Chapter 197: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's Film Crew

Sofia stumbled out of the café, her mind still reeling from her conversation with Martin.

Two things had struck her deeply. First, Martin's keen insight, how he had been able to deduce her emotional state simply from the character of Charlotte. Second, the dynamic between Martin and Scarlett—it didn't seem like a typical boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, but more of a… subservient one?

It felt almost like the relationships between ancient Eastern emperors and their concubines.

When she recalled Martin's comment, "I won't get married, but I'll have many women," a shiver ran through her. Thoughts that shouldn't have appeared surfaced, lingering and leaving a deep mark on her mind. Her face flushed as she hurried to her car, taking deep breaths before finally driving off, determined to get home as quickly as possible to… wash her thoughts away.

Back in the café, Martin dialed Jeff. "Hello, Jeff, I need you to draft an investment contract for a movie. I'll send you the details by email later."

After hanging up, Scarlett asked curiously, "Was the script really that good?"

Martin smiled. "The script is great, Sofia is very talented. You'll learn a lot working with her."

He then shifted the topic. "However, this movie won't make much at the box office. Be prepared for that, but it could win some awards."

"An Oscar!?" Scarlett's eyes lit up.

Martin shook his head. "That's a bit much. The focus is on the male lead, but with the right strategy, some European awards are a real possibility."

"Well, European awards work for me! I'll do it!" Scarlett laughed, eager to take the role.

On March 25, 2001, the annual Academy Awards ceremony began. This would be the last year the ceremony was held at the historic Civic Auditorium, as next year the Kodak Theatre would become the permanent venue.

Before the event began, Charlize Theron approached Martin. "I'm ready. When will the money come through?"

"The Devil's Advocate?" Martin asked.

"Yes."

"Wow, you've been preparing for this for a long time, I almost forgot."

Charlize's expression shifted with urgency. "You're not backing out, are you?"

"Of course not. The contract's signed. Don't worry. The funds are ready whenever."

She smiled, "I'm starting to put on weight—thirty pounds. I'll be a fat mess!"

"It's just temporary," Martin assured her with a playful tone.

"Really? You won't mind if I get ugly?" she teased, moving closer.

"Of course not!" Martin said with sincerity.

"Yeah?" she leaned in closer, "Will you still want to be with me when I'm ugly?"

"I'll think about it..." Martin pretended to hesitate.

"Dammit, you're hesitating!" Charlize grinned.

"I'm joking, I'll still be with you!"

"Good! I'll make sure to show up all made up and see if you're really serious!"

At 8:30 p.m., the 73rd Academy Awards ceremony officially began. Gladiator and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon dominated the nominations, with 22 between them, making them the hottest films of the night. Chocolat, from Miramax, also earned five nominations.

Although Martin attended, it was more as a spectator since he didn't have a film out that year.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon received ten nominations, sparking intense interest among the Asian-American community. It was the most prominent year for Asian-American guests at the Oscars, with many not only from North America but also from overseas, eager to witness the historic moment.

Martin found himself particularly drawn to these familiar faces, his connection to them fueled by memories of his previous life as a Chinese figure.

Upon spotting Ang Lee, Martin walked over to greet him.

Martin, holding the film rights to Brokeback Mountain, might collaborate with this esteemed director in the future.

Ang Lee was visibly surprised when Martin approached him.

"Hello, Mr. Meyer."

Ang greeted him politely, not showing any sign of disrespect despite Martin's young age. After all, Ang Lee knew well that in Hollywood, power and capital earn respect, no matter who holds them.

"Director Ang Lee, I've admired your work for a long time. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a masterpiece of cinematographic beauty. The way you balanced the two main storylines was brilliant. You truly grasped what Western audiences are interested in," Martin began, diving into a detailed analysis of the film.

His praise was thorough, analyzing the characters—Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lian's Platonic love and Shakespearean dialogue, alongside the bold personalities of the Western-inspired characters, like Lo Xiao Hu and Yu Jiaolong.

Zhang Ziyi, intrigued, suggested, "Since you're so passionate about movie, why don't we sit down and chat sometime? How about tomorrow?"

[TL/N: As always, i removed some of the poisons here.]

Her boldness didn't go unnoticed. However, Ang Lee wasn't entirely pleased, though he kept his displeasure to himself.

Martin, sensing the awkwardness, smiled. "I'd love to, how about tomorrow? We could all have dinner."

He turned to Ang Lee, "Director Ang, you must join us! I have a script I'd love to discuss with you."

This invitation, though casual, highlighted Martin's rising influence—once, good scripts were hard to come by; now, they came knocking at his door. That's Hollywood: always chasing after the successful.