The morning rehearsal ended, and the afternoon was set aside for adjustments based on issues identified during the rehearsal, as well as the production of some official materials for media distribution. As a result, the entire fashion show team, including the Victoria's Secret Angels, would be staying at the Armory all day.
After chatting with everyone for a while, Simon was reminded by a staff member that lunch had been delivered.
Since there were no critical tasks scheduled for the day, Simon decided to stay and join them for the working lunch.
In the backstage area, lunch had already begun to be distributed.
The staff received one type of meal, while the Victoria's Secret Angels received another, one that could barely be called lunch. After tasting Yasmin's vegetable salad, which didn't even have dressing, Simon had no desire to take a second bite.
The perfect bodies that the audience sees on the Victoria's Secret runway don't come easily.
For this show, most of the Victoria's Secret Angels had started controlling their weight three months in advance. As the show approached, the team would conduct evaluations, and if someone didn't meet the standards, they would be cut, no matter how perfect their waist or legs were—no exceptions.
The glamour at the top of any field always comes at a significant cost.
After lunch, Simon sent away the others around him and called Triss Gough over to personally check on her progress in her acting lessons.
On a whim, he had given this baby-faced model a small role in his next film. Simon was pleased to see her rising fame, but if Triss Gough couldn't handle even a minor role as a pretty face, Simon wouldn't compromise.
Grace had privately discussed with Simon that besides preparing for the Victoria's Secret show, Triss Gough had been taking four hours of acting lessons daily, in a grueling schedule that left her with only six hours of sleep each night, forcing her to turn down many commercial opportunities.
After a simple lunch in the backstage area, everyone began to busy themselves again.
Standing near the communal makeup station, not far from Simon's rest area, A was reviewing a document on investments in Ukraine. Cindy Crawford approached, glancing at Simon Westeros, who was testing the baby-faced girl nearby. She smiled and greeted A, "Hi, A."
Alison turned her head slightly and nodded, "Hello, Cindy."
Cindy Crawford picked up an eyebrow pencil from the makeup table and toyed with it, intending to sit down. Noticing Alison's stance, she curiously asked, "A, why don't you sit down?"
Alison paused, her gaze returning to the document in her hand. She replied casually, "Standing is better for your health."
Cindy was a bit puzzled. Upon reflection, she realized that every time she had noticed Alison that morning, Simon Westeros' assistant had been standing. Looking down, Cindy saw that Alison was wearing flat leather boots instead of high heels, which were indeed more suitable for standing.
Sensing that it was wise not to probe further, Cindy decided against sitting and instead leaned slightly against the edge of the makeup table. She found a topic to continue, "A, what are you reading?"
Alison didn't answer directly and asked bluntly, "Is there something you need?"
Seeing that Alison wasn't interested in chatting, perhaps even a bit cold due to her earlier question, Cindy didn't waste any more time and got to the point, "It's like this. I recently signed on for a new Warner Bros. film, *Fair Game*, about a game of cat and mouse between a secret agent and the Soviet KGB. Do you know about it?"
"Joe Silver's project."
Cindy nodded, surprised that Alison had used such a definitive tone, "Yes, it seems you're aware."
"Yes."
"So, what does Simon think of it?"
"It's terrible."
"What…what?"
"The boss says it's terrible."
"…"
"The boss also said that after this movie, Cindy Crawford's era will be over."
"A, that joke isn't funny at all."
Alison looked up at Cindy, "Why would I joke with you?"
"But…"
Alison ignored Cindy's hesitation, lowered her head, and returned her attention to the document, clearly not intending to continue the conversation.
Cindy looked at Alison, then glanced at Simon, who was still talking with Triss Gough. After a moment of hesitation, she was about to approach him when someone beat her to it. Stephanie Seymour, holding a few cups of coffee, approached Simon. After speaking with the nearby bodyguards, she was allowed to sit beside Simon.
Bitch!
Cindy cursed silently.
However, since her career was at stake, she had to find out the truth. Cindy politely nodded to Alison and walked toward Simon.
As expected, the two bodyguards stopped her, "Ms. Crawford, the boss doesn't want to be disturbed."
Cindy glanced at Stephanie Seymour, who was sitting next to Simon, and smiled patiently, "I have something important to discuss with Simon."
The resting area was in an open corner, so Simon noticed Cindy being stopped by the bodyguards. He had just finished testing Triss Gough, and the results were satisfactory, so he signaled the bodyguards to let her through.
Cindy walked over and was about to sit on Simon's other side when Triss Gough subtly beat her to it, leaving her to sit on a single-seat sofa nearby. Without showing any displeasure toward Triss Gough, Cindy couldn't resist needling Stephanie Seymour, "Finnie, how's your baby doing? I remember it's almost 100 days old, right?"
Stephanie Seymour glanced over, "Yes, the 100-day party has already been held. I noticed you've been busy, so I didn't invite you."
Cindy retorted, "Then I'll just have to wait until you and Peter get married to send my gift. By the way, when do you plan to get married?"
Stephanie didn't seem affected by Cindy's words, responding with a hopeful expression, "Next year, maybe. I'll definitely invite you then, so don't forget to bring two gifts."
Seeing that Stephanie wasn't reacting, Cindy couldn't help but add, "Just in case you get pregnant again, I'll prepare three gifts in advance."
"Oh, thank you very much," Stephanie Seymour replied with a smile, then suddenly changed the topic, "I heard you're dating Shaquille O'Neal, Cindy. I'd be careful if I were you. NBA guys are wild. Remember how Magic Johnson was diagnosed with, you know, that thing, and a bunch of women rushed to the hospital?"
Cindy was taken aback by Stephanie's venomous tongue and instinctively denied, "I have nothing to do with O'Neal."
Stephanie hugged Simon's arm and teased, "Come on, swear it to Simon."
Cindy looked at Simon, unflinching, and was about to speak when Simon raised his coffee cup, "No need. Why don't you swear it to this cup of coffee instead?"
"…"
Triss Gough, who had been quietly observing like a little white rabbit, couldn't help but laugh when she heard Simon's remark.
Cindy Crawford wished she could pounce on Stephanie Seymour and tear her mouth apart. Seeing Simon's teasing smile, she pleaded, "Simon, I'm not involved with O'Neal."
Simon shrugged indifferently, "That's your personal business, not mine. What did you want to talk to me about?"
Cindy nodded and glanced at Stephanie, hoping Simon would send her away. Noticing Cindy's look, Stephanie only tightened her grip on Simon's arm, determined not to leave.
Watching the silent exchange between the two women, Simon played peacemaker, "Alright, go ahead. If Finnie lets anything slip, I'll kick her out of Victoria's Secret."
Stephanie immediately protested, playfully, "Simon, I won't spill anything. And what if someone else spreads the word?"
She glanced at Triss Gough.
Before Triss could respond, Simon, playing the biased parent, replied, "Then it's still your fault."
"Simon, you're too much."
Cindy couldn't stand it anymore and teased, "Finnie, be careful, or you might leak milk."
Stephanie Seymour's demeanor instantly changed as she shot back, "Want some?"
"I'd rather puke."
"Get lost."
Simon sighed, "Why don't you two just fight it out? Just don't scratch each other's faces."
Stephanie turned to Simon, her tone suddenly sweet and coquettish, "Simon, do you want to see us fight? But with so many people around, it's not appropriate. How about tonight?"
"The more, the merrier. I'll even buy everyone some popcorn and soda."
"Ha ha, you bad guy."
Having watched this verbal sparring, Simon had no intention of letting it escalate into a real fight. He patted Stephanie on the waist, urging her to leave, "Alright, go get busy. I'll talk with Cindy."
Since Simon had spoken, Stephanie didn't insist on staying. However, she leaned in close to Simon's ear, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear, "Don't forget to call me."
Simon chuckled, "Aren't you afraid of being found out?"
Stephanie glanced at Cindy, "If anyone gossips, you'll kick her out of Victoria's Secret, right?"
Simon looked at Cindy with a teasing smile, "Getting kicked out of Victoria's Secret isn't enough; you might be blacklisted from the entire fashion industry."
"Ha ha, then what do I have to worry about?"
With that, the woman boldly kissed Simon on the cheek before finally leaving.
After sending Stephanie Seymour away, Triss Gough also took the hint and left the resting area.
"Now you can tell me, what's
on your mind?"
Thanks to Stephanie's recent revelation, Cindy was in a bad mood.
The fashion industry, like Hollywood, isn't known for keeping secrets. Everyone knows everyone else's business, but most of it doesn't reach the public.
Everyone reveals each other's secrets, and no one comes out unscathed.
Cindy was already regretting provoking Stephanie earlier; she hadn't expected it to backfire.
Once the two women had left, Simon asked again, and Cindy quickly pulled herself together, "Simon, it's about the movie I signed with Warner Bros., Joe Silver's *Fair Game*. A just said you're not optimistic about it?"
Joe Silver is one of Hollywood's top producers, known for producing blockbuster action movies. Mel Gibson's *Lethal Weapon* series, Bruce Willis' *Die Hard* series, and many of Stallone and Schwarzenegger's films were produced by Joe Silver.
Hearing Cindy mention this, Simon didn't hide his thoughts and nodded, "Yes, I'm not optimistic about it."
Cindy's last bit of hope was dashed, but she still asked, "But…A also said this movie could impact my career."
"That's just my personal judgment. But Hollywood movies are like gambling. Before the release, no one knows the outcome. Maybe I'm wrong."
"But what if you're right?"
"In that case, you might not be able to pursue a career in Hollywood. But you're not an actress anyway."
Hollywood's top producers' projects are always closely watched by the studios, including Daenerys Entertainment. Simon had reviewed the information on *Fair Game*. With a $50 million budget, it was a standard blockbuster, and the female lead had a significant role. If such a project were to fail, Cindy Crawford wouldn't be able to secure any more opportunities in Hollywood.
Hollywood is a superstitious place.
The label of "box office poison" is difficult to shake once it's been applied.
Especially for actresses.
And for someone like Cindy Crawford, who was just testing the waters in Hollywood with a high-profile project, it might seem glamorous, but the higher the starting point, the harder the fall if it fails.
In Simon's memory, after *Fair Game* made a big splash, Cindy Crawford never starred in another significant film, aside from occasional cameos. The fashion industry also started to evolve rapidly in the late 1990s, and this supermodel could only settle down and retire.
Cindy Crawford was at a loss, unsure of what to do.
As a supermodel who rose to fame in the 1980s and was good at managing her career, unlike those who only knew how to spend without thinking about tomorrow, Cindy Crawford's net worth was substantial. Last year, an industry magazine estimated her personal net worth at $20 million. Even if she retired now, she'd still live comfortably for the rest of her life.
However, for anyone who has tasted fame and fortune in Hollywood or the fashion industry, it's hard to go back to a quiet, comfortable life.
That's why so many superstars and celebrities, despite their wealth, still struggle with depression and other mental health issues. A key factor is the anxiety of losing everything, the fear of waking up one day to find they're no longer relevant, the paparazzi no longer chasing them, the fans moving on, and the once warm voices at famous restaurants now coolly replying that the tables are full and they'll need to wait.
That's the nature of fame.
Glamorous, but also superficial.
It draws people in and can drive them mad.
Noticing Cindy's indecision, Simon merely smiled, checked his watch, and stood up, "I've got something else to do, Cindy. We'll talk next time."
She had hoped this man would give her more advice.
But Cindy knew that it was already very rare for him to be honest about not being optimistic about *Fair Game*. She couldn't expect more.
She probably wouldn't get more, anyway.
With that thought, Cindy couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment toward Stephanie Seymour.
Instinctively, she believed that it was that woman's earlier revelation that made Simon Westeros cold toward her.
In this industry, relationships between men and women are very common.
If it were anyone else, Simon Westeros might not have cared.
This guy even has some unusual fetishes.
However, when it comes to race, it's different. Deep-seated racial prejudices aren't something that can be easily changed. While no one might openly say anything, many white men wouldn't accept a woman who has been with a black man, especially those of higher status.
Simon Westeros is a playboy, but no one has ever seen him with a black woman.
That says it all.
Thinking about it, Cindy Crawford regretted her decision. If she had known, she would never have had a one-night stand with O'Neal.
_________________________
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