[Chapter 421: Why Do All the Female Celebrities Like to Be Friends with Link?]
After the interview, The Guardian and The Washington Post featured articles about Diana on their front pages. These reports sparked a huge stir and controversy throughout Europe, America, and even worldwide.
Many people in the UK found it hard to accept Diana openly giving interviews after becoming one of Link's girlfriends. They thought it was disgraceful and might encourage young people to imitate her, damaging social morals. They hoped government authorities would suppress these reports.
Additionally, they opposed Diana having another child, fearing it would spark political issues. However, lawyers stated that after her divorce, Diana was an independent individual with the rights of an ordinary citizen; there was no need to control her anymore, and the government had no authority to dictate her choices.
Some people supported her relationship with Link, believing she could continue her favorite charity work while with him, helping more people. They thought such meaningful work was more fitting than wasting her life in London.
Link himself drew even more attention because of Diana's praises. Many media speculated he was a charismatic seducer with enviable powers or skilled at brainwashing, since so many top stars and beauties in entertainment kept falling into his arms.
But none of these rumors were confirmed by Link's side, making the question "Why is Link so charming?" even more mysterious.
...
Thanks to this news, during the release of The English Patient, its exposure increased significantly. In its opening week, the film made PS11.52 million from 473 cinemas in the UK, topping the box office.
In America, it was similar. In its second week, The English Patient earned $36.4 million in North America, with a cumulative total of $74.91 million. Based on the current box office trend, the film was expected to break $100 million the following week.
---
"Link, let me ask you something," Nicolas Cage asked as they were at a bar.
"If I like a woman, how should I pursue her?"
Link glanced at him. "I thought you were married. Cheating during marriage isn't something a good man should do."
Cage married actress Patricia Arquette two years ago; it was his second marriage.
"Haha, Link, are you teaching Nicholas how to be a good man?" Ben Affleck teased.
"Isn't that allowed?" Link asked.
Affleck just smirked without replying.
Nicolas Cage laughed. "Link, I mean hypothetically. Suppose I meet a really cool girl, how do I win her over?"
"I don't know! I'm no expert with women."
"Come on!" Cage and Affleck, along with a few others, booed.
"If you're no good with women, how do you have dozens of girlfriends?"
"Tell us your secrets, Link! We're curious since your skills are unbeatable," Jim Carrey and Joaquin Phoenix watched him intently, eager to learn his tricks.
Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, and Matt Damon laughed, enjoying the scene.
Link shook his head. Since his rumors with Diana surfaced, many media called him a 'love saint' and 'the greatest womanizer in the world.'
Because of these titles, acquaintances often asked him for tips, wanting to be as good as him -- able to date the most beautiful women while having multiple girlfriends.
But that was all a misunderstanding. "I dated Monica and others because we liked each other. There were no tricks involved. If you want to know my method, I'd say first make yourself excellent. Be sincere and caring when you're with your girlfriends and be a responsible man. That's it."
"I don't buy it. Everyone knows that, so why can only you get those beautiful women and we can't?" Affleck said.
"Maybe Link's right," Keanu Reeves chimed in. "To attract women, you have to be outstanding first. Link's a big-time director and writer, 25 years old, worth billions. Anyone half as capable as him would be popular with women."
"Link's great at coaching actors. Every actor under his guidance improves fast, which is very appealing to women," Matt Damon added.
"The most important thing," Joaquin Phoenix said, looking at Link, "is Link's image is more star-like than actual stars, and he's physically strong. If I had what he had, I'd dominate Hollywood too."
"Link, did you hear that? They say girls like you because you're rich, famous, and good-looking -- not because they truly like you," Affleck said with a smirk.
"That's not what I meant. I'm just giving examples," Keanu quickly defended, not wanting to offend Link or his girlfriends, which could cause bigger issues.
Matt Damon signaled Affleck to be careful with his words.
...
Affleck's attitude stemmed from his experience with Charlize Theron. After meeting Theron, Affleck confessed to her, thinking that as a movie star and millionaire, tall and handsome, he'd easily win her heart.
But Theron was indifferent, saying she wanted to focus on work with no plans for a relationship. Affleck believed her and felt regretful, until he saw Theron's tabloid rumors with Link, noting she frequently visited Link's set and later moved into his Beverly Hills villa.
Affleck was shocked and called Theron to confirm. She admitted it and thanked him for his concern.
After hanging up, Affleck got drunk and nearly had a relapse of depression.
Seeing Link -- the rival -- in person, he controlled his anger well.
...
"I'm not jealous. Although Link has many girlfriends, he'll never find true love. I don't envy him at all," Affleck shrugged.
Link smiled lightly, not bothered by his bitterness. "Ben's right. True love means loving one person for a lifetime. I can't experience that, but you guys have the chance. So there's no need to learn from me."
Before anyone could say more, Link steered the conversation toward movies.
He came to the club partly to reconnect with friends and partly to discuss The Matrix with Keanu and the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean project with Johnny Depp.
All the actors were collaborating with Guess Pictures.
...
The Matrix had been green-lit. Keanu, thanks to his looks and acting, landed the lead role of Neo after auditions. Filming was planned to start in April and finish by year-end.
Pirates of the Caribbean was another major project for Guess Pictures. Due to its big budget, preparations were complex, and filming was expected next year's second half. If time permitted, Link considered directing it personally.
...
"Link, now that Pixar has gone public, you have more responsibilities. Will you continue directing two to three films a year?" Nicolas Cage asked.
Link smiled. "Directing is my main job. Other duties are part-time. Now that the company is stable, Michael Leeson and Daniel handle daily affairs. I have limited personal tasks. Without directing, I'd have little to do."
"Good. Next time you get a script like The Rock, remember me. I love blockbusters," Cage said jokingly.
"Link, I recently received an interesting sci-fi comedy script with some thriller elements. I think it'd be great if you directed it," Jim Carrey explained.
The story was about a man named Truman, who was the star of a popular soap opera. From birth, he was selected by the production team to live in front of cameras. His city, neighborhood, family, and friends were all actors playing roles. He knew nothing until his deceased father reappeared, making him question reality. After many trials, he crossed the sea to find the door leading out of the constructed world.
"How does that sound, Link? Interested in directing?" Carrey asked.
Link nodded. He was familiar with the story. It sounded like The Truman Show.
"Very interesting. If possible, I'd like to see the full script."
"No problem. I'll send it to you tomorrow. Hope we can work together again," Carrey laughed exaggeratedly.
...
"What are you guys talking about?" Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez came over with beers. They had come out with Link today. Their casual outfits -- long T-shirts paired with jeans -- highlighted their tall, sexy figures. Both were among Hollywood's most popular young actresses.
"We're talking about Link," Ben Affleck said.
"Cage is curious why so many women like Link. You two are his girlfriends. Can we hear your thoughts?"
Link was speechless. Just as he managed to divert the topic earlier, Affleck dragged it back -- one reason Link disliked social events after fame.
Due to his unique status, he attracted lots of attention. At gatherings, some talked shop, some tried to interview him, others saw it as a rare chance to get close to him. Such parties weren't relaxing, making him reluctant to attend often.
Cameron and Jennifer sat beside Link.
"Ben, did you read Diana's interview? She said Link is the best boyfriend in the world with countless qualities. Being with him is a blessing, and I absolutely agree," Diaz smiled warmly.
"Yes, Link is a hundred times better than any boyfriend I imagined. I'm not just fond of him -- I'm deeply infatuated. My life felt complete after meeting him. From now on, he's indispensable in all my plans," Jennifer Lopez leaned on Link's chest, her hand over his heart, eyes full of admiration.
"Heh, everyone knows Link is a playboy, not serious about relationships. You still like him because he's rich? If I were as wealthy, would you like me too?" Affleck sneered.
Matt Damon coughed a few times nearby but didn't interrupt.
Cameron Diaz glanced at him, smiling softly. "That's right. We like Link because he's rich -- one of his many strengths. A man who can build his wealth on his own is strong. We like strong men, so what's wrong with relying on them?"
"Mr. Affleck, you're wrong. Even if you became a billionaire, few women would truly like you because you're full of prejudice, thinking all women are gold diggers, and those around you have ulterior motives.
Link never thinks that way. He doesn't care about it. He's smarter, stronger, more insightful, ambitious, and visionary than you. That's the real difference between you two -- not just your net worth," Jennifer Lopez said calmly.
Affleck's face turned red and pale. As he opened his mouth to reply, Matt Damon accidentally spilled a full beer over Affleck's T-shirt, soaking him completely.
"Matt, what are you doing?"
"Sorry! I lost my grip," Damon said regretfully. "Ben, maybe you should change clothes."
Annoyed, Affleck wiped his face and walked out to change, while Damon smiled and followed after.
Link was helpless. A good party was ruined by Affleck's antics. He decided to avoid such gatherings in the future.
"Haha, Link, you know why Ben's always against you?" Joaquin Phoenix laughed, changing the subject and livening the atmosphere while joking about Affleck's failed attempts with Charlize Theron and near depression.
Everyone laughed when they learned the cause of Affleck's mood swings.
The party mood was lively again.
*****
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