"Oh?" Murphy looked at Ross, puzzled. "What is it? Just tell me."
"Hmm..." Ross, unusually hesitant, paused for a while before speaking, "It shouldn't be difficult for you."
He thought for a moment and then said, "When we were in prison together, I told you about some of my experiences."
Murphy nodded, tapping his temple, "I remember."
"What do you think about making a movie about my life?" Ross's proposal took Murphy by surprise. "A biographical film, like 'The Wolf of Wall Street.'"
"Now?" Murphy raised an eyebrow.
"No," Ross shook his head. "Most people in my line of work either end up in prison or die young. If that happens to me someday, then you can make the film."
He sighed deeply. "If I pass through this world, I want to leave something behind."
"That won't happen," Murphy said, giving Ross a firm pat on the shoulder. "We'll be meeting for our annual gatherings for years to come."
Murphy looked intently at Ross and asked seriously, "Are you in trouble?"
Ross shook his head again. "Aside from the Vietnamese, there's no trouble."
Standing by the car, Ross glanced up at the full moon hanging in the sky. "People like me, if something happens, we'll be forgotten. I just want to leave something behind, whether it's good or bad, so that someone in the future will remember me."
Murphy nodded slightly. This mentality was somewhat similar to Jordan Belfort's. Like Belfort, Ross was also unwilling to be forgotten. However, unlike Belfort, Ross's line of work could never see the light of day, hence his request.
"Alright," Murphy said, changing the topic. "Enough with the sentiments. You're starting to sound like Downey."
Ross didn't respond to Murphy's joke. Instead, he said, "I'm not joking. Murphy, you know how unpredictable my line of work is."
Murphy was silent. Ross's business was indeed dangerous. He was always at risk.
In the past, Murphy had tried to persuade Ross to change his path. But as time went on, he realized Ross was getting deeper into it and that it wasn't as simple as just walking away.
"Alright," Murphy nodded solemnly. "I promise you."
Ross smiled. He had selfish reasons for this request. A film by a director like Murphy would be the best way to leave his mark.
"But, Ross," Murphy added, "you've seen my films. If this film is ever made, you won't be portrayed in a good light."
"It doesn't matter," Ross said indifferently. "I'm not a good person."
"Goodbye, Murphy," Ross said, opening the car door and waving at Gal Gadot and Downey. "Goodbye, Gal. Goodbye, Downey."
With that, he got into the car, closed the door, and instructed the driver to leave. The black car drove away like a ghost, disappearing through the gates of Wavecrest Manor.
As the car vanished from sight, Murphy and Downey returned to the villa. They went to the living room, where Gal Gadot served them coffee.
Downey took the coffee cup from Gal Gadot and placed it on the coffee table. "Ross seems very down lately."
"Not just lately. It's been a while," Murphy reminded Downey. "Last time we met at a bar near Old Chinatown, he was already in low spirits."
People often thought those in Ross's line of work lived carefree lives, but Murphy knew better. For the first few years after getting out of prison, Ross had been relatively free of worries. But recently, the pressure on him had been mounting, far surpassing anything Murphy had faced in Hollywood.
Murphy could always get another chance if he made a mistake in filmmaking. For Ross, one wrong step could be his last.
Living under such immense pressure for so long, it was no wonder Ross's emotions were affected.
"Can we help him?" Downey asked.
Hearing this, Gal Gadot, who was preparing a fruit plate, glanced at Downey. There was a flash of caution in her eyes. She knew what Ross was involved in. If Murphy got mixed up in it, not only would he be unable to help, but he might also bring danger upon himself.
Even though the upper echelons of the LAPD had been reshuffled due to the 'investigation scandal,' and those allied with Robert's law firm now had the upper hand, no one could guarantee there weren't still eyes watching Murphy. These people would be eager to catch Murphy stepping out of line.
Frankly, Gal Gadot didn't like Murphy associating with Ross. The risks involved could potentially destroy their family.
But Gal Gadot was smart. Blind interference would be foolish. She would only speak at the right moment, just as she had interrupted Ross during dinner.
She didn't want Murphy taking unnecessary risks.
Sure, Ross had helped Murphy, but Murphy had also helped Ross. They didn't owe each other anything.
No one wants their family involved in something with potentially serious consequences.
Gal Gadot wanted to say something but held back. She trusted Murphy.
"There's really nothing we can do," Murphy shook his head at Downey. "We have money, and Ross isn't short of that."
He didn't say the rest, but Downey understood. Beyond money, their greatest assets were their fame in Hollywood and across America. But that wouldn't help Ross in his business.
For example, Ross's biggest problem now was the Vietnamese. These guys wouldn't back off just because two Hollywood movie people were involved.
As for the legal side, Ross's lawyer was no less capable than Robert, and even more specialized in his field.
Both Murphy and Downey knew that after choosing different paths, even though they kept in touch and helped each other when possible, they were helpless when it came to matters like filmmaking or drug and arms deals.
Murphy and Downey were complete outsiders and public figures. Not only would they face severe consequences, but any reckless involvement would likely make things worse, just as Ross wouldn't be helpful on a movie set.
Moreover, Murphy was very clear-headed. He knew that after the 'investigation scandal,' he was back on the LAPD's radar. If he tried anything, he'd be invited in for a chat before he could achieve anything.
Murphy and Downey discussed Ross's situation for a while, unable to find any solutions. Eventually, Gal Gadot joined the conversation, steering it toward Hollywood and the film industry.
"The controversy around 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is quite intense," Murphy updated them on the latest developments. "The public relations work is harder than for 'Inglourious Basterds,' but the tide is turning in our favor."
Downey, with modest expectations, said, "I just hope we get the nominations."
Murphy took a sip of his coffee. "Your Best Actor and Jonah's Best Supporting Actor nominations are more likely than Best Director and Best Picture."
He turned to Downey. "How's your father's network?"
"He hasn't pulled too many strings," Downey admitted. "Favors are finite. This time, getting the nominations will suffice. We'll save the bigger connections for later."
"A smart choice," Murphy approved.
The Oscars were influenced by many factors, but a character like Jordan Belfort was a strong foundation. Getting a nomination was likely; winning the statuette was another matter.
The Academy was still the Academy. While it encouraged innovation, it remained conservative. Otherwise, directors like David Fincher, Ridley Scott, and Quentin Tarantino would have long since won the Best Director Oscar.
Murphy now belonged on that list. His style made winning the Oscar statuette a long-term, systematic effort.
"New Year is around the corner," Downey reminded Murphy. "I've heard that the Academy will start mailing nomination ballots to all members on December 31. The period after New Year will be crucial for securing nominations."
He was somewhat worried about Murphy's Best Director nomination, knowing Murphy's dark style and skewed values didn't align with the Academy's usual taste.
"I know," Murphy nodded. "Bill has arranged for 'Vanity Fair.'"
He would be the cover feature of 'Vanity Fair's' New Year issue, aiming to make a final push for Oscar nominations.
"Are you skipping the Far East promotion for 'The Wolf of Wall Street'?" Downey asked.
"I don't have the time," Murphy replied, his schedule packed. "There are several PR events I need to attend. After Christmas, I'll be discussing the next steps for 'Game of Thrones' with George Martin. Bill has also set up some special events for me."
These required his personal attention, leaving no time for a Far East promotional tour. Downey, Jonah Hill, and Dakota Johnson would suffice for that.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!] [[email protected]/INNIT]