Chapter 208 – Radiant and Striking
The next day, after spending a wonderful night with Joey Wong, Aaron personally escorted her to the flight bound for Hong Kong.
One of her Hong Kong action films, Water Margin: True Colors of the Heroes, was about to be released, and she needed to return to take part in the promotions.
As for Aaron, he was preparing to return to Paris together with Sophie Marceau.
Not only was Four Weddings and a Funeral enjoying tremendous success across Europe, but Dawnlight's other major production, The Mask of Zorro, was also in the middle of its European promotional tour.
---
After the Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony, an AIDS charity fundraising gala—initiated by the American Foundation for AIDS Research and founded by Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor—held its very first event.
"It looks like this AIDS charity auction is going to become a regular fixture at Cannes," Aaron said casually as he sat beside Sophie Marceau, chatting softly while Elizabeth Taylor passionately addressed the audience on stage.
Sophie Marceau leaned over and kissed Aaron on the cheek, her interest clearly limited.
"Charity galas always end up feeling like fashion parties."
Aaron laughed lightly.
"For people in the entertainment industry, charity auctions are naturally great opportunities for exposure."
"Just look at the Met Gala in New York every May—it's practically a massive fashion show."
Sophie glanced at him thoughtfully.
"By the way, was it your idea for Victoria's Secret to have me shoot an advertisement?"
Aaron had mentioned earlier that he and several investors had acquired the American lingerie brand Victoria's Secret, and that he wanted her to film a lingerie campaign.
"Yes," Aaron nodded.
"I'm also planning to launch a Victoria's Secret fashion show. The brand is about to expand into Europe."
"Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain—those are all key markets Victoria's Secret is looking to enter."
He had already arranged for Monica Bellucci to shoot an Italian Victoria's Secret campaign, while Sophie Marceau would be responsible for the French one.
Sophie thought for a moment, then said,
"Alright—but I spend most of my time in the United States these days. Will that be an issue?"
Aaron shook his head with a smile and gently brushed the back of her hand.
"Don't forget—you're France's kiss, the darling of French men everywhere," he said softly.
"Your popularity in France isn't something just anyone can surpass."
Of course, if one were to name the most popular figure in France right now, it would probably be the big-nosed romantic Gérard Depardieu. Aaron couldn't help but think of him—after all, the man had been seriously injured by him before and had spent a long time recuperating. Whether that would have a lasting impact on his acting career remained to be seen.
Sophie Marceau nodded thoughtfully.
"I'll be staying in Paris next for the promotion of the French film Fanfan. How long are you planning to stay?"
Aaron interlaced his fingers with hers.
"I'll stay a few days to keep you company. When The Mask of Zorro holds its premiere in Spain, I'll head over as well."
"That event's already been arranged," he continued.
"King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Queen Sofía, Prince Felipe, and Princess Cristina will all be in attendance."
Sophie smiled knowingly.
"No wonder you'll be there as well."
"But," she added with a playful tone, "that Spanish king—Juan Carlos I—doesn't exactly have the best reputation."
Born in Rome in 1938, Juan Carlos I was the grandson of Alfonso XIII, the last king of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty. After dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975, Spain's parliament proclaimed Juan Carlos king.
"I know," Aaron said lightly.
"He's infamous across Europe—flamboyant and notoriously womanizing."
"A few years ago, when Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Spain, it was said that Juan Carlos was utterly captivated by Diana's grace."
Aaron chuckled. Anyone familiar with the scandals of the British royal family would realize that Europe's royal houses were a tangled mess—there was no 'worst,' only 'worse.'
At fifty-five, just how many lovers Juan Carlos I had—or how many women he'd been involved with—was anyone's guess. Queen Sofía, originally a Greek princess, was perhaps the most unfortunate figure in all of this.
"Alright, I'm going to the restroom," Aaron said, leaning in to kiss Sophie before standing up.
---
After washing his face, Aaron had just stepped into the hallway when he accidentally bumped into a woman.
"Oh—are you alright?" he asked quickly, reaching out to steady her as she nearly lost her balance.
The woman in his arms let out a breath and patted her chest lightly.
"Thank you—my heel broke."
She had chestnut-colored hair, a slim yet alluring figure, and delicate features with a subtle Eastern charm.
"Ah—Mr. Anderson!" she said with a smile.
"Thank you so much. I'm Kate Beckinsale, from the cast of Much Ado About Nothing."
At just twenty years old, Kate Beckinsale was a third-year student at Oxford University's New College. Much Ado About Nothing, filmed during the previous summer, was effectively her first major film role—aside from a television movie she had appeared in two years earlier.
"Let me help you over there to sit for a bit," Aaron offered.
"That would be great—thank you."
He guided her gently to a nearby lounge area.
"I remember you," Aaron said with a smile.
"I saw you at the press event for Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing. You left an impression."
"Your temperament is a little different—there's an Eastern elegance to you, which makes you stand out."
"Really?" Kate blinked at him.
"I do have one-quarter Asian ancestry, so I suppose that shows in my features."
"That explains it," Aaron said, nodding in realization.
"By the way," he added, "I've heard you're studying at Oxford?"
"Yes," Kate replied.
"I entered New College in the autumn two years ago, majoring in French and Russian literature. After my third year, I plan to transfer to Oxford's Paris program to focus on French and better immerse myself in the culture."
She was clearly intelligent—earning admission to Oxford was proof enough.
Aaron couldn't help but marvel. Among the people he knew, Jennifer Connelly had attended Yale and Stanford; Hugh Grant was also an Oxford graduate—and now here was Kate Beckinsale as well.
"Impressive," Aaron said, looking at the radiant young woman before him.
"Perhaps we'll have a chance to work together someday."
Kate's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
Aaron nodded.