[Chapter 470: Erin Brockovich]
The morning in Beverly Hills was sunny. Link was jogging along the tree-lined path, wearing a sports T-shirt and shorts, followed by Milla Jovovich, Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore. They were preparing for new movies, and running every day was part of their regular training routine.
Link slowed down his pace to jog alongside the four of them. With his current physical fitness, when running at full speed, he was as fast as a cheetah, but had endurance that surpassed one as well. Because of his strong physique, he didn't tire even if he ran continuously for a hundred kilometers. Morning jogging wasn't much of a challenge for him, yet he persisted, treating running as a part of life, like brushing his teeth or washing his face.
...
While they ran, two bodyguards jogged some fifty meters behind, guarding against any unexpected issues; one was nearly 40, the other in his early twenties. The older one was Jack Steele, leader of the security team and a veteran soldier for eight years. He and Hank Goodwin joined his security detail two years back. After six months of training, they qualified as professional bodyguards. He currently led Group B of Link's security team.
The younger man was Lewis Mason, 24, who once served under Jack Steele in the military. At year's end, after hearing that Link was recruiting more bodyguards, Jack recruited Lewis and three others, all highly skilled, from the army.
Despite their skills, Lewis was still adapting to his new role and wasn't fully seasoned yet.
"Captain, I heard Link has over 80 women. Is that true?" Lewis asked while running.
"Watch your discipline!" Jack stared at him fiercely. "This is not the army. Also, I've said many times during the meetings we should not pry into Boss's private life. Don't gossip, don't discuss it with others, and definitely don't tell anyone. Our job is to protect Link and his family. Nothing else concerns us. Don't snoop or spread rumors. This is the last warning. Mess up again and I'll throw you out."
"Yes, Team Leader!" Lewis instinctively saluted but remembered the context and quickly lowered his hand, continuing his run beside Jack.
He couldn't help but mull over the rumors. When he'd heard Link was one of the richest -- worth billions and a notable philanthropist who had invested millions to build schools and hospitals. The media painted Link as a benevolent tycoon.
After joining the scurity detail, Lewis overheard gossip during training portraying Link as a notorious playboy with over a hundred girlfriends. At first, he thought it was exaggerated, but after arriving at the villa, he saw this was sadly true. He secretly counted and found there were 65.
The discovery stunned him. How could one man have so many women?
"Lewis, go check the front. Don't let paparazzi interfere with Link's run."
"Yes, Team Leader!"
...
Lewis sped up to the fork ahead and saw a car parked nearby. Two men sat inside -- a driver and another holding a camera, likely paparazzi. Lewis pointed to a nearby sign and tried to explain that the mountain and 32 surrounding acres were private property, off-limits without invitation. Trespassers could be removed by force or by law.
When the driver hesitated, Lewis pulled out a pistol from under his arm. The cameraman cursed as the driver sped away down the mountain.
They stopped later to try taking pictures again, but Link, Julie, and the others neared the mountain's base and headed back.
...
"Exercising here isn't convenient. I miss vacationing in Hawaii -- running on the beach with nothing on," complained Angelina Jolie.
"It's not so bad. Beverly Hills is the heart of the entertainment capital. We're lucky to run freely in the hills every day," Cameron Diaz smiled.
Milla Jovovich and Drew Barrymore shared the sentiment. Real estate in Beverly Hills was astronomical. They not only owned villas but the entire mountain property, offering them more freedom than those confined to homes or apartments. If they wanted privacy, they could run on the estate lawns, sports fields, or treadmills inside the gym.
They preferred running with Link -- it was more fun.
"You're the only sensible ones. Don't you want to run on the Hawaiian beach and just enjoy yourself with Link?" Angelina teased.
"I think so!" Drew yelled out. Cameron and Mila laughed.
"Once the Lanai Island resort is finished, we'll move there," Link said.
"That'll take a couple years, but living in Moon Bay Manor isn't bad either," Link added.
"I've been too busy lately to vacation. After filming, we'll go," he promised.
"Great!" The four women kept pace with Link, running uphill until they were dripping with sweat and their sports shirts were soaked.
...
After breakfast, Link drove to the company to continue working. He handed over the storyboard for the production team to review, preparing for the upcoming filming of Pirates of the Caribbean.
At noon, bald director Steven Soderbergh came by with his new script, Erin Brockovich, based on a true story.
It follows Erin Brockovich, a former beauty queen turned single mom who takes a legal secretary job to support her family. She discovers suspicious medical bills hidden among records revealing a major environmental contamination affecting local residents' health, unknown to them.
Backed by a lawyer colleague, Erin investigates and leads the community to demand compensation from the polluting companies. Ultimately, her perseverance wins the largest civil settlement in American history, and she gains personal success through generous legal fees.
"Link, what do you think about the script?" Soderbergh asked nervously.
"It has potential to be a hit. The company can invest."
Erin Brockovich was also a landmark feminist film, with Julia Roberts winning the Best Actress Oscar, further proving its quality.
"Are you sure you like the script, or just trying to reassure me?" Soderbergh asked anxiously. His earlier scripts, lauded for maturity and design, were niche and had modest box office.
Link smiled. "Your previous works were excellent but appealed mostly to niche audiences. This one tells a popular story -- women standing against powerful forces. It's a classic Hollywood narrative. If directed well, the box office will surpass your earlier films."
Soderbergh nodded but remained wary. "I plan to cast Julia Roberts as Erin. She brings optimism, levity, and tenacity."
"I understand. Don't worry, I won't meddle with casting. If you hear rumors that only my girlfriends can star in Guess or MGM films, it's false. I never interfere in casting."
"That's not the issue. But, Julia's salary is high. Having her as lead pushes the budget over 40 million dollars. We'd have to gross at least 100 million worldwide to break even. If it flops, the company could lose money." Soderbergh frowned.
"Steven, investing is our job at the company; making movies is yours. If you create a quality film that passes internal preview, box office results afterward aren't your burden. Don't stress. This script is promising. You can direct with confidence. I'll take responsibility for any issues."
"Okay." Soderbergh nodded, moved. "I'll make this film a success, both critically and commercially. If not, I'll retire."
"Don't be like that. Mindset is key. Relax, treat this project as practice and growth. Don't overload yourself."
"I understand." Soderbergh left with renewed determination after their discussion about the movie.
*****
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