93 Chapter 93: Scamming

Although meticulously groomed, Simon could easily notice the obvious bags under Meg Ryan's eyes and her deep nasolabial folds; her skin lacked the glow expected of a 26-year-old woman, resembling more a thirty-something housewife who had been overworked.

Having mingled in similar circles for two lifetimes, Simon knew well what Meg Ryan's current condition signified.

Sitting next to Meg Ryan, her CAA agent Josh Lieberman noticed Simon's expression and quickly broke the silence, "Mr. Westeros, Meg and I have studied the script for 'When Harry Met Sally' thoroughly, and she is very eager to play the role of Sally. However, as we understand, the film hasn't secured financing yet. What are the plans for Daenerys Pictures?"

"The film will start shooting by September at the latest," Simon shifted his gaze from Meg Ryan to Josh Lieberman, "If we don't find a partner, Daenerys Pictures will finance the project ourselves."

A common rule among Hollywood filmmakers is never to invest one's own money in movies.

Hearing Simon's response, Josh internally labeled him a naive young man, but he nodded outwardly, "If that's the case, we have no issues."

"Now, let me address my concern," Simon turned back to Meg Ryan, straightforwardly asking, "Miss Ryan, do you have a drug addiction?"

Meg had been uneasy under Simon's scrutiny.

She had expected a very relaxed meeting, but this young man, reportedly not even 20 years old, unexpectedly exerted more pressure on her than some studio executives.

Hearing his question, Meg immediately shook her head, "Of course not."

"In that case, take a drug test," Simon said calmly, "If you pass, you don't need to audition; the role is yours."

Meg looked hesitantly at her agent beside her.

Josh coughed awkwardly, stepping in to defend his client, "Mr. Westeros, I can assure you that won't interfere with the film's production."

Simon shook his head, "Sorry, Mr. Lieberman, your assurance isn't worth $15 million."

After last year's 'Top Gun', in which she played a minor role, it hadn't been too difficult for Meg Ryan to receive film offers, though most were for supporting roles.

A major production with a female lead and a budget of $15 million was still quite out of her reach. Therefore, both Josh Lieberman and Meg Ryan valued this opportunity greatly.

Feeling Simon's assertiveness, Josh hesitated briefly, then suddenly suggested, "Maybe, Mr. Westeros, you could have a one-on-one talk with Meg."

Without waiting for Simon's response, Josh quickly stood up, subtly signaling Meg with his eyes before heading towards the office door.

Simon watched Josh leave, smiling faintly before turning his gaze back to Meg, still unyieldingly asking, "What do you normally use? Do you inject?"

"Of course not," Meg glanced at the closed office door and then warily at the formidable young man across from her. After a pause, she gestured a smoking action with her hand, "Just, just occasionally like this, Mr. Westeros, I don't have a drug addiction."

Simon studied the woman across from him, still hesitant.

'When Harry Met Sally' had a production budget of $15 million, possibly requiring his personal investment; Simon wasn't going to risk such a large sum carelessly.

Although he remembered that Meg Ryan hadn't been affected by drugs and started to gain significant popularity two years later, Simon couldn't guarantee that his own butterfly effect wouldn't change some things.

Noticing Simon's indecisiveness, and recalling her agent's departing look, Meg quickly suggested, "Mr. Westeros, maybe we could have dinner together later to discuss this matter in more detail."

Simon raised an eyebrow, "Sorry, Miss Ryan, I already have plans."

Not wanting to persist awkwardly, Meg proposed, "Tomorrow night then."

Simon smiled, "Unfortunately, I have another appointment tomorrow night as well."

Feeling the bright scrutiny of the young man across from her, Meg felt increasingly embarrassed, which quickly morphed into a kind of defiant frustration.

Resolute, Meg stood and moved around the coffee table, then knelt on the carpet at Simon's feet and reached for his belt.

Simon, sensing the still pleasant fragrance of the woman, raised his hand to stop her, "Alright, go back to your seat."

But Meg persisted, reaching out again, forcing Simon to gently push her wrist away.

Then.

Meg collapsed onto the floor, curling up and looking up at Simon with a sorrowful gaze.

Scamming, indeed.

Internally sighing, Simon leaned back on the sofa, propped up his leg, and avoided helping the woman on the floor, "I originally wanted to discuss the script with you. Now, two things: first, take a drug test. I need to be sure you haven

't touched certain substances. Second, if that checks out, I'll schedule an audition for you. If you pass, you must work at Daenerys Pictures every day from nine to five until filming starts. No late nights, no nightclubs, no touching those substances, and regular maintenance is required. Sally is a very refined woman, and only by maintaining a regular lifestyle and undergoing regular maintenance can you reach the condition I need."

After finishing, seeing that the woman was still sprawled on the carpet, Simon simply stood up, "Think it over, come back tomorrow."

Just as Simon reached the door, a voice behind him said, "Tomorrow is Saturday."

Simon opened the door, not looking back, "Or, you don't have to come at all."

Returning to the audition room, Simon continued working until the evening before leaving Daenerys Pictures headquarters and heading straight to a mansion halfway up Beverly Hills.

Simon indeed had plans tonight—a party at Robert Redford's house, but his purpose was to cast another role for 'Pulp Fiction,' the boxer Butch Coolidge.

The original Butch Coolidge was played by Bruce Willis, towards whom Simon wasn't particularly fond. This time, he had his eye on another actor who had previously played a boxer.

Of course.

It wasn't Sylvester Stallone.

With an $8 million budget, hiring Stallone was out of the question.

Simon intended to invite Robert De Niro, who had starred in 'The Godfather,' 'Taxi Driver,' and 'Raging Bull.' Robert Redford, who was on good terms with De Niro, had agreed to introduce them at tonight's party.