Chapter 43: The Hollywood Harem Drama

Naomi Watts comes from an artistic family. Her mother is an antique dealer and fashion designer, while her father was the tour manager and sound engineer for the famous rock band Pink Floyd, though he passed away in 1974. Her brother, Ben Watts, became a photographer working for the BBC.

Given that Gilbert has studied at both the Beijing Film Academy and now the University of Southern California, he and Naomi Watts had plenty to talk about. They were having an engaging conversation when the hostess of the party approached.

"What are you two talking about? You seem to be having a good time."

Gilbert and Naomi Watts turned to see Nicole Kidman standing behind them with a wine glass in hand.

"Nicole, you're here..." Naomi Watts linked arms with Nicole Kidman, showing their close relationship.

Gilbert smiled and said, "We were discussing Eastern and Western art cultures. Miss Watts has some very insightful perspectives."

"Not at all," Naomi humbly responded, then complimented, "Director Gilbert is really impressive; he knows a lot about Chinese culture and even speaks fluent Chinese."

"Oh?" Nicole Kidman was surprised as she looked at Gilbert, not expecting him to be so knowledgeable.

But that wasn't the main point...

Nicole Kidman quickly followed up, "I heard your new film is about to be released?"

"That's right," Gilbert responded openly, as it wasn't a secret. "It's scheduled for release in August."

Seeing Cameron Diaz approaching from a distance, Gilbert gestured towards her and said, "She's the lead actress."

Naomi Watts turned to see Cameron Diaz, comparing herself to her and feeling that she was more beautiful.

Since she was interested in *The Shallows* and Gilbert, Naomi Watts had been following Gilbert's career. Although Gilbert was two years younger than her, he had already successfully directed a film that grossed over $100 million worldwide, a milestone that even Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's new film had only just surpassed.

However, as they were on different career paths, Naomi could only admire Gilbert from afar. But she had learned a lot about Cameron Diaz, who had recently been linked romantically with Gilbert. Naomi knew that Cameron had only secured a significant role in Gilbert's new film by getting into his bed, which Naomi found unfair.

If sleeping with someone was all it took, she could do it too...

But unfortunately, in Hollywood, it's not that simple. Many people want to get into bed with top directors or producers, but it's not always easy. The complex processes and huge investments in the film industry create a lot of pressure. Many times, getting into bed doesn't necessarily mean getting a suitable role; it still depends on the person.

Naomi Watts thought Gilbert was a good option: young, strong, and likely better in bed than those old guys. Cameron Diaz was truly lucky, gaining both a role and a man, along with the social connections Gilbert provided.

Attending parties was one such social connection. Without Nicole Kidman's invitation, Naomi Watts wouldn't have been able to get in, but Cameron Diaz could easily enter with Gilbert.

Cameron Diaz noticed Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman chatting with Gilbert. While Nicole, being Mrs. Cruise, didn't concern her, Naomi Watts did feel like a threat—she was a woman who, in Cameron's opinion, was just as beautiful as she was, and Gilbert had always been weak against beautiful women. Otherwise, Cameron wouldn't have so easily lured Gilbert into bed.

So, Cameron naturally took Gilbert's arm and smiled sweetly, signaling her relationship with him to Naomi Watts.

Although Gilbert had made it clear that he wasn't considering settling down yet, and she was with him by choice, Cameron knew there would be other women in his life. Still, thinking about it was one thing, but seeing it happen was another.

In Hollywood, a good man is a valuable resource, and resources must be fought for.

Nicole Kidman, being shrewd, noticed the hostility between the two women. She smiled at Gilbert and said, "Naomi Watts is a good friend of mine. If there's a suitable role, you should give her a chance."

"Of course, I'd be happy to work with talented actors," Gilbert said, raising his glass and clinking it with Nicole's.

After drinking, Nicole went off to entertain other guests.

Seeing Cameron Diaz and Naomi Watts staring daggers at each other, Gilbert tried to lighten the mood. "Why don't you two introduce yourselves?"

Naomi Watts, two years older than Gilbert and four years older than Cameron, was more mature. She suddenly smiled and started talking to Cameron Diaz, "Hi, I'm Naomi Watts. I've heard about you, Cameron Diaz, Director Gilbert's rumored girlfriend."

She emphasized the term "rumored girlfriend," making it clear she was aware of the situation.

Although Cameron Diaz was cunning, she was no match for Naomi Watts, who had more experience in the industry and was older. Naomi's words almost broke Cameron's composure.

But Cameron maintained her composure, knowing Gilbert was watching. "I've never heard your name before. What have you been in?"

In truth, Naomi Watts had appeared in a few films and TV shows, but most were not well-known.

"I'm not as lucky as you to have Director Gilbert's support. I've only played small roles, just enough to get by..." Naomi said, putting on a pitiful act to gain sympathy.

Gilbert watched the two women spar, feeling like he was witnessing a Hollywood version of a palace drama.

Cameron Diaz, favored by Gilbert, was strong in her position despite not being great with words

That was enough. Gilbert couldn't let the two continue their argument, so he intervened.

"Alright, alright, Michelle, it's time for us to go."

Hearing Gilbert's words, Cameron Diaz obediently stood up, stopping her confrontation with Naomi Watts.

However, Gilbert handed Naomi Watts his business card. "Miss Watts, I really enjoyed our conversation. Here's my card. Let's have afternoon tea sometime."

Naomi's smile grew even sweeter. "Sure, it's a date. I know a nice place for afternoon tea."

"It's a deal..."

Although Cameron Diaz wasn't happy about Gilbert flirting with Naomi Watts right in front of her, she kept it to herself. She knew her real status, despite being called Gilbert's woman by the media, and she didn't want to annoy him.

After saying goodbye to the Cruise couple, Gilbert and Cameron Diaz left the party.

Seeing Cameron Diaz's unhappy face on the way out, Gilbert found it amusing.

But he still explained, "I gave Miss Watts my card because I think she has potential."

"So, you thought I had potential too when we first met?" Cameron Diaz asked.

"Of course, you both have a lot of potential, and I'm just helping you succeed faster."

Gilbert's words sounded noble, but Cameron Diaz couldn't help rolling her eyes.

Helping us succeed? More like you want to sleep with us...