Simon walked out of the Hindenburg bar and stood casually on the street, watching the neon lights flicker in the twilight. He didn't feel any particular disappointment about Courteney's recent choice.
It's difficult for a naïve girl without a bit of cunning to navigate the world of fame and fortune in Hollywood.
It was just after dark, and the streets of Santa Monica were at their liveliest. Walking back to the hotel where he was staying seemed like it would be perfectly fine.
However, Simon soon realized that his backpack was still in Courteney's car.
During this time, Simon had been practically inseparable from his light grey canvas backpack. It contained his contract with WMA, several screenplays, and the storyboard for 'Run Lola Run', which was pretty much the entirety of Simon's current possessions.
These items weren't valuable to outsiders, but losing them would be extremely troublesome for him.
Simon turned his head back towards the bar entrance, where there was still a long queue. Just as he was wondering what to do, Courteney's figure also emerged from the crowd at the door.
Seeing the girl's frustrated expression, Simon realized she must have been kicked out because of him.
Courteney also saw Simon, but she just gave him an annoyed glare and walked straight to the parking lot.
Simon could only resignedly follow. When they reached the parking lot, he said to the girl who was taking out her keys to open the car door, "I'm really sorry about this, Court. I didn't expect this to happen."
"What's the use of saying sorry to me?"
Courteney glanced at Simon, silently opened the car door, and sat in the driver's seat. She rested her arms on the steering wheel and was quiet for a moment, but still couldn't resist kicking the inside of the car aimlessly.
Tonight's plans were all set. Matthew Broderick's friend was very interested in Christy, and Christy was planning to accept, then use that to get her into Matthew's circle.
Matthew Broderick came from an acting family, with deep connections in Hollywood.
With the success of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', and the film 'WarGames' a few years prior, Matthew Broderick, having accumulated two hit blockbusters, had become a top-tier young leading man in Hollywood, on par with Tom Cruise before 'Top Gun'.
Being able to get into Matthew's circle would be even more beneficial for her career in Hollywood than an excellent agent.
Yet now because of what just happened, that plan was ruined.
Perhaps even Christy would hold a grudge against her.
Simon didn't know Courteney's calculations, and even if he did, he wouldn't regret the punch he had just thrown. He wasn't someone who couldn't endure grievances, but he would never abandon his dignity without a bottom line just to make peace.
Watching the girl throwing a tantrum in the car, Simon waited for a moment before pointing to the passenger seat on the other side and saying, "Court, can you hand me my bag?"
She really wanted to throw the guy's backpack out and then drive away.
But after calming down, Courteney also realized that Simon had, after all, caused the trouble by blocking the guy who was harassing her. Her anger was only at his attitude of not even being willing to slightly lower his head just now.
So, after hesitating, Courteney, though annoyed at him, still said to Simon "Get in the car. Do you want to walk back? It's so far".
It was over six kilometres from here to the hotel, and Simon naturally didn't want to walk back if he didn't have to. Hearing Courteney's sharp but softened tone, he smiled, walked to the other side of the car, opened the door, and got into the passenger seat. Watching the girl start the car, he asked "Aren't you waiting for Christy?"
Courteney turned the steering wheel and drove the car out of the parking lot. Remembering what had just happened, she shook her head and said, "She probably won't be coming back tonight".
Simon hummed and then said, "Then, let's find a restaurant for dinner. My treat".
Simon hadn't eaten anything since his shift ended that afternoon, and Courteney was likely in the same situation.
Hearing Simon say this, Courteney hesitated again. Without looking at the boy beside her, she looked at the road ahead and said, "Simon, I have to make one thing clear first. I don't plan on having a boyfriend in the next few years. I want to establish myself in Hollywood before considering such things".
"I understand," Simon nodded and made a small joke, saying, "Coincidentally, that's means we can pick a cheaper restaurant to eat at. Otherwise, I'll have to stay and wash dishes".
Courteney felt Simon's relaxed tone, and for some reason, she felt a little disappointed again, but she still responded with a casual smile, "I should have eaten dinner before bringing this up. I really want to see you stuck washing dishes".
As she said this, Courteney was actually well aware of Simon's financial situation, so she chose an inexpensive fast-food restaurant.
After a simple dinner, Simon just had Courteney drop him off near the convenience store where he worked, then sent the girl away and walked the rest of the way back to the hotel.
In the following days, although Courteney still appeared at the convenience store where Simon worked, her visits were noticeably less frequent. Even Roger Griffin, the convenience store owner, sensed the growing distance between them.
Occasionally, during their small chats, Courteney would complain a little that Christy had moved out of their shared apartment, and she had to find a new roommate with which to share the rent.
As an person who wasn't yet widely known, Simon's life was not affected by the previous bar incident. He continued his work rhythm methodically, while also waiting for news from WMA regarding the 'The Butterfly Effect' screenplay.
Another week passed. Using the savings accumulated from his frugal living during this time, Simon bought a used bicycle for 30 dollars at a flea market near Venice Beach. This not only solved his basic transportation problem but also added an important prop for the planned 'Run Lola Run'.
Meanwhile, within WMA.
After nearly a month of deliberation and coordination, Jonathan Friedman finally officially introduced the 'The Butterfly Effect' screenplay, along with WMA's carefully planned complete packaged project proposal, to major Hollywood studios.
Because 'The Butterfly Effect' had attracted the attention from WMA executives, including President Norman Brokaw, this project was no longer sent step by step through traditional, layered screening channels to studio executives. Instead, it was delivered directly to the desks of vice presidents and above, who had decision making power regarding projects, at major studios, through WMA's internal connections.
With its brilliant story concept and well developed screenplay, coupled with WMA's tireless packaging and promotion, 'The Butterfly Effect' quickly garnered strong attention from executives at major studios.
At any other time, such a film script with an exciting story, low budget, and alignment with popular elements of recent years would have led to major studios starting to bid, or even engage in competitive bidding, within a week of its circulation in Hollywood.
But this time, because WMA wanted to turn 'The Butterfly Effect' into a packaged project, the reactions of Hollywood film companies varied.