Chapter 279 | What's next?

[A/N: spoiler alert! I was thinking about different movies and came up with a few classics. But I heard all your suggestions, and they'd be in the future of the story. thanks] happy reading!

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The night arrived and Ian went home earlier than usual knowing that certainly there were things for him to do at home.

He walked inside the mansion with a heavy, happy heart and mind. And on the other hand, he was content and motivated— motivated to start his next project.

For the past few months, he was busy with multiple things. On one hand, he got into acting, and every consecutive day, he was acting back to back because Brad wanted the actors to be in the role, and at the same time, the sooner you're done with the shooting part, the better the rest of it was going to be.

And on the other hand, things like the Netflix launch, Inception editing, and a little break from everything else were all he needed, but he rarely got them.

Nevertheless, Ian was feeling stronger than ever. With the release of Inception, he was feeling that he needed something more interesting to come next.

He walked across the large living room. And he noticed Valarie who stood and watched the television from the Kitchen.

The woman was supporting him and cleaning the mansion for years, and he felt as if she deserved something more… Probably a well-deserved vacation, but he knew it was best if he asked that from her.

"Valarie, what are you watching?" Ian asked in a friendly manner and walked closer.

She turned up the volume and he immediately saw that it was an interview where Ian was talking humbly about Inception and how it came to the frame as an amazing piece of work.

"...Just like I was saying, in the end, my thoughts were like, will people be able to gather the concept around this? They could either hate or love it, and there's no in-between. But, also, at the back of my head, the process that took for us, the entire team to create Inception was roaming like a ghost. It was constantly telling me how much effort and creativity we put into it-"

Ian continued to talk on the screen, and his voice became distant to Ian as he looked at Valarie who had tears in her eyes.

And this was the first time Ian saw tears in her eyes, but that too, out of happiness? Pride?

"Hey," Ian said in a gentle tone as Valerie looked up at him.

She quickly wiped her tears, and looked at the screen, almost to show as if she was not tearing in front of him.

"Master- Ian, your father would be so proud of you if he saw that. And, me… I'm very proud of you. I- if you don't mind me asking, can I get a day off to watch Inception?" she asked politely.

Ian's eyebrows raised in question.

'Why is she even asking it from me?'

"Valerie, you can take as many days as you want. You've done more than enough for Renners. I know it's your happiness to be here and watch around, so be it. But, please, don't ask me those simple stuff. I'll give you premium tickets for tomorrow's show, let me know at what time you prefer,"

"Thanks. Dinner is ready, sir. Would you like me to send it over to your bedroom?"

"No, Rae will be here soon. I'll have dinner with her."

Ding Dong!

The ring of the bell made them know that Raelynn was home.

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[At the dinner table]

Raelynn wasn't alone. With her, there was an uninvited guest—actually, make it two.

Niko and Keith, his boyfriend, sat across from each other.

Everyone started enjoying their own pieces of steak.

"Ian, what are you going to do next?" Niko asked, looking Ian dead in the eyes.

He broke the silence, but now, everyone's attention was on Ian.

"Let's see. I've several things on my mind, but I feel like I need a break too. I've been going here and there all along for weeks, so, we'll see. Whatever comes next, Jeff Sanson is going to be surprised."

The room's temperature went up by a few degrees.

After all, for the past few months, Jeff had been silent more than ever. But two days ago, Ian got the DM from an insider of Goofy, mentioning how Jeff had been plotting to get Ian to join Goofy once all over again. Because Jeff had been trying to do that for a long time, and he wasn't able to do it. But again, it was almost as if he strongly believes in the statement, 'keep your friends close and enemies closer'

"What?"

Ian smiled and made everyone wonder, what the hell was he thinking.

"Nothing, tomorrow is the party, are you guys ready?!" Keith looked around after popping the question.

The party was arranged to celebrate the release of Inception, and just as Hollywood is, party, party, party for everything.

"For sure."

"Hah! I'd love to see someone unprepared for a party."

Ian chuckled at his excitement and asked, making Keith look in his direction. "Enjoy the dinner, Keith. How was it being an influencer in such a competitive industry?"

The sudden change of topic describes something that the entire dining table understood.

"Ah, don't you know Ian? It's always a competition. One way or another, everyone wants to surpass another. I don't know why I'm rhyming right now,"

The table turned into a fit of laughter.

"Well, I heard that you almost were attacked by two girls yesterday, at Park Victoria. And the news is all over everywhere?!" Rae joined the conversation.

"Oh, my! Girl, that was the scariest thing I've ever experienced! I thought I was dead for sure! I didn't even see the pair running! When I look back, two girls, wearing bras, jump all over me! I immediately screamed!"

"You what?" Niko asked in shock. His fork was midway to his mouth.

Rae laughed loudly. And at the same table, Ian was silent but had a smile dancing on his lips.

"It's still giving me chills!" Keith flinched visibly. "I screamed, help! Help! Then two strong men came to save the day! My knights in shining armor! My manager made me put a restriction order against those girls!"

"Oh shi-..."

Thus, the conversation at the dinner table went on with everyone enjoying their time after a rough day at work.

-

[11 pm - library at Renner's Mansion]

After letting the little group know about how he'd love to make Jeff know his place in the industry with his next move, he couldn't help but wonder… What would he do next?

Ian had multiple options.

He could go for something simple, yet something that would make Hollywood fans amazed.

But also, he could go for something complicated, like Inception, but again, people already had a taste of it, and he wanted to leave them hanging a little.

Thus, he had so many options in his memory library.

He took the laptop and started writing down the possible movies that he'd like to direct in the future. He wrote them based on their importance in his previous world so that he could know his priorities while making them a reality in this world.

'Hope I get a clear idea of what I could do' he thought and the next thing he knew was his fingers typing to their own rhythm.

_/\_

The Godfather - A classic crime drama that follows the Corleone family as they navigate the criminal underworld of New York City. Filled with iconic performances and memorable scenes, The Godfather is a must-see for anyone interested in the genre.

Sunset Boulevard - This noir film tells the story of a struggling screenwriter who becomes involved with a former silent film star who has fallen from grace. The movie explores themes of obsession, fame, and the dark side of Hollywood.

Singin' in the Rain - This classic musical is set during the transition from silent films to talkies and follows the struggles of a leading man and his co-star as they navigate the changes in the industry. Filled with catchy songs and lively dance numbers, Singin' in the Rain is an entertaining look at Hollywood's golden age.

Chinatown - Set in 1930s Los Angeles, this neo-noir film stars Jack Nicholson as a private detective who becomes embroiled in a complex conspiracy involving land and water rights. The movie features a twisting plot and memorable performances and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

The Player - This satirical film follows a Hollywood executive as he tries to navigate the cutthroat world of the movie business. Filled with cameos from real-life celebrities and industry figures, The Player skewers the excesses and egos of the Hollywood elite.

All About Eve - This drama tells the story of an ageing Broadway actress and the young ingenue who threatens to steal her spotlight. Filled with sharp dialogue and nuanced performances, All About Eve explores the themes of ambition, envy, and the sacrifices one must make to succeed in show business.

Casablanca - Set during World War II, this romantic drama stars Humphrey Bogart as an American expatriate who must choose between love and duty when his former lover shows up in Casablanca with her husband. Filled with iconic lines and unforgettable performances, Casablanca is considered one of the greatest films of all time.

The Maltese Falcon - This noir classic stars Humphrey Bogart as a private detective who becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest for a valuable statue. The movie is known for its sharp dialogue and complex plot and is regarded as one of the best films of the genre.

_/\_

As soon as he ended his little brainstorming with The Maltese Falcon, he knew he was in deep trouble.

'How the fuck am I supposed to select one among all these wonderful masterpieces… But, oh wait-'

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