Chapter 40: Deepening Relationships

No matter how competitive the external environment may be, the larger a company grows, the more internal factions it tends to have.

During power struggles, each faction generally restrains itself, avoiding actions that would harm the company's interests. Once that boundary is crossed, the company is not far from decline.

Gilbert, clearly unaware of the internal conflicts at Disney, had no intention of involving himself even if he did know. Such internal struggles were too distant for him. As long as he made good films, he would be the object of everyone's pursuit and flattery.

For a film director, the film itself is the foundation of everything.

Cameron Diaz's agent had secured a few audition opportunities for her. Although she was living with Gilbert, she wasn't often seen coming back.

Unexpectedly, Winona Ryder reappeared after more than half a year.

"I heard you're dating a girl named Cameron Diaz?" Winona Ryder entered the apartment and began searching around, finding two different colored women's underwear.

Comparing the sizes, Winona Ryder nodded in satisfaction and muttered to herself, "Quite big."

Gilbert was speechless. "Miss Ryder, long time no see. You come in and start searching my place right away?"

"I heard you moved, so I was checking to make sure I wouldn't have trouble finding you," Winona Ryder said with a sense of justification.

It was clear that the new apartment address had been given to her by Gwyneth Paltrow. They were close friends, sharing everything, even men.

"Do you know?" Winona Ryder casually took a bottle of beer from the fridge, took a sip, and said to Gilbert, "I've missed you. I was feeling down recently, and I'm glad to have had you."

Gilbert was instantly speechless, feeling like a mere companion.

So, he quickly changed the subject. "I heard you and Johnny Depp are back together?"

To his surprise, Winona Ryder shook her head. "We broke up again. I'm single now."

"Really?" Gilbert was astonished. "Are you serious?"

"Of course, I'm serious," Winona Ryder said with a very serious expression.

Gilbert thought that Winona Ryder seemed somewhat unstable, and Johnny Depp was similar. They were a perfect match, in an inexplicable way.

To avoid any trouble with Johnny Depp, Gilbert didn't get into anything with Winona Ryder. Instead, he talked her out of staying and sent her on her way.

After Winona Ryder left, Gilbert breathed a sigh of relief.

Hollywood's romantic entanglements were indeed very complicated. It was a place full of stars and intense pressure, where people could easily find themselves in a romantic situation.

There were still some puritanical figures in Hollywood, but many actors, directors, and producers led chaotic private lives.

In contrast, although Gilbert was living quite freely, he seemed like a puritan compared to others. After all, he didn't use drugs and avoided the current craze of wild parties.

As Gwyneth Paltrow put it, he was an anomaly in Hollywood, with none of the charm of old Gilbert.

Time slowly moved to June. With "Final Destination" mostly completed in post-production, the final edit, score, and a few special effects were added to the film.

The total runtime of the film was 102 minutes. Gilbert was confident that it would provide a thrilling experience for the audience.

Cameron Diaz was also closely following the film's post-production, as this was her first movie role.

Although she hadn't seen the final cut, Gilbert reassured her that the film would be as good as "The Shallows."

June 29 was Gilbert's birthday.

Originally, he planned to celebrate at his aunt's house in San Francisco, but his father only bought him a watch as a birthday gift and left him to it.

However, his uncle and family went on vacation to Hawaii, so Gilbert had to spend it in Los Angeles on his own.

Of course, his birthday was not boring. His agent, Sheena Boone, personally made him a cake.

Matt Damon gave him a pair of signed Jordan sneakers. At the time, Jordan had just won back-to-back championships and was one of the most famous NBA players worldwide.

Gwyneth Paltrow, in a humorous gesture, gave him an inflatable doll.

What does this mean? Does she think I don't have women? Is she suggesting I need an inflatable doll?

Gilbert found it amusing but accepted the gift.

Naturally, there were other presents as well. Steven Spielberg gave him his personal notes from years of directing, and George Lucas sent a lightsaber.

Although Gilbert's second film did not collaborate with Universal Pictures, President Akio Koyoi sent a set of Panasonic electronics.

Disney's Touchstone Pictures also contributed. Robert Iger heard that Gilbert had a younger cousin under twelve, whom Gilbert adored. Since the cousin was a fan of Disney's classic animated characters, he sent a set of Disney animation dolls.

At a certain level, birthdays are no longer just personal or family matters. Gilbert was a living example of this.

At noon in the studio, Gilbert had a meal with his colleagues to celebrate his birthday.

In the evening, Cameron Diaz made dinner for him, and they enjoyed a candlelit dinner together.

"Try this dish. It's something I learned from my grandmother," Cameron Diaz enthusiastically recommended her specialty.

Gilbert took a bite and relaxed his expression. "Hmm, it's really good. Quite tasty."

Cameron Diaz pretended to be shy, her large blue eyes gazing at Gilbert as she said in a sweet tone, "My grandmother said this dish is made for the man she loves."

Her sweet tone made Gilbert feel a bit mushy. He was certain that in twenty or thirty years, those so-called falsettos couldn't compare to Cameron Diaz's voice.

Looking at Cameron Diaz's alluring face, Gilbert didn't want to be a tease. "Michelle, you know I'm currently focused on my film career. I'm not interested in dating or being tied down to one woman."

According to modern standards, women are independent and no longer subservient to men. There are plenty of good men out there, and he was happy being single. If he got lonely, finding a partner wouldn't be too difficult for someone as beautiful as her.

But Cameron Diaz stared into Gilbert's eyes with such intensity that he felt a bit disoriented.

After a long, intense gaze, Cameron Diaz finally smiled. "I know that Hollywood big shots have many women, and you're no exception."

"I'm not a Hollywood big shot yet!" Gilbert protested.

"You will be someday," Cameron Diaz said, her eyes sparkling. "An exceptional man is always surrounded by beautiful women. That's the result of power and wealth. I admit I'm vain and attracted to the spotlight. Rather than give myself to older men, it's better to find a young, handsome, and promising one to commit to."

The meaning of her words was clear: Cameron Diaz was not satisfied with just being a girlfriend and having a physical relationship. Even without marriage, she wanted a closer relationship.

This was Cameron Diaz's assessment after observing Gilbert for a long time. Gilbert was known for taking good care of his people.

With her being so proactive, it would seem pretentious to refuse any further.

Gilbert raised his glass. "Since you've said that, I can't refuse. That would be unreasonable."

"Great!" Cameron Diaz immediately sat on Gilbert's lap, wriggling in his arms. "I've been dreaming of this moment."

"Stop wriggling. I'm losing my appetite," Gilbert said, holding Cameron Diaz's waist.

"Then what are you waiting for? Can eating fill you up? Just have me!" Cameron Diaz threw a flirtatious glance.

If someone could resist that, they wouldn't be a man.

Without the need for a wicked smile, Gilbert picked Cameron Diaz up in a princess carry, blew out the candles, and headed towards the bedroom…

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