As the filming progress of The Lord of the Rings suddenly accelerated, Christmas of 1999 quietly arrived.
For The Lord of the Rings crew, this was a unique Christmas spent in a foreign land.
At this moment, the crew was filming snowy scenes in the northeastern part of China. Once they returned to Harbin, Gilbert gave the crew a break.
At the same time, he extended an invitation to all crew members, inviting them to a party to celebrate Christmas together.
After enduring long periods of exhausting work, the entire crew was completely worn out. After discussing with producers Kane Wexman and Charles Roven, Gilbert decided to grant everyone a holiday.
Filming would officially resume on January 5th of the following year, giving everyone ample time to rest and recharge.
This relatively long break prompted many homesick crew members to return home. However, a considerable number chose to stay in China and celebrate Christmas and the New Year with Gilbert.
With little work to attend to, Naomi Watts brought Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Connelly along to join the festivities.
Charlize Theron, however, was busy filming the two sequels to The Matrix. In addition, she had several brand endorsement commitments during Christmas, so she couldn't make it.
As for Scarlett, after Gilbert sent her home, she wasn't too pleased and decided to ignore him for the time being.
"You sure picked a beautiful Elf Princess," Naomi Watts remarked, raising her glass for a toast with Gilbert while looking at the radiant Anne Hathaway.
Cameron Diaz agreed, "Jennifer, among us, you might be the only one prettier than her."
Jennifer Connelly commented, "She hasn't fully matured yet. Once she does, in her twenties, she'll reach the most beautiful stage of her life."
Naomi Watts nudged Gilbert's shoulder and asked, "So? Interested?"
Gilbert rolled his eyes. "Do I look like that kind of person? Someone who can't walk past a pretty girl without stopping?"
The three women exchanged glances before responding in unison, "Yes, you are."
"I was tricked by you," Naomi Watts said.
"Yeah, I thought you were a good guy, but turns out you're just a playboy," Cameron Diaz added.
"I… uh…" Jennifer Connelly hesitated before finally saying, "Me too…"
Gilbert spread his hands, looking innocent.
To be honest, he wasn't the type to pursue every beautiful woman he saw. Over the past few years, he had restrained himself quite a lot.
But the appreciation of beauty was a natural instinct.
If a man didn't even care about a beautiful woman standing before him, wouldn't that suggest something was wrong with him? However, admiring beauty didn't necessarily mean acting on it.
Just like in his past life, he had admired certain actresses, but could he have ever actually been with them? Top-tier female stars wouldn't have even spared him a glance.
Back then, he was merely an online film director—who would bother with him?
Sure, lesser-known actresses might have been interested, as a single word from him could give them opportunities.
But things were different now. Given his current status and influence, while it was uncertain if one particular actress would notice him, another probably would!
Though by the time she grew up, Gilbert would already be in his forties or fifties.
After a few moments of chatting, Charles Roven, who was hosting the party, called for everyone's attention. "Quiet, quiet! Now, let's welcome our dear director, Gilbert, to say a few words!"
Amidst a round of applause, Gilbert raised his glass and stepped into the center, surrounded by everyone's eager gazes.
Clearing his throat, he began, "Originally, Anna prepared a long speech for me, but I couldn't remember it, so I brought it with me."
Gilbert took out the speech, glanced at it briefly, then tossed it aside.
"What I really want to say is that I don't want to stand here and say a bunch of meaningless words. I know that for the past six months—no, the past year and a half—you've all worked incredibly hard.
The Lord of the Rings wouldn't have made it this far without every single one of you. This film series belongs to all of you."
He paused for a moment, then raised his glass high and declared, "No more talking—tonight, we party!"
With that, he lifted his glass and shouted, "Cheers!"
The fact that the director wasn't making a big formal speech made everyone feel even happier and more relaxed.
At this moment, glasses clinked together all around as the entire crew joined in the toast.
With that, the party continued.
After stepping down, Charles Roven found Gilbert and teased him, "I thought you'd give a long, inspiring speech!"
Gilbert chuckled, "Charles, after such intense work, I doubt anyone wants to listen to me ramble on. It's better to keep it simple and let everyone enjoy themselves."
Charles Roven nodded thoughtfully. "You make a good point, Gilbert. Maybe I should learn from you."
The party lasted late into the night, and as the Christmas bells rang, people slowly began to leave.
At that point, some of the men and women who had paired up sought out their rooms to spend the night together.
Gilbert noticed that the art director, Selina, was passionately kissing a handsome Chinese man before they had even stepped out of the hall.
In another corner, a burly Chinese man was holding hands with a curvy blonde from the makeup team. The blonde seemed eager to take things further, but the big guy appeared a bit reserved.
Scenes like these played out throughout the night, but Gilbert didn't interfere.
After all, this was a matter of personal choice. As long as both parties were willing, he had no reason to stop them.
Besides, as the director, he was leading by example—heading back to the hotel with three Hollywood beauties in tow. How could he then turn around and lecture others?
Only Anne Hathaway pouted unhappily as she watched Gilbert take the three women away.
Even though they were the rightful mistresses of Melon Manor, she still wasn't pleased.
You're all top-tier Hollywood actresses—aren't you busy with work? Why did you have to come all the way to China for Christmas? Couldn't you leave me some opportunities?
Anne Hathaway grumbled internally, but with no options, she could only sulk back to her room.
Since she had been personally chosen by the director, and given Gilbert's past habit of sleeping with leading actresses, the entire crew—including the main cast—was well aware of the situation.
As a result, no one dared to make a move on Anne Hathaway.
Alone in her room, she resorted to satisfying herself before finally falling asleep in the middle of the night.
After an intense night, Gilbert felt refreshed. The next day, he took Naomi Watts and the other two women on a leisurely stroll around Harbin.
"This city has a strong northern character. The architecture is quite distinctive," Naomi Watts remarked.
"I agree. The mix of different architectural styles makes it quite appealing," Jennifer Connelly added.
Cameron Diaz, however, had a different take. "It's just too cold! This place is freezing compared to Los Angeles."
Gilbert laughed. "The climate is different. In the coldest months, temperatures here can drop below -20°F. Compared to L.A., it's definitely much colder."
Then, shifting the topic, he said, "But that's exactly why the ice here doesn't melt easily.
The local government is planning to host an Ice Sculpture Festival on December 31st to welcome the new millennium.
Since they heard I was in Harbin, they invited me to attend. What do you think? Interested?"
Naomi Watts and Cameron Diaz both shook their heads. "We can't. We have work commitments."
Jennifer Connelly, however, responded, "I'm free. I'll go with you!"
"Great! I'll take you with me," Gilbert agreed.
Cameron Diaz patted Jennifer Connelly on the shoulder and teased, "Make sure to keep an eye on our man. I hear there are plenty of beautiful Chinese women—don't let them steal him away!"
Jennifer Connelly, full of confidence, replied, "Don't worry. If all else fails, we still have Anne Hathaway."
Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "What are you two whispering about?" He then playfully smacked each of their backsides. "Enough talk—let's go eat. Today, we're having iron pot stewed goose!"
After celebrating Christmas with Gilbert, Naomi Watts and Cameron Diaz packed up bags full of Chinese souvenirs and returned to Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Connelly stayed behind to ring in the new millennium with him.
To mark the occasion, the Chinese government had launched a grand Millennium Celebration Tour. Taking advantage of Harbin's winter landscape, they planned an extensive ice sculpture exhibition to showcase the city's unique charm and tourism appeal.
Since Gilbert's crew was filming in Harbin, the event organizers had a spur-of-the-moment idea and sent him an invitation to attend the festival's opening ceremony.
After sending it out, they immediately had second thoughts.
To their surprise, Gilbert readily agreed, leaving the organizers grinning from ear to ear.
After all, Gilbert was an internationally renowned director and a good friend of China. His presence at the festival's opening was a major win for them.
"Jacqueline, do you want to come with me to the Ice Festival's opening ceremony?" Seeing Anne Hathaway with nothing to do, Gilbert extended an invitation.
Anne Hathaway's eyes lit up, and she quickly accepted before he could change his mind.
"Yes! I want to go!"
"Alright then, get ready, and we'll head out together," Gilbert said.
As Anne Hathaway went to prepare, Jennifer Connelly gave Gilbert a knowing look. "I have a feeling you're trying to make a move on Anne Hathaway."
Gilbert sighed. "Do I look like that kind of guy? I just thought bringing Jacqueline along would help promote our film."
Jennifer Connelly clearly didn't buy it. "That's not a very convincing excuse. But if you like her, I won't object."
Then, she leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Don't worry. I won't tell Michelle and Sally."
Gilbert wrapped his arm around her waist and said, "You're getting naughtier by the day. Looks like last night's exercise wasn't enough."
Jennifer Connelly, already addicted to the pleasure, went weak in his arms, her breathing turning heavy. "She's not here yet… We could do it now."
"Forget it. I'll deal with you tonight." Gilbert gave her a light pat on the backside before letting her go.
At that moment, Anne Hathaway emerged, dressed in a short skirt and a rather thin coat.
Gilbert frowned. "Jacqueline, it's freezing outside. You can't dress like that."
"Huh?" Anne Hathaway looked stunned. "Then what should I do?"
"Put on more layers, silly!" Gilbert called over his assistant, Anna, and had her bring over his own coat for Anne Hathaway to wear.
Once everything was in order, the three of them set off for the festival.
....
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