“I refuse to accept this title! Absolutely not! Hollywood has thousands of directors, but only a handful truly deserve to be called great. However, for Mr. Corleone, even that title falls short—he should be called the greatest director in Hollywood!”

  Applause! Old Ma led the way, clapping enthusiastically.

  Inside, I cursed Fox: D*mn old man, you nearly gave me a heart attack!

  After my introduction, the festivities resumed. Malskrov and Fox pulled me aside for a chat, while the others, including Fatty, made a beeline for the food.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome today’s star—Miss Lainie Malskrov!” An elderly butler-like man announced loudly from the center of the venue.

  Two attendants pulled open a set of large double doors in the middle of the hall. A young woman stepped out gracefully. The crowd instinctively parted, making way for her. The gentlemen removed their hats and bowed slightly in respect, while the ladies applauded in unison.

  She wasn’t intimidatingly tall like many American women—probably no more than 5'7". Her chestnut hair was as smooth and glossy as seaweed, cascading down her back. She wore a simple black cocktail dress, exuding an understated elegance. Her beauty was breathtaking, and what truly stunned me was that her facial features didn’t bear the strong American traits I expected—she actually bore a striking resemblance to the Korean actress Choi Ji-woo!

  Holy hell! How can someone be this stunning?!

  I had always considered Choi Ji-woo the most beautiful Korean actress, yet this Lainie girl somehow surpassed even her.

  Every gaze in the room lingered on her, and even the most distinguished men bowed their heads in her presence. She greeted everyone with polite smiles, radiating warmth like the sun in spring—graceful and charming without a hint of arrogance.

  I had been in Hollywood long enough to see plenty of beautiful actresses, but I had to admit—Lainie completely captivated me.

  It wasn’t just her beauty (though she was undeniably one of the most stunning women I had ever seen), but rather the elegance, grace, and refinement she exuded. She was the kind of woman who left no room for impure thoughts—only admiration, appreciation, and a quiet sense of awe.

  “What do you think? My daughter is beautiful, isn’t she?” Old Ma slapped me on the shoulder, his chest puffed out with pride.

  Snapped out of my trance, I suddenly felt my face heat up for no reason. Trying to cover my embarrassment, I quickly replied, “Beautiful—Miss Lainie is the most stunning woman I’ve ever met.”

  Fox chuckled and turned to me. “Everyone knows that Malskrov has two treasures—his MGM empire and the pearl of MGM, Miss Lainie.”

  Old Ma was grinning from ear to ear as he and Fox walked toward Lainie.

  With them gone, I was left standing awkwardly. I didn’t know many people here, and the ones I did know weren’t exactly eager to chat with a country bumpkin like me. So, I slipped through the crowd and found Gans and the others.

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  Fatty and the gang were happily stuffing their faces. The buffet at the Imperial Hotel was top-tier, and after weeks of barely having time for proper meals while filming, our taste buds had gone numb. Seeing tables laden with gourmet dishes, it was no surprise that they were making a mess of themselves.

  “Boss! Get over here! My God, Holy Mary, this stuff is amazing!” Fatty exclaimed between bites, stuffing a chunk of cheese into his mouth while pointing excitedly at the spread.

  Gans and James had their plates piled high, and even Julie had stacked hers with a tower of lamb chops.

  “You guys enjoy. Just don’t eat so much that we have to roll you out of here.” I chuckled, picking up a glass of red wine and strolling over to the large glass window.

  From here, I could see most of Hollywood Boulevard—glittering lights, music floating in the air. Compared to the view from our office on Harvey Street, it was like a different world.

  Maybe this was the real Hollywood—the dazzling, glamorous, champagne-soaked Hollywood.

  But it wasn’t my dream factory.

  Harvey Street had no neon lights, no lavish extravagance, but it had something this place lacked—emotion. The people there were poor but kind, struggling yet supportive of one another. This grand ballroom, for all its luxury, was nothing more than a jungle of steel and concrete.

  I downed my glass of wine in one gulp.

  “Andrei.” Old Ma’s voice sounded behind me. He wasn’t alone—standing beside him was the mesmerizing Lainie.

  “Let me introduce you two. Lainie, my one and only daughter. Lainie, this is Andrei Corleone, the brilliant young director I just discovered,” Malskrov said warmly.

  “Hello, Mr. Corleone. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Lainie’s smile was radiant as she extended a gloved hand.

  “Hello, Miss Lainie. Your beauty would make even the Muses jealous.” I gently shook her soft, delicate hand and flashed a gentlemanly smile.

  “Thank you for your kind words!” Her brows lifted slightly, and like any woman, she couldn’t hide her delight at receiving a sincere compliment.

  “Hahaha, you two are being way too polite!” Old Ma laughed heartily. “Lainie, Andrei isn’t an outsider. The moment I met this young man, I knew I liked him. No need to be formal—you two should be able to chat easily. Now, I have some business to discuss with your Uncle Fox. You kids enjoy.”

  With that, Malskrov turned and left.

  D*mn, is this old man setting me up? Does he want me to be his live-in son-in-law?!

  I chuckled to myself, then turned to Lainie with a grin. “Old Ma told me he was inviting me for dinner—I didn’t realize it was for your birthday. I came in such a hurry that I didn’t have time to prepare a proper gift. This pen has been with me for many years—I’d like you to have it. I hope you don’t mind.”

  I pulled the pen from my pocket and handed it to her. Lainie smiled, accepted it, and thanked me.

  This pen was the only thing I had brought with me from the 21st century. I bought it during my university days in a small shop on Nanjing Road in Shanghai. Though it looked like an ordinary platinum fountain pen adorned with intricate Gothic engravings and a small inlaid golden dragon, it actually contained a hidden blade—a sharp little dagger I carried for self-defense. Since I had nothing else to give, I figured I might as well part with it.

  Despite being a wealthy heiress, Lainie had clearly never seen anything like it. She admired the pen, turning it over in her hands, fascinated by the exquisite craftsmanship.

  “There’s a little trick to it,” I said, pointing at the golden dragon.

  Curious, she pressed on the dragon’s head. With a click, the piece loosened slightly. I grasped it and pulled—the hidden blade slid out, gleaming under the light.

  Lainie’s eyes lit up with excitement, like a child discovering a new toy. She eagerly examined the pen, clearly enchanted by its unique design.

  “I’m just a poor guy—probably don’t even have enough in my pocket for cab fare. I can’t afford to give you diamonds or gold, but I hope you like this.” I smiled.

  Lainie gazed at me with genuine excitement. “Mr. Corleone, you’re wrong. I don’t care for diamonds or jewelry at all. This pen is the best birthday gift I’ve received tonight.”

  D*mn! She really knows how to sweet-talk!

  Hearing that made my heart flutter a little.

  “I’m glad you like it.” I nodded.

  “But… but…” Lainie pouted slightly, looking at me expectantly.