Chapter 9: Catherine Zeta-Jones

Charles held onto Catherine Zeta-Jones as she was about to fall.

Catherine Zeta-Jones patted Charles on the arm, signaling that he could let go now.

"Oh, sorry!" Charles quickly released his hold on Catherine Zeta-Jones. The woman, slightly tipsy from drinking and still a bit flustered, looked a bit disheveled.

Catherine nodded, staring back at Charles - young and handsome. Fueled by the alcohol, Catherine Zeta-Jones pulled Charles to sit on the couch.

"Alright, I'm leaving," Charles said, standing up.

Catherine Zeta-Jones also stood up but stumbled, and Charles quickly caught her.

Their eyes met; they could smell the alcohol on each other.

Their lips met, and the two didn't leave the lounge.

By the end of November, My Big Fat Greek Wedding had finished filming, and Charles had returned to Los Angeles. As for Catherine Zeta-Jones, he hadn't seen her since that night.

Evelyn brought Charles, who had just returned from Chicago, along with the newly signed Scarlett Johansson to meet with Sofia Coppola.

"This is Scarlett, right? I actually have a script idea I'd like to turn into a movie," Sofia Coppola said, smiling at Scarlett Johansson.

They then discussed the script, mainly addressing Scarlett Johansson.

At 17, Scarlett Johansson was indeed tall and graceful, sexy and beautiful.

Evelyn was rather courteous to Sofia Coppola. Although Sofia had not yet made her mark in the film industry, her last name, Coppola, commanded respect from Evelyn.

Francis Coppola's daughter!

Scarlett read the script while Sofia Coppola explained it on the side: "The story revolves around two foreigners in Tokyo who, unable to fit into the local culture, engage in an extramarital affair. I hope Bill Murray can play the male lead, and I particularly like Scarlett's performance for the female lead."

Unspoken but understood, being here with his mom today really paid off.

Wasn't this the script for Lost in Translation?

Before Evelyn and Scarlett could respond, Charles asked, "Sofia, why set the story in Tokyo and not some other place?"

The three were taken aback, and Evelyn awkwardly patted her son, explaining, "Charles has been working with Tom Hanks' production company on a low-budget romantic comedy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and just returned from Chicago."

What a smooth move. Evelyn had effectively praised her son, highlighting his collaboration with Tom Hanks on developing a movie.

Scarlett Johansson turned to look at Charles again. She had always thought Evelyn Carpe was behind the production of that movie, with Charles just there to learn.

So, that's how it was!

"Oh," Sofia said with interest, laughing as she explained, "because I lived in Tokyo for a while when I was about twenty. The experience deeply moved me, inspiring this script idea."

"Mmm, an older man and a young woman lost in love in a foreign land?" Charles nodded in agreement, "The plot is concise, and the story is straightforward and smooth - a great concept!"

Sofia laughed, showing a beaming smile to Evelyn. "This young man is quite interesting. But Evelyn, once I finish the script, can you help me find a company to support the movie's development?"

Evelyn looked puzzled. Given that Sofia was Francis Coppola's daughter, why would such a small-budget film need external help?

Charles, sensing his mom Evelyn's confusion, asked, "Sofia, you want to direct this movie yourself, don't you?"

"That's right. I want to direct! Although the film's budget doesn't need to be high, finding support is still challenging. Plus, I prefer not to rely on my family for everything."

Charles abruptly stood up. "Sofia, I want this story. Carpe Film Production Company will support your creation!"

"You?" Sofia Coppola turned to Evelyn, full of doubt.

Unfazed, Charles continued, "The script isn't finished yet; it will take some time. Sofia, wait until April next year when My Big Fat Greek Wedding premieres; then I'll have the funds."

"This... you..."

"Don't rush. Even if My Big Fat Greek Wedding fails, I can still persuade Tom Hanks' production company to support you. Mrs. Hanks has a lot of confidence in me!"

*****

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