Chapter 76: Three Times a Day for Fate

"Hello, Mr. Meyer." Hardy approached Louis Meyer with a friendly greeting.

Louis Meyer, extending his hand with a smile, responded warmly, "Hardy, I remember you. Siegel mentioned you recently; he spoke very highly of you. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."

"Thank you, Mr. Meyer," Hardy replied, grateful for the recognition.

Meyer leaned in slightly and said, "There are plenty of interesting people here tonight. You should mingle and make connections. And don't forget, there are many beautiful women around who might pique your interest."

They shared a chuckle, and Hardy nodded appreciatively. 

From a distance, several members of the Noah Films team observed Hardy's conversation with Meyer. They were impressed by his ease with influential figures, feeling somewhat overshadowed by his access to high-profile individuals.

As the evening progressed, Shirley Temple made her way over. Meyer introduced her, "Our star, Shirley Temple. I'm sure you're familiar with her."

Shirley Temple, now a young woman, had outgrown her child star image. Hardy, knowing Temple's history, was pleased to meet her and enjoyed a brief chat. 

At eight o'clock, Meyer took the stage to announce the commencement of the new film, *I Want to See You*. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause.

Elizabeth Taylor, observing from the sidelines, struggled to mask her frustration. Despite her recent fame from *The Jade Goddess Horse*, she felt overshadowed by the likes of Ginger Rogers and Shirley Temple, both well-established stars. The event was full of prominent figures, including Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, and Clark Gable, which only intensified her feelings of inadequacy.

Taylor's mother, Sara, who had been trying to make connections, encouraged her to socialize. Taylor, exhausted and feeling out of place, decided to take a break. She found a quiet spot in the backyard, away from the bustling crowd, where she could enjoy some food.

As Taylor prepared to eat, she realized she had forgotten utensils. Despite the discomfort, she decided to eat with her hands. Her meal, consisting of cake and pudding, was simple but satisfying. 

Her moment of solace was interrupted when Hardy appeared. Noticing her predicament, he smiled and offered her a handkerchief. Taylor, initially taken aback, accepted the gesture, wiping the pudding from her face.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself," Hardy remarked, observing her unconventional meal.

Taylor, slightly embarrassed, admitted, "I'm just trying to avoid the crowd. They don't seem to have much regard for me."

Hardy, intrigued by her candidness, asked, "What kind of roles do you aspire to play?"

Taylor hesitated before replying, "I want to portray characters with depth and personality."

Her mood shifted as she reflected on her current struggles. "But it's hard. I can barely land even minor roles."

Hardy decided to share an idea he had been mulling over. "I have a story I'm considering for a film. Would you like to hear it?"

Taylor's curiosity piqued, she nodded. 

Hardy began recounting the story of *Léon: The Professional*, which centers on a professional killer named Léon and a young girl named Matilda. The plot, involving Léon's solitary life and his unexpected bond with Matilda, captivated Taylor. As Hardy described Léon's ultimate sacrifice, Taylor's expressions shifted from tension to engagement.

"How do you feel about this story?" Hardy asked.

Taylor, deeply moved, replied, "It's one of the most unique and touching stories I've heard. It feels genuine and profound. I think such love and connection are rare but real."

At that moment, Taylor's mother called out for her. Taylor rose, preparing to leave, but paused to ask Hardy, "I don't think I caught your name."

"Jon Hardy," he said with a smile. "It was a pleasure talking with you, Elizabeth."

Taylor offered a grateful smile before rejoining her mother, her mind still lingering on the story Hardy had shared.