A few days later, Simpson, a foreign friend of Sivan Carter, arrived in the State of New York. As he gazed out at the beautiful American scenery, he couldn't help but sigh in appreciation. The city was a treasure, with an energy and vibrancy that spoke to his senses.
"It's a precious treasure, with so many talents," he said, lost in the moment.
Sivan, standing beside him, smiled warmly. "That's why I invited you here. The scenery of New York is the most inspiring."
Simpson nodded in agreement, still awestruck. "Amazing! Amazing, it's amazing."
Sivan looked at him, waiting for the right moment to speak. "By the way, Mr. Simpson, there's one more thing I want to tell you. I have a friend who wants to meet you."
Simpson turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "Sivan, didn't we agree that we wouldn't talk about work? Why the sudden mention of introducing a friend?"
Sivan hesitated slightly, sensing the shift in Simpson's mood. The director had been in a foul mood lately due to work, and coming to the US had been his way of seeking some inspiration while also catching up with old friends like Sivan.
Simpson was a renowned director in Hollywood, and though his reputation was large, he kept a tight circle of friends in the industry. Many aspiring actors and actresses in the US looked to him for a break, hoping he would help them get into Hollywood.
Sivan caught his friend's mood and explained gently, "It's not exactly what you think. I want to introduce you to him because he's a good friend of mine, and you might find something interesting about him."
Simpson's curiosity piqued, but he didn't hide his reluctance. "I'm not really in the mood for work talks right now, Sivan. But okay, I'll meet your friend. If it's a problem, we can leave it at that."
"I appreciate it," Sivan said with a smile, grateful for his friend's understanding. He quickly called John and told him about the meeting. Before long, John arrived.
"Mr. Lopez, this is my friend, Simpson. He's a famous director in Hollywood. Mr. Simpson, this is John," Sivan introduced, motioning between the two men.
At first, Simpson wasn't thrilled about the meeting. He figured he'd humor Sivan, but his attention didn't shift from his own concerns. However, when John entered the room, his whole demeanor changed.
John was tall, his presence commanding in a subtle way. There was an aura about him — a quiet confidence, tinged with a slight arrogance that didn't come off as off-putting. In fact, it made him seem like someone of substance. Simpson's initial disinterest quickly transformed into intrigue.
"Mr. Lopez, nice to meet you," Simpson said, reaching out with a smile.
John's reply was smooth, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "It's my honor."
Sivan watched the exchange with a knowing smile. He had a hunch Simpson would be captivated by John. It wasn't just the appearance — it was the air John carried. The same air that had left Sivan in awe when he first met him.
"You guys talk first. I'll sit next to you for a while," Sivan said, excusing himself.
As the two men began speaking, Simpson quickly realized that John wasn't in New York to break into Hollywood. The truth was even more interesting.
John wasn't looking for Hollywood fame; he was there to use Simpson's connections to reach several international stars. It wasn't about seeking a spot in movies — it was about leveraging relationships.
Simpson grinned broadly. "So, you're not here to make it big in Hollywood?" he asked, chuckling.
"No, Mr. Simpson," John said, his voice calm. "I have other reasons for being here."
"Well, I like your honesty, John," Simpson said. "I'll help you with whatever you need."
A moment passed, and Simpson then took a deep breath. "Actually, I've been working on something lately. It's a project about the guardian god of the US…"
John's eyes narrowed at the mention of the "guardian god." Recent events, such as the death of Oracle King, had made this a touchy subject. The world had been buzzing with news about Oracle King's demise, and many people — including influential figures like the CEO of ASG — were taking pleasure in the moment.
Simpson, noticing John's tension, quickly added, "Don't get me wrong. I have no ill intentions toward the US, nor do I have anything against Oracle King. On the contrary, I admire him greatly."
Simpson, though British by nationality, wasn't among those who gloated over Oracle King's passing. In fact, he had a great deal of respect for the martial artist and the legacy he had built in the American martial arts community.
"Oracle King's strength and legacy transcend nationality," Simpson continued. "I admire what he represented. That's why in my new project, I wanted to include a tribute to him. But it's been tough. I've tried capturing the essence of his spirit on camera — but I haven't quite nailed it yet."
Simpson paused. He had shot the tribute scene countless times but could never quite get the right feel. Either the actors weren't up to par, or the aura wasn't quite right. Simpson, known for his perfectionism, wasn't one to settle for mediocrity.
"That's why I came here to look for inspiration," he explained. "When I saw you, something clicked. I can't explain it, but I think you have what I need for this scene."
John studied Simpson for a long while. He had a keen sense for reading people, and it didn't take long for him to sense the sincerity in Simpson's eyes. It was rare for people to hide their true intentions from John, but Simpson wasn't trying to deceive him.
"Alright," John said after a thoughtful pause. "I can help with that. But I have one condition."
Simpson leaned in, eager. "Anything. What's your condition?"
John smiled slightly. "When you film the scene, don't focus on my face. Just film my back. That's all you need."
Simpson blinked in surprise, then broke into a wide grin. "That's brilliant! It's a masterpiece in the making! Yes, yes, I'll do that."
John nodded, the deal made. By playing the role of himself, he would embody Oracle King in a way that was both authentic and subtle. No one would immediately recognize him, but the essence of his character would resonate through the screen.
The two men exchanged smiles, and for the first time, Simpson felt an overwhelming sense of excitement. This project was going to be something special.
4o mini