Director in Hollywood

Overseas, the European markets pulled in $31.87 million in the second week. With the arrival of the next weekend, the film began to release in other regions.

An interesting event occurred when India refused to screen the film domestically, citing its excessively gory war scenes, and demanded cuts to the movie.

When Gilbert heard about this, he decisively refused. "If those scenes are removed, the film loses its essence. I won't agree to any cuts."

Warner Bros. immediately relayed Gilbert's response to Indian distributors and even encouraged the media to stir up discussions about India's conservativeness and lack of openness.

For a country like India, which prides itself on being progressive and integrating into the global culture, this accusation was intolerable. Enraged, they lifted the ban, allowing the movie to release in India.

However, even with the release, Indian critics remained proud and critical.

The Hindustan Times published an article calling the film a mediocre fantasy.

"Eight men risking their lives to save one soldier? To us Indians, that's simply not a fair exchange."

Such comments sparked a wave of controversy. Soon after, the Los Angeles Times published an article countering the Hindustan Times' statement:

"Is the value of one life worth the sacrifice of eight lives really the question we should be asking? No. What we should focus on is the blood that countless soldiers shed decades ago for the invaluable cause of peace and freedom.

Does this mean that, in the eyes of Indians, the Allied forces' sacrifice to save the world from fascism was wrong?

When the British and Americans liberated India, they paid a huge price. Shouldn't Indians be eternally grateful for that?"

These remarks infuriated Indian media, who were never ones to back down from a verbal sparring match.

Indian journalists began citing historical accounts from their own historians, condemning Britain's exploitation of Indian people. This, in turn, provoked the British press.

"What do you mean exploitation? It was peace and liberation. We built cities and railroads for you. How are you still ungrateful?

Who built Bombay, often called 'Little New York'? It was us, the British."

This argument spiraled into a never-ending debate, each side endlessly tracing back historical grievances. For the media, however, it was all good fun.

Fortunately, the international internet wasn't as developed back then. Otherwise, the Western media would've truly experienced the full might of Indian netizens.

Despite the heated exchanges, none of it affected Saving Private Ryan's global box office performance.

By the end of its second week in North America, the film had already grossed $173 million worldwide, an impressive achievement.

Gilbert was very pleased with the numbers. If he remembered correctly, his version of Saving Private Ryan had outperformed Spielberg's in its early stages.

Barring any surprises, the film should easily surpass $500 million in global box office revenue. While it might not exceed The Rock, it was still an excellent result for an R-rated film. It might even contend for the top spot among R-rated movies.

Following the promotional events in Tokyo and Osaka, the cast and crew of Saving Private Ryan were preparing to return to North America.

However, just then, Gilbert received an unexpected invitation.

"Sir, Representative Hiroya Onogi insists that you must accept his invitation. Please, I beg you." The middle-aged man in front of Gilbert bowed deeply as he handed over the invitation.

Gilbert accepted it with curiosity, asking, "Is Representative Onogi a politician?"

"Yes," the man replied respectfully. "The representative has prepared an exquisite meal at his residence and eagerly awaits your arrival."

Unsure of what Onogi was up to but unwilling to offend a prominent figure, Gilbert decided to accept the invitation.

That evening, a car arrived to pick up Gilbert and took him to Onogi's residence.

The estate was a classic Japanese-style courtyard—small but exquisitely designed. The garden featured flowers, plants, and a central pond with a few ornamental fish.

Crossing the wooden bridge over the pond, Gilbert entered the house. Outside, he noticed traditional Japanese geishas playing instruments he didn't recognize, their music unfamiliar and somewhat unsettling.

Gilbert mused to himself that these traditional tunes were far less pleasing than the works of Japan's modern composers.

As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a man in his fifties with graying hair and a short stature, accompanied by his traditionally dressed wife and daughters.

The man stepped forward enthusiastically and shook Gilbert's hand. This overly warm reception made Gilbert feel a little awkward.

"You must be Director Gilbert. It's an honor to finally meet you! I'm Hiroya Onogi. My family and I are big fans of your work. We've been eagerly awaiting your visit to Japan."

Gilbert subtly withdrew his hand from the man's firm grip. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Mr. Onogi. May I ask what this is all about?"

"Oh, it's nothing major," Onogi replied with a smile. "I just wanted to meet you in person. Dinner is ready; let's talk while we eat." He clapped his hands, gesturing to his wife. "Kyoko, please show our guest to the dining room."

Kyoko appeared to be in her thirties, tall for a Japanese woman, and likely the result of a May-December marriage, which wasn't uncommon.

Her fair, smooth skin and delicate features exuded a youthful charm, while her slightly raised eyebrows hinted at a playful personality.

Gilbert silently remarked on Onogi's good fortune, having such an attractive and elegant wife.

Wearing wooden sandals, Kyoko walked gracefully forward and gestured politely. "Sir, please follow me."

Having already accepted the invitation, Gilbert was curious about what Onogi wanted. He followed Kyoko to the dining room.

The room featured a mix of traditional and modern elements. To accommodate Gilbert's preferences, they had prepared a small stool instead of requiring him to kneel.

Onogi sat at the head of the table, with Gilbert seated as the honored guest. Kyoko clapped her hands, and the kitchen began serving dishes.

The meal consisted of traditional Japanese cuisine—sashimi, sushi, seaweed salad, sukiyaki, and more. Outside, a grill and teppanyaki station had been set up for preparing Kobe beef and other grilled delicacies.

"Yae, Yuri, come and join us," Onogi called out, summoning his two daughters to accompany Gilbert during the meal.

Watching the two girls, who looked no older than high school students, Gilbert frowned inwardly. What exactly was Onogi planning?

Despite the pleasant meal and conversation, Onogi refrained from revealing his true intentions. They simply drank sake, enjoyed the food, and engaged in light-hearted discussions.

Onogi's time in America had made him well-versed in both American and Japanese cultures, and his amiable demeanor made him an excellent conversationalist.

Still, Gilbert remained cautious. This was a seasoned politician with undoubtedly complex motives, and Gilbert couldn't afford to lower his guard.

Kyoko, meanwhile, continued serving dishes. Gilbert couldn't help but notice the modified design of her kimono, which occasionally revealed a deep neckline.

After dinner, Onogi finally broached the subject while they were having tea. "Let's take a photo together. I'd like to hang it in my office or living room."

It wasn't a request Gilbert could easily decline, so he agreed.

The arrangement for the photo, however, struck Gilbert as odd. Instead of standing beside her husband, Kyoko positioned herself next to Gilbert, while Yae and Yuri flanked him

The arrangement made it seem as if Hiroya Onogi was the outsider instead.

After the photo session, Hiroya Onogi once again spoke up, "Treat this place as your home. It's already late; why not stay in the guest room tonight?"

Gilbert hesitated for a moment, remaining cautious, but he figured that as an American and a well-known director, Hiroya Onogi wouldn't dare to harm him. So, he agreed.

Before settling in the guest room, Gilbert decided to take a bath. At this point, Kyoko had changed out of her kimono and into a bathrobe to assist Gilbert with his bath.

"Uh? Why are you here?" Gilbert quickly covered his lower body, though due to its size, it was inevitable that some of it remained exposed.

Kyoko blushed and bowed at a ninety-degree angle. "I've come to assist you with your bath, sir."

"That's… not necessary. I can handle it myself," Gilbert said, attempting to decline.

However, Kyoko ignored his refusal, promptly removing her bathrobe to reveal her mature figure. She then took a bath sponge and began to lather Gilbert's body.

Having never encountered such a situation before, Gilbert was momentarily stunned. It wasn't that he wasn't used to bathing, as he often bathed with Naomi Watts and others back home, sometimes even using it as a chance to learn.

But to have someone else's wife—especially one he had just met that day—voluntarily assist him with bathing? Gilbert found this a bit overwhelming.

Still, if it was already happening, he figured he might as well embrace it fully.

Hiroya Onogi likely wouldn't use this against him anyway, as such incidents seemed to fall under the category of unspoken and discreet rules in this country.

In the United States, such things were even more casual. A woman from this country was seen as no different from a servant in the eyes of many Americans—if it happened, it happened.

Perhaps some Americans might even be curious to know if women from this country were as submissive as the rumors claimed.

Kyoko furrowed her brows slightly as she endured the overwhelming impact from behind—a sensation entirely new to her. Although it was somewhat embarrassing, she couldn't help but think that Gilbert, being young and vigorous, was far superior to Hiroya Onogi.

When it was over, Kyoko carefully helped Gilbert finish bathing before escorting him to the guest room.

After Kyoko excused herself, Gilbert opened the guest room door and was startled to find Hiroya Onogi's two daughters waiting inside.

Seeing Gilbert enter, Yae and Yuri bowed and said, "Sir, we're here to assist you in sleeping peacefully."

"Uh, with you two here, how am I supposed to sleep?" Gilbert waved his hand dismissively. "There's no need for you to assist me. You may leave now."

"This…" Yae and Yuri exchanged a glance, puzzled. Did he not like the two of them?

Noticing the concern on the girls' faces, Gilbert reassured them, "This has nothing to do with you. I'll speak to your father about this. He won't blame you."

The two girls, relieved by his words, bowed again before slowly leaving the room.

Gilbert finally breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe now he could get a good night's sleep.

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