After finishing, Eric turned and walked away. From the moment he was surrounded, he had been thinking of how to get out of the situation, and discussing a script seemed like the only viable option.
Fortunately, this didn't happen at night. Otherwise, a "late-night script reading" would have looked too suspicious. He quickly thought through potential films, with The Devil Wears Prada being the first that came to mind. Replacing Meryl Streep with Nicole Kidman seemed like a reasonable swap.
However, he soon realized that the movie was based on a novel released before 2006, and the rights had likely already been purchased. If he claimed that MGM was working on this project, the lie would be uncovered quickly.
Next, he considered Lucy, but replacing Scarlett Johansson with Nicole Kidman didn't feel quite right. Nicole had too much of a cold, aristocratic look that didn't suit a sci-fi film.
His third idea was La Vie en Rose, which better fit Nicole's artistic style. The film had won many awards, including the Berlinale's Golden Bear, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar. Additionally, the movie was a box office success, making it a perfect cover.
Back at the office, his father asked, "You didn't come home after the Oscars. Did you really spend the night at Nicole Kidman's villa?"
"Of course not. Dad, you sound like those yellow press journalists. I'm your son."
Charlie Cooper slapped his forehead, "Alright, so it's true."
"And this film La Vie en Rose—I've never heard of it. Did you make it up?"
"It's coming. Soon," Eric replied with a smile.
His phone rang. Nicole Kidman's name appeared on the screen.
Eric gestured for his father to leave the room.
"Eric," said Charlie Cooper, "you'd better come up with an excuse for your mother. I didn't expect you to be the first. I thought it would be Joshua."
Eric waited for his father to exit and close the door, then answered the call.
"Hey, Nicole. Let me guess, you're also under siege by journalists?"
"Eric, you sound way too cheerful, as if we're not in a mess. Did those disgusting paparazzi get to you too?" Nicole Kidman's voice carried an edge of frustration.
"They cornered me at the entrance of MGM. Everyone saw it, including our new partners."
"Oh, that's awful. I just shut my doors and let them wait. I'm not planning to leave the house for the next few days."
"Great, you get a vacation. Meanwhile, I'm swamped with work, nowhere to hide," Eric said enviously.
"So, can you come over?"
"Not right now, at least. Let's wait until the hype dies down. I hope you understand, Nicole," Eric responded after a pause.
Nicole Kidman laughed, "I'm not a little girl, you don't have to soothe me. But I'm curious, how are you going to get out of this?"
"Actually, I already did. I'm the director and screenwriter, and you're the actress. We're discussing a script. Simple," Eric explained what had happened.
Nicole sighed, "Eric, that's a weak excuse. You might as well have hidden in your office. What if we can't deliver this movie?"
Eric laughed, "Don't worry, the project is real. Once the script is ready, you'll see it and be happy with it."
"Really? I'm an Oscar-winning actress, and bad scripts don't interest me."
"Nicole, I wouldn't sign off on a bad script either," Eric reassured her.
He had overestimated the integrity of the journalists. Despite his explanations, they ignored his words for the sake of sensationalism. By evening, the internet was filled with rumors.
Chicago Sun-Times: "New Oscar-winning actress dating MGM heir."
Los Angeles Post: "Nicole Kidman falls for 22-year-old billionaire."
Salt Lake City Entertainment: "The Oscars brought Eric Cooper and Nicole Kidman together. The mature actress couldn't resist the young heartthrob."
America Entertainment Online: "Hero or hormones? Nicole Kidman finally found herself a boyfriend."
ABC Entertainment: "Director of Transformers, Eric Cooper, spent more than three hours at Nicole Kidman's villa, discussing the new film La Vie en Rose."
NBC Entertainment: "La Vie en Rose: Excuse or real project? Nicole Kidman avoids comments."
"What a load of crap!"
Eric slammed the table angrily as he read these articles. He realized the paparazzi wouldn't leave him alone anytime soon.
"Maybe I should disappear for a few days?" he thought but quickly dismissed the idea. If he went home, his mother wouldn't give him a moment's peace.
Although both she and Nicole Kidman were Catholics, not even the Pope could help in a situation like this. Nicole was 13 years older than Eric, and no mother would approve of her son dating someone so much older.
American parents interfered in their children's personal lives just as much as others, even if they didn't set up dates for them.
Eric called his assistant Chen Xing:
"Contact Susan and tell her I'm flying to China for a few days tomorrow. Have her arrange a meeting with the representatives of Star Overseas to discuss opening our branch."
"I need to get far away," Eric thought. That evening, he didn't go home but stayed overnight at the office, where there was a comfortable lounge.
"Mom, how could you think that? These yellow press outlets always make up stories. We were really discussing the script. I think Nicole is perfect for the lead role," Eric explained over the phone.
"Of course, I remember your advice. I'm not like Joshua. I'm not going to have flings with older women. Don't worry."
"Relax, no one's going to show up at our door with a baby. If anyone does, it'll be Joshua's kid."
"Alright, I'm going to bed. You get some rest too. Don't pay attention to those newspapers."
"I love you, Mom!"
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