King of Hollywood

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(This should be done all at once, right?)

"If I had to use one word to describe this film, 'coincidence' would undoubtedly be the most appropriate. Everything happened because of coincidences, especially that unexpected ending. However, this film, which takes coincidence as its focal point, never makes one feel annoyed. Those seemingly chaotic clues were skillfully pieced together by the director, appearing orderly in the midst of chaos. I must admit the director's mastery of multilinear storytelling techniques is exceptional." — Italy, "Corriere della Sera"

"This is a typical cut film, with a strong personal style and filled with British dry humor. Fans of cut films are sure to enjoy this movie, and they wouldn't expect the '**' throughout the film to be so interesting. However, what's surprising, or rather shocking, is that the director is an American! An American director has made a cut film that is entirely in the British style, which is quite ironic and humorous." — Renowned British film critic, Tony Ryan

"The excessive coincidences lower the watchability of this film. While it's undeniable that the director has a knack for storytelling, these coincidences make it somewhat run-of-the-mill. It's an interesting film, but merely interesting, suitable for watching during a break or for leisure." — France, "Le Figaro"

"At this year's Venice Film Festival, besides Martin Scorsese's 'Goodfellas', another American movie also attracted quite a bit of attention. Interestingly, although the director is American, the movie itself is a cut film with a strong British style. If you didn't know, you'd definitely think it's a British work." — U.S., "Hollywood Report"

Basically, at the Flay Theatre, the film critics and journalists praised "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", except for the French. Even so, the French admitted it was an interesting and fun film. The multilinear narrative technique would still draw admiration even twenty years later, let alone in 1990.

Because of this, the audience for "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" increased several times the next day. After discussions between the theater and the organizers, they immediately added additional screenings. As such, "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," which had already gained considerable fame at the film festival thanks to critics and journalists, received even more attention. Some European countries' film companies also came knocking for distribution rights in their countries.

The first to approach was an American film company, Miramax. This film company was founded in the 70s by Bob Weinstein and Harvey Weinstein, known for producing independent films. The achievements of Hollywood's independent producers today are not unrelated to the Weinstein brothers.

Precisely because of this, Miramax has a sharp eye for small-budget films. Thus, the person in charge of attending the festival first found Adrian. Of course, they were destined to return empty-handed since Adrian participated in the festival under the guise of an independent film.

After declining, Adrian regretted for a few seconds. Their approach was sincere, and the terms, while not overly generous, were already quite good for a new director. Moreover, he remembered Miramax, or rather the Weinstein brothers, being very adept at public relations. Several times, their films won the Oscar for Best Picture. If he handed it to them, Miramax's marketing strategy would surely make up for the distribution fees.

However, this thought lingered in Adrian's mind for only a few seconds. If he handed it over for distribution, what about his own company? There was no reason to push the benefits outward. Moreover, when he grew bigger, he would certainly compete with Weinstein in some aspects, and there was no reason to weaken himself while strengthening others. Of course, the most important thing was, once a decision was made, one should stick to it. Being wishy-washy would leave him with nothing — this was one of the things he learned in his past life.

Afterward, film companies from other countries also approached one by one, forcing Adrian to deal with each of them. He had, after all, entered the festival as an independent film.

"Okay, I agree to these terms. Congratulations, Mr. Brook." After exchanging a glance with Laverne, Adrian stood up and extended his hand to the middle-aged man in front of him.

"Very pleased to obtain the distribution rights for this film. I'm sure people will love it." The middle-aged man stood up, smiling and shaking Adrian's hand with gentlemanly demeanor. Gary Brook, one of the representatives of the British Tuknan Film Company attending the Venice Film Festival, a typical Brit.

"May I ask a question, Mr. Adrian? How did you... manage to make such a film with a strong British dark humor style?" Brook asked at this point.

Adrian smiled subtly, "My grandmother was British, and I often vacationed in London with my parents as a child. This city left a deep impression on me, so I chose here to make my first film."

"I see." Brook nodded, still smiling, but his chin raised slightly.

Although Adrian found it amusing, he didn't show it on his face. After sending Brook out, he turned to Laverne and said, "The British are always so conceited, dragging negotiations to the last minute, and..."

He made a gesture and then shook his head. Several British film companies only approached at the last moment. They were evidently very conflicted — the director of a film with a British dark humor style turned out to be an American!

"They're habitual, always wallowing in past glories and unable to extricate themselves." Laverne shrugged.

Adrian couldn't help but laugh. He hadn't expected this guy to be so cutting when sarcastic.

"He seems to have noticed something," Laverne reminded at this moment.

"It doesn't matter. I invested and produced it myself, so it's not a problem. Besides, they'll find out sooner or later." Adrian shrugged nonchalantly. This was one of the reasons he enlisted Laverne to help handle the various film companies.

Laverne said no more, got his things in order, and bade farewell. After seeing him out of the room, Adrian let out a long breath, stretched comfortably, and then went to the balcony.

"Hey, baby, I'm really sorry for bringing you here." Adrian grinned and greeted Kate, who was lounging and reading a book.

But Kate lifted her head to roll her eyes at him, saying nothing.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Adrian asked, puzzled.

"Nothing," Kate said in an exaggerated sing-song tone, "I'm just a bit conceited."

Adrian showed a look of bewilderment, then burst into laughter.

"Alright, I misspoke, missed a word. It should've been 'certain' before 'British people'." He sat down beside her and spread his hands, "I apologize again, alright?"

Kate snorted softly, turned her body, and continued reading as if she hadn't heard anything.

Adrian raised his eyebrows, then suddenly scooped up Kate by the waist, hoisting her onto his shoulder and striding inside.

"What are you doing! Put me down!" Kate was startled and immediately started struggling, kicking and writhing, hitting Adrian's waist with her hands until he kneaded her shapely bottom, making her squeal and go limp.

With a thump, Adrian tossed Kate onto the bed, then cracked his knuckles and looked at her fiercely, "Obviously, you should accept a little punishment, my dear Kate."

"You... I..." Kate instinctively covered her chest with her hands, "Don't mess around, Ed!"

"It's been several days already. Any pain should have passed by now, shouldn't it?" Adrian chuckled as he pressed down.

"Wait, it's daytime now!" seeing he was serious, Kate quickly retreated, but unfortunately, she couldn't escape.

"So what? There's no law saying you can't do it in the daytime."

"But... but... I also have to..."

"Don't worry, you'll agree in no time."

"Wait... help!"

Although Kate put up a "long and arduous" resistance, having just discovered the delights, how could she be a match against Adrian, who had experience with countless women? Soon, she lost herself in love and tease, leading to a passionate, extended battle that was intertwined to the end. The afternoon sunlight shining through the balcony and windows made the scenery in the room exceptionally enchanting.

"You're a bastard, Ed." Kate's soft voice rang out. She lay snuggled in Adrian's arms, unmoving, as if she had no strength left.

"Why do you say that?" Adrian embraced her from behind, kissing her neck tenderly.

"You've rendered me unable to move." Kate's tone carried a hint of complaint but more satisfaction.

Adrian chuckled without speaking, continuing to cuddle her. The experiences from his prior life and this one made him very familiar with the female body, and he had the capital now, easily making Kate feel like she was in heaven.

"Oh, Kate," after a long while, Adrian suddenly asked, "Have you given any thought to it? Don't forget, I want you to play the supporting role in my new film."

The figure in his embrace trembled slightly, and after a long sigh, Kate turned over with effort, looking at Adrian with a complex gaze, "I don't know, Ed. I... I love you. I want to go, but..."

"Because of your studies, and perhaps your mother would disapprove, right?" Adrian smiled gently, "I think a student determined to go to Oxford wouldn't fail to graduate high school, nor would a student determined for Oxford not be able to attend Stanford University. If you like, I can persuade Ms. Judy."

"Stanford University? But I'm going to Oxford for literature." Kate poked his chest with her finger.

"Stanford's humanities and natural sciences departments are also excellent," Adrian continued to persuade, "Also, if you want to develop in Hollywood, I think you should go to USC School of Cinematic Arts or California Institute of the Arts — Kate, I want you by my side."

Words of affection are always effective; after a few seconds of silence, Kate hugged Adrian, "Ed, can we talk about it after I graduate high school? I will definitely consider it. I also want to be by your side."

"Of course." Adrian nodded, lowering his head to kiss her delicate collarbone, "But first, let me take a little interest."

"Wait! No... you can't… ah!"

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