Although carefully made up, Simon could still easily spot Meg Ryan's obvious eye bags and overly deep smile lines. Her skin also lacked the glow a 26-year-old woman should have, making her look like an overworked housewife in her thirties.
Having spent two lifetimes in similar circles, Simon naturally understood what Meg Ryan's current state implied.
Josh Lieberman, the CAA agent sitting next to Meg Ryan, noticed Simon's expression and quickly broke the silence. "Mr. Westeros, Meg and I have both seriously studied the script for 'When Harry Met Sally'. Meg is very keen to play the role of Sally. However, we understand that the film has not yet secured funding. How does Daenerys Entertainment plan to proceed?"
"Filming will start by September at the latest," Simon replied, shifting his gaze from Meg Ryan to Josh Lieberman. "If we can't find a co-investor, Daenerys Entertainment will personally fund the project".
Hollywood filmmakers have a very common rule: never invest your own money in a movie.
Upon hearing Simon's answer, Josh Lieberman couldn't help but label Simon as a 'hothead' in his mind, but outwardly, he nodded and said, "In that case, we have no problems".
"Now, let's talk about my problem," Simon turned back to Meg Ryan and asked directly, "Miss Ryan, do you have a drug addiction?"
Having just been scrutinized by Simon, Meg Ryan felt a little uneasy.
She had expected a very relaxed meeting, but this young man, reportedly not yet 20, was unknowingly exerting more pressure on her than even studio executives.
Hearing this, Meg Ryan immediately shook her head: "Of course not."
"In that case, let's do a drug test," Simon said calmly. "As long as you pass, you won't need another audition, and the role will be yours."
Meg Ryan immediately glanced nervously at her agent beside her.
Josh Lieberman cleared his throat awkwardly and proactively defended his client: "Mr. Westeros, I can guarantee that this issue will absolutely not affect the film's production".
Simon shook his head and said, "Sorry, Mr. Lieberman, your guarantee isn't worth $15 million".
After 'Top Gun' last year, although she only played an inconspicuous small role in it, it wasn't that difficult for Meg Ryan to get more acting offers. However, most of these were only supporting roles.
A lead female role in a big production with a budget of $15 million was still somewhat distant for her. Therefore, both Josh Lieberman and Meg Ryan attached great importance to this opportunity.
At this moment, Josh Lieberman, sensing Simon's assertiveness, hesitated for a moment before suddenly saying, "How about, Mr. Westeros, you speak with Meg alone".
After saying this, without waiting for Simon's reply, Josh Lieberman efficiently stood up, gave Meg Ryan a not-so-subtle look, and headed out of the office.
Simon watched Josh Lieberman leave, just smiled, and then looked at Meg Ryan across from him again, still asking bluntly, "What do you usually use? Do you inject?"
"Of course not," Meg Ryan squinted at the tightly closed office door, then glanced at the villain-like young man opposite her. She paused, then raised her hand to make a slight smoking gesture, and said, "Just, just occasionally like this, Mr. Westeros, I don't have a drug addiction".
Simon observed the woman opposite him, still somewhat hesitant.
The production budget for 'When Harry Met Sally' was as high as $15 million, and he might even have to invest in it himself. Simon would absolutely not risk such a huge sum of money.
In his memory, although Meg Ryan wasn't affected by this aspect and became famous two years later, Simon couldn't guarantee that his appearance as a butterfly wouldn't change some things.
Meg Ryan noticed Simon's indecision, remembered her agent's look when he left, and then looked at the young man opposite her. After thinking for a moment, she quickly said, "Mr. Westeros, perhaps we could have dinner together later and discuss this in more detail then."
Upon hearing this, Simon raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Sorry, Miss Ryan, I already have plans".
Since she had spoken, Meg Ryan no longer demurred and said, "Tomorrow night would also work".
A smile appeared on Simon's lips, and he said, "Unfortunately, I also have a date tomorrow night".
Meg Ryan felt the young man opposite her staring at her with bright eyes, and a sudden sense of embarrassment welled up inside her, but this embarrassment quickly transformed into a certain indescribable defiance.
Having made up her mind, Meg Ryan stood up, walked around the coffee table, and then knelt on the carpet at the man's feet, reaching out to grab Simon's belt.
Simon felt the pleasant scent of the woman in front of him, raised his hand to stop her actions, and said, "Alright, sit back down".
Meg Ryan, however, did not give up and insisted on reaching out. Simon had no choice but to catch the woman's arm and gently push her away.
And then.
Meg Ryan immediately collapsed to the floor, curling up, turning her face to gaze at Simon with a resentful look.
"Playing victim, huh?"
Muttering to himself helplessly, Simon leaned back on the sofa, crossed his legs, too lazy to help the woman on the floor, and said, "I originally wanted to discuss the script with you. But now, two things: First, take a drug test. I need to confirm that you haven't touched certain things. Second, after confirming this, I will arrange an audition for you.
If you pass, you must come to work at Daenerys Entertainment every day, nine to five, no staying up late, no going to nightclubs, and absolutely no touching those things again, and you must also get regular maintenance. Sally is a very refined woman, and you can only achieve the state I need through a regular living environment and regular maintenance".
After Simon finished speaking, seeing the woman still lingering on the carpet, he simply stood up and said, "Think about it. Come back tomorrow".
It wasn't until Simon reached the door that a voice came from behind him: "Tomorrow is Saturday".
Simon pulled open the door and said without looking back, "Or, you don't have to come".
Returning to the audition room, Simon continued working until evening, then left Daenerys Entertainment headquarters and drove directly to a mansion halfway up the hill in Beverly Hills.
Simon indeed had plans for the evening, Robert Redford's party. His purpose, however, was for another character in 'Pulp Fiction,' the boxer Butch Coolidge.
The original Butch Coolidge was played by Bruce Willis, and Simon honestly didn't feel much about Bruce Willis. This time, he had his eye on another guy who had once played a boxer.
Of course.
It wasn't Sylvester Stallone.
With an $8 million budget, they couldn't afford Stallone no matter what.
Simon wanted to invite Robert De Niro, who had appeared in films such as 'The Godfather,' 'Taxi Driver,' and 'Raging Bull.' Robert Redford happened to have a good relationship with Robert De Niro, so he agreed to help introduce them at tonight's party.