"Hey! Brother…" After walking off the red carpet, Emma Watson threw herself into Gilbert's arms like a swallow returning to its nest.
This scene, of course, immediately caught the attention of many reporters, who quickly raised their cameras to capture it.
Emma had done it on purpose—even the way she addressed him was different. While everyone else respectfully called him Director Gilbert, she alone called him "Brother."
Gilbert gently patted Emma's head and said, "You little schemer, you're using your tricks in the wrong place."
"Hehehe!" Emma giggled shyly but continued to cling tightly to Gilbert's arm, unwilling to let go.
Gilbert didn't take it too seriously at first, but afterward, he still asked Ivanka to remind Emma's agent to be mindful of such behavior in public.
Having a bit of cunning in Hollywood was a good thing, but being too calculating could make one less endearing and even irritating. As someone who prided himself on being kind and broad-minded, Gilbert sincerely hoped that he would never come to dislike Emma one day.
Besides the trio of main stars, the film's other lead, Robert Pattinson, also attended. Pattinson had previously worked with Gilbert on Flipped and now played Cedric Diggory in this Harry Potter film.
Another character appearing in the movie was Cho Chang, who, according to the novel, came from a Chinese wizarding school and became infatuated with Cedric at the Yule Ball. Harry Potter, too, developed feelings for her.
This version of the story differed slightly from the one in the previous timeline, as the role was specifically given to a Chinese actress—a decision insisted upon by Rowling herself.
Rowling explained that since the novel described Cho as being from China, it was only right to cast someone authentic to that background. Producer Robin Grant, however, argued that a Japanese or Korean actress could play the part just as well, claiming "all East Asians look alike."
His insistence on a Japanese or Korean actress was partly connected to actress Shu Chang.
Initially, Robin Grant supported Rowling's idea, but he felt that aside from Shu Chang—who starred in The Adventures of Jackie Chan series—no other Chinese actress was suitable for the role.
However, Shu Chang's guardian rejected the offer, saying the role wasn't significant enough for her.
This embarrassed Robin Grant deeply, and out of frustration, he refused to cast a Chinese actress at all, preferring to use a Japanese or Korean one instead.
Their disagreement escalated until the matter was brought before Gilbert, who ultimately sided with Rowling. The production team then traveled to China to hold auditions.
What Gilbert didn't expect, however, was that the final choice for the role would turn out to be the "Fairy Sister" herself.
When he first heard the name, he froze in surprise—he hadn't imagined fate could take such an interesting turn. The Fairy Sister was going to appear in Harry Potter.
When Robin Grant submitted the final cast list for Gilbert's approval, Gilbert didn't reject the choice.
After all, the "Fairy Sister" was quite popular in China, even though she was actually an American citizen.
At the premiere, Gilbert met her in person. Her mother had accompanied her, worried that her daughter might feel uneasy in a foreign country.
"Hello, Director Gilbert. My name is Crystal Liu," the Fairy Sister said gracefully, her beautiful eyes meeting his as she bowed politely.
"Crystal?" Gilbert smiled slightly. "That's a lovely name."
Producer David Heyman added, "Crystal performed very well on set—polite, professional, and very motivated."
"I'm sure her mother deserves some of the credit," Gilbert said, turning to the elegant woman standing beside her and speaking fluent Chinese: "And how should I address you, ma'am?"
Crystal and her mother had long known that Gilbert spoke Chinese fluently, but hearing it firsthand helped them understand why people jokingly called him "the foreigner with a Chinese soul."
"My name is Liu Xiaoli, and I'm Yifei's mother. Director Gilbert, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said warmly, her eyes full of admiration.
To a mother eager to make her daughter a star, this famous Hollywood director was someone worth cultivating ties with.
Unfortunately for her, Gilbert didn't pay much attention. After exchanging a few polite words with Crystal, he sent them inside. His attitude was neither warm nor cold—merely formal and courteous.
"I like that girl," Rowling said, appearing beside Gilbert.
"Why?" Gilbert asked curiously.
"Because she reminds me of myself—when I was young," Rowling explained.
"Really?" Gilbert found that hard to see.
After that, Gilbert met with the film's director, Mike Newell, who assured him that this film would live up to expectations.
Initially, both Disney and Warner Bros. had considered splitting Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire into two parts due to the novel's length.
However, Rowling insisted that the entire story be told within a single film. Mike Newell promised he could meet that demand.
Being a British director, and with the recommendation of the previous director, Gilbert had no objections—allowing Newell to successfully secure the job.
After meeting with the film's key creatives, Gilbert went to the VIP lounge to rest and wait for the screening to begin.
There, however, he unexpectedly ran into David Ellison.
"David! I didn't expect to see you here. What a small world," Gilbert said—the last part in Chinese.
But David Ellison frowned. "Don't speak Chinese. I don't understand you. I'm just here to tell you that the production of Transformers is going very smoothly."
"Is that so?" Gilbert replied calmly. "And what about your other films? For example, that Napoleon project?"
"You—!" David Ellison began to lose his temper but quickly realized many people were watching. He forced himself to swallow his anger.
"Don't get too cocky, Gilbert," he said coldly. "When Transformers hits theaters next summer, we'll see if you can still hold onto your title as the King of the Summer Box Office."
To be honest, Gilbert did regret this matter a bit. Missing out on the Transformers project was indeed a loss. And now, it had turned into a weapon David Ellison could use against him.
But even when you lose, you can't lose face. Gilbert kept up his stubborn front and said, "If you've got the guts, have Transformers release in the same summer slot as The Last of Us. Otherwise, don't brag too soon."
"Fine!" David Ellison's voice rose, loud enough for everyone in the VIP lounge to hear. "Next year, no backing out. Whoever does must shout three times in front of the media, 'I'm a loser!' How about that?"
"Deal."
"Deal."
After the exchange, Gilbert turned to Ivanka and sighed. "Damn, I acted on impulse just now."
Ivanka rolled her eyes. "You're only realizing that now? Transformers was a project you once praised yourself. Do you really think The Last of Us can beat it?"
"No confidence at all," Gilbert admitted bluntly.
"Then why challenge him? If you lose, he'll be strutting around Hollywood with his nose in the air!" Ivanka said helplessly.
"I don't know why," Gilbert muttered, "but every time I see that annoying face of his, my self-restraint just collapses. Even if I could go back, I'd probably say the same thing again."
"This isn't about your temper anymore," Ivanka replied. "The real issue now is how to defeat Transformers in next year's summer season."
"That's indeed a problem," Gilbert said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Alright then, we'll strike on two fronts. We'll wait for Skydance Studios to announce their release date, then we'll announce ours right after."
He paused and added, "Also, find someone to dig up some dirt—anyone connected to Transformers, I don't care who."
Her man had acted on impulse, and Ivanka knew she couldn't change that. All she could do was try to minimize the damage. She picked up her phone and started making calls to arrange it.
Little did they know, on the other side, after David Ellison's own impulsive outburst, he was also starting to regret it.
....
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