Chapter 29: Cameron Diaz’s Subtle Strategy

After signing the management contract, Gilbert immediately handed Sina Boone a script.

"This is your new project?" Sina Boone asked.

"Yes," Gilbert nodded. *It's Final Destination*,continuing the thriller and horror style of *The Shallows* with an even more intense plot."

At present, the public's impression of him was as a B-grade horror thriller director, and film companies saw him the same way.

If he abruptly switched to a different genre, film companies might hesitate. So, it was better to continue exploring this type and build up his reputation.

After all, Gilbert had only one successful film so far. If his next project failed, the fame from *The Shallows* would be lost.

He couldn't afford to take risks. Gilbert couldn't handle another failure.

Sina Boone briefly reviewed the script and found the premise intriguing. She asked, "So, are we continuing discussions with Universal Pictures?"

"Let's talk to Universal first. Robert Iger is also inviting us, so we can keep that as a backup," Gilbert replied.

"Got it," Sina Boone said, ready and confident to discuss the project with Universal Pictures.

As the new week began, with Spielberg's *Hook* about to premiere, *The Shallows* was nearing the end of its dominance in theaters.

Gilbert planned to attend the premiere of *Hook* to show support for Spielberg, who had guided him, and it was important to go.

However, the day before the premiere, he received a call from Cameron Diaz, whom he had met at the celebration party.

Cameron Diaz wanted to apologize and invite Gilbert to dinner.

"Sorry, since I don't earn much as a model, I can't afford anything too fancy," Cameron Diaz said, inviting Gilbert to a modest fast-food restaurant with genuine apologies.

Gilbert reassured her, "It's fine. Having dinner with a beautiful woman is enough for me."

Cameron Diaz nervously asked, "Do you really think I'm pretty?"

"Of course, you're very beautiful. Who would say otherwise?" Gilbert responded.

"Some do. When I was modeling, people said my figure wasn't sexy enough and my looks weren't sweet enough," Cameron Diaz admitted with a hint of insecurity.

"Oh my gosh," Gilbert exclaimed. "What kind of eyes do they have? To me, you are stunning."

Cameron Diaz lowered her head, feeling shy. "Thank you for the compliment…"

After dinner, Gilbert paid the bill and didn't let Cameron Diaz pay.

"I'm sorry, I was supposed to treat you, but you ended up paying," Cameron Diaz apologized again, lowering her head.

"Look up, Miss Diaz, and be confident," Gilbert said, adjusting her head.

Cameron Diaz's big, sparkling eyes looked at Gilbert as if they could speak.

"Remember, you're no less than anyone else; you just need more confidence," Gilbert encouraged, then offered to walk her home. "Let me give you a ride."

"Sure, thank you, Director Gilbert," Cameron Diaz said gratefully, following Gilbert out of the restaurant.

As they walked, Cameron Diaz bounced around Gilbert with the streetlights casting a halo on her face, making her look like an angel.

Walking and chatting with a beautiful woman was enjoyable, and what should have been a short distance took more than twenty minutes.

Along the way, Cameron Diaz talked about her experiences as a model, including some odd incidents in Japan and almost being tricked by unscrupulous directors, but miraculously escaping.

"I've arrived, Gilbert," Cameron Diaz said, standing in front of her apartment with a cheerful demeanor, showing no trace of her earlier insecurity.

At this point, Gilbert realized that Cameron Diaz had been playing the sympathy card from the start.

But who could bear to blame such a charming beauty?

"Miss Diaz, you're very clever and know how to use your advantages," Gilbert said with a smile.

Cameron Diaz laughed and linked her arm with Gilbert's. "If I didn't do this, how could I attract the attention of a rising director like you? I had to use some tricks to get this chance to chat with you. Now that we're at my place, why don't we have a cup of coffee?"

"Alright, since we're here and I'm thirsty," Gilbert agreed.

Cameron Diaz happily led Gilbert inside her apartment, located in a crowded area of North Hollywood, where many aspiring actors, directors, and screenwriters lived.

Most people in this area were drifting further from their dreams, with only a few achieving success. The effort and costs involved were unknown.

Cameron Diaz used a bit of strategy to secure a dinner with Gilbert and even managed to get him to walk her home. Fortunately, Gilbert was only two years older and quite good-looking, so even if things went further, it wouldn't be too disappointing.

If possible, becoming the girlfriend of a promising new director seemed like a good option.

Whether the benefits of being involved with renowned directors or producers in their forties or fifties were worth it, Cameron Diaz would have to decide for herself.

"What would you like to drink?" Cameron Diaz asked, holding a cup.

"Isn't it coffee?"

Cameron Diaz smiled sweetly. "Okay, then coffee it is."

She made Gilbert a cup of instant coffee. For those who cared about details, it might be considered lacking, but Gilbert didn't mind whether it was instant or brewed.

Cameron Diaz poured herself a glass of red wine, her sensual lips touching the rim of the glass as her sparkling eyes watched Gilbert.

As Gilbert drank his coffee, he chatted with Cameron Diaz. "Are you new to Los Angeles?"

"Yes," Cameron Diaz put down her wine glass and said wistfully, "I've realized how hard it is to become famous here. There's no shortage of handsome men and beautiful women, and my high school beauty means nothing here."

"That's true; Hollywood is full of the world's most attractive people," Gilbert said, making Cameron Diaz's expression drop.

But then Gilbert continued, "To make it in Hollywood, you first need to get noticed and show that you can stand out. Next, you need to make yourself valuable and indispensable."

Cameron Diaz looked at Gilbert's handsome face and smiled. "You must already be indispensable, right?"

"Not yet, still a long way to go," Gilbert said, touching his sleeve. "I'm on the path to becoming irreplaceable."

Gilbert chatted with Cameron Diaz until around ten in the evening. Noting the late hour, he decided it was time to leave.

"How about staying here tonight?" Cameron Diaz's hint was obvious, especially since there was only one bed.

However, Gilbert pretended not to understand. "No, I have to go to the Dolby Theatre tomorrow for the *Hook* premiere."

As he was about to leave, Gilbert turned back and said, "By the way, you should consider taking an acting class. Being a pretty face is temporary, but acting skills are always essential."

"I'll think about it. Thank you," Cameron Diaz said.

"Don't mention it…"

After seeing Gilbert off, Cameron Diaz called her agent. "Kate, are you asleep? Please sign me up for an acting class!"