*Chapter 221: Did Sparks Fly?*

After spending four or five days back home, Richard received a call from the "Black Hawk Down" production team. They needed the cast to undergo intensive training at the Florida Ranger Camp.

The Rangers, part of the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, are an elite special operations unit, comparable to the Navy SEALs and Delta Force. The training schedule was packed with activities such as physical conditioning, shooting, parachuting, special operations, and tactical drills. The training was intense, but Richard, who regularly exercised, was able to keep up.

After two weeks at the camp, Richard returned to Los Angeles.

"Richard, you look like you've gotten a bit of a tan," Ms. Theron remarked, lying on a chair on the balcony, glancing at him with a smile.

"Yeah, the Florida sun is pretty harsh. We even spent a week in the Caribbean, getting roasted under the sun every day. It’s hard not to get tanned," Richard shrugged.

"When does 'Black Hawk Down' start filming?"

"Sometime in February or March next year, in Morocco. By the way, I almost forgot to congratulate you—'Charlie's Angels' just topped the box office again for another week. The reviews are great; they say you’re both beautiful and dangerous," Richard said with a grin.

Ms. Theron shook her head, "I kind of regret taking that role."

"Why? You're a top-tier star now. Isn’t that a good thing?"

"Charlie's Angels" had been released in early November, earning $40.12 million in its first week, and another $36.3 million in its second week, securing the top spot at the box office for two consecutive weeks. Although the reviews and box office were mixed, the three female leads became the most popular actresses in Hollywood. With her impressive action scenes, stunning looks, and captivating screen presence, Ms. Theron gained a massive global fanbase.

"Now that the movie’s a hit, fans only remember me as an action star. All those other roles I’ve played, all that effort—it feels like it was all for nothing," she said, resting her chin in her hand, looking dejected.

"Isn’t that better? As the Los Angeles Times review said, you’ve been in Hollywood for five years, playing many roles. But because you’re so beautiful, audiences only remember your face, not the characters you played. You didn’t want to be just another pretty face, so you sought out a path that suited you. And now you’ve found it, just like Natalie in 'Charlie's Angels'—a badass with an angelic face, a devilish figure, and a sincere smile laced with sex appeal and charm. It’s perfect, Sally. Shouldn’t you be proud?"

Ms. Theron smiled slightly, "It’s alright. But Drew said the box office is doing so well that the studio is planning a sequel, maybe even more than one. The thought of repeating a role over and over makes me a little sad."

Richard smirked, taking her hand, "Are you bragging?"

"Yes. You’ve made so many movies, but has any of them grossed over $100 million in North America?"

"X-Men. It made $159 million in North America."

"I meant as a lead."

"Well, no."

"Ha! I have. My agent estimates I’ll be getting $10 million for my next film. Remember our old bet?"

Ms. Theron blinked and smiled.

"Which bet? The one about having kids?"

"No, the one where I invited you to L.A. and we agreed that whoever got $10 million first, the loser would have to sleep with the winner. Now you’ve lost, so you should come over and keep me company."

Ms. Theron beckoned with her finger.

Richard laughed, "You got it wrong. I said the winner would sleep with the loser to comfort them, so you should be the one coming over."

He gently pulled her into his arms, kissed her red lips, and with a playful grin, said, "And by the way, my fee for 'The Lord of the Rings' is $3 million plus 1% of the box office gross. For 'Black Hawk Down,' it’s a flat $10 million. Have you signed the contract for your next film yet?"

Ms. Theron’s blue eyes sparkled, "Then you’ve won. It’s your turn to sleep with me."

"Does it matter?" Richard laughed, pulling her onto the couch as they tumbled together.

The next day, Richard took another tour of New Century Pictures.

Currently, the company's first movie project, *"Rock 'n' Roll Barbie,"* is in the middle of production. The filming locations are split between the United States—specifically Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York—and Germany.

The movie is set during the Cold War. The protagonist, Hansu, is a young rock enthusiast born in East Germany. He has always dreamed of becoming a rock singer. For the sake of love and his rock career, he chooses to undergo a gender transition. However, the surgery fails, leaving a bit unfinished. The Black American soldier he loves abandons him.

Hansu then makes his way to America, where he helps a young rock musician become a star. However, once this person discovers Hansu is transgender, he abandons him as well.

The film leans toward an artistic theme, with a deeply meaningful story. If it can be faithfully adapted from the script, it will undoubtedly become a remarkable art film.

However, bringing the film to life in its entirety is highly challenging. Until he sees the final cut, Richard has no idea what the movie will turn out like.

"Richard, do you want to make a cameo?"

Kopelson, the producer, asked on set.

"No thanks, the audience will recognize me immediately, which might affect their overall viewing experience."

Richard waved his hand.

"No worries, Richard, we can dress you in women's clothes."

John Cameron laughed.

"Thanks, but my figure doesn't suit women's clothing."

Richard couldn't help but smirk as he looked at John Cameron's dress. John Cameron was not only the director of this film but also the lead actor and screenwriter. He was very talented, though his love of wearing women's clothing was a bit eccentric.

"Richard, you're still too conservative."

John Cameron chuckled, walking back into the crew to continue shooting.

"Arnold, when will the movie be finished?"

Richard asked.

"We're aiming to wrap it up before December. We're planning to take the movie to the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin Film Festival early next year."

Kopelson puffed on his cigarette as he replied.

"That's worth a shot!"

The Sundance Film Festival is held from late January to mid-February. Founded in 1984, it has become a vital pillar of independent filmmaking over the years.

Many up-and-coming international directors see Sundance as a stepping stone to fame, and major Hollywood studios looking for promising films and new talent never miss the event.

However, with hundreds of films competing each year, winning a major award is quite challenging.

Richard spent a day on set before returning to Los Angeles in the afternoon, as *"Miss Congeniality"* was about to be released, and he needed to help promote it with the crew.

"Richard, how was it working with Sandra for the first time?"

Tamara, the host, asked in the CBS studio.

"It was great! Sandra is a very strong and charismatic woman. She approaches her work and acting with utmost seriousness and always keeps everything in order on set. I learned a lot from her."

Richard, dressed in a suit, sat cross-legged on the sofa.

"Such a formal answer. Did you prepare it in advance?"

Sandra laughed.

Richard shrugged, "Yes, I had prepared 10,000 words to praise you, but since time is limited, I won't go into that here."

"10,000 words? Make sure you hand it over to me after the show."

"No problem!"

Richard chuckled.

"Richard, Sandra, you two had many romantic scenes in the film. Did sparks fly during filming?"

The host asked a rather open-ended question.

"No, the characters we played are more like brothers than a couple. Our interaction was very amusing, like a friendship that ignores gender."

Richard laughed.

"Yes, Richard is too young."

Sandra smiled slightly. "I mean, in terms of age."

Richard forced a smile. "There was no need to clarify that, was there?"

The host and audience chuckled. "Sandra, you seem to have a good relationship, like friends. Did you know each other before filming?"

The host asked.

"Yes, I met Richard through Keanu. Keanu and I are friends, and Richard is Keanu's daughter's godfather. We first met at the little one's birthday party. I was surprised when I first saw him. My impression of him was as a handsome yet intimidating boxer. But after getting to know him, I found out he’s a very humorous and interesting person, and, of course, very handsome."

Sandra laughed.

"Thank you!"

Richard chuckled lightly.

"Richard, Sandra just mentioned that you are Mr. Reeves' daughter's godfather?"

The host asked in surprise.

"Yes, Keanu is someone who lacks a sense of security. He said the world is very dangerous, especially for children, so he wanted someone who could fight well to be his child's godfather, and he chose me."

Richard spread his hands and laughed.

"Nonsense, who lacks a sense of security?"

Keanu Reeves grumbled in front of the TV.

"Could you take off your motorcycle helmet before speaking?"

Jennifer rolled her eyes at him.

"No need, I’m going to practice riding in a bit. Ava, do you want to ride the motorcycle with Daddy?"

Keanu Reeves asked while holding the little one.

Ava glanced at the helmeted "monster" and then turned to look at Richard on TV.

Keanu's face darkened, and he gave the TV an annoyed look. "I shouldn't have made him the godfather."

Ring ring~

The phone rang. Keanu took out his phone, glanced at it, and saw it was Richard's number. He answered it with a scowl and, after listening for a few moments, said,

"A party? Only Jennifer and Ava are invited? No way!"

He hung up.

"What happened?"

Jennifer asked.

"Richard is throwing a party at his house and invited us over this afternoon. Do you want to go?"

Keanu said.

"Why not? Ava, do you want to go to Daddy Richard's house?"

Jennifer asked, holding the little one.

"Yes!"

Ava replied crisply.

"Haha, Keanu, are you not going? Then you can stay home while Ava and I go to the party."

Jennifer said, pulling the little one toward the door.

"Wait, I'm going too!"

Keanu rushed out after them.

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(End of the chapter)