Sean's decision left Norris and the others baffled. The brokerage contracts for those women could easily sell for thousands—if not tens of thousands—of dollars.
"I can't understand what Sean is thinking," Norris muttered.
Yet, the boss seemed indifferent, making it difficult for anyone to voice their concerns.
"Is there anyone among the remaining talents worth developing?" Sean inquired.
All three managers shook their heads. They couldn't see any potential. Most female stars achieve fame well before turning 20, and if a woman reaches 25 without landing a leading role, the chances of success are slim.
"Female artists just don't have the same opportunities as male stars," one manager explained. "Many male actors find success in their 30s or even 40s, but it's rare for women."
The female artists currently under management were all over 20, confirming the managers' conclusion.
Sean flipped through the files on his desk, hoping to recognize a familiar face, but ultimately sighed in frustration. "It's just not that easy to find talent," he admitted.
"Forget it," he said, tossing the contracts onto the desk. "I'm planning to open a strip club in Newark. I'd rather take advantage of youth to make money than waste time."
"Or just develop them into porn stars," one of the agents suggested, eliciting nods of agreement from the others.
"I'll be in Hollywood for a few days. Give me two days to gather photos of actresses who haven't yet made a name for themselves. I want to focus on the young ones," Sean instructed.
Norris's eyes sparkled with understanding, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "So, the boss likes them young..."
"I get it, I get it!" he added, as if he had cracked a code.
It was a common sentiment; who wouldn't be drawn to youthful beauty?
"What's with that expression?" Sean shot back, tossing a document at Norris, who looked slightly embarrassed.
"Get lost! Hurry up," Sean huffed, wishing he could say more but deciding instead to express his irritation.
"Am I some kind of old pervert?" he thought, lighting a cigarette as he searched his mind for Hollywood actresses. After a long deliberation, he jotted down a few names that stood out.
Rubbing his tired head, he noticed it was already dark outside. He straightened up and stretched, reflecting on the six hours of work he had just put in—definitely beyond the standard!
Feeling exhausted, he stepped out of the office and ran into the director, John, who was emerging with the creative team. They had just wrapped up a meeting about the shooting schedule. Sean spotted the stunning Diane Lane among them.
"Everyone's here! Let's celebrate tonight at my place," he announced.
As the host, Sean wanted to impress, and everyone readily agreed to a pool party at his villa at 8 PM.
Norris appeared at Sean's side, whispering, "Leave it to me. I can have everything ready in an hour. What kind of beauties do you prefer? Young ones?"
His pride was unmistakable.
Sean shot him an annoyed look. "Just handle Cage and the others. I don't need you to worry about that!" He glanced toward the staircase where Diane Lane had disappeared.
Understanding Norris's promptness, Sean couldn't help but shake his head. "Did you get that before I even said anything?"
After an hour, Sean had to admit that Norris was adept at these kinds of arrangements. Within no time, there were cold meals, a variety of drinks, and an array of beautiful women.
As music filled the air, the atmosphere transformed into a lively celebration.
By 7:30, guests began arriving, including Sean's invited crew. Diane Lane stood out among them, her wavy chestnut hair and eye-catching outfit turning heads. She wore a deep V-neck cropped jacket that accentuated her figure, paired with a high-slit skirt that showcased her long legs.
As the host, Sean greeted everyone warmly, and Diane took his hand, creating a comfortable connection.
Everyone was a bit reserved, possibly due to the location. At Sean's villa, there would be no inappropriate behavior; he had made that clear. He disliked the idea of anyone engaging in reckless activities.
Despite the spontaneity of the party, it served its purpose: the team began to bond, breaking down previous barriers. The only challenge was the language barrier with Yuan Heping's crew, but with Donnie Yen around, communication flowed smoothly.
As the night wore on, the party continued until midnight, with guests trickling out one by one. Diane Lane was the last to leave, but Sean asked her to stay a little longer. "I'm about to make a drink. Would you like to try?"
Sean was never one to pressure anyone; he preferred a more subtle approach.
Diane nodded, her smile inviting.
One drink turned into many as they transitioned from the garden to the pool where they began feeding each other. Eventually, the swimming pool became the focal point of their evening. At just 20 years old, Diane Lane embodied youthful allure, exuding both sexiness and innocence.
She was one of the standout beauties of the 1980s, with skin as smooth as milk, a quality that captivated Sean. They spent the night enjoying each other's company, a connection that extended over the next several days.
Sean had a knack for creating memorable experiences, both professionally and personally. His ability to balance work and pleasure kept him at the center of Hollywood's social scene, where he navigated relationships and opportunities with a keen sense of purpose and an eye for talent.
As the days went by, Sean continued to evaluate the potential stars, always on the lookout for the next big name that could be nurtured and developed. His efforts were driven by a clear understanding of the industry's dynamics, and a personal ambition to leave a lasting mark.
Despite the challenges and the occasional controversies, Sean's approach to managing talent and his willingness to take risks set him apart. His decisions, though sometimes puzzling to others, were always part of a larger strategy to build a successful and influential career in Hollywood.
In the end, Sean's methods were a mix of intuition and calculated moves, ensuring that he remained a key player in an ever-evolving industry. His legacy was built not just on the stars he discovered, but on the unique way he combined his personal passions with his professional ambitions.