Chapter 237: The End of the Walk of Fame Is a Bed

"Hello, Director Stanton."

As the host, Donald Trump greeted Murphy warmly, "Young and talented, with limitless potential. I'm a big fan of your work – absurd yet full of talent."

"Thank you," Murphy replied politely, "You're the truly talented one."

He went on to mention Trump's recent high-profile move, "I believe Mr. Trump will surely enter the White House and bring a different future to America."

Trump had recently announced his candidacy in the next presidential election. Although it was widely viewed as a publicity stunt across America, he seemed quite pleased with himself, and his smile grew more genuine upon hearing Murphy's words.

Perhaps, aside from Trump himself, only Murphy knew that this flamboyant New York real estate magnate was serious about becoming the President of the United States.

Thinking about this, Murphy and Gal Gadot entered the banquet hall.

"I heard from Uncle Niv," Gal Gadot continued discussing the New York tycoon, "that he wants to buy the remaining 49% stake in the Miss Universe pageant from NBC, to fully own the event."

Murphy nodded, "He's ambitious and capable, not as foolish as the media portrays him."

They were guided to a round table, and after sitting down, Murphy scanned the surroundings. Their position was decent – not too prominent in the front nor ignored in the back, but comfortably in the middle.

"Left side," Gal Gadot suddenly nudged Murphy, "A woman has been staring at you."

Murphy turned to see a striking redhead with incredibly fair skin. The woman smiled and nodded at him when she saw him look her way.

Recognizing Jessica Chastain, Murphy nodded back with a smile.

"She's Jessica Chastain," he turned back to Gal Gadot, "the lead actress in my third film."

Gal Gadot realized, "No wonder she looked familiar."

Her eyes wandering, Gal Gadot suddenly asked, "I heard from Uncle Niv that some Hollywood actresses would do anything to get a lead role, even pleasing directors and producers."

Not giving Murphy time to think, she turned and looked him in the eye, "Have you encountered such situations?"

"My dear," Murphy understood what Gal Gadot was hinting at, shaking his head, "Although I'm not a saint, I wouldn't stoop that low."

Gal Gadot playfully shrugged, "I was just joking."

Murphy laughed it off, knowing such practices were prevalent in the industry. Actors with lesser backgrounds often faced these situations, like the widely circulated story of Julia Roberts directly asking her agent whom she needed to sleep with to get the lead role in 'Pretty Woman'.

In Hollywood, this wasn't an unwritten rule but part of the game. If one lacks wealthy relatives, godfathers like Spielberg, Jewish ancestry for a natural advantage, or even support from directors, an unsupported actor seeking significant roles would need special methods.

Even those with some fame wanting to transition into the movie industry would find it tough without support, as evidenced by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's rumored affair with Michael Bay during 'Transformers 3' promotions.

Many attractive Hollywood actresses often receive such invitations. Those with background and market appeal would ignore them, being scarce resources themselves. But for aspiring actresses and models dreaming of overnight fame, these offers were often the quickest path to stardom.

Among Hollywood's lower-tier actors, there's a saying – the end of the Walk of Fame is a bed.

Rumors were particularly rife about Rachel McAdams, with many claiming she slept her way to the top.

For people like her, lacking support and advantages, why would a production cast such a newcomer? For acting skills? That's laughable.

Take Jessica Alba – how good is her acting? Yet, her performance in 'Sin City' was praised by critics and media.

So, acting is subjective, with vague standards. Often, when productions cast new actresses, acting skills aren't the decisive factor, sometimes not even ranking in the top three.

Turning back to the topic of actors, excluding famous offspring and those with connections, aspiring actors like Julia Roberts dream of fame and fortune but lack education, intelligence, background, or talents. Their only asset is their body, and they've little else to lose.

Besides, premarital sex is common in America. Even someone like Paul Wilson justified changing girlfriends as trying out different partners to ensure future happiness.

Murphy was aware of these realities. Though he wouldn't partake, he wouldn't interfere with others either.

Hollywood could well be described with an Eastern saying – where there are people, there are rivers and lakes, and where there are rivers and lakes, there are rules.

"She seems troubled," Gal Gadot observed Jessica Chastain, perhaps bored before the banquet, "She keeps looking at you, hesitant to come over."

Lowering her head slightly, she asked curiously, "You and her..."

Before she could finish, she swallowed her words as Jessica approached.

"Hey, Murphy," Jessica greeted as she walked up.

"Hello, Jess," Murphy turned to her, sensing she had something serious to discuss.

"Can we talk in private?" she asked.

"Something wrong?" Murphy glanced at Gal Gadot, suggesting, "Let's talk here."

Jessica glanced at Gal Gadot, then seemed to make up her mind, "We should talk alone. Someone's trying to harm you."

Hearing this, Gal Gadot dropped her trivial concerns and whispered to Murphy, "Go, I'll wait here."

Remembering the private investigator issue, Murphy stood up, nodded to Gal Gadot, and walked out of the banquet hall with Jessica, discussing as they strolled along a stone path.

"Have you noticed someone investigating you lately?" Jessica asked. Seeing Murphy nod, she sighed in relief, "Also, you faced many troubles shooting 'Sin City', all from within CAA."

"Oh?" They stopped under a coconut tree. Murphy inquired, "Who?"

Jessica didn't answer directly. After pausing, she said, "My agent Mike can't get me good opportunities. I think Bill is better."

Murphy understood her bargaining. The harsh realities of the industry had made this proud girl more pragmatic.

"Bill and Mike are friends," Murphy frowned, "I'll talk to him, but I can't promise anything."

"That's enough," Jessica believed their friendship wouldn't last long, "If there's a suitable role in your new project, could you consider me first?"

"That's doable," Murphy nodded, "Who is it?"

Jessica, once Murphy's assistant, knew to be cautious, "My agent – Mike."

Murphy frowned, "Why him?"

"I assure you, Mike's up to something," Jessica recounted her experience, "He seems to want to pull you into his fold."

After pondering, Murphy advised, "Keep this quiet for now. You know I always keep my promises."

He wouldn't fully trust Jessica without investigation.

Murphy advised Jessica on handling potential threats. He wouldn't sit idly by if someone tried to harm him; he was never afraid of competition or challenges.

The conversation took considerable time. Jessica didn't return to the banquet but left directly. Murphy, standing under the coconut tree, called Bill Rossis. They talked for over half an hour, discussing possible strategies.

"Are you not returning to Santa Monica tonight?" Bill asked finally.

"No," Murphy didn't hide it, "I'm staying here tonight."

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT