Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 58: Applause]

On the night of the 20th, just past two in the morning, strange sounds echoed from the open door.

The sheets billowed, and the protagonist's feet were dragged down by an invisible phantom.

...

"Oh my God! It's a ghost!"

"Micah, quick! Save her!"

Gasps filled the room as many shielded their eyes, too terrified to focus on the screen, especially not on the dark, gaping door.

Quentin squeezed his eyes shut, gritting his teeth, his body shaking uncontrollably.

"If you're so scared, why not step outside? You're not the only one leaving; nobody will laugh at you," Steven Soderbergh suggested.

"Scared? Who's scared? There's no way a horror movie could get to me!" Quentin scoffed.

"Then could you ease up on my wrist?" Steven raised his arm, Quentin's hefty hand still gripping it tightly. Once Quentin released his hold, several clear finger marks were left on Steven's skin.

"Uh, accidental, purely accidental. You shouldn't have put your hand there," Quentin sheepishly let go.

Steven shook his head, rubbing his sore arm.

...

"Link really knows what he's doing -- two actors, one house, and he made such a terrifying film. Not bad at all." Robert Shay narrowed his eyes, fixated on the screen.

"The production is still somewhat rough. The camera shakes a lot, which could make the audience uncomfortable. Plus, this filming style is rather innovative; the audience might not be on board with it. I don't think the box office will be that high." Harvey Weinstein leaned back in his seat, his palm resting on his round belly.

"So you guys at Miramax aren't interested in this film?"

"Haha, I'm not focused on the film itself. I'm interested in Link -- he's got great potential, and I hope to collaborate with him soon." Harvey chuckled.

Robert Shay's lips quirked. They were all old foxes; he wasn't going to play any games with him.

...

The next night, bizarre sounds returned once more.

The protagonist suddenly got out of bed in the middle of the night, standing silently by the bedside, staring at the male lead for over an hour.

After more than an hour, she sleepwalked downstairs.

The male lead woke up and went to search for her. Moments after he left the bedroom, a chilling scream echoed from downstairs.

First came Micah, calling for Katie and asking the monster let her go, followed by Katie calling for Micah.

Three to four seconds later, outside fell unnervingly silent.

...

"What just happened?"

In the audience, many wanted to see what was happening outside but were too afraid that something terrifying would suddenly come through the door.

They covered their eyes, leaving just a small opening to peek outside.

...

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Within two or three seconds, hollow footsteps approached from upstairs.

The sound drew closer to the bedroom door, the footsteps growing clearer.

...

"What's that?"

"Is the evil spirit about to come out?"

...

Just as the audience braced themselves for whatever horror might enter, something suddenly flew in and crashed hard against the camera lens.

...

"Ah!!"

Many in the audience screamed in fright.

"Damn! You scared the life out of me!" Quentin yelled, clutching Lawrence Band tightly.

"It's Katie!"

"She turned into a monster!"

The audience gasped in shock.

"What just happened?" Quentin asked, keeping his eyes shut.

Lawrence Band and Steven Soderbergh ignored him.

Quentin reluctantly peeked at the screen, where Katie stood at the doorway, her long black hair disheveled, her white T-shirt splattered with blood.

...

Thud--thud--

Katie took two stiff steps forward, kneeling down near the male lead's body. When she lifted her head, she stared bloodily into the camera, her mouth gaping wide, lunging toward the lens.

...

"Ah!!"

Many in the audience flinched backward, hands firmly covering their eyes.

Even those with stronger nerves, like Steven Soderbergh, Scott Rudin, and Will Rogers, instinctively turned their heads away, unable to watch.

...

As the film concluded, text appeared on the screen.

It stated that Katie was missing afterwards, urging anyone who found her to contact the film company for a reward.

Accompanying this was a photo of Katie and the phone number for Guess Pictures.

...

As the film wrapped up, the lights dimmed, and the theater's ceiling lights turned on.

The silence lasted only a few seconds before the audience erupted with enthusiastic applause and cheers.

"Link, you did great!"

"Link, that movie was impressive!"

Jerome Preston, Steven Soderbergh, and others rose to their feet, clapping.

"Thanks!"

Link walked from the back to the front stage to accept everyone's congratulations and engage in conversations.

...

"Eh, it was okay -- a little innovative, but not that scary," Quentin shrugged, a hint of disdain on his face.

"Can you get off me while you say that? What's wrong with you -- jumping into my arms when you're scared? You're not a woman," Lawrence Band teased, pushing Quentin off.

Quentin looked around and realized he had been perched on Lawrence's lap, which explained why he felt so safe and unafraid just moments before.

"Hey, Lawrence, why are you holding me? If you're scared, just close your eyes. Holding me so tightly is embarrassing!"

"You know what's embarrassing? Get off. Wait, why are your pants wet? Oh God, you didn't pee yourself, did you?"

"No, no! This is absolutely not pee -- it's just water! I spilled some on myself; I swear it's not what you think! This ridiculous movie couldn't scare me like that -- it's impossible!"

Quentin rushed to grab a bottle of water from the seat, his face red as he attempted to defend himself.

Lawrence didn't catch a whiff of urine and didn't see any stains on his own pants either. Ignoring what was on Quentin's pants, he walked over to congratulate Link, commending him for his excellent film.

...

Quentin glanced sideways, grabbing Steven Soderbergh's jacket that was draped over the seat to tie around his waist.

As he was about to head to the front, he suddenly noticed Richard Zanuck standing up but clutching his chest, swaying slightly.

"Richard! Richard, what's wrong? We need a doctor!"

Scott Rudin shouted from the audience.

"Don't shout! I'm fine, just got up too quickly; my heart feels a bit off. I just need a moment to rest. I wasn't scared by the movie!"

Richard, his hair gray, clutched his chest, his brow furrowed deeply.

"At a time like this, you still care about that? We really need a doctor!"

"Where's the doctor? Link, Richard Zanuck is having a heart issue! Go get a doctor now!" Quentin excitedly shouted.

Richard closed his eyes, nearly fainting.

...

When Link heard someone calling for a doctor, he was startled; he initially thought calling for a doctor was just a joke to provide future media fodder. He had no idea it would come in handy.

He quickly called Lily to bring a doctor over.

Fortunately, Richard had heart medication with him.

After taking his pills and receiving basic treatment, Richard was helped out of the screening room.

It was just a false alarm.

Link wiped his sweat, realizing he shouldn't have invited older guests to the preview.

In the future, when the movie would be released, he would also need to promote it ahead of time, warning those with heart conditions or high blood pressure not to watch the film.

*****

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