Chapter 76: Give Me a Reason

Sandra Bullock slipped out of her black cocktail dress and once again put on her plaid shirt and jeans. Looking in the mirror, she found with some annoyance that this outfit suited her better.

However, attending the celebration party for "Run Lola Run" dressed like this would inevitably lead to media speculation about her being a tomboy, or even doubts about her sexual orientation.

Suddenly famous, she realized how imaginative the media could be. Every move and word could be interpreted in all sorts of messy ways.

But considering that guy, her situation was pretty good.

Thinking this, she dashed out of the bedroom and eagerly flipped through a stack of recent newspapers she pulled from under the living room coffee table.

"Simon Westeros leaves the set of 'Night of the Living Dead' early, producer Edward Feldman thanks him for his contribution."

"Simon Westeros moves into a mysterious girlfriend's Malibu mansion, starting a sweet cohabitation."

"Janet Johnston's identity revealed as a mining tycoon's daughter with a family fortune of over 2 billion dollars."

"Simon Westeros secures a new movie deal with Fox, with a $20 million box office guarantee."

"Internal screening of 'The Butterfly Effect' fares poorly; Simon Westeros remains silent when pressed by the media."

"The Butterfly Effect' is set for an Easter release; Simon Westeros attends the press conference."

"Simon Westeros meets with renowned Hollywood PR agent Patrice Kinsley."

"Columbia University girl's savvy investment, Janet Johnston holds 61.5% of 'Run Lola Run,' expected profit over 30 million dollars."

"Simon Westeros house hunting in Palisades, planning to move out of girlfriend's mansion, couple's relationship may be in trouble."

"..."

"..."

As Sandra was engrossed in reading, the door opened and a plain-looking brunette with a shoebox walked in. Seeing Sandra still in her initial shirt and jeans, she blinked and said, "Sandy, why haven't you changed yet? It's already past six o'clock, and the party starts at seven."

Reluctantly setting aside the newspapers, Sandra stood up and spread her hands helplessly towards Gina Kolos, the assistant Jonathan had recently hired for her, saying, "Gina, I still feel I look better in this."

"And be mocked by a bunch of media tomorrow?"

Gina Kolos retorted, then pulled Sandra back into the bedroom, handing her the shoebox, and said, "Hurry and change, I've already called the car, we'll leave in ten minutes, and I'll help you with your makeup in the car."

After the hurried change, Sandra was finally dressed in the black low-cut cocktail dress and black high heels, rushing out of the West Hollywood apartment to head to the Century City Intercontinental Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Today was March 7, Saturday.

From February 27 to March 5, "Run Lola Run" had earned $15.56 million from 536 screens, easily taking the top spot in last week's North American box office.

Having secured the weekly box office crown, Orion Pictures expanded "Run Lola Run" across the entire North American East and West Coasts yesterday, increasing the screen count to 1176. The film's first wide release on the East Coast also received strong responses.

On that guy's suggestion, Orion Pictures decided to hold a celebration party for "Run Lola Run" this weekend.

Arriving outside the Century City Intercontinental Hotel, Sandra and Gina were a bit stunned in the chauffeured car.

Although there was no red carpet, the hotel exterior was still packed with media reporters. The two women hesitated about getting out of the car, as the press crowded around and began taking pictures of the closed doors.

Fortunately, after a standoff, several security guards came out from the hotel and escorted Sandra and her assistant inside.

Standing in front of the hotel's media photo wall in the lobby, Sandra was still a bit shaken but managed to smile appropriately.

After signing autographs and taking photos, she finally entered the banquet hall.

She was clearly late, and by then, the hall was bustling.

However, she spotted that guy right away.

Simon was chatting with Janet and Mike Medavoy. Noticing Sandra's arrival, Simon nodded to Mike Medavoy and walked over with his girlfriend.

Approaching her, Simon hugged Sandra gently and said with a smile, "Sandy, you look really beautiful today."

"Thank you, Simon," Sandra replied shyly, then quickly turned to hug Janet as well, glancing at the latter's obviously expensive burgundy evening gown and saying, "Janet, you look beautiful today too."

Despite saying this nonchalantly, Sandra felt a pang of envy, feeling somewhat like an ugly duckling.

With her sudden rise to fame, she had received numerous film offers recently. However, her financial situation was tight; even the evening gown she was wearing was rented. If her parents hadn't lent her $20

,000 for emergencies, she wouldn't have been able to afford an assistant.

Darn that guy, making so much money but only paying her a $5,000 salary.

Miser!

Muttering to herself, she still couldn't show her displeasure and foolishly joked with him.

How silly.

After chatting for a while, Simon noticed a woman in her thirties wearing a stylish dark blue evening gown entering the banquet hall. He excused himself from Sandra, and after thinking for a moment, he whispered to her, "Sandy, once 'Run Lola Run' starts making money, I'll give everyone a bonus. But if you need money now, you can ask me in advance."

Slightly stunned and feeling guilty, Sandra shook her head quickly, "No need, Simon, I, haha, I don't have as many expenses as you do."

Simon just smiled, patted Sandra on the shoulder, and said, "Then have fun, I've got some things to handle."

Watching him walk away with his girlfriend, Sandra felt an itch on her bare shoulder.

Looking around.

It seemed no one noticed the little interaction just now.

Feeling slightly aggrieved, she wanted to confide in someone.

Mom, he touched me.

Simon left Sandra and approached the recently arrived woman, smiling and extending his hand, "Good evening, Amy, did you come alone?"

The woman, Amy Pascal, Vice President of Fox, was puzzled by her invitation to Simon's party tonight but still came. After shaking hands with Simon and Janet, she answered, "My boyfriend is on a business trip in New York, so I had to come alone."

Simon nodded, "Let's go inside and talk."

The three of them entered the banquet hall, greeting people and chatting casually.

After a while, Amy Pascal took the champagne Simon handed her personally, and seeing his girlfriend subtly walk away, she said, "So, Simon, can we talk now? I don't think the past few days have been a very pleasant experience for you."

"That's your job. If you weren't fighting for your employer, you wouldn't have received my invitation tonight."

Amy Pascal raised her eyebrows slightly, but with a hint of regret, she said, "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to secure many favorable terms for my employer."

Simon shook his head, "That's not something you can change. You've done well within your authority."

Hearing Simon's words, Amy Pascal sensed something and waited for him to continue.

Simon didn't beat around the bush, "Amy, how about coming to work for me?"

Surprised and taken aback, Amy Pascal looked Simon up and down, not immediately refusing but asking, "Give me a reason, Simon. A reason to work for you?"