Chapter 107: Exchange

"Nine o'clock tomorrow morning? Alright, no problem."

In the quiet restaurant restroom, Murphy listened to the voice on the other end of the phone and continued, "Please have the screening equipment ready. Alright, see you tomorrow."

Hanging up, he exhaled, walked to the sink, and washed his hands. The cool water on his hands helped calm his mind, which was buzzing from the four consecutive phone calls. Even though Lionsgate, Morris Entertainment, Miramax, and Fox Searchlight had all called wanting to hold internal screenings, Murphy knew success was still a long way off for this film.

Leaving the restroom, Murphy found Carey Mulligan pacing back and forth at the end of the hallway, her doll-like face filled with anxiety. She was clearly waiting for him.

"You're finally out." She rushed over as soon as she saw him. "I was about to send Paul in to check on you."

"What's going to happen to me?" Murphy took her hand and led her outside. "I just took a couple of calls."

"Still from distribution companies?" Carey Mulligan asked with concern.

"Fox Searchlight and Miramax." He checked his watch. "Lunch is over. We need to go back and prepare."

"Okay." Carey Mulligan understood the importance of distribution.

It was important not only for Murphy but also for herself. Even though her first film had been released, almost no fans recognized her. Even her classmates in the acting class didn't believe she had starred in a real feature film. When mentioned, they all thought she was joking.

Especially one annoying British girl who always used this to mock her.

Back in a semi-open private room, Murphy saw Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill still stuffing their faces. Bill Rossis was whispering to James Franco, trying to poach him, although Franco had not responded positively.

Murphy clapped his hands, drawing their attention. "Lunch is over. Miramax and Fox Searchlight also called. We need to go back and prepare."

The others were not displeased; instead, they smiled broadly. Especially Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, who were participating in a film for the first time. They high-fived each other enthusiastically, shouting, "Yes!"

Murphy gestured for them to settle down. "Tomorrow morning, we have screenings at two companies."

He looked at his agent. "Bill, if you have time, can you take a copy to Morris Entertainment with Jonah?"

Bill Rossis didn't hesitate and nodded. "No problem, leave it to me."

Although not a professional production staff, Bill had watched the film several times from final cut to now and was very confident.

Murphy then turned to Seth Rogen. "You come with me to Miramax."

It wasn't hard to see from the arrangement that Murphy had high hopes for Miramax, having worked with them once before.

"Hey! What about me?" James Franco raised his hand. "Where am I going?"

He felt somewhat excluded from the group, which was uncomfortable.

Bill Rossis shook his head at Murphy. "Jonah and I are enough."

Murphy waved Franco off. "You'll be my driver tomorrow."

Taking Carey Mulligan's coat from the rack, Murphy draped it over her shoulders and told the others, "Hurry up. We need to pick up the copies."

The Stanton Studio's neighborhood wasn't particularly safe, so Murphy had stored the copies at a professional security company. This company had a great reputation in Hollywood, with many film companies storing their new film copies there.

With a screening scheduled at Miramax for nine the next morning, the copies needed to be retrieved in advance.

Murphy settled the bill and left the restaurant, made a reservation call, then drove to Beverly Hills. He retrieved the copies and dropped off the temporarily car-less Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill at their new shared place before returning to Stanton Studio.

Parking the car, Murphy asked Carey Mulligan to open the door while he went to the trunk to get the film copies.

"I'll help you," Carey Mulligan offered, stepping up to take one of the circular film canisters from Murphy. "Give it to me."

"You should rest."

The film reels looked light, but layered together, they were quite heavy. Murphy took one in each hand and headed towards the house.

Carey Mulligan glanced at his back, then at the trunk full of copies. Determined, she picked one up, closed the trunk, and followed him.

The copies were heavy, and she bit her lip, refusing to give up easily.

Entering the living room and putting down the copies, Murphy heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Carey Mulligan's fair forehead covered in sweat and quickly took the film canister from her.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead lightly. "You..."

Carey Mulligan, hands on her hips, took a few deep breaths. "I just wanted to help you."

"I know," Murphy said, seeing the sweat on her forehead. He patted her shoulder affectionately. "Let's go."

He certainly wouldn't let Carey Mulligan continue such heavy lifting, especially since her high heels were entirely unsuitable.

Opening the trunk, Murphy picked up two more film reels. Seeing Carey Mulligan about to help again, he said, "You stay here and watch the copies. They're our lifeblood."

Hearing this, Carey Mulligan pulled her hands back and nodded solemnly.

After securing the copies, they were both sweaty. With it now mid-June, Los Angeles was in its hottest season. After a refreshing shower, Murphy and Carey Mulligan decided to stay in the master bedroom upstairs, enjoying the cool air from the air conditioner.

Carey Mulligan sat on a sofa, knees bent and arms hugging her legs. "I can't wait for the film to hit the theaters."

"Getting impatient?" Murphy poured her a glass of water and placed it on the small table in front of her. He pulled up a chair and sat across from her. "Don't worry. Trust me, our film will definitely make it to the theaters."

"I just want to prove to the people in my acting class..." She looked up at Murphy. "That I've starred in a real feature film."

Murphy understood this was a young girl's desire to show off. He pinched her adorable doll-like face. "When the film is released, you can invite them to the theater to watch it."

"I have no money..." Carey Mulligan frowned. "My salary all went to acting school. There are too many people in the acting class, and I have too little money."

"I can help you with that," Murphy said, eyeing the hem of her short nightdress. "But you have to think about what you'll give me in return."

Carey Mulligan understood his playful tone. She jumped up from the sofa, crossed the table, and pounced on Murphy, pressing him down.

The night was long, and when the sun rose again, more important tasks awaited Murphy.

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