friendly concern, not his earlier attempts to discourage her entertainment career. He knew she couldn't and wouldn't turn back now. "Yes, Jim mentioned some Bell history, but I doubt we'll cross paths much. I heard she's filming in England next month."

"Hmm." That was all Dave knew about Cesare. He returned to discussing "Chicago." "As a first-time film director with a strong cast and big budget, Rob probably won't have much control. During the audition, focus on impressing the producer too - oh, but I'm probably worrying unnecessarily. Since Virgili made an exception to sign you, he must have a comprehensive plan. At least you won't have to worry about others using the producer angle to push you out."

Jenny grimaced. "I should trust his expertise, but..."

Thinking of Cesare's cold demeanor and businesslike attitude, she concluded with a wry smile, "Maybe trust takes time."

"Why are you here?"

Cesare's greeting did nothing to build trust between them.

"Is your next question about why I have your car keys?" Jenny rolled her eyes. "Mr. Virgili, you hired me to walk your dog, remember?"

Between classes, she still came twice daily to walk Washington. With no afternoon classes and having just finished lunch with Dave, she'd arrived for the dog's afternoon walk. Entering, she found Cesare coming up from his basement gym, shirtless - his blond hair slightly disheveled, his physique remarkable... so impressive it defied description. His chest hair was also light blond -

Then he'd greeted her with that question.

She should probably be grateful he remembered her at all, Jenny thought sarcastically.

"Oh, right, Washington." Cesare checked his watch. "You're late. He should have been walked fifteen minutes ago."

"Traffic," Jenny said irritably. "If you don't mind, I'll do my duty now, my Lord."

She retrieved sun protection gear from her room and walked Washington around the community for over thirty minutes, sweating in the California heat. Returning, she noticed Lillian's car in the driveway, so she entered through the back door, secured Washington, and took the service stairs to her second-floor guest room. After showering and changing, she went to watch TV in the living room.

"Why are you still here?"

Thirty minutes later, Cesare appeared - suspiciously fresh from a shower, considering he'd finished working out an hour ago...

Chen Zhen wasn't deliberately noting these details, but her instincts from her socialite days made her notice such things automatically.

"I live here," she dismissed his question. "Have you forgotten that too? First the air conditioning inspection at my apartment, then the convenience for classes and dog-walking, plus Lillian being lonely, and then she said you--"

She saw Cesare's expression. "Never mind. I'll move back after tonight's dog walk."

Cesare's icy expression softened slightly. "Good."

He sat on the loveseat. "What are you watching?"

"Discovery Channel," Jenny said. "Did you know whales can hold their breath for days?"

"I didn't." Cesare's tone conveyed both ignorance and disinterest in such trivia.

They watched in silence for ten minutes before Cesare spoke. "Jefferson, I hope you understand that I don't want you living here because I need clear boundaries between personal and professional life. There must be a distinction."

"I understand," Jenny said. "Actually, I didn't expect you'd agree to it--"

"Agree to what?" Lillian bounded downstairs barefoot. "Hi, Jane, hi, dear."

She perched on Cesare's armrest, giving him a light kiss. His expression warmed as he smiled up at her. "We're discussing Jefferson moving out tonight."

"Why?" Lillian asked, surprised. "Didn't I tell you about this? Cesare, you agreed at the time."

Cesare's expression froze slightly. Jenny felt awkward and looked for an escape, but Lillian gestured for her to stay. "Sit down, dear - Cesare, we need to discuss this. I clearly remember telling you the night Jane moved in, and you said okay - how many times have we talked about this? When I speak to you, I need your full attention, not you half-listening while working, reading scripts and plans -"

Cesare gave Jenny a pointed look, but before she could leave, Lillian sat beside her. "Stay put, dear. I won't let you move out. This house needs someone who actually listens to me."

Usually Lillian's friendly nature made people forget her privileged background, but when annoyed, her spoiled side emerged. Jenny started, "Lil--"

Cesare spoke simultaneously, "Lily, this isn't about us. If you--"

But Lillian continued, ignoring them both. "And Jenny's name change! I can't believe it. Another Jennifer - you changed her name just for publicity. Are you trying to antagonize Bell? Jenny isn't a tool for your games, Cesare. You're always like this. We've discussed this - you can't manipulate people for your amusement."

How mortifying...

Jenny looked helplessly at Cesare, trying to convey her innocence. While the name change bothered her somewhat, Lillian's current behavior made it impossible to voice any complaints. If Cesare misinterpreted things, he might take out his frustration on her.

Cesare pinched his nose bridge, eyes closed. Surprisingly, he remained calm.

"Let's address the name change first," he said in his usual businesslike manner. "Yes, I made that decision. The reason is simple. Jenny, your original name was too casual. Perhaps I'm prejudiced, but I believe only parents lacking cultural sophistication would name their daughter Jenny instead of Jennifer. Of course, people will still call you Jen, Jenny, or Jennie - that's fine. But your legal name must be Jennifer, otherwise you'll never shake off that lower-class label. People will wonder: Who names their daughter Jenny? Then they'll discover: Ah yes, her parents really are that unsophisticated."

Lillian started to speak, but Cesare held up a finger. "Don't cite exceptions. We're discussing general psychology. Lily, most people are that superficial and judgmental."

"Fine!" Lillian pouted. "Another contradiction we need to address."

"Also, Jenny can't live here," Cesare continued, ignoring her. "I know you two get along well, Lily. Feel free to invite her over often - I know you get lonely when I travel. But living together blurs professional boundaries. Yes, I know what you'll say - you think I'm professional enough, Jefferson is professional, I'm rarely here, this is temporary until her career takes off and she can afford Beverly Hills. That all makes sense, but gossip columnists won't see it that way. Mark my words, we'll soon see headlines: 'Jennifer Bell's ex-agent signs namesake star, lives with both women. Agent already has girlfriend - threesome scandal brewing?' Jefferson needs publicity, but not this kind."

Lillian sighed, and Jenny seized the opportunity to agree. "I definitely don't want that kind of attention."

"Are we settled?" Cesare asked Lillian, his tone gentler.

"Fine," Lillian conceded, though clearly unhappy. Her tone turned sarcastic, "Another 'the world is cruel and you don't understand' lecture. Of course, you're always right."

East or West, being unreasonable was a feminine privilege. Jenny knew it was time to leave - however Cesare handled this situation, she didn't need to witness it.

"I'll pack my things," she said. Neither stopped her.

At the building's entrance, Cesare called out. "Jefferson, your audition is in three days?"

"Yes, eleven-thirty," Jenny confirmed. "Oh, if you want your car back, I can--"

Cesare ignored the car issue. His ice-blue eyes fixed on her, cold and clear as frozen lakes. "I hear you're well-prepared."

"I've done my best," Jenny shrugged, resisting the urge to match his intimidating stance.

"Good," Cesare said quietly. "This is a valuable opportunity, and I hate waste. You lack the luxury of failure. Take this role - I won't accept anything less."

Jenny recalled Dave's words from hours earlier: "In Hollywood, a failed audition means nothing - it might lead to better opportunities."

Perhaps that's how Hollywood usually worked, but with Cesare Virgili, different rules applied. They were playing a much stricter game.

"I'll do my absolute best," Jenny said, suddenly grateful for friends like Dave and Lillian. Dave had mentioned Lynch's calls about her, and Lillian had excitedly discussed her growing IMDB fan club since last night. But to Cesare, none of that mattered. He wouldn't tell her how many inquiries he'd received about her, nor praise her performance in the previous night's episode.

She wondered how Jennifer Bell could have loved him - Jenny couldn't even imagine how Lillian managed their relationship.

Cesare Virgili was simply a machine.