King of Hollywood

Chapter 393: Chapter 115 Do you think I can take over?

The spacious and bright hall was bustling with people, gathered in small groups, chatting and exchanging pleasantries, making the entire gathering extraordinarily lively. It was referred to as a gathering rather than a meeting or a party because it wasn’t very formal. Some people wore suits while others dressed casually—though not overly so, at least not outlandishly—neither as structured as a cocktail reception nor as boisterous as a party.

“Actually, I’d prefer to dress like a retro hippie, then take my beloved guitar and sing a song on stage,” Nicholas Cage said casually, holding a glass of wine as he observed the venue. He was dressed informally in a shirt, trousers, and sneakers, not at all like a gentleman but more like a street kid hopping by, yet his charm was undiminished.

“You could certainly try that, but I believe Old Frank would definitely kill you,” Adrian laughed as he joined in. His attire was slightly more formal than Cage’s. Although he didn’t carry the same potent unbridled spirit as Cage, Adrian’s appearance, both similar and yet distinct from Cage’s, was elegantly graceful and also attracted many women’s attention.

This gathering was hosted by the Coppola family to celebrate Cage’s win of the Oscar for Best Actor. God knows why they had waited more than a week after the award ceremony to hold it. Having received the invitation, Adrian, who was keen to bond with the Coppola family, naturally didn’t decline. Just now, he had been chatting with Francis Coppola and also with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Three out of the four major directors from the 70s and 80s were here, attracting almost as much attention as any of the other numerous stars.

“No need for my uncle to get involved. If he just said the word, many people would be willing to do it for him.” Cage made gestures and spoke earnestly, quite seriously about the matter.

“Hmm, it looks like I’ve come to the wrong place. This isn’t so much a celebration of your Best Actor award as it is a shooting scene for ‘The Godfather,'” Adrian shrugged and then laughed, raising his glass to Cage, “Anyway, Nicholas, congratulations again on winning the Oscar for Best Actor.”

“Thank you. If it hadn’t been for you, it would have been really difficult for me to win,” Cage picked up his glass, smiling, and clinked it with Adrian’s.

“That’s not necessarily the case. Your acting is already fantastic. You might not be able to play just any role, but you’re not far off, and winning the Best Actor would have been just a matter of time even without this movie,” Adrian complimented.

“You’re making me blush, Ed,” Cage said, his tone exaggerated but genuinely sincere. As a member of the Coppola family, how could he not understand the importance of opportunity, “But since you mentioned it, do you have any good roles? Maybe something like a playboy?”

“Why would you think of playing roles like a playboy?” Adrian asked curiously.

“Oh, the girls at the party tonight have been making eyes at you but completely ignoring me, like I don’t exist. It’s really heartbreaking,” Cage lamented, “Well, I know I can’t compare to you in real life, but at least let me enjoy myself in the movies.”

Listening to his complaints, Adrian couldn’t help but laugh. Indeed, many women had tried their best to approach him tonight. Although “Braveheart” had suffered heavy losses at the 68th Oscars, winning Best Picture last had not only maintained but even increased his fame. Being able to make the Film Academy compromise by awarding “Braveheart” Best Picture, despite their clear intention to push him down, proved his influential power was not something just anyone could possess. With Cage securing Best Actor, his reputation for accurate judgment was further solidified, naturally making him immensely popular.

“No playboy roles available, but a tough guy might be an option,” Adrian assessed Cage and suggested.