Marvel Salted Fish Kryptonian

"Then let's act out the scene where the hero tries to escape, but is discovered by the heroine and is shattered by a hammer on his ankle, causing him to be in excruciating pain. You act with me. Find me a hammer."

"Wow, girl, you're getting revenge."

"Don't say no!"

Chapter 304 The bottleneck of rising

After changing her agent and starting over, Charlize Theron's daily routine consists of working, auditioning, watching movies and honing her acting skills.

If I have some spare time, I'll flip through the books Henry recommended to supplement my knowledge, including books on psychology and some on actor psychology and techniques.

Especially the latter. After this period of imitation practice, and being able to see her own performance in front of the camera, and comparing it with the text in the book, Charlize Theron did have some experience and insights.

From an outsider's perspective, Henry saw Charlize Theron's acting skills improving rapidly. While she wasn't quite at the level of veteran actresses, or even actresses, she wasn't embarrassing anymore, just a little raw.

Henry's responsibilities were much more complex, but his most important job, of course, was driving Charlize to various auditions.

As long as the film crew is not obviously problematic, Henry will take the future movie queen to try out the opportunity if they offer him one.

Occasionally, he'd encounter a director or producer who'd hint at something. Or, perhaps someone on the production team, seeing Charlize's beauty, would exploit her power and make ambiguous requests. Henry had to handle these situations tactfully and fend off those with ill intentions.

In fact, it is not uncommon in Hollywood for actors to refuse to admit their actions after sleeping with someone. Regardless of whether they actually got the opportunity, if the actress paid the price, they can shirk responsibility by saying that others offered more.

After suffering such a loss, could the woman really file a police report or sue? Forget about suing, even if she made a big fuss, it wouldn't work. Once her reputation was ruined and she didn't have strong backing, she would have no choice but to retire from the entertainment industry.

The weakness and predicament of actresses can be seen from this. It is this difference that gives men in Hollywood the confidence to act fearlessly, allowing them to unscrupulously make unreasonable demands for unspoken rules.

Henry understood these tactics. Regardless of whether the person making the suggestion or request held the power to choose the film, it was part of his job as Charlize's agent and boyfriend to help her avoid such trouble.

In addition, Henry also rented a videotape every day as Charlize's teaching material. He also served as a photographer and instructor, guiding her acting skills in front of the camera and watching the results together.

Although this job took the longest, it was relatively simple. I would just stay in Henry's room, watch movies, and then imitate them, observe the camera movements, and try to figure out my acting skills.

However, as an agent without any resources, Henry could only go to the Screen Actors Guild diligently to check out the information from film crews that were openly recruiting actors.

Henry would sometimes approach crews in person before getting an audition.

The big productions from the Big Eight studios were still out of reach for low-level agents like Henry, so the only ones he could get his hands on were small independent film crews that were short on money and people, or B-movies that were released directly to videotape.

In addition to being able to see if these small crews are reliable, Henry would also occasionally offer some pointers when they encounter difficulties.

After all, I have been in Los Angeles for several years and in Hollywood for half a year, so I know enough about the ins and outs to guide those who are just starting out in this field.

It was with these small favors that Charlize got many audition opportunities, although not many of them were successful in the end.

However, thanks to Charlize Theron's own qualifications and Henry's diligent support, he quickly secured a role for Charlize as a passing actor. Although it was not a role with lines, she was still able to appear on camera.

But honestly, because of Henry's strong intervention, Charlize Theron's trajectory at this stage is different from what he knew before he traveled through time.

Charlize Theron's first film appearance wasn't in the B-grade horror film Children of the Corn 3, which would later be released directly to video. Instead, it was in another equally obscure B-grade film, whose release was still uncertain.

I could get an audition opportunity at least once every few days, and a chance to appear on screen about once every one or two weeks. Even though it was only for one or two days, and it was usually just a passing actor, playing a background board in someone else's movie.

For Charlize Theron, who had just entered the industry, such an achievement was like a ray of light breaking through the fog, allowing her to see the opportunity to succeed.

In any case, it's better than her former agent, John Crosby, who only allowed Charlize to do modeling photos but never act in movies.

Although John had lent a helping hand when she needed it most, and Charlize is still grateful to him, his ill intentions are also hard to let go.

But Henry knew very well that going from a background role to a speaking role was the true breakthrough from 0 to 1. He himself hadn't been able to make it, so how could he help Charlize Theron move up?

Lying on the bed, he gently let go of the sleeping girl beside him. Henry got dressed and went to the warehouse in the dock area in the middle of the night to put the final touches on his underwater server construction work.

This big thing had to be completed and sent to sea before the warehouse's short-term lease expired. Time was running out. While Henry was working, he was also thinking about other things.

After three months of trying to help Charlize Theron continue her career in Hollywood, Henry truly felt that he was unqualified as an agent. He was only just fine as an acting teacher, with the support of cameras and other equipment.

Agents are all about connections and resources. Besides being eloquent and successful in securing opportunities and negotiating compensation, even more important is how much information they can obtain!

Hollywood produces an average of about 700 films a year. Excluding the big studios and productions, the number of performances that flow into the Screen Actors Guild probably accounts for less than half of the total, or even less.

And to be honest, the projects that come to the Screen Actors Guild are all crappy. The good projects are already picked up long ago, and there's no way they'll end up in the Screen Actors Guild.

Those who are truly well-informed are those from large brokerage companies or brokers with celebrity clients.

As for finding a bargain...it's not that easy in Hollywood. At least until now, Henry hasn't encountered a script that he remembers as a potential hit or a truly compelling one.

Even if you want to take the initiative, you have to know who owns the project so that you know where to put your efforts.

To put it bluntly, the problem is caused by insufficient resources and lack of information.

Faced with such a bottleneck, Henry, as an agent, has time to slowly cultivate his network and expand his sources of information; but actresses in their prime do not have that much time.

Although there are some actresses who achieve success late in life and rely on their excellent acting skills and qualifications, the achievements of such people are limited.

What is referred to here is not just the achievement of awards, but also income.

And in the process of gaining experience, one has to make great efforts to stay in the Hollywood environment and not be affected by other temptations or even fall into depravity.

All the actresses who have truly reached the top have shone brilliantly in their most beautiful youth.

They don't need to work on their acting skills. Only those who can charm thousands of boys and girls just by standing on the big screen have the opportunity to achieve great success and fame.

During their time together, Henry understood Charlize Theron's perspective. She wasn't someone who was deeply passionate about acting, although she pursued it. She simply believed she had the talent and ability to achieve success in this field, so she put in the effort.

Charlize Theron's greater desire was to escape poverty and maintain the insignificant dignity of an actor in the eyes of many bigwigs. She chose a path that is more difficult and arduous for an actress.

Henry thought that if he didn't want Charlize Theron to waste her time in his hands, it was time to use some tricks.

Chapter 305 Failed Audition

Finally, the submarine server was completed before the short-term lease on the warehouse expired. It was then sent into the sea, connected to the submarine communication cable, and started operating.

This was the time Henry spent after meeting with the Screen Actors Guild and various crews while Charlize was away, completing his agent duties, and sneaking in late-night overtime. It's no exaggeration to say the production process was full of twists and turns.

The final product was about the size of a 20-passenger medium-sized bus. Henry took advantage of the night to carry it into the sea, delivered it to the designated location on the seabed, and connected it to the submarine communication cable.

The purpose of the server has not been decided yet. For now, it will run a self-monitoring program and send log files back to Henry's rented computer at any time.

Because it is installed on the seabed, it is always necessary to observe whether it can operate normally and whether there will be any unexpected problems. Only when it can operate stably can other uses be considered.

Otherwise, if you transfer all your important information and it is destroyed the next day, you will be heartbroken.

In short, the underwater server construction plan, which was under pressure from the lease term, came to a temporary halt, and Henry could finally focus all his energy on the future movie queen.

The tricks he wanted to use were certainly not eavesdropping to obtain information, or running to a big shot's house to beat him up and force him to submit.

Crime is not an option!

Henry had simply taken advantage of Charlize's interview break to make a phone call he hadn't made before, testing his own credibility. Fortunately, he received a positive response, which was enough to get him through the first hurdle.

When the disappointed girl returned to the car, Henry knew the outcome without even asking. He was just thinking about how to comfort her when Charlize took the initiative!

As if to vent her emotions, she slapped her cheeks hard with both hands, and the sound of the slaps was extremely crisp.

This made Henry feel pain on his face as well.

Pulling the girl's hand down, Henry gently stroked Charlize's red cheeks. "Look, it's all red. What if it swelled up? Luckily, there are no other auditions this afternoon, otherwise, I'd have to use a cement trowel to powder your face."

"Ah, you need a cement trowel to fix your makeup." Charlize, clawing at Henry's cheeks, pinched them and pulled. Unfortunately, she couldn't pull the old cowhide out, so she gave up in anger.

"Ha, don't look for me if you want to vent your anger. I'll buy you a punching doll later. If you hit it a few times, you'll feel much happier."

Charlize bared her teeth and punched Henry's arm twice. "I like this kind of punching. It doesn't cost money and it makes you scream."

"Ouch, ouch." Henry whimpered, seemingly cooperatively, but his voice was perfunctory. Charlize couldn't help but hit him again. Then he folded his hands and turned away.

Henry had no choice but to say, "Don't worry. Strictly speaking, it's not your fault that today's audition was unsuccessful."

Meanwhile, Henry started the car and headed back to the apartment building. It was almost dinnertime, and he had to get home to prepare Katie's meal. While he was cooking, Charlize could watch the film she was using as a lesson for the day, the first round. It was still practice time in the evening.

The slight vibration from the car's engine seemed to shake off Charlize's insistence on keeping silent. She turned around and asked, "Why don't you say it's not my fault?"

"While you were waiting and auditioning, I went around the crowd and heard some gossip."

"What kind of gossip? Has the leading actress been decided?"

"Yes, that's it."

"So what?" Charlize pouted, looking unhappy.

"I saw the actress. Her appearance is different from yours. But most importantly, from her gestures, she doesn't have that kind of star aura. You know what I mean, honey?"

"Are you trying to say that she's not as good as me, or does she also have her merits?"

"Ha, I guessed you'd think so. I thought you must have used all your acting skills during the audition just now, and amazed everyone. But in the end, you were still rejected."

"That's right! That's it! I just can't figure out what I haven't done well enough." Charlize yelled angrily.

"Don't you understand now, dear? Maybe you're just doing too well."

Henry spoke in a calmer voice, which indeed helped the girl, who was caught up in her emotions, to calm down.

Charlize Theron is no fool. Now that she's thinking back on the situation, she realizes something. She asks, "Even if I don't get the lead role, I was originally auditioning for a supporting role. So, they still don't want me?"

"Although I don't know the background of the heroine, you can easily come up with a hundred reasons why the crew couldn't move her. If at this time, the crew chose an actor with better qualifications in all aspects to play the supporting role, what do you think would happen?"

"It's not good to focus on the better person." Charlize said angrily with puffed cheeks.

Henry laughed and said, "You yourself think this kind of thing is impossible, so you use such a tone, don't you? When making a movie, choosing actors is never about choosing the best, but the most suitable.

"This suitability can refer to the actor's appearance and characteristics, as well as the salary level and the overall crew's inclinations. Personal relationships are also a very important consideration here.

"Actually, this is my fault. I didn't understand the crew's situation and tell you in advance. This is the only opportunity I could find. Honestly, this isn't a really good project that will make you famous."

"But..." Charlize said the turning point first, looked at the other party with a slight annoyance, and waited for Henry's next words.

Sensing the deathly gaze from the passenger seat, Henry smiled and said, "There's no 'but'."

There was no strange twist, which at least made her feel a little better. Charlize tilted her head gloomily, looking out the window at the street scene with people wearing coats.

It rarely snows in Los Angeles, and it never snows in her hometown either. For some reason, she wanted to go somewhere with snow, roll around in it, or something like that.

"Yes, dear.—"

Charlize's ears perked up at Henry's voice, but she didn't turn her head, still looking out the window.

"—Don't worry about work during the Christmas and New Year holidays. I'll take you to see someone."

This vague request made Charlize Theron stiffen. Could it be that this man was going to go down that same path, bringing her to others as a tribute in exchange for an opportunity?

"We're going to Connecticut to meet Katharine Hepburn. I heard it's snowing there. Do you have enough warm clothes? If not, we need to buy some first."

Charlize Theron whipped her head around, nearly breaking her neck. She looked at the man driving in surprise. "You mean, that 'Katharine Hepburn' lady?"

"It should be the Ms. 'Katharine Hepburn' you mentioned. I will be Ms. Audrey Hepburn's assistant. It was this Ms. Hepburn who introduced me. Do you want to go?"

Charlize was like a hamster, with her eyes wide open and nodding desperately.

The first female star to be called the "Queen of Hollywood" was exactly what she dreamed of becoming. How could Charlize Theron pass up the opportunity to meet her in person?

Chapter 306 Beach Villa

Katharine Hepburn's father was a doctor and her mother was a feminist activist. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, a family that could afford to raise seven children had to have some money.

So the family had another summer home outside of Hartford, Connecticut, in Fenwick, on the waterfront facing Long Island Sound.

In the hurricane of 38, the original wooden shingle-style cottage was swept into the sea, and they rebuilt a brick house in its place. It was a house with a unique design, like a building block or a domino.

There's a one-story house, a two-story house, a three-story house with an attic, and a two-story house with a balcony. The four houses are connected together, like family members of different ages supporting each other.

This was the home Katharine Hepburn would return to between filmings, and it was also one of the places she lived in her later years, the other being in New York.

It was said that Howard Stark often flew his seaplane over and landed on the bay in front of her house. Of course, in Henry's memory before he traveled through time, the protagonist of this romantic anecdote was Howard Hughes.

Henry took Charlize Theron and drove a car rented at the airport to visit Ms. Katharine Hepburn who lived here.

They arrived in the afternoon. They could have arrived earlier, but it had been snowing in Connecticut the previous day, and the roads were slippery, so Henry didn't dare drive fast.

Since this amount of snow wasn't enough to require snow chains, and the road was slipperier than usual, driving slowly was a natural thing for Henry, who prioritized safety.

The beach in front of the house was also covered with a layer of white snow. As the waves came ashore, not only did they soak the sand, but the salt flakes and snow also mixed together and were then carried away by the receding waves. This scene was very strange to Henry.

It wasn't that Henry had never seen snow. His memories of Alaska showed that there was snow on the seashore, but the sea was frozen solid, so there was no sight of waves playing with the snow.

After finding an empty space to park, Henry took Charlize Theron to the door and rang the doorbell.

After a while, an old lady wearing a floral long gown, warm plush pants, and a woolen sweater opened the door.

"Catherine, long time no see." Henry said warmly, handing over the bouquet of big red roses in his hand.

"Ha, good boy." The old lady who took the bouquet gave him a kiss on the cheek with the same enthusiasm.