[Chapter 420: Diana's Interview]
"Cut!"
In mid-January 1997, at the film set of Saving Private Ryan in Ireland, after reviewing the final group of shots, Link nodded with approval and, holding the director's megaphone, said, "That's a wrap!"
"Yes!"
Everyone on set -- cast and crew alike -- erupted in cheers.
Over the past four months, they had followed Link from place to place, enduring numerous hardships, including harsh cold and sweltering heat, illnesses due to unfamiliar environments, and injuries during explosive scenes.
After facing so many challenges and difficulties, finally finishing all the scenes today was no small feat.
Especially the leads, Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Vin Diesel. Since filming the Normandy landing scenes, their costumes had never been clean. Every day they showed up looking grimy and disheveled, sometimes even wearing wet clothes in the freezing weather.
After wrapping Saving Private Ryan, Link invited the crew to celebrate at a hotel.
---
On his way back to the United States, Link separated from the crew and went to London to attend the premiere of The English Patient with Diana, held on Oxford Street.
When he held Diana's hand walking down the red carpet, the crowd fell silent for a moment before erupting into deafening shouts -- some calling out Diana's name, admiring her beauty; others yelling at Link to let go of her.
Reporters were equally excited, some quickly raising cameras to snap photos, others holding microphones and shouting questions, and some pushing past police lines trying to be the first to interview Link and Diana.
To prevent any accidents, Link and Diana didn't linger on the red carpet and went straight into the theater.
...
"That was scary. Those people looked like they wanted to pounce and devour us," Diana said, glancing back at the chaotic scene outside the theater, still shaken.
"Did that scare you?" Link asked, his arms wrapped around her slender waist.
"No, not with you here. I wasn't afraid at all -- it was actually kind of thrilling," Diana smiled softly.
Even attending public events before with her husband and bodyguards, she often felt uneasy. But now, accompanying Link to the premiere, she felt at ease. Seeing the crowd rush the barriers didn't scare her; it felt like watching heavy rain from behind a glass window -- calm and comfortable.
It was a new experience and Diana loved it. Leaning on Link's warm, broad chest, she felt unparalleled security.
"Diana, don't get too hopeful too soon. Tomorrow, the media will surely report on us -- including lots of negative stuff. You need to be prepared."
"I understand. I'm standing here today to say goodbye to the past and embrace a new life. As long as I can leave the past behind, I'm ready to accept any criticism."
Diana looked up at him, her eyes shining clear and bright, her smile more radiant and sweet than ever.
"Yes, you're very brave. You've even won me over," Link said, leaning down to kiss her lips, gently lifting her waist with his arm.
Diana, tall and elegant at 5'10", wrapped her long arms around his neck and nestled into his embrace.
After the kiss, they took hands and entered the theater, drawing more cheers from the crowd.
...
As expected, the next day, almost all UK media reported the news.
Some criticized Link and Diana for publicly displaying their affection in London, saying it was inconsiderate and would hurt Diana's ex-husband's family's pride.
Others accused Link of having ulterior motives, exploiting Diana's fame to promote the film and calling on the public to boycott it.
But there were also media voices supporting them.
They praised the couple as a perfect match -- a handsome, wealthy man and an elegant, poised woman -- more compatible than Diana and her ex-husband.
They admired Link and Diana for standing together at public events despite rumors, showing they sincerely cared about their relationship.
Additionally, they pointed out that Diana was the victim in the divorce and unfairly criticized.
Now, by appearing publicly with Link at the premiere, she was truly saying goodbye to her old life -- from being a socialite to becoming Link's girlfriend.
Diana's fans supported her decision and cheered her on, hoping she would have a happier future and that Link would protect her and never let her get hurt again.
Link and Diana didn't respond publicly to the media comments for the time being.
---
After the premiere, Link took Diana back to the United States to stay at a villa on Mercer Island in Seattle.
Mercer Island was one of the top luxury neighborhoods in the country, home to three of America's ten wealthiest people. Known for its excellent conditions, The New York Times had named it the best place to live in the United States.
Diana's residence there offered both security and a peaceful life.
Shortly after moving into her new home, Diana gave interviews to The Guardian and The Washington Post, addressing public concerns.
She talked about how she met Link, saying she had known of him through the media before -- liking his films but disliking his reputation as a ladies' man.
However, after meeting him on set, her impression changed dramatically. She praised Link as a gentleman -- charming, classy, and humorous. He was not only well-educated and talented but also magnetic, making it easy to grow fond of him.
They started staying in touch after that meeting, eventually becoming a couple.
When asked by The Guardian if deciding to date Link less than two months after meeting him was too impulsive, Diana said it wasn't. Link was a treasure, and knowing only 10% of his good qualities initially, she could see just how exceptional he truly was once they got closer.
Being with a man like Link was a luxury for any woman, and she considered herself lucky to have found him.
Diana also revealed that their personalities complemented each other well and that they got along perfectly in daily life. She believed she could find genuine happiness with Link.
When asked about Link's many previous girlfriends, she said she didn't mind. She had become good friends with Catherine and Charlize and often hung out with them. Being with Link not only gave her a boyfriend but also many close female friends -- she felt very fortunate.
The Washington Post then asked about her views on America and whether she planned to settle here.
Diana praised the American environment and said she planned to settle in the States. She intended to take over Link's charity foundation, continuing the philanthropic work, using her abilities to help more people.
When asked if her two children knew about her relationship with Link and whether she had told them, Diana said yes. Before coming to America, she introduced them to Link, and both children liked and admired him a lot.
The Guardian reporter expressed disbelief, noting the children were probably too young to have even seen Link's films and questioned how they could admire him.
Diana insisted it was true. Link's talents went beyond directing movies and earning money; he excelled in many fields. Even if he weren't a director, as a writer, athlete, or race car driver, he would have achieved remarkable success.
When asked if she planned on having more children with Link, Diana smiled softly and said her current focus was on managing the charity and finishing the philanthropic work she'd left incomplete. Once her work was settled and she had time, she might consider having a child with Link.
"Miss Spencer, are you serious?" The Guardian reporter asked, surprised. Diana already had two children from a previous marriage, and having a child with Link could cause many issues later.
"I am serious," Diana replied, sitting with her long legs crossed, dressed in a formal gown paired with white shoes. Her demeanor was graceful, her voice gentle but dignified.
To the reporters, she seemed to have regained her radiant spirit and looked glowing.
"Miss Spencer, many people might find your answer surprising, even outlandish," the Washington Post reporter hinted at her ex-husband's family.
"I expected that, but it doesn't matter. No matter what happens, Link and I can handle it," Diana said, curling her lips into a poised and confident smile.
The interview lasted about an hour, during which Diana answered over twenty questions.
...
After the reporters left, Diana drove to the neighboring villa where Monica, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julianne Moore, and Sandra Bullock were resting during their pregnancies. Link was there today as well.
As the car pulled onto the lawn, they spotted the four ladies strolling and sunbathing on the lush green grass, dressed in white, looking almost like a painted masterpiece.
Diana waved, holding her skirt as she walked into the picturesque scene.
*****
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