System in Hollywood

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who had been feeling increasingly confident about her looks and charm, was stunned as soon as she arrived at the villa. In comparison to Nicole Kidman, she seemed like a little maid serving a queen; her aura was completely overshadowed by Nicole's. Even during deeper interactions, she couldn't fully let herself go, which gave Wayne a different kind of experience.

Unfortunately, like most Western girls, Sarah Michelle Gellar's prime wouldn't last long. If she followed the trajectory of history, her looks would start to decline rapidly by next year when she turned 25.

Otherwise, he would have liked to keep this sweet girl around for a while.

"What are your plans for your acting career next?" Wayne asked as he and Nicole Kidman enjoyed a candlelit dinner alone in the villa after seeing off Sarah Michelle Gellar.

"What, are you going to offer me some roles?" Nicole teased as she speared a juicy piece of steak and fed it to Wayne, smiling. "Now that I'm finally divorced, I plan to take a break this year. Besides the current film, *Panic Room*, I don't have any other projects lined up. But three movies I shot last year should be released this year."

"*Moulin Rouge!*, *The Others*, and *Birthday Girl*?"

"Looks like you're quite concerned about me," Nicole Kidman laughed happily.

"By the way, if you count your *The Bourne Identity*, that makes four."

Wayne raised an eyebrow. With this lineup, Nicole Kidman was poised for a major breakout this year.

The romantic musical *Moulin Rouge!* starring her and Ewan McGregor, not only grossed $184 million globally on a $50 million budget but also earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

The horror film *The Others* grossed $209 million worldwide on a $17 million budget.

Most importantly, she was the undisputed lead in both of these films.

These two films helped her reputation and influence in Hollywood increase rather than decrease after losing the support of Tom Cruise, making her one of the more prominent A-list actresses in Hollywood.

If not for the flop of *Birthday Girl*, which made only $16.1 million globally on a $15 million budget, failing to achieve a hat-trick of successes...

Her fame and influence could have surpassed Julia Roberts, elevating her to the ranks of Hollywood's superstars.

At that point, she would have been among the top actresses in Hollywood, with Jennifer Aniston being the only one to surpass her.

It was just a slight miss that kept her from reaching the top.

However, now, with three out of four leading roles achieving both box office and critical success, the impact of *Birthday Girl*'s flop would be minimized, and the blame could be shifted entirely to the male lead and director.

In this way, even if she couldn't reach superstar status, she wouldn't be far off.

"I do have a good opportunity, actually. It's a Warner Bros. production, directed by Steven Soderbergh: *Ocean's Eleven*," Wayne said.

"The leads are George Clooney and Brad Pitt, and I might play the third male lead."

"But because I'm an investor, I get to decide who plays the female lead."

As expected, Nicole Kidman looked surprised after hearing this. A project directed by the red-hot Steven Soderbergh, with such a star-studded cast, was indeed a valuable opportunity that many would fight for.

However, she didn't immediately agree. Instead, she cautiously reminded, "You need to be careful when collaborating with giants like Warner Bros. Make sure they don't take advantage of you."

Wayne kissed her cheek and said, "Don't worry. I'm in the industry too; they won't get me that easily."

"Then why not offer such a great role to your Jessica or Charlize Theron?" Nicole Kidman asked curiously.

Wayne shrugged and explained frankly, "Jessica is too young. The female lead is supposed to be George Clooney's character's ex-wife, who should be at least in her thirties. And Charlize Theron is busy shooting *Resident Evil* until April, so her schedule conflicts with *Ocean's Eleven*."

"This project has been in preparation for three or four months. As long as my investment is secured and the female lead is decided, filming could start by the end of this month."

Nicole Kidman nodded in understanding but then fell into deep thought.

Since July last year, she had been filming continuously for *Moulin Rouge!*, *The Others*, *Birthday Girl*, *The Bourne Identity*, and the currently shooting *Panic Room*—five movies in seven months with almost no rest in between. Add to that the stress of a divorce, and she was utterly exhausted.

"Sorry, darling, I'm really too tired. I think I'll pass on this opportunity. But, of course, if you can't find anyone else suitable, I'll definitely help you out," Nicole Kidman said after a moment of thought, deciding to give up this great opportunity.

Wayne finally noticed the deep fatigue in her eyes and didn't press further. Instead, he gently comforted her.

"I should be the one apologizing. You've been working non-stop for over half a year. It's time for a break. As for this opportunity, let it go. With your fame and influence, there will be plenty more opportunities like this in the future."

Nicole Kidman's face broke into a sweet, charming smile, and after dinner, she eagerly pulled Wayne back to the bedroom.

Meanwhile, Sarah Michelle Gellar had just finished signing a contract and was leaving the Hemera Pictures building with her agent.

Before they could even get into the car, they exchanged a glance, finally unable to contain their shock and excitement.

"Oh my God! It's just a sixth female lead, and I thought getting a $200,000 salary would be a stretch. After all, you only got $150,000 for starring in *Cruel Intentions* back then. Who would've thought Hemera Pictures would offer you $800,000! Wayne really is as generous with salaries as they say in the industry! You're so lucky he noticed you!"

The agent rattled off like a machine gun. 

(End of Chapter)