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Chapter 227: Yacht Club
🕑 Added 2025-01-05 17:18:37 +0000 UTCThe blue four-seater luxury sports car speed down the straight road and stopped in the parking lot of the Santa Monica Yacht Marina. Dressed in a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, Duke stepped out alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, who wore a white cropped fitted shirt and denim shorts. Their appearance instantly triggered a frenzy of photography among the waiting media reporters.
"It's Duke Rosenberg and the lead actress of his new film Chicago!"
Although security personnel kept the reporters at bay, Duke could still faintly hear the murmurs of discussion.
"They're more than just a director and lead actress, aren't they? Over the past month, there have been plenty of photos of them traveling together in newspapers and magazines."
"Could it be that this playboy is finally ready to settle down and find an official girlfriend?"
"It's not uncommon for directors and actresses to fall in love while filming and eventually end up together."
Hearing this, Duke knew that tomorrow, he and Zeta-Jones would undoubtedly make it into many gossip tabloids. However, despite their cheerful banter, the two strictly followed the plan and refrained from hand-holding or any other intimate actions. After all, it was still a long way until the film's release, and the most explosive news had to be saved for the critical moment.
Since the Oscars, the two had frequently appeared together in public. This was merely a staged romance to promote the film, but it needed some groundwork. Otherwise, if rumors of them being a couple suddenly surfaced just before or after the film's release, even slightly perceptive individuals would notice something was off, potentially undermining the intended effect.
Duke had seen typical examples of this before. For instance, Jennifer Lawrence, once a representative of the new generation of actresses, suddenly started dating Nicholas Hoult during the filming of X-Men: First Class. After the film's release, they broke up as quickly as they got together. Later, during the filming of X-Men: Days of Future Past, the two abruptly reconciled, only to break up again shortly after the film ended its North American run. Even the least skeptical people could see the pattern.
Using rumors of relationships between directors and actors, actors and actors, or even actors and other key personnel for publicity has a long-standing tradition in Hollywood.
This industry, after all, cannot be judged with normal logic or perspectives.
"Are you really thinking about buying a yacht?"
As they entered the specially managed marina area, the surroundings grew noticeably quieter. Zeta-Jones put on the sunglasses she had removed earlier to accommodate the reporters and asked, "A big one?"
"A big one? No, no. I only have a small dock at home. A big yacht would run aground."
Looking ahead, Duke noticed that the Santa Monica Yacht Marina had changed somewhat from his memories. Most of the old yachts had disappeared from the berths, replaced by brand-new ones. At several deep-water berths, there were even yachts hundreds of feet long.
Events like this yacht exhibition were held almost annually in the greater Los Angeles area. Hollywood's celebrities were key target customers, as they were generally more inclined to spend lavishly compared to certain frugal business elites. Some were even willing to incur significant debt for such luxuries.
"Welcome, Director Rosenberg, Ms. Jones."
As they entered the designated exhibition area, a staff member immediately approached to check their invitations. Reporters were among the least welcome at such events. After confirming their identities, the staff member, who appeared to hold some authority, asked, "Would you like us to provide you with a guide?"
"We'll take a look around first," Duke replied, shaking his head.
Walking on the freshly painted ground, he motioned for the curious Zeta-Jones to follow him onto the pier, which extended into the sea. The area wasn't overly crowded since luxury yachts were far from everyday consumer goods, and the exhibition naturally had entry thresholds.
Along the way, Duke also encountered a few fellow Hollywood figures, but they weren't familiar enough to warrant more than a polite nod.
"Hey, Duke, over here!"
A voice called out from a short distance away. Zeta-Jones immediately leaned closer and said, "It's the Cruise couple."
Turning around, Duke and Zeta-Jones approached to greet them. "Tom, Mary, you're late."
"Got held up on the way," Nicole Kidman explained while shaking hands with Zeta-Jones. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise, leaning on the pier railing and gazing at the gently swaying sea, asked, "Seen anything you like, Duke?"
"Just got here," Duke replied, looking at the large yacht docked at this berth. "Haven't had time to look around yet."
"How about checking out this one?"
Clearly, Cruise was interested in this large yacht. Given their current cooperative relationship, Duke saw no reason to decline. "Sure, let's take a look together."
Duke and Tom Cruise led the way, with Nicole Kidman and Zeta-Jones following. Upon boarding the yacht, Cruise's celebrity status acted as a natural VIP pass, drawing a representative to replace the general staff and personally guide them through the vessel.
This yacht, belonging to the UK's top-tier yacht manufacturer Sunseeker, was undoubtedly a crown jewel. At over 120 feet long with a four-deck structure, it epitomized unmatched luxury and sophistication. The design, performance, and interiors were of the highest standard, with ample room for customization to suit client preferences.
On the upper deck, as Cruise gazed into the distance, he asked, "What do you think, Duke?"
"Not bad," Duke replied, glancing at Zeta-Jones, who was chatting quietly with Kidman. Patting the railing beside him, he added, "Tom, you seem quite taken with it?"
Instead of answering directly, Cruise asked, "What about you?"
Shaking his head, Duke replied, "It's a bit too pricey for me and too long. My dock at home can't accommodate it."
Kidman overheard this and raised an eyebrow. "You're short on money?"
"I just added $5 million to Chicago's budget," Duke said with a shrug. "The $25 million all came from Duke Studios, essentially my own pocket. I don't have much left for yachts at the moment."
The less-than-smooth filming process of Chicago had already led to increased expenses, forcing Duke to inject more funds.
This 120-foot yacht would cost nothing less than tens of millions of dollars. For now, it was simply too extravagant for him.
"I'll go talk to the Sunseeker reps."
Cruise walked to the rear of the deck, where a representative awaited, clearly intending to negotiate seriously.
"Tom seems quite taken," Duke remarked to Kidman.
Fixing her windblown hair, Kidman glanced at Cruise. "He's been eyeing this one since his last trip to Europe."
"What about you two?" she asked Duke and Zeta-Jones. "Have something specific in mind?"
As if discussing her own household matters, Zeta-Jones pointed to the small yacht exhibition area ahead. That section featured vessels under 50 feet, suitable for nearshore use. "Our target is over there, under 50 feet."
While Cruise delved into negotiations, Duke and Zeta-Jones left for the small yacht exhibition area. They explored brands like Bayliner from the U.S., Beneteau from France, and Wally from Italy, finding a couple of models they liked.
Eventually, they boarded a sporty nearshore fishing yacht by the UK-based Princess Yachts. Spending about half an hour exploring it, Duke examined the vessel thoroughly inside and out while Princess's staff provided a detailed introduction, sensing a potential sale.
"Princess has always adhered to the principle of prioritizing comfort," the staff member said, somewhat self-assured. "The iconic lines and refined interior design of our yachts represent the best configurations in their class."
Duke raised his hand to interrupt, and Zeta-Jones gestured for the staff member to step aside.
Among all the small yachts they'd seen, Duke was most impressed by this one. He had done prior research on Princess Yachts as well.
As a world-class luxury yacht icon, Princess Yachts seamlessly blends modern shipbuilding technology with traditional craftsmanship. Designed by top-tier designers, their yachts exude pure British elegance with their graceful, understated lines.
Despite the limitations of its length, the cabin's modern furnishings provided a sense of both openness and aesthetic enjoyment. The deck and cockpit featured sleek, dynamic designs that ensured comfort and broad visibility, while its sophisticated instrumentation promised the thrill of high-speed cruising on the sea.
At some point, the staff member reappeared, appropriately adding, "Every Princess yacht undergoes multiple sea trials before being delivered to its owner, ensuring the best and safest maritime experience."
Casting a glance at the salesman, Duke signaled Zeta-Jones with a look and disembarked.
"You seem quite satisfied," Zeta-Jones said, her short black hair tousled by the sea breeze as they walked on the wooden pier. "Is this the one?"
