Chapter 100

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"Nine o'clock tomorrow morning? Alright, no problem."

In the quiet restroom of the restaurant, Murphy listened to the voice on the phone and continued, "Please prepare the screening equipment. Alright, see you tomorrow."

After hanging up, he let out a breath, walked to the sink, and washed his hands. The cool water falling on his hands gradually calmed his head, which had been heated by the four consecutive calls. Although Lionsgate, Morris Entertainment, Miramax, and Fox Searchlight had all called to request internal test screenings, Murphy knew that the film was still far from success.

Leaving the restroom, Murphy found Carey Mulligan standing at the end of the corridor, her doll-like face showing signs of anxiety as she paced back and forth, clearly waiting for him.

"You're finally out." She saw Murphy and immediately came over. "I was about to send Paul in to check on you."

"What could happen to me?" Murphy pulled her out, saying as they walked, "I just took two more calls."

Carey Mulligan asked with concern, "From the distributors again?"

"Fox Searchlight and Miramax." He looked at his watch. "We can't continue lunch. We need to go back and prepare."

"Alright." Carey Mulligan understood the importance of distribution.

Not just for Murphy, but for herself as well. Although her first film had been released, almost no fans recognized her. Even the people in her acting class didn't believe she had starred in a real feature film. They thought she was joking when she mentioned it.

Especially a hateful British girl who always used this to mock her.

Back in the semi-private booth, Murphy saw Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, the two fat guys, still stuffing their faces. Bill Rosi was whispering to James Franco, who had been thinking about poaching him, but James Franco had never given a clear response.

Murphy clapped his hands, and the other four looked over. He said, "Lunch is over. Miramax and Fox Searchlight have also called. We need to go back and prepare."

These people didn't show any dissatisfaction; instead, they smiled. Especially Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, who were participating in a film for the first time, they high-fived each other and shouted, "Yes!"

Murphy made a gesture to calm them down and said, "We have two test screenings to do tomorrow morning."

He looked at his agent, "Bill, if you have time, can you and Jonah take a copy to Morris Entertainment?"

Bill Rosi nodded without hesitation, "No problem, leave it to me."

Although not a professional producer, he had watched the film several times since the final cut, and he was very confident.

Murphy then looked at Seth Rogen, "You'll go with me to Miramax."

From the arrangement, it was clear that Murphy had high hopes for Miramax, with whom he had already worked once.

"Hey! What about me?" James Franco raised his hand, "Where do I go?"

He felt like he was being excluded from a small group, which made him feel bad.

Bill Rosi shook his head at Murphy, "Jonah and I are enough."

Murphy nodded at James Franco, "You'll be my dedicated driver tomorrow."

Taking Carey Mulligan's coat from the coat rack by the door, Murphy put it on her and said to the others, "Hurry up, we need to go get the copies."

The neighborhood where Stanton Studios was located wasn't particularly safe, so Murphy had stored the copies in a professional security company. This company had a good reputation in Hollywood, and many film companies also stored their new film copies there.

They had to go to Miramax by nine o'clock tomorrow morning, so the copies needed to be picked up in advance.

Murphy paid the bill and left the restaurant. He first made a phone call to make an appointment, then drove to Beverly Hills to pick up the copies. He dropped off Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, who didn't have cars, at their newly shared place, and then returned to Stanton Studios.

Parking the car, Murphy asked Carey Mulligan to open the door. He opened the trunk and went to move the film reels.

"I'll help you," Carey Mulligan clattered back, reaching for the round film canisters in Murphy's hands, "Give them to me."

"You go rest."

The film reels looked light, but they were actually quite heavy when stacked together. Murphy picked up one with each hand and walked toward the door.

Carey Mulligan looked at his back and the copies in the trunk, then picked up one, closed the trunk, and followed Murphy.

The copies were heavy, and she gritted her teeth, unwilling to give up easily.

Entering the living room and putting down the copies, Murphy heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Carey Mulligan, her fair forehead covered in sweat. He quickly went over and took the film canister from her.

He leaned down and lightly kissed her forehead, "You..."

Carey Mulligan put her hands on her hips and panted, "I just wanted to help."

"I know," Murphy looked at the sweat on her forehead, didn't say much, and affectionately patted her shoulder, "Let's go."

He certainly wouldn't let Carey Mulligan continue with such heavy work. Besides, the high heels she was wearing weren't suitable.

Opening the trunk, Murphy picked up two more reels. Seeing Carey Mulligan trying to help again, he said, "You stay here and watch the copies. They are our entire fortune."

Hearing this, Carey Mulligan withdrew her hand and nodded solemnly.

After tidying up the copies, both of them were drenched in sweat. It was mid-June, and Los Angeles was in its hottest season. After taking a shower, Murphy and Carey Mulligan didn't plan to go downstairs. They stayed in the main bedroom on the second floor, enjoying the cool air conditioning.

Carey Mulligan sat on a sofa, her legs curled up, and her hands hugging her knees, "I really want the film to get into theaters soon."

"Anxious?" Murphy poured a glass of water and placed it on the small table in front of her, pulling a chair to sit opposite her, "Don't worry, trust me. Our film will definitely get into theaters."

"I just want to prove to the people in my acting class..." She looked up at Murphy, "That I was the lead actress in a real feature film."

Hearing this, Murphy understood that it was a girl's desire to show off. He pinched her cute doll-like face, "When the film is released, you can invite them to the cinema."

"I don't have money..." Carey Mulligan frowned, "I gave all my salary to the acting school. There are too many people in the acting class, and I don't have enough money."

"I can help you pay for it." Murphy looked at the hem of Carey Mulligan's short nightgown, "You need to think about what you'll offer in return."

Carey Mulligan understood the innuendo and jumped off the sofa, leaping over the table to pounce on Murphy, pressing her whole body against him.

The night was long, and when the sun rose again, there were more important things waiting for Murphy to do.