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Chapter 250: Patience is a Virtue
🕑 Added 2025-01-17 17:51:25 +0000 UTC"Where's your girlfriend?"
Just as he returned from socializing, Duke heard Irene Lauder's voice. "Why didn't she come along?"
"Two glasses of champagne, please."
Taking two glasses of champagne from a waiter, Duke handed one to her. He raised his glass, took a sip, and said, "Didn't I already tell you? That was just for promoting the movie."
Irene Lauder withdrew her gaze from the grand ballroom and shook her head. "The complexity of Hollywood far exceeds my imagination."
"The allure of fame and fortune is magnified a hundredfold here."
Walking to a quieter corner, Duke fully agreed with her statement. "Competition is also magnified a hundredfold. If you want every effort to succeed, to achieve the desired outcome..."
"You need to use every available method?" Irene Lauder picked up his thought. "Actually, every business circle is similar. Every success is hard-earned. If you don't give it your all, you might miss the opportunity."
Duke chuckled. "It seems you've learned quite a bit over the past two years."
"I want to succeed, too. I want to have my own career, like you." Irene shrugged. "I have innate advantages, and if I don't work hard, I won't be any different from those New York socialites who only know how to eat, drink, and play."
"Do you have a plan?" Duke asked curiously.
"Of course, though it still relies on family support," Irene said without holding back. "In the future, I plan to collaborate with Estée Lauder to launch my own cosmetics brand—more mass-market products."
"The mass market means a broader consumer base," Duke commented, "and less risk."
Though Estée Lauder wasn't the most high-end cosmetics brand, it held the largest market share in North America, with sales accounting for over 30% of the market total. Duke had occasionally heard his mother mention that even a mass-market brand like Victoria's Secret had nearly $1 billion in lingerie sales last year, while Versace's total revenue was only about $300 million.
After chatting a bit more, Duke noticed fewer people on the other side and said, "Aren't you interested in the cast of the new Star Wars? Let's go meet them."
"Sure."
Irene linked her arm with Duke's, walking toward the group at the heart of tonight's party.
Star Wars was no longer just a movie; it had become a cultural phenomenon. Joining the cast and becoming a main member guaranteed attention.
Of course, those who didn't work hard or lacked luck could face tragedy after leaving the franchise.
"George..."
Walking up to the cast, Duke approached George Lucas. "Won't you introduce us?"
Although Duke already knew the main cast members, he wanted to introduce Irene. Just like in the past, Liam Neeson played Qui-Gon Jinn, Ewan McGregor played Obi-Wan, and Natalie Portman played Padmé Amidala. A little kid played Anakin Skywalker, with both of the latter accompanied by their mothers.
Duke's gaze naturally turned to Natalie Portman. She was once his favorite actress. He had seen her from afar in Central Park while filming Independence Day years ago. However, after living here for so long, influenced by his mother and his struggles in Hollywood, he no longer viewed these stars as he once did.
For example, Sean Connery—he had admired many roles Connery played but had ruthlessly pushed him into retirement over the past few years.
"I really like your movies, Director Rosenberg."
"Thank you. It's my honor."
Natalie Portman, still a young girl, barely reached Duke's shoulder. "Miss Portman, I watched your performance in Léon. It was impressive."
"Thank you," she replied politely before adding, "but that role troubled me deeply. At one point, I considered quitting acting altogether."
Duke, of course, didn't believe her and smiled. "Well, Hollywood would lose a genius then."
Her words weren't entirely untrue. Léon (or The Professional) wasn't successful in North America, earning only $19.5 million at the box office. The media heavily criticized director Luc Besson and Natalie Portman. She even became a symbol of scandal in gossip columns. Such a controversial theme would have faced backlash even a decade later.
The film's only benefit was that it introduced Luc Besson to Hollywood.
Despite the storm of criticism, Natalie Portman didn't crumble like other child stars, proving her resilience or cunning.
"I've also seen your movie," Irene said while shaking Natalie's hand. "You're truly a gifted actress."
"Actually, I don't think I'm entirely suited to be an actress," Natalie frowned. "I feel that this frivolous profession might interfere with my education..."
Frivolous? Duke glanced at her. If she thought so, why not quit acting altogether?
After exchanging a few words, Irene, still holding Duke's arm, turned to George Lucas. She glanced back at the petite girl and whispered to Duke, "Young but calculating—two-faced."
"That shows she's truly a gifted actress," Duke replied with a chuckle. "Perfect for Hollywood."
At that moment, Duke overheard George Lucas discussing about Natalie Portman with someone. Nodding to him, Duke stood aside, waiting patiently.
This person seems to be Natalie Portman's agent, repeatedly apologizing to George Lucas. The girl wants the crew to postpone Padmé Amidala's filming because she intends to finish her Broadway performance in The Diary of Anne Frank before joining the Star Wars crew.
Isn't she a smart girl? If George Lucas refuses, she could change her mind; if he agrees, it would showcase to the public that she doesn't care about fame and fortune. Regardless of George Lucas's decision, once the matter spreads, she will gain a wave of goodwill.
The subject matter of The Diary of Anne Frank, combined with her own advantages, ensures that everything falls into place.
Before long, Natalie Portman herself walked over. Facing a hesitant George Lucas, she said, "George, I'm begging you! I have to perform in The Diary of Anne Frank. We've endured so much suffering—not me personally, but it's because so many people made great sacrifices that I can live in this world today. They fought so hard, so I feel a sense of responsibility to do something about it."
If an adult actor had said this, George Lucas probably wouldn't even respond. But a sixteen-year-old girl, still carrying an air of innocence and purity, saying such words was incredibly moving.
Not only did George Lucas nod slowly after considering it for a moment, but even Irene Lauder remarked, "She does have some admirable qualities."
Duke merely smiled and nodded without saying much. In Hollywood, some privileges are exclusive to Jewish people. As long as one leverages their ethnic identity, has a competent team, and isn't a fool, while also earning the admiration of people like George Lucas, getting ahead isn't too difficult.
Think about Natalie Portman back then. She actually dated no fewer men than anyone else. During her time at Harvard, she even took contraceptives unsuitable for her body after finishing with someone, leading to months of missed periods where she couldn't leave her dorm. Yet, such matters only circulated in small circles and were never reported by mainstream media to tarnish her image. Apart from her team's efforts, her Jewish identity also played a significant role.
In fact, at critical moments in her rise, she had almost no black marks against her. Most of the negative stories about her emerged only when her position was secure, and she shared them as lighthearted anecdotes for attention.
After talking to George Lucas, Natalie Portman turned to Duke and the others, flashing a sweet smile as she extended an invitation. "Miss Lauder, Director Rosenberg, if you happen to be in New York and have the time, I'd love for you to come see The Diary of Anne Frank."
"If I have time, I'll definitely go," Irene Lauder replied.
Clearly, Irene Lauder possessed many typical Jewish traits. Duke also responded politely, "If I'm in New York at that time, I'll make sure to go."
At that moment, Mrs. Leah approached, taking Irene Lauder away to expand her network in Los Angeles. Duke followed George Lucas to the other side.
"Do you need me to mobilize people to vote for you?" George Lucas suddenly asked. "Although I'm not a member of the Academy, I still have some influence."
Favors diminish with use, and Duke understood this well. "George, let's skip it this time. If I need it in the future, I'll reach out to you."
"Patience is a rare virtue," George Lucas nodded in agreement. "Duke, don't worry about those critics. You have advantages others don't possess. Once the time comes, what's meant to be yours can't be taken away by anyone."
Shortly after Lucasfilm's Christmas reception, Duke escorted his mother back to New York. He stayed there temporarily, waiting until after the New Year before preparing to return to Los Angeles.
1997 quietly slipped into his life. By mid-January, as Duke returned to the fame-driven arena of Los Angeles, he was attending numerous events with Panny Kallis to secure Oscar nominations for Chicago, aiming to reap even greater benefits.
