[Chapter 343: Saving Scarlett]
On the last night, Hillary was like an insatiable little creature. She used every trick in the book, bringing out all kinds of props one after another. It was a wild, sleepless night.
After seeing off the reluctant Hillary, Linton threw himself wholeheartedly into the crew, fully dedicating himself to the shoot. Naturally, he stayed in the hotel arranged by the crew -- the top-floor suite in Building 3 of the Universal Studios Grand Hotel.
There were six rooms on the top floor, occupied by Robert, Michael Bay, Nicole Kidman, Cristiana, and now Linton. According to movie billing, it should have been Linton, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, followed by Nicole Kidman and Cristiana. But since Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum weren't big enough stars, they were more like rising young actors, their fame far from Nicole and Cristiana's.
Besides, there were only six rooms on the top floor, and Robert also vaguely knew about the relationship between Nicole, Cristiana, and Linton.
When arranging rooms, Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum had to concede, but since their contracts didn't specify hotel room requirements, it didn't cause any dispute.
After moving in, on the same day the crew blew up the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and a UFO, Nicole and Cristiana boldly moved into Linton's room that evening.
Nicole Kidman showed she was a pro -- free-spirited, talented, and leading Cristiana in their mutual playful escapades. No wonder she had caught Madonna's attention on the first day at the estate.
Sweet and lively songs played through the night.
---
Actually, the crews for Good Will Hunting and Final Destination were also filming at Universal Studios, staying in Buildings 2 and 5 respectively. However, they were near the end of their shoots and about to wrap.
Upon learning Linton had moved into the hotel, Jennifer and Noriko Sakai came by the next night. With Final Destination a week from wrapping, they needed to soak up more of Linton's magical energy.
Linton welcomed them warmly, and Nicole Kidman also organized some lively parties.
Nicole even planned the party themes for the next night, sending their assistants to prepare appropriate props.
Surprisingly, Kate Winslet also showed up that night. With Good Will Hunting ten days from wrap, she too was eager for self-improvement and maintaining youth.
No problem -- with Nicole's organization, more people made the parties even livelier, with different themes every night.
---
Independence Day was a movie relying entirely on visual effects, so actor requirements weren't high. With Linton's skills, the shoot was quite relaxed.
The only challenge was scenes opposite aliens, which tested an actor's ability to perform with no physical props -- hard for many, but a breeze for Linton.
Of course, other cast members also performed well. Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum, though lesser-known, were excellent actors -- veterans in their craft.
Especially before the final deadly showdown, Bill Pullman, playing the president, delivered a flawless, powerful speech to the crowd. His performance was stirring -- from his expressions and posture to his passionate voice and heartfelt salute. It was raw emotion, stirring the audience's feelings fully.
Nicole and Cristiana's acting skills were not outstanding but were more than enough for this sci-fi flick. Having prepared well, they acted with ease and style.
---
Unconsciously, Final Destination and Good Will Hunting both wrapped, and Jennifer, Noriko Sakai, and Kate Winslet left one after another.
Their departures didn't affect the happy life of Linton, Nicole, and Cristiana -- Nicole's creativity ensured life remained exciting, even with fewer people.
---
Linton's single I Know officially released on December 28. Though Linton didn't do a promo tour or request radio play, his popularity and the song's quality helped it debut at number two on the Billboard singles chart in its first week.
That week, it sold 2.8 million copies in North America and 3.05 million overseas.
---
The solo action film The Man from Nowhere kept soaring at the box office. Having run for a month, it grossed 220 million dollars in North America, with another month to go. Surpassing 250 million was inevitable.
Overseas, the film was also a smash, pulling in 230 million by January 8. With more screenings expanding, more growth was expected.
---
Monica and Scarlett finished their promotion in Europe and Asia, and Scarlett quickly joined the crew, becoming another shadow trailing Linton.
Scarlett was a talker since childhood, sharing stories with Linton about her travels in Europe and Asia whenever possible.
She said everywhere they went, they were warmly welcomed. Many fans were disappointed and even cried when they found out Linton didn't join the overseas promo.
She had a gift for storytelling, painting vivid scenes that delighted listeners and earned Nicole and Cristiana's affection.
Since joining the crew, she was a bundle of joy and clingy, even bringing her lunchbox to hang around Linton's trailer at noon.
Fortunately, Linton, Nicole, and Cristiana's nightly adventures were exciting enough that daytime didn't require more action, or else Scarlett's influence might have been disruptive.
Seeing Scarlett so lively and adorable but also picky about her diet, Linton worried such a cute girl might grow up short and stocky without proper care.
"Ms. Sloan," Linton said seriously, "last year I told you that severe picky eating in kids could affect growth, even height. Have you consulted a doctor about this?"
"Thanks, Mr. Anderson. I haven't been to a hospital yet, but I asked people around me. They said picky eating in kids isn't a big deal and won't have much impact."
"Ms. Sloan, this is your family's private matter, but I see how adorable Scarlett is. I can't bear to see her health or beauty affected in the future. How about taking her to see a doctor after the shoot wraps?"
Hearing Ms. Sloan's neglect for her daughter left Linton speechless, but he reminded her earnestly again.
"Alright, thank you, Mr. Anderson. I'll make an appointment now. After the movie, I'll take her to the clinic."
"It's all for Scarlett's healthy and beautiful growth."
*****
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