制霸好莱坞

After signing the contract, Jenny visited CAA several times, mostly to finalize paperwork. She also crossed paths with several big stars. Once, she even brushed shoulders with Leonardo, but he didn't notice her. On one hand, she was still a small star, and on the other, Jenny's appearance was often unkempt when she visited CAA. Without makeup and dressed casually, she didn't stand out much. For those in the entertainment industry, who were accustomed to seeing beautiful women, she was just another face in the crowd.

This visit was no different. She had to perform at Universal Studios in the afternoon, so she wore no makeup and dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans that were easy to change in and out of. When she arrived, Cesare was still on a conference call, so his assistant Nora brought her a glass of water. Nora, curious, asked, "You seem to never wear makeup except for the first time you met Cesare. Can I ask why?"

Jenny smiled and replied, "Why do you think that is?"

"I don't know," Nora shrugged. "But I know Cesare must think highly of you. When Jennifer Bell – another Jennifer – was still on our floor, every time she came to see Cesare, she'd ask for a personal stylist and makeup artist."

Jenny smiled but didn't respond much. She replied lightly, "Really?"

Nora's original intent had been to tell Jenny that Cesare valued her more than Jennifer Bell, who always had to look polished. It was a compliment, but Jenny didn't want to engage in unnecessary comparisons, especially so early on. Jennifer Bell was still an artist at CAA, and Jenny wasn't in a position to risk alienating her. She understood that conflicts with Bell would happen eventually, but not now, not when she had no foundation. Hollywood was known for newcomers being bullied, and Jenny was prepared to deal with it quietly.

Nora didn't push the issue. After a while, she received a brief call and told Jenny, "You can go in now."

Jenny returned a polite business smile and entered Cesare's office.

"Sit." Cesare was still reading a script, not even looking up.

Jenny sat in her usual seat, checking her watch. After a minute, she said directly, "You know, my time is valuable too."

Cesare looked up, his appearance as sharp as ever. He folded the script and set it aside. "Sorry, I got caught up in this amazing script."

He pulled out several thick folders from his drawer and handed them to Jenny. "This is the material for Chicago. You need to read it thoroughly before Saturday, preferably memorize it. This folder contains some well-known Broadway musicals and general trivia. You'd better read it, I don't want you to be out of the loop during Saturday's dinner with Rob."

Jenny flipped through two of the folders, then opened a third. It was much lighter, almost fluttering in her hands. "What's this?"

Cesare smiled, "Chicago internal video. It's never been officially released on tape, but I managed to get a copy. Don't waste it."

"Wow," Jenny said, staring at the folders before looking up at Cesare. "Seems like you really want me to play Roxy in the musical?"

Cesare raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I daydream? Or that I'm just messing with you?"

As usual, Cesare maintained absolute control over the conversation. Before Jenny could respond, he switched topics. "Tell me you have something suitable for a Mastro-level event, not the T-shirt turned evening dress you wore last time."

Jenny thought about her wardrobe and shook her head. The biggest legacy left by the original Jenny was beautiful clothes and shoes, but she had lost weight, so none of her clothes fit anymore. She didn't have anything suitable for such an event.

Cesare nodded. "Lillian will take you shopping soon." He continued without missing a beat, "Now, let's talk about Rob. What did you do on set to earn his praise on the first day?"

Jenny had to stifle her instinct to push back. She didn't hate Cesare, but his way of controlling every conversation made her uncomfortable.

She told him about her experience on set. Cesare listened while still reading his script. When she finished, he closed it, his attention focused entirely on her. "Good. Now I understand. You were lucky. Renee and Katherine helped you out in a way."

Jenny wasn't entirely surprised. "You mean Rob's awkwardness irritated some people?"

Cesare nodded. "He's never directed a movie before. Annie won some awards, but Rob's not the only one. He's been given the director's title by others because he wanted it. His first time on a big screen film, he's bound to make mistakes. A new director always goes through an adjustment period. And let's not forget, Rob's a perfectionist."

Jenny nodded, understanding where Cesare was coming from.

"Exactly," Cesare continued, "Rob needs more affirmation. He's a person with a strong need for control, so he'll take even the slightest criticism to heart. You were lucky to be in the right place at the right time."

Jenny had a suspicion about where this was going. "So, Rob's flaws made me look good, and I caught his attention by just doing the right thing?"

"Correct," Cesare said. "Your relationship with Rob is key. His support could open doors."

Jenny paused, thinking about the Broadway musical, Chicago. "Why suddenly push me into this? You know it's a huge commitment. The show will take at least half a year, and I'll have to leave Hollywood for New York. How does this help my film career?"

"Do you remember what I said the night you signed?" Cesare asked calmly, clearly anticipating her question.

Jenny reluctantly recited, "I have to trust you."

"So what are you doing now?" Cesare asked.

"Fine," Jenny rolled her eyes, "I'll do it, but why me? Broadway's extremely competitive. Chicago is a huge deal. There are actors with much more experience than me fighting for a chance to even audition for it. How could I possibly land the lead role?"

Cesare leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense. "Why not you? Rob praised your singing. You've been taking classes for months, and after Chicago, you'll have more. You can dance, act, you're beautiful, and you have experience in film. Why not you?"

Jenny couldn't argue with that. Cesare continued, "Your biggest drawback is that you're not famous. But Robert's recommendation can help. The stronger his recommendation, the more your inexperience fades away."

Jenny thought about it. "So this dinner with Rob isn't just a dinner. It's an opportunity for me to prove myself even more?"

Cesare gave a slight smile. "You've surprised me before. I expect you to do the same now."

"Great," Jenny said sarcastically, "More pressure. Thanks."

Cesare gave her a business smile. "Don't disappoint me."

Jenny gathered the folders into her bag and stood up. Without saying goodbye, she strode out of the office, unconcerned whether Cesare noticed.