## Chapter 99: The Interview That Nearly Went Off the Rails

"Perfect Murder" is scheduled to be released on June 5th.

Before its release, the distributor arranged several promotional activities for the main cast of the movie. Initially, these were primarily handled by Michael Douglas and Gwyneth. However, since he became the International Boxing Champion, the distributor added him to the promotion list, and now his image appeared on the movie poster, embracing Gwyneth, who used to share the poster only with Douglas.

Around 10 a.m., Richard arrived at the Fox Television Building in Burbank. The interview was to be recorded at the Fox Movie Channel recording studio.

The interview was scheduled for 11 a.m., and he arrived twenty minutes early.

"Richard, have a seat here while I go chat with the show's producer," Anthony said.

"Alright," Richard replied, holding his coffee and sitting on the couch to read the newspaper.

The crew had been busy with movie promotions these past few days, and there was news about him as well. Director Davis and Michael Douglas had said a few kind words about him, praising his dedication and potential as an actor.

Gwyneth, on the other hand, had a colder response, mentioning that they didn't communicate much and that he was difficult to get along with.

Richard chuckled lightly, thinking about having to face this woman soon, which gave him a slight headache.

Click, click, click...

As he was thinking about it, the crisp sound of heels tapping on the floor reached his ears. Gwyneth had arrived.

She wore a white pantsuit and brown sunglasses, with heels about three or four inches high. Accompanying her were four people: her short, plump agent Kaplan, two assistants, and a bodyguard.

Gwyneth walked in the center, head held high, exuding a strong aura.

As she walked over, she noticed Richard. She whispered a few instructions to the people around her and then clicked her way over to him.

"Good morning, Gwyneth," Richard greeted.

Gwyneth took off her sunglasses and sat down without expression. An assistant handed her a cup of coffee and then politely stepped back.

"Congratulations on winning the International Boxing Championship," she said.

"Thank you! And congratulations on the success of 'Double Lovers'."

"I heard you're good at disguises and deception, known as the master of deceit in the ring."

"No, it's a master of tactics," Richard corrected.

"Is there a difference? It's still winning by deception."

"No, tactics are also part of one's skills, much like strategies in war."

"I heard you took a lead role from someone else?"

"Fair competition. He had issues, and I took the role. You should be familiar with this competitive nature."

"So, you're still a good guy?" Gwyneth smiled faintly.

"I'm not sure what others think, but I'm certainly not a bad person," Richard stated confidently.

Gwyneth laughed lightly, looking him up and down. In his high-end tailored black suit, with a clear-cut and fair face, a tall and muscular frame, and that ever-present slight smile at the corner of his mouth...

"Ha, how could you be a bad guy? There's no criminal record on you, no legal issues, not even a record of drug use. Instead, you enjoy doing charity, donating to orphanages for six consecutive years. Ha, you really do seem like a good guy.

I'm just curious, Richard, why did you learn to disguise yourself from such a young age? What was your goal?"

Gwyneth blinked her eyes, curious.

"I'm not disguising myself, whether you believe it or not," Richard said seriously.

Gwyneth stared at him for a moment and then laughed. "Richard, you remind me of a character from a movie. Have you seen Alain Delon's 'Purple Noon'? It's about a poor boy who kills a rich man and takes over his luxurious life. That poor boy is smart, humorous, handsome, and cunning, very much like you. There's going to be a remake of this movie called 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'. Are you interested in auditioning for the lead role?"

Richard smiled wryly. "Gwyneth, you have a deep prejudice against me. I feel the need to explain. Previously in the crew, my behavior was merely a survival tactic for a new actor.

In the office, I told you stories to scare you, partly to get the role and partly for my dignity.

I tried to befriend you later on for cooperation's sake, because having a friend like you would be cool, and to ensure I could stay in the crew.

From beginning to end, I had no ill intentions towards you and never wanted to harm you. Can you understand?"

Gwyneth stared at him for a few moments, then smiled. "Richard, you're very good. I almost believed you."

"That's unfortunate!"

"Yes!"

Gwyneth suddenly leaned in, her nose almost touching his. "You know, I didn't care about you scaring me or approaching me. What I cared about was that you pushed me away once. That was the greatest insult."

"I didn't..."

Before he could explain, Michael Douglas and Director Davis walked in.

"Hey, Andrew, Michael!" Richard stood up to greet them.

——

Once everyone was present, the interview began. The host was Rex Toca, and the interviewees were Richard and a few others, primarily focusing on the big stars, Gwyneth and Michael Douglas. Most of the questions were directed at them.

Richard only had three questions. The first one was, "Richard, you have many scenes with Mr. Douglas in the film. As a newcomer, were you nervous?"

"A bit. Before Mr. Douglas arrived on set, I was anxious, worried that my work wouldn't satisfy him and might delay the shooting. But once he arrived, I realized it wasn't as bad. Mr. Douglas is a great mentor, often giving me guidance during filming. I learned a lot from him."

This prepared answer covered a few key points, and Richard briefly talked about his experience on set. The host then asked Michael Douglas for his opinion of Richard, and Michael gave him a fair evaluation.

The second question was about his scenes with Gwyneth, specifically asking how he felt about filming intimate scenes with a big star and if he was nervous.

Richard wanted to complain about these stupid questions. Does a boxer get nervous that easily? But as a new actor, he couldn't say he wasn't nervous. So, he praised Gwyneth, saying she was a fantastic actress and that it was a pleasure working with her.

As he said this, Gwyneth suddenly smiled, catching the host's attention.

"Gwyneth, did anything interesting happen during filming?" the host asked.

"Yes, there was something quite amusing," Gwyneth smiled.

"Richard plays a con artist painter in the film, and he often painted on set. His favorite spot was the rooftop. Once, when I went to the rooftop to find him for a scene, I saw him painting a nude. Can you guess who he was painting?"

Hearing this, Richard's face darkened, his back breaking into a cold sweat.

"Was it you?" the host guessed.

"I thought it might be you," Director Davis teased.

...

Days later, Charlize Theron clenched her fists while watching TV. Did he paint that portrait on the rooftop? And Gwyneth saw it? This jerk!

"Haha, no, it was Aileen Wuornos," Gwyneth said with a light laugh.

"Aileen Wuornos?" The host and guests were puzzled. Who is that?

Not me? Charlize Theron breathed a sigh of relief.

"Aileen Wuornos, don't you know? There was news about her last year, the serial killer from Florida," Gwyneth explained.

"What?!"

Everyone was shocked. Richard painted a nude of a female serial killer? Is he a pervert?

Richard's face darkened as he clenched his fists and forced a smile.

"Yes, I painted Wuornos because David Shaw, my character, is a repressed artist.

His painting skills were learned in prison, and his works have a heavy, dark style with clear prison elements, which you can see in the film.

To play this role well, I tried to experience that mindset, but I wasn't doing well at first.

One day, I saw a picture of Wuornos in the newspaper and was suddenly inspired. I envisioned her in a prison bathroom looking into a mirror, representing the character's inner conflict, with a repressive and dark style.

Besides Wuornos, I've painted other criminals. Through painting, I could mentally connect with my movie character, deepening my understanding of David Shaw."

"Yes, Richard did a great job. He was exactly the actor I envisioned for David Shaw. Before filming, I was worried he wouldn't do well, but he convinced me with his excellent performance. He's a fantastic actor," Director Davis praised, feeling relieved that Richard responded quickly.

——

"Even you can come up with such an excuse. Ha, Richard, you truly are a master of deception," Gwyneth said with a faint smile after the interview, in the hallway outside the lobby.

Richard smiled lightly. "Gwyneth, do you have some time? I'd like to talk privately. How about over there?" he pointed to the guest lounge opposite them.

Gwyneth stared into his eyes for a moment, then smiled. "No, in your eyes, I see anger and violence. If I went with you, I might encounter some unpleasant things. So goodbye, dear Richard, hahaha."

Gwyneth walked away with a triumphant laugh.

Richard watched her back, his face slowly turning cold. This woman was too annoying. If he had the chance, he wouldn't let her off the hook.

"Hey, Richard, got time for a drink?" Director Davis called from behind.

"Sure!"

——

(The chapter ends here)