Chapter 15: Shameless

For Gilbert, this was a pretty good opportunity. He knew how to edit the film to make it better. If the editing turned out well this time, getting final cut rights for the next film would be much easier.

He had to thank Spielberg for this opportunity. Without leveraging Spielberg's name, he wouldn't have easily obtained this chance.

It wouldn't be appropriate not to call and explain. Besides, Universal Pictures would definitely inform Spielberg about this, which would leave a bad impression.

"Hello! Jonathan, this is Gilbert. Is Uncle Steven available?" Gilbert dialed Spielberg's office.

"He's available. Hold on a moment while I transfer your call."

"Alright, thank you…"

After a while, Spielberg's voice came through the phone: "Hello, Gilbert. What can I do for you?"

"Uncle Steven, here's the thing…" Gilbert explained the dispute with Paul Collins and the final decision by Lou Wassell.

"So that's what happened. Lou already mentioned it to me," Spielberg said with some pleasure. "You coming to talk to me shows you haven't lost your mind. Gilbert, while you're right to be concerned about the film, the worst thing in this industry is to break the rules. Do you understand?"

"I understand. It's all my fault, Uncle Steven," Gilbert quickly admitted his mistake.

"Here's what you should do. Buy something nice and go apologize to Paul Collins. Remember to act sincere. I'll have Jonathan accompany you. With him around, Paul Collins won't dare to make things difficult for you," Spielberg advised.

Gilbert was touched that Spielberg would go so far to save face for Paul Collins.

"Thank you, Uncle Steven."

"No problem. I'm repaying a favor to your father. Without him, I would have left the film industry long ago," Spielberg said.

This statement made Gilbert curious about his father's past connection with Spielberg. He thought he should ask his father about it another day.

Spielberg continued, "As for the editing work, since Universal has decided to let you both edit separate versions, take this opportunity to prove your abilities. Understood, Gilbert?"

"I understand. Thank you again, Uncle Steven," Gilbert replied.

"Good. Go ahead and do it, young man," Spielberg said with satisfaction and ended the call.

With Spielberg's support, Gilbert had no worries. Of course, such an unconventional move would eventually spread and become known throughout Hollywood.

But, so what?

Gilbert knew that this was a circle where success was everything. As long as you succeeded, past mistakes would be seen as right. If you failed, even previously wise decisions would seem foolish.

Although Gilbert was reluctant to apologize to Paul Collins, he followed Spielberg's instructions diligently. Before becoming a big name in Hollywood, Gilbert had long discarded his pride.

In this industry, one must be shameless…

Paul Collins opened the door to find Gilbert standing there with cigars and drinks. Gilbert immediately shoved the items into Collins' hands and then bowed deeply, even more formally than their Japanese president.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Collins. I was wrong before. Please forgive my reckless behavior and the impulsiveness of youth."

Paul Collins found the situation a bit amusing. They had been at odds and now, a few days later, Gilbert was here apologizing.

Collins thought of making a snide remark but noticed Jonathan standing beside Gilbert. He instantly reconsidered.

Jonathan was Spielberg's assistant.

Seeing Jonathan there, Collins understood Spielberg's intention.

While Collins speculated whether Gilbert was Spielberg's illegitimate child, he accepted Gilbert's gifts.

"It's alright, Gilbert. It's all for work. This is quite normal."

"Yes, Mr. Collins. It's all for work," Gilbert replied, as they shook hands warmly, as if their previous conflict had never happened, creating a particularly harmonious and friendly atmosphere.

After the insincere exchange, Collins invited Gilbert, "Why don't you come in and have a seat?"

"No, Mr. Collins. There's still a lot of work to do in the editing room. I won't disturb you. Goodbye," Gilbert said, then promptly left.

Jonathan frowned a bit, surprised that Gilbert still held a grudge. It seemed his youth indeed led to some rash behavior!

After leaving, Gilbert thanked Jonathan, "Thank you, Jonathan. Without you, I might have ended up in a fight with Paul Collins."

"Don't mention it. I was just doing my job," Jonathan said, adding, "Gilbert, sometimes words are the least effective counterattack. You need to show results. Then, no one can ignore you."

"I'll remember that, Jonathan. Let me treat you to a meal someday. Authentic Chinese food…" Gilbert responded.

After watching Jonathan leave, Gilbert returned to his apartment and began thinking about how to tackle the editing work.

Soon, the phone rang. It was Gwyneth Paltrow.

"I heard you had a dispute with Universal's editor?"

Gilbert feigned surprise, "You know about that?"

"Of course," Gwyneth Paltrow said smugly, "Not only do I know, but Hollywood probably knows too. Congratulations on being the center of attention and criticism. No new director has ever received such high visibility and negative feedback."

Gilbert was indifferent, "As the saying goes in China, when you have many lice on your body, it doesn't itch. When you have a lot of debt, you're not worried. Since things are already like this, let them say what they want. As long as the film succeeds, all doubts will disappear."

"You're quite open-minded," Gwyneth Paltrow had initially called to comfort Gilbert but found it unnecessary.

"What have you been up to lately?" Gilbert asked.

"Don't get me started," Gwyneth Paltrow began to complain, "My parents are constantly monitoring me, making me take acting classes and exercise. I haven't had a chance to slip away and see you."

"That's actually good. Improving yourself might lead to winning an Oscar for Best Actress in the future," Gilbert said with a smile.

If he remembered correctly, Gwyneth Paltrow would indeed win the Best Actress award for "Shakespeare in Love," although it would later be criticized as one of the weakest winners.

"Enough about that. How have you been without me these days?" Gwyneth Paltrow asked.

"Not much different," Gilbert tilted his head, even though Gwyneth Paltrow couldn't see it through the phone, and said teasingly, "I've got a girlfriend."

"What? You have a girlfriend? Who is she? Is she more attractive than me? Are her legs longer?" Gwyneth Paltrow asked in surprise, quickly pursuing.

"Well, not quite. She's called Five-Fingered Lady." Gilbert's answer was quite intriguing.

"Five-Fingered Lady? What's that?" Gwyneth Paltrow had no idea.

"It's my hand, silly…" Gilbert revealed the mystery.

Gwyneth Paltrow was taken aback, then burst into laughter, unable to stop, like a clucking hen.

"Who would have thought, you're so miserable without me and don't even think about finding another woman." After laughing, Gwyneth Paltrow said in a mysterious tone, "It's hard to keep it all in. So, I'll introduce my good friend to you."

"Good friend? Who is she?"

"You'll find out later. My father's coming. I'm hanging up. Bye…"

"Bye…"

Gilbert hung up, shaking his head, then dismissed the thought of Gwyneth Paltrow's friend.

This American girl, calling just to ask if he was lonely. Doesn't she care at all about the film's situation?

Confused by Gwyneth Paltrow's mindset, Gilbert continued to focus on his work.