Even in November, Los Angeles remains pleasantly warm. Despite its higher latitude, the city benefits from the Pacific warm current, boasting a Mediterranean climate. The lowest temperatures, around 7 or 8 degrees Celsius, only appear in January or February. The relatively warm weather makes it a perfect day for sleeping in.
However, despite it being a Sunday, Catherine couldn't afford to sleep in today. She had many letters to respond to. A large batch had arrived yesterday, including messages from Kate, Avril, her uncle, her aunt, and... Edward and Lindsay.
The letters from others were manageable. Kate had landed a small role in a British film, and to Catherine's great envy, the film's lead was Catherine Zeta-Jones. This marked Kate's official entry into the entertainment industry, filling Catherine with both joy and concern. Kate had finally embarked on an acting career, though Catherine couldn't pinpoint what exactly worried her.
Avril's letter was exciting. She mentioned that her uncle had brought back a record from New York, which, despite having scant information about the artist and no photos, listed the songwriter for three songs, including "Smile," as Ms. CM. Avril guessed it was Catherine's initials and expressed her love for the songs, inviting Catherine to Canada to mentor her during the holidays.
Her uncle's letter was full of praise for her acting, with no mention of their estranged big mouth sister. Catherine didn't mind, but he did "kindly" warn her that their grandfather had seen her movie and said nothing afterward, urging caution.
Other letters from her aunts and uncles mostly inquired about her movie. "Damn it, they should be asking Dad about this stuff," she thought.
As for Edward, she regretted giving him her address. He sent two letters a week, filled with dull content that didn't interest her. Despite fewer spelling errors over time, his grammar was still poor. If not for politeness, she wouldn't reply at all. She wasn't interested in younger boys!
Lindsay's letter left her feeling complicated. As mentioned before, was there anything more absurd than having the original lead stand in front of you, praising your performance in their role? It was like a man who travels back in time to star in "The Matrix" meeting Keanu Reeves, who then praises his performance as Neo. And thinking back to their French kiss on Halloween night! Even though Lindsay was known to be lesbian in her previous life, it didn't mean she was now, but the memory left Catherine with a weird feeling—neither dislike nor like, something she couldn't define. Perhaps anticipation? Who knew?
Catherine sighed, deciding to first write back to the others. She liked to reply promptly as a sign of respect. With paper letters taking so long to arrive, she wished for the convenience of the internet and email.
To Kate, she wrote blessings and concerns, wanting to fill the letter with rules for Kate to follow, though knowing that was impossible.
To Avril, she sent encouragement and promises, including a sincere intention to visit Canada during winter break, especially after Lindsay's appearance had sparked some doubts.
Regarding her uncle, since he didn't mention anything about their estranged Julia, she didn't ask either. Given the success of "The Parent Trap," the Julia's reputation had improved, though it hadn't fully recovered yet. It was only a matter of time.
As for Edward, she decided not to reply for now. Perhaps it was best to think things over and clearly explain her feelings, avoiding the misunderstandings often seen in clichéd dramas.
Lindsay's letter was the most challenging. Catherine didn't want much interaction with her due to her notorious reputation in the previous life and potential lesbian tendencies. She feared Lindsay might take Jessica away someday. Yet, Catherine felt a strange guilt and a subtle, inexplicable anticipation when thinking about Lindsay.
When did writing letters become such a vexing task? Catherine frowned, tapping her head with her pen, unsure how to start. At that moment, a knock came at the door, and Jennifer appeared. "Little one, Ms. Nancy is on the phone for you."
"Nancy's calling?" Catherine turned, surprised. "Did she say what it's about?"
Jennifer shrugged. Catherine pondered for a moment, then went downstairs to take the call.
"Hi, Nancy. What's up? Is there a problem with the script?" Catherine picked up the phone, jokingly.
"Of course not, dear," Nancy's laughter came from the other end. "I have good news. Mr. Hanks has read the script and agreed to the invitation."
"Congratulations." If she hadn't been at home, the young girl would have whistled. She had more confidence in the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan duo than anyone. "Where there's good news, there must be bad news. Let me guess, Disney wants you to start shooting immediately?"
"Yes, they're like sharks—once they smell blood, they go straight for it," Nancy teased. "They want the film released by February 14th."
"Wow," the girl exclaimed in surprise. "Do they plan on paying triple wages again this time?"
"Compared to their profits, that's a small price to pay." Nancy could be heard shrugging over the phone. Then she changed the topic, "By the way, Cathy, I need to ask you something. Did you send a script to Warner Bros.?"
Warner? A script? Catherine thought for a moment. Yes, it must be the "Hide and Seek" script. She didn't remember which film company she had addressed it to, but as long as it wasn't Columbia or MGM, it was fine. Hesitating, she asked, "Is something wrong, Nancy?"
"Paul Tucker, the deputy manager of Warner's production department, called me. He wants to know if the script he has, titled 'Hide and Seek,' is the work of the genius girl, Catherine Mason."
"Why does he think that?" The girl suddenly became interested.
"Firstly, he believes that the elegant handwriting couldn't belong to a man. Secondly, the analysis of the little girl's character in the script is very detailed, with some notes in the margins. Thirdly, Hollywood currently has a young genius girl making waves. Lastly, the bottom right corner of the last page has your signature."
Catherine rolled her eyes. "Are you telling me a Conan Doyle story, Nancy?"
"Of course not, dear. I'm saying that if Mr. Eisner hadn't been talking about you at the party, Mr. Tucker might not have noticed your signature." Nancy laughed over the phone.
"So, he contacted you to reach me?"
"Yes. Would you like to talk to him?"
Catherine thought about it. There wasn't much to worry about with the "Hide and Seek" script. It had already been sent out, and if Warner wanted to buy it, she might as well sell it to them. She nodded and said, "Okay, Nancy, ask him if he can come to our house now."
"I think he'd be delighted. Goodbye then."
"Goodbye, Nancy." The girl hung up the phone, shrugged, and found Jennifer. "Aunt Jennifer, where are Mom and Dad? Did they go out?"
"Yes," said Jennifer, who was busy cleaning.
"Can you tell me where they went?" Catherine asked again.
"No, little one. Your father said it's a surprise." Jennifer smiled.
"A surprise, huh? Just like when I was two or three years old." The girl pouted, then went back to the living room. After thinking for a few seconds, she picked up the phone and dialed a number. Soon, the other end picked up. "Hi, how are you, Uncle Sparrow?"
"Hello, Catherine. What can I do for you?" Jack's cheerful voice came from the other end.
"It's like this, dear Uncle Sparrow. I sent a script to Warner Bros. a while ago, and now they want to buy it. Someone might come to our house soon. If possible, could you come over and help me with this?" The young girl asked somewhat sheepishly. After all, it was a Sunday.
However, Sparrow didn't mind and readily agreed. "Alright, I'll be there soon."
After putting down the phone, the girl shrugged. Was there anything else she needed to prepare? Probably not. However, the "Hide and Seek" script Warner had was only a partial draft. Even if they were eager to buy it, they would have to wait for her to complete the full script.
Thinking about this, the "Léon" script popped into her mind like a shadow. What if that script accidentally had her signature as well? Catherine anxiously scratched her head, deciding to go upstairs and write a letter to Lindsay to avoid thinking about it.
But soon, Jennifer came upstairs again. "Dear, there's a guest here."
Catherine, who had calmed down slightly while writing the letter, put down her pen. "A guest? Who? Mr. Sparrow or someone from the film company?"
"Neither. It's a surprise." Jennifer smiled mysteriously.
"A surprise, huh?" The girl shrugged and walked downstairs. As she reached the stairs, a familiar voice reached her ears. "In fact, old Mr. Clyster really enjoyed the little one's movie—though he didn't say so out loud. I've always thought your father was just being stubborn."
Could it be?! Catherine's eyes widened, and she flew down the stairs. In the middle of the living room, on the long sofa, sat a man in his early thirties. With exaggerated gestures, he had his arm draped over the back of the sofa, laughing loudly. It was none other than her godfather, Vencent's good friend, Brian Benjamin!