Gilbert was chatting with Christian Bale. The latter's move earlier—humiliating John Maxon in front of everyone, had greatly pleased Gilbert.
"Chris, what have you been working on lately?"
"I'm filming Rescue Dawn with Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies," Bale replied. "And there's another one, 3:10 to Yuma, that's about to start shooting."
Christian Bale then asked, "Director, I've been meaning to ask—was Batman Begins not very successful?"
"Why do you ask that?"
"Well, if it was a hit, why hasn't there been a sequel yet? I can't wait to play Batman again."
Gilbert laughed heartily. "I know you're impatient, but don't rush it. These things take time. I promise—you're going to love the story for the sequel. In fact, it's going to be quite a challenge for you."
Christian Bale, full of confidence, said, "Ever since I first put on the Batsuit, I've been ready."
"Good," Gilbert patted him on the shoulder. "I'll let you know as soon as there's progress."
In truth, Warner Bros. had already been pressing for updates. Gilbert had told them that, at the latest, production on the sequel would begin next year.
With Batman Begins laying a solid foundation, fans of the Dark Knight were eagerly anticipating the next installment.
After all, they couldn't just let Marvel's superheroes be the only ones soaring and swinging across the big screen!
Just then, Andrew Garfield hurriedly rushed over to Gilbert. From his expression, it looked as though he was fleeing from something—his face pale and nervous.
"Director Gilbert, hello. I'm Andrew Garfield," he introduced himself, his eyes filled with a silent plea.
"Hello, Andrew," Gilbert replied, not paying much attention to the young man's unease. "I haven't congratulated you in person yet—your movie's a big hit. I'm sure there are countless young fans who adore you now."
Andrew Garfield gave a bitter smile. "Fame came, yes but I paid a price for it. I came to ask for your help."
"Oh?" Gilbert exchanged a glance with Christian Bale. Bale frowned slightly and said, "Mr. Garfield, unless there's a clear reason, I'm not sure there's much we can do to help."
"No, no, you definitely can," Andrew said anxiously.
He looked back—sure enough, several big-shot producers were approaching. Turning quickly back to Gilbert, his eyes were filled with desperation. Gilbert sighed softly and decided to step in.
If it had been anyone else, even a beautiful actress, he might not have bothered. But the main reason he helped was because, in his past life, he'd had a good impression of Andrew Garfield.
Back when the situation in the Middle East was chaotic, Andrew Garfield had been one of the few Hollywood actors brave enough to openly stand up for marginalized groups.
There was even a popular online comment in Chinese that went, "In Earth-616, Spider-Man's name is Peter Parker but in our universe, Spider-Man's name is Andrew Garfield."
Although this Andrew Garfield hadn't yet starred in The Amazing Spider-Man, he already carried that same empathy for the underprivileged.
There weren't many good people in Hollywood and Gilbert himself couldn't be called one. His hands were stained with blood, even if the ones he'd killed had all been guilty beyond redemption.
So, when it came to protecting good people, Gilbert felt it was both his responsibility and his duty. Besides, Andrew Garfield was already a rising actor, and also Jewish—a useful connection for someone like Gilbert, a prominent liberal figure.
"Go stand beside Chris," Gilbert said.
Andrew Garfield clung to that order like a drowning man to a lifeline and quickly moved to stand beside Christian Bale.
Gilbert, meanwhile, put on a warm, enthusiastic smile and walked toward the approaching group of powerful men.
"Hey, Bobby, Frank—it's been a while!" Gilbert's voice was loud and lively, drawing the attention of many guests nearby.
The approaching big shots, seeing that it was Gilbert, immediately switched to polite mode. "Director Gilbert! It's been too long!"
"You all look like you're in quite a hurry," Gilbert said casually, though he already knew perfectly well why they were there.
"Ah, well…" One of them, Bobby, stammered, clearly uncomfortable talking about it in public. "We were just looking for Andrew to discuss a new project."
Everyone nearby immediately understood what that meant. Discuss a new project? With a young actor who'd only just started getting noticed? It was obvious what kind of "discussion" this was supposed to be.
No one said it aloud, but they all knew exactly what was going on and they also knew that Gilbert understood it too. Then, glancing at the handsome, bright-looking Andrew Garfield, they all instantly got the picture.
Who said Gilbert wasn't into men? Maybe he just hadn't met the right one yet.
Well, now he had and here he was, stepping out to protect his little favorite…
Gilbert, of course, had no idea what those people around him were thinking, but he knew the moment he stepped in, such rumors were bound to spread. Still, he didn't care.
A few rumors were nothing—far from enough to threaten him.
There were plenty of people far dirtier than he was. At least he stood in the open. When the time came, he could just have the media and online PR teams stir the public opinion a bit, and soon everyone would forget the gossip.
For now, though, he had to deal with the trouble in front of him.
"What a coincidence," Gilbert said calmly. "I was just discussing a new project with Andrew. Looks like we happened to bump into each other."
Bobby froze. "You and Andrew? Discussing what project?"
The moment he asked, Bobby realized it was the wrong thing to say. Obviously, it was that matter—something you could never bring up in public.
But to his surprise, Gilbert went right ahead and answered, "Actually, I'm planning to shoot a new TV series, and Andrew Garfield is already my confirmed male lead."
That single sentence stunned Bobby, Frank, and even the surrounding guests. Andrew Garfield suddenly felt several jealous gazes fall upon him.
Meanwhile, a few good-looking male actors—especially those with "nice figures"—turned their burning gazes toward Gilbert.
It wasn't that they wouldn't "sell themselves," but if they were going to do it, it had to be worth something. If they could land a leading role, enduring a little "pressure" might be acceptable.
Andrew Garfield, however, was dumbfounded. His mind started spinning wildly—was Director Gilbert just making that up? If it was true, wouldn't that mean his big break had finally come?
And… if Director Gilbert was interested in him, should he accept or refuse?
All sorts of complicated thoughts filled Andrew Garfield's head, but Gilbert had already dismissed the group of bigshots who were so fond of "pretty boys."
"All right then," Gilbert clapped his hands lightly, looking relaxed.
He ignored the strange, curious, or heated looks from the people around them, and turned to Andrew Garfield. "You're with Michael Ovitz's agency, right?"
"Yes," Andrew Garfield nodded.
"Good," Gilbert said. "I'll have someone send you an official invitation later. Be ready."
As Gilbert started to turn away, Andrew Garfield hurriedly thanked him, "Thank you, Director Gilbert. If you hadn't stepped in tonight, I really wouldn't have known what to do."
"You're welcome," Gilbert replied. "Those guys really went too far. I couldn't just stand by."
"Uh…" Andrew hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something more.
Gilbert noticed his look and paused. Why's he staring down there?
Still, he said calmly, "Relax. I'm only interested in women—beautiful women. Handsome guys aren't my thing."
Andrew Garfield finally let out a long sigh of relief, then asked, "About that role…"
"It's real," Gilbert confirmed. "I think you're perfect for it. Just wait for the notice."
With that, Gilbert went off to find Charlize Theron, ready to head home.
Christian Bale, standing nearby, patted Andrew Garfield on the shoulder with a hint of envy. "Buddy, you're about to make it big."
Andrew Garfield stood frozen in place, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of joy that had just hit him.
....
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