[Chapter 426: Marion Cotillard]
At night, Link and Diana had an intimate moment, their moves worthy of a perfect score at the Olympics. Initially, Diana had been traditional and reserved, hesitant to let loose, but under his influence, she began to enjoy herself more. With his help, her physical condition improved significantly compared to last year.
She looked radiant, her skin glowing with a healthy flush, her long blonde hair soft and shiny. Previously, intense exercise for just two or three minutes left her breathless and dizzy; now, she could manage twenty minutes without issue. She transformed from a frail woman into a vibrant young woman, elegant and full of vitality.
Last week, the British media published photos of Diana attending an international Red Cross event. The public marveled at the dramatic change in her appearance and spirits, saying she looked like she had regained her youthful glow from age 20.
Diana's fans were thrilled about her transformation and began to accept Link's place in her life, believing he was truly a man who could bring her happiness.
Monica called him Dr. Link, the cure for all unhappy, unhealthy, and unbeautiful women; meeting him meant regaining youth and vitality. Because of this, even Michelle Pfeiffer, Julianne Moore, and Sandra Bullock would regularly seek him out during pregnancy to maintain their well-being and avoid prenatal depression.
Link was their man, the father of their children, and naturally, he wouldn't be irresponsible.
---
After spending a week at his Seattle villa, Link flew to Paris on Monday to visit the pregnant Sophie Marceau and Emmanuelle Beart. Emmanuelle was three months behind Sophie in her pregnancy, and both lived in a countryside estate on the southern outskirts of Paris, tended by nannies and medical professionals.
Upon his arrival, Julie Delpy was thrilled and even paused her film work to eagerly visit him at the villa. Since Sophie and Emmanuelle were limited in their activities, Julie had the evenings all to herself.
Recently, Julie had been working on the set of Taxi, directed by Luc Besson. The film was about a taxi driver speeding madly through Paris while helping the police crack a major bank robbery. It was co-financed by Gaumont and Passion Rose Productions, with a budget of about 55 million francs, roughly 6 million dollars.
Julie was the co-producer replacing Sophie and also played the role of police sergeant Petra.
...
"Being a producer is no fun at all," she complained softly over breakfast, licking a finger after wiping some caviar from her lip. Her casual yet natural beauty shone through in the easy gesture.
"You were the one who pushed to be a producer, saying you'd never done it and wanted to try it out," teased Sophie Marceau.
"Exactly because I didn't know how much work it involved. If I had, I never would have agreed."
"Why don't you just hand it over to the people in the company? There are two other producers; taking over your tasks wouldn't be hard."
"The movie's nearly finished, and so is my work. If I hand it over now, it feels like all my efforts would be wasted."
"Then why complain here? Don't moan at home. Both Emmanuelle and I are pregnant; we can't take the negativity, and neither would the babies."
Sophie gave her a stern look before gently touching her swelling belly, her delicate angelic face softening into a warm smile.
Emmanuelle Beart added, "I heard that babies absorb emotions like sponges before they're born. The more positive emotions around, the more optimistic and happy they'll grow up. Too much negativity leads to sadness and depression. So, Julie, no more complaints -- cheer up."
"Is it really that serious? You two were quite rowdy last night. Hope the baby didn't hear."
"Shut up!"
Sophie blushed and threw a blueberry at Julie, who laughed and hid behind Link for cover.
"Darling, Sophie's picking on me," Julie pouted, holding onto his arm.
"You're asking for it, messing with a pregnant woman."
Link teased, pinching her cute nose.
"Hmph! I want to get pregnant too -- tonight! In a few months, I'll have a belly just as big and will be able to bully Sophie back," Julie declared proudly, sticking out her stomach.
"Go ahead, get pregnant fast. Then let's see you jumping around like a little girl," Sophie joked.
"What's wrong with being like a little girl? It means my spirit is young. Small belly, eat what I want, dance when I want, lalala," Julie sang, happily swaying her head. If Link hadn't pulled her back, she might have hopped onto the table to dance.
Sophie and Emmanuelle, both heavy with pregnancy, didn't want to see her flaunt, urging Link to help her get pregnant soon and make her carry some weight.
...
After breakfast, Link accompanied Sophie and Emmanuelle for a stroll around early spring Paris. They caught a screening of The English Patient at the Chatelet cinema in the 4th arrondissement. Although it wasn't their first time seeing the film, both were moved to tears.
...
That afternoon, Julie returned from the set with three guests: Marion Cotillard, lead actress of Taxi; director Luc Besson; and Catherine Mitterrand, head of the French cultural film department.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival. The French side wanted to invite a heavyweight film personality as jury president, and Link was considered the perfect candidate.
Firstly, he was an acclaimed international director and a leading figure in the global film industry; his influence in cinema was immense, which made him a prestigious choice for the jury president role. Additionally, his film Se7en won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1994, and he had since participated multiple times, maintaining close ties with the festival.
Minister Mitterrand asked if he was interested. Link agreed, seeing it as an honor and having no reason to refuse.
...
"Link, you might become the youngest jury president in Cannes' history," Julie exclaimed, excitedly clinging to his back after the guests left.
"What's the big deal?"
"You've received so many honors and set so many records that it doesn't matter. If I were the invitee, I'd be over the moon," she laughed.
Link smiled and spun her around, tossing her in the air amid her delighted screams before catching her safely.
---
After a few days in Paris, Link returned to the U.S. in early February to attend Bill Clinton's re-election ceremony. He brought Jennifer Connelly along and was warmly welcomed by the Clinton family, even witnessing Bill's swearing-in in Washington.
The media claimed Link was one of Bill's key backers and played a significant role in the re-election effort. Link didn't deny it; his support went beyond donations and voter outreach -- he had also helped Bill handle the Lewinsky scandal in advance. Without Link's intervention, Bill might not have completed his term successfully.
In that sense, calling him Bill's top contributor was not an exaggeration.
---
After the inauguration, Link attended the American Critics Choice Awards and the Film Guild Awards. At both events, The English Patient won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing, becoming the biggest winner.
The media saw Link as the front-runner for Best Director at the upcoming Oscars.
---
[T/N: After finishing his work in the United States, Link went to China with Yu Feihong, Gong Li, Chen Hong, Kate Beckinsale, and others to attend the premiere of The Sino-Dutch War 1661.]
*****
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