Chapter 9

Due to Ryan's demonstrated intelligence and precociousness, Nicole rarely intervened directly in his affairs unless necessary. This time, directly rejecting the offer on his behalf was a first.

Harvey Weinstein did not persist, for this was Hollywood, where the show must go on, regardless of who was missing. However, he did not give up entirely. Before leaving, he left a parting message, "Contact me if you change your mind."

No matter what, Nicole was his guardian, and Ryan was very clear that as long as she opposed it, there was little room for negotiation. He also understood that Nicole was doing this to protect him, to give him a complete childhood and the chance to grow up happily.

However, he had been planning this for more than three years, dedicating almost all his time and energy to it. Now that the opportunity was right in front of him, if he let it slip away, he might as well board the Titanic in Southampton.

"Ryan, what do you think?" The question came from the agent, who, unlike Nicole, could guess some of Ryan's thoughts.

Instead of answering, Ryan returned to his room, retrieved the envelope containing the script, and handed it to Giselle, "Pat, this is my latest work, and also..."

He glanced at Nicole, who sat silently on the other side, and leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Can you go back first? I need to talk to Nicole alone."

"Alright." Despite the urge to say more, Giselle thought for a moment and left.

The living room fell silent again. The boy and the woman sat facing each other, neither wanting to speak first. They looked at each other, their blue eyes locked, as if engaged in a silent communication that only they understood.

"Ryan, do you really want to become an actor?" Nicole Kidman spoke first, after a few minutes or perhaps much longer. "Don't deny it; I can feel your excitement."

After living together for several years, it was no surprise that Nicole could read his thoughts in a short time. Ryan smiled, then nodded slowly and firmly.

There was no need to deny it, was there? This script was carefully chosen, not just for himself but for Nicole as well. If another Australian woman could gain widespread praise at the age of twenty-six for this role, why couldn't Nicole Kidman, who was no less talented?

Yes, Nicole was younger and had a classic beauty, but with makeup and post-production, her appearance could be made less attractive. Playing a strong, independent single mother across different ages, if successful, would undoubtedly bring significant acclaim.

As for failure, it was a possibility, but Ryan was confident that as long as he stood before Nicole, the emotions the role required would not be a problem.

In some ways, Ryan was a person with a conscience. Since Nicole had taken him in during his darkest and most difficult times and doted on him, he naturally wanted to repay her. While he might not be able to help her much in other areas, or even cause trouble, he could still try to push her to a higher position more quickly than in her previous life.

"Ryan, do you know, when I saw the stories you wrote, I thought you would become an excellent writer. When you could speak Chinese and French fluently, I thought you might make a good diplomat. Last year, when you composed your first song independently, I told myself, Ryan might become a musician."

Nicole sighed and began to analyze for Ryan, "You are mature, intelligent, and far more understanding than ordinary children. Although you are somewhat introverted and rarely interact with peers, and occasionally cause some trouble, in my heart, you have always been the best."

"Yes, as your works increase, you will eventually be exposed to the spotlight, but it should not be now. You need to understand that being an actor and a writer are two completely different professions. Even if you become an ordinary actor, with your achievements in writing, journalists and paparazzi will dig up every detail of your past and scrutinize them under a microscope. Public figures have no private life."

"Although I cannot give you a complete family or enough love, I can at least give you a complete childhood. Hollywood is not as simple as you think, and early fame is not a good thing."

"I understand your concern, Nicole." Since this was an equal conversation, Ryan had the right to express his opinion, "In Hollywood, early fame often means the beginning of decadence, but here, there are not only decadent figures like Drew Barrymore but also role models like Jodie Foster. Not everyone gets lost in this world of fame and fortune."

"Alright, I'll ask you, Ryan." Nicole thought for a moment and asked, "Can you adapt to the pursuit of reporters and paparazzi, face their endless harassment and questions without getting angry? Can you adapt to a life with no privacy and a lack of security? Can you handle complex interpersonal relationships and be smooth in this circle? Can you remain focused in the face of overwhelming criticism and abuse?"

"Perhaps not now, but after some time, these will not be problems for me." Ryan was extremely confident, "You should know that I have the ability and wisdom to face all of this."

Although such conversations had happened many times, Nicole Kidman had a strong sense of illusion this time. She felt she was not talking to a child or a child with independent thoughts but engaging in a debate with a peer.

God, this is really strange. Perhaps I should have Ryan's IQ tested. Nicole thought subconsciously but still said, "Yes, Ryan, I have never doubted your intelligence. In fact, I sometimes feel like I am talking to a thirty-year-old, but that is not enough reason for me to let you into that world of fame and fortune."

Ryan subtly pursed his lips. He did not think Nicole was doubting him; his unconventional thinking was normal to her. However, he sensed a hint of wavering in her words and decided to press his advantage.

"Nicole, don't you think life is about constantly trying new things, breaking through self-imposed limits, and pursuing your own world and ideals?"

"Ideals? Ideals are often as far from reality as the Atlantic Ocean."

"But without ideals, what's the difference between a person and a dried fish?" Ryan blurted out without thinking, leaving Nicole momentarily stunned, "What does a dried fish have to do with ideals?"

"Let's not talk about that, Nicole. I know what you are most worried about. If I encounter setbacks and failures, will you still provide me with a warm embrace like you do now?"

"Of course."

"Do you think setbacks or blows will make someone like me give up?"

"No."

"Do you think I will become a reckless, irresponsible person who parties all night and disregards you after achieving success? Or will I become a drug-addicted, alcoholic troublemaker?"

"No! I have never thought that." Nicole's face darkened, "God, Ryan, where did you learn all this nonsense? Don't tell me it's from school."

"Come on, Nicole." Ryan waved his hand, realizing he had overplayed his hand, "What era are we in now? TV, newspapers, and magazines are full of this stuff. Don't forget, when we were in London, the Sun you subscribed to was almost all gossip and scandals."

Admittedly, Ryan's ability to turn the tables was quite good. Nicole was left speechless by his last statement.

"Alright, Nicole, these things are not a big deal." Seeing Nicole's face darken, Ryan quickly reassured her.

"Ryan, why do I feel like I'm not your sister but more like your brother?" Nicole Kidman raised her head in confusion.

Indeed, if you add up my past and present lives, I am more than qualified to be your brother. Ryan muttered to himself but quickly changed the subject, "So, Nicole, do you agree to me playing this role? The mother and child in the script have extraordinary significance to me."

To strengthen his argument, Ryan had to resort to exaggeration again, and Nicole was particularly susceptible to this. Whenever she thought about the script, the strong, independent mother, and the lonely, helpless boy, she couldn't help but feel moved.

Perhaps things won't be as bad as I imagine. Using this movie to commemorate the deep bond between Ryan and me might be a wise choice.

"Alright, Ryan, I agree, but..." Before she could finish, the excited boy pounced into Nicole's arms, planting a firm kiss on her pale, beautiful face, "I knew it, I knew it, Nicole, you are the best to me."

Nicole Kidman helplessly pulled Ryan into her arms, and the unspoken warning finally came out, "Ryan, remember what you said. If you ever become a bad person, I won't forgive you."

"Of course, of course." Ryan nodded eagerly, patting his chest, "The future Ryan Jenkins will definitely be a model citizen!"

Thus, the decision was made for both of them to star in "The Sixth Sense." The specific details would be handled by Pat Giselle and the lawyer in negotiations with Miramax. All they needed to do was wait.