Chapter 313: What Are You Applauding At?

[Chapter 313: What Are You Applauding At?]

"Wow, you won't have that impulse now, will you?" Famke Janssen gently nodded, her face becoming a bit redder.

Eric's smile turned a little mischievous. "Then you'd better hold it in; at least wait until we've finished the party."

The girl raised a small fist, as if she wanted to punch Eric's shoulder, but she hesitated and brought it back down. "Eric, I think I should return this dress and the shoes after the party."

"You don't like them?"

"Of course I do... I really love them," Famke Janssen bit her lip, then continued, "but they were too expensive, I can't keep them."

"As long as you love them," Eric casually replied.

"Anyway, I'm... going to return the dress tomorrow and give you back the money," the girl said firmly.

Eric turned his gaze to the girl, his eyes taking stock of her, and he said softly, almost with a different intention, "Don't worry, you won't be able to return it."

...

The car stopped outside the Coppola estate. Just as they got out, an African American doorman quickly approached, recognizing Eric, flashing a wide smile while taking Eric's keys and driving the car to the parking lot.

From inside the car, it was hard to tell how striking Famke looked, but stepping out in her high heels made her over six feet tall. Paired with a custom-made rose-colored evening gown by a famous designer, as soon as they arrived, the security guards and doormen at the Coppola mansion displayed looks of astonishment.

Everyone has a bit of vanity, and Famke was no exception. She was thoroughly enjoying the awe-filled gazes from the guests at the entrance, relishing it even more than the biggest fashion shows she had walked in, where she felt like just a clothes hanger. Now, that expensive gown became her embellishment.

But Eric was still not fully satisfied. He looked at the girl's delicate neck and sighed, "A necklace would make this even more beautiful. But we're short on time today, maybe next time."

"I think this is already really good," the girl said, linking her arm with Eric's.

"But I like perfect, not just 'good,'" Eric remarked as he handed the invitation to the security guard checking them in before stepping into the Coppola's grand mansion.

...

Hollywood was never short of beautiful women, but there weren't many like Famke Janssen, who possessed both height and beauty. As the two walked side by side into the estate, the guests who had been chatting in groups turned to look at them. Some women instinctively hugged their partners tighter upon spotting Famke.

Many of the male guests quickly figured out from her demeanor that she was a model. In Hollywood, it was easy to attract female models, but before they could dwell on any other thoughts, they quickly noticed the young man accompanying her.

These days, if one followed Hollywood news even a little, it was hard not to recognize Eric. Anyone who could attend a Coppola party certainly had some status, making it even more likely for them to recognize him.

"Looks like it's Williams..."

"What do you mean 'looks like'? It's definitely him! Why is he here? I've never seen him at a party before. Heard he hates socializing and only goes to Firefly films' internal events."

"Wow, it really is Eric; he's so handsome. Who's that woman with him?"

"He's a notorious playboy; it's normal for him to be surrounded by women. Hey, Jill, don't let his looks fool you."

"Should we go over and say hi?"

"That might be a bit sudden."

"Come on, let's just introduce ourselves; this kind of opportunity doesn't come around often."

...

Sensing the strange atmosphere around them, Eric slowed down his pace. It was his first party since the incident at the beginning of the year, and especially one where he didn't know many familiar faces. He had no idea how people would react.

Seeing the guests whispering and pointing at him and Famke, Eric felt a wave of regret. If he received a chilly reception, it would be so embarrassing when the word got out.

Just as he wrestled with whether to keep moving or turn around and leave, a few guests recognized them and approached him and Famke.

"Hello, Mr. Williams, I'm Gray Frederickson, the executive producer of The Godfather Part III. Welcome to the party."

"Hello, Mr. Williams, I'm Richard Bright, and I have a role in The Godfather Part III."

"Mr. Williams, hello..."

As three people approached him, Eric let out a breath of relief and smiled back, greeting them in return.

Seeing Eric's response, those who initially hesitated were eager to join in the circle of conversation.

...

Francis Coppola, curious about the commotion, approached with Al Pacino and Nicolas Cage. By the time they reached, they found Eric surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.

Al Pacino recognized Eric first from between the gaps in the crowd and commented to Coppola before making his way toward Eric. The outer crowd quickly parted to make way, as soon as they saw the three men.

"Hey, Eric, long time no see! I didn't expect to see you here tonight," Al said, warmly embracing Eric before nodding at Famke. "Let me introduce you; this is Mr. Francis Coppola."

"Hello, Mr. Coppola, I'm Eric Williams. I really admire your Godfather series, and I'm sure this installment will be another classic," Eric replied.

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Williams," Francis Coppola said, shaking Eric's hand with warmth.

"Just Eric is fine, Mr. Coppola. Oh, and this is Miss Famke Janssen," Eric indicated the girl beside him.

Francis Coppola smiled as he shook hands with Famke, then exchanged a glance with his nephew. Nicolas Cage, who was eager to step in, quickly introduced himself, "Hello, Mr. Williams, I'm Nicolas Coppola."

Eric knew Nicolas Cage better than Francis Coppola. Although Cage had once been dubbed the king of bad movies, it was undeniable that he had also starred in many classic films.

"Hello, I think calling you Cage would be more friendly. I really enjoyed your film Moonstruck; both you and Cher delivered outstanding performances."

"Thanks, Eric, just call me Nick," Nicolas Cage said, gripping Eric's hand firmly. He seemed a bit excited; this detail struck Eric as unusual, making him sense that Cage's enthusiasm was a bit much. Thinking over it, Eric quickly realized why he received this invitation -- Nicolas Cage was likely eyeing the lead role in Ghost.

Eric took a moment to appraise Nicolas Cage, who was just twenty-six at the time, with his hair thick and his hairline not as receded as it would be years later. His deep-set eyes gave him a touch of melancholy.

Noticing Eric's assessment, Francis Coppola smiled appreciatively while Al Pacino, aware that Eric was sharp enough to pick up on cues, stood beside him grinning. Although it felt slightly odd being scrutinized by someone five or six years younger, Cage remained quiet.

The entire party celebrated the upcoming shoot of The Godfather Part III, and both the director and lead actor were no longer speaking, creating a hushed atmosphere around them.

After about a minute, Eric contemplated carefully, recalling Cage's performance in City of Angels. He finally made a decision and extended his hand again. "So, Nick, would you like to join the cast of Ghost?"

Cage's eyes widened in disbelief. Being part of the Coppola family, he understood that securing a lead role in a major commercial film wasn't easy. It involved more than just acting; it required navigating multiple agreements. A successful commercial film could turn an unknown Hollywood actor into a global superstar. While many popular films released annually, most leading roles were claimed by already established actors, leaving little room for newcomers.

Though he had already won an audition chance for Ghost and was confident in his skills, he took this opportunity at The Godfather III party to nudge his uncle into helping him secure the role, leveraging the Coppola family's influence in Hollywood.

Never did he expect things would turn out so easily, making him want to pinch himself; this felt like a dream.

Before he had the chance to, Al already playfully punched Cage in the chest. "Lucky guy! Should we really hesitate now?"

That jolt brought Nicolas Cage back to reality, and he vigorously shook Eric's hand. "Of course, Eric, thank you!"

Eric knew he couldn't let this opportunity slip. After Ghost, the Coppola family would have another rising star in Hollywood. There was no way he would let such a favor go easily. So after releasing Cage's hand, he turned to Francis Coppola, smiling broadly. "Mr. Coppola, Nick is one of your family members; I'm sure his acting skills will exceed my expectations, right?"

Though this sounded like a casual statement, it quickly dawned on several seasoned guests around them that Eric was suggesting the Coppola family owed him a favor. It was uncertain whether Francis Coppola would acknowledge it, knowing that favors did need repayment, and if Cage achieved great success from Ghost, that favor would carry substantial weight.

Cage noticed the reactions on the faces of those around him and pondered for a moment before realizing what Eric was implying.

He glanced nervously at his uncle. Although this uncle had always been good to him and had given him minor roles early in his career, he wasn't Francis Coppola's son.

Unexpectedly, Francis Coppola hesitated for only two seconds before smiling and shaking Eric's hand. "Of course, Eric, Nick won't let you down. If he finds success in his acting career, it'll also be a proud moment for the Coppola family."

Truly, being one of Hollywood's great directors, his demeanor and broad-mindedness were unmatched. Upon hearing this, the surrounding guests were impressed, and soon someone started clapping, leading to a wave of applause.

Eric felt a bit awkward letting go of Coppola's hand; it seemed he had become somewhat of a flatterer. However, he didn't regret it; not reaching out in this situation would've been foolish; he wasn't running a charity.

Just then, he glanced at Famke, who was smiling and clapping her hands.

Silly girl, what are you applauding for? Are you laughing at me?

Famke Janssen sensed the 'killing intent' in Eric's gaze, her delicate hands paused in front of her for a moment before she realized something. She quickly flirtatiously intertwined her arm with Eric's and subtly nudged her soft chest against him a couple of times, like a cat seeking reassurance from its owner after causing trouble.

"Alright, Eric, let's go inside. Let me introduce you to some people," Francis Coppola said cheerfully, gesturing for everyone to walk and chat as they headed for the villa.

"Honestly, Eric, you should attend more parties; it's beneficial for understanding Hollywood better. Oh, by the way, your Liberty City mansion in Malibu is quite a sight! It's considered a landmark now. When are you inviting us over? I really want to see what a 20-million-dollar mansion looks like," Francis Coppola walked beside Eric, conversing like a familiar elder.

Eric smiled and nodded, scanning the estate. As they neared the villa, Eric suddenly stopped, his curiosity drawn to a direction. Yet, that graceful figure quickly vanished into the crowd.

Noticing Eric's unusual behavior, the others followed his gaze curiously but found nothing out of the ordinary.

*****

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