"How could it be? Your story is too far-fetched. This is even more outlandish than Cinderella's tale."
"Are you sure you don't like it?" William White said teasingly.
"No, Sophie, the story is fantastic. If you're not interested, I'll take it off your hands."
"Hmph, who said I'm not interested?" said Sophie Marceau. It's common for women to be wary of other attractive women, and this was no exception. Sophie really didn't like this Nastassja Kinski. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also quite cunning.
"Sophie, it's just a movie plot. There's no need for any weird thoughts. In the meantime, focus on the language barrier; once that's handled, we're all set. Nastassja, go ahead and prepare the script for registration."
"Yes, boss."
Nastassja was a bit annoyed. That naive girl from Paris didn't realize this was a William White script, did she?
In Hollywood at the time, if William White said your script wasn't bad, you had no worries about investment. That was for scripts others brought to him. If he wrote it himself, actors would fight tooth and nail for a role.
Frankly, the movie should be called Pretty Woman instead of some other obscure title.
A wealthy guy falling in love with a woman from the streets? No wonder that naive girl was conflicted. Are you trying to clear up something?
Sigh, in Hollywood, are these two professions really that different? You should check West Hollywood. No shortage of young people with dreams there.
William White didn't actually like the story of this movie. You were part of an unethical transaction. How did it suddenly turn into a sincere love story?
Could this story be any more melodramatic?
Even if you believe love grows over time, this wasn't it. They fell head over heels after just one night. Who are you trying to fool?
However, whether he liked it or not didn't matter, as long as others did. Cinderella wasn't melodramatic? La Traviata wasn't melodramatic?
Sure, the ideas were nice, but they weren't realistic. Yet it didn't matter; everyone loved cliche stories. Entertainment was meant to be fun, so why be so serious about it?
If the formula remained the same decades later, why should it matter now?
...
Hollywood wasn't that big of a place, and rumors about William White were sweeping through like wildfire in just one day.
"Boss, could you leave some women for us?"
"Drop dead, you all were the ones chasing after 'cabbages' at school. Did I say anything then?"
"Sure, but you only stopped in your tracks. In four years, I lost track of the number of 'cabbages' you went through."
William White didn't care about his friends' laughs. These bastards were far worse than he was. Maybe they envied the quality he had.
To many, such a William White was more authentic. If he had no flaws, how would others even get by?
The old folks thought he was just a fleeting comet. Unless it involved significant conflicts of interest, it was better not to tussle with him; otherwise, you might end up dragging yourself into trouble.
...
Fulton was happy. The White family now will have a successor. After all, more children meant more blessings, and with an estate so vast, what was there to worry about?
As for legitimacy?
Hmph, as long as it's a White's child, who would dare to talk nonsense?
"Be good, rest well, don't overthink. It's okay to have children; I like them very much."
"Sorry to trouble you."
"Haha, what are you saying? Formal language won't do right now. The doctor just said the child is very healthy."
"Thank you."
"Silly girl, don't overthink. I'll take care of your and the child's future, rest assured."
Expectant mothers needed some coaxing, and truthfully, he was a bit excited. The things happening to him were quite bizarre. What if he goes time traveling again? Would his fortune end up with those bastards?
No way, he had to arrange the will first. With no child, it might not have mattered. But now, a child was in the picture, and it was essential.
[T/N: If it is not clear, the assistant Suzuki Meiko got pregnant.]
...
Sophie now felt a bit jaded. Arriving in America, she realized the guy beside her was quite popular. Regardless of the purpose these women had, her current status indeed had a "Cinderella" vibe.
Saying she had no thoughts about it was unrealistic. Once accustomed to this lifestyle, going back would indeed be challenging. Besides, her status was different; she wasn't one of those wild girls.
Sometimes she wondered if she could handle this guy's antics if they were dating.
Truth be told, she would find being his wife unbearable. Isn't love supposed to be exclusive?
So, what was she now?
Love? Perhaps there was!
Yet, if someone said she didn't love him, she wouldn't admit it. Everything was a mess.
Even the one who started it had no answers. William White was like a greedy kid wanting all the cute toys without letting go of what he already had, thus leading to all sorts of dilemmas.
In summary, it was a case of wanting everything without losing anything.
...
Steve Jobs, however, felt irritated. That scoundrel William White was always out having fun, while he worked himself to exhaustion.
If it were just that, fine. But his own company wasn't doing well, which was depressing. Should he go out gallivanting, too?
Forget those two public companies; even White Systems now had a higher market value than Apple.
Never say valuations don't matter because, for William White, that statement was laughable.
Jobs knew his time at the company was limited. The board wouldn't grant him another opportunity.
Gosh, maybe I should try Hollywood, too. Even if the money isn't great, at least the beauties won't be scarce. Silicon Valley was terrible; even the mosquitoes were male!
William White had no idea he would soon gain a good friend. Jobs understood that despite their frequent arguments, they did not have a bad relationship. If Apple needed help, William White might not care, but if he needed help, it would be simpler.
*****
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