Chapter 9: Persuasion.
Because of the intelligence and maturity Ryan had shown, Nicole rarely interfered directly in his affairs unless absolutely necessary. This was the first time she had ever stepped in and refused something on his behalf.
Harvey Weinstein didn't push or argue. This was Hollywood — the show could go on without anyone. Still, he hadn't given up.
Before leaving, he left one sentence behind: "Change your mind anytime and call me."
No matter what, Nicole was his legal guardian. Ryan knew that as long as she kept refusing, there was almost no room to maneuver. He also understood perfectly that she was only doing this because she wanted to protect him — to give him a complete childhood and let him grow up happy.
But he had been planning this for more than three years. He had poured almost all of his time and energy into it. Now the opportunity was right in front of him. If he let it slip away, he might as well go to Southampton and board the Titanic.
"Ryan, what are you thinking?" The question came from his agent. Unlike Nicole, who was blinded by her love for him, Pat Kingsley could guess at least some of Ryan's intentions.
Instead of answering, Ryan went to his room, brought out the envelope containing his latest manuscript, and handed it to her. "Pat, this is my newest work. And…"
He glanced at Nicole, who was sitting silently on the other side, then leaned close to Pat's ear. "Could you leave for now? I need to talk to Nicole alone."
"Alright." Although Pat clearly wanted to say more, after a moment's thought she simply nodded and left.
The living room fell quiet again. The boy and the woman sat facing each other, neither speaking. They simply looked into each other's eyes — two pairs of blue eyes locked together in a silent conversation only they understood.
"Ryan, do you really want to become an actor?" After what might have been minutes or hours, Nicole Kidman spoke first. "Don't deny it. I can feel how much you want this."
After years of living together, it was no surprise that she could read his heart so quickly. Ryan smiled first, then nodded slowly but firmly.
There was no point in denying it. He had chosen this screenplay with great care — not only for himself, but for Nicole too. In his previous life, another Australian actress had received universal praise at age twenty-six for this very role. Why couldn't Nicole — who in his eyes was every bit as talented and even more beautiful — do the same?
Yes, Nicole was younger and looked far too much like a classic "pretty vase," but with makeup and post-production they could easily tone down her stunning appearance. If she crossed age lines to play a strong, independent single mother and succeeded, the acclaim would be enormous.
Failure was possible, of course, but Ryan firmly believed that as long as he stood in front of her as Cole, conveying those emotions would be effortless.
In some ways, Ryan still had a conscience. Since Nicole had taken him in during his darkest, most difficult time and spoiled him with love, he naturally wanted to repay her. He might not be able to help much in other areas — sometimes he only caused trouble — but pushing her to an even higher place than in his previous life, and doing it faster, was definitely possible.
"Ryan, do you know… when I read those stories you wrote, I thought you would become an outstanding writer someday. When you started speaking fluent Spanish and Italian, I thought maybe you'd make a great diplomat. Last year, when you composed your first piece of music all by yourself, I told myself, 'Ryan might become a musician.'"
Nicole sighed and began analyzing things for him. "You're mature, intelligent, and far more sensible than other children. Even though your personality is a bit withdrawn, you hardly interact with kids your age, and you still cause trouble now and then, in my heart you have always been the most outstanding one."
"Yes, as more and more of your work gets published, you'll eventually be in the spotlight — but not now. You have to understand that being an actor and being a writer are completely different. Even if you only become an ordinary actor, given your achievements in writing, the reporters and paparazzi will dig up every single thing from your past and examine it under a microscope. Public figures have no private life."
"I may not be able to give you a complete family or enough love, but at least I can give you a complete childhood. Hollywood is not as simple as you imagine. Becoming famous at a young age is not a good thing."
"I understand what you mean, Nicole." Since this was an equal conversation, Ryan had every right to speak his mind. "In Hollywood, becoming famous young often means the start of destruction. But it's not only the tragic case of Drew Barrymore — there are also role models like Jodie Foster. Not everyone gets lost in this world of fame and fortune."
"Fine. Let me ask you this, Ryan." Nicole thought for a moment. "Can you handle the constant pursuit by reporters and paparazzi? Can you stay calm when they harass you with bottomless questions? Can you adapt to a life without privacy or security? Can you navigate complicated relationships and be smooth with everyone in this circle? Can you stay focused when criticism and abuse pour down like a storm?"
"Maybe I can't do all of that perfectly right now, but after some time to adapt, none of those things will be a problem for me." Ryan sounded extremely confident. "You should know I have the ability and the intelligence to face all of it."
Although conversations like this had happened many times before, Nicole Kidman suddenly had an incredibly strong feeling that she wasn't talking to a child — or even to a child with an adult mind. She felt like she was debating with a peer.
God, this is crazy. Maybe I should get Ryan's IQ tested. The thought flashed through Nicole's mind, but she still said, "Yes, Ryan, I have never doubted how smart you are. Sometimes I even feel like I'm talking to a thirty-year-old. But that still isn't a reason for me to let you step into that arena of fame and fortune."
Ryan gave an almost invisible smirk. Of course he knew Nicole wasn't doubting him — his wild train of thought had always seemed normal to her. But he could sense a tiny crack in her resistance, and he wasn't about to let the advantage slip.
"Nicole, don't you think life is about constantly trying new things, constantly breaking through yourself, and chasing your own dreams and ideals?"
"Ideals? Ideals are usually an ocean away from reality."
"But without ideals, what's the difference between a person and a dead fish?" The words popped out before Ryan could think.
Nicole blinked in confusion. "What does a dead fish have to do with ideals?"
"Never mind that, Nicole. I know exactly what you're most worried about. So let me ask you this — if I ever face setbacks or failure, will you still hold me in your warm arms like you do now?"
"Of course."
"Do you think setbacks or blows could ever break someone like me?"
"No."
"Then do you think that once I achieve success I'll become reckless, party all night, ignore you, or turn into some alcoholic, drug-addicted delinquent boy?"
"No! I have never thought that!" Nicole's face darkened unconsciously. "God, Ryan, where on earth did you learn all this nonsense? Don't tell me it was at school."
"Come on, Nicole." Ryan waved his hand, knowing he had shown off a little too much. "What era do we live in? TV, newspapers, magazines — they're full of this stuff. Don't forget, the Sun newspaper you subscribed to in London was practically nothing but gossip and scandals."
Ryan's ability to turn the tables was truly impressive. Nicole was completely blocked by that last sentence and couldn't press further.
"Alright, Nicole, none of this is a big deal." Seeing her face grow darker, Ryan quickly comforted her.
"Ryan, why do I sometimes feel like I'm not your older sister and you're more like my older brother?" Nicole Kidman looked up in genuine confusion.
Well, in both lives combined, I've got more than enough experience to be your big brother. Ryan grumbled silently, then quickly changed the subject. "So, Nicole… do you agree to let me take the role? The mother and child in the script mean something very special to me."
To strengthen his persuasion, Ryan had to spin another story. But Nicole always fell for this approach. Whenever she thought about the content of the screenplay — the strong, independent mother and the lonely, helpless boy — she couldn't help feeling emotional.
Maybe things won't turn out as bad as I imagine. Using this film to commemorate the deep bond between Ryan and me… that might actually be a wise choice.
"Alright, Ryan. I agree… but—" Before she could finish, the excited boy launched himself across the space between them and straight into her arms. He planted a big, loud kiss on her fair, stunning cheek. "I knew it! I knew it! Nicole, you're the best to me!"
Nicole Kidman helplessly pulled him into her embrace. The unfinished warning still came out. "Ryan, remember every word you just said. If one day you turn into a bad kid, I will never forgive you."
"Of course, of course." Ryan nodded frantically and thumped his chest. "The future Ryan Jenkins is definitely going to be a model young man!"
And just like that, the decision for the two of them to star together in The Sixth Sense was made. The specific details would naturally be handled by Pat Kingsley and the lawyer with Miramax. All they had to do now was wait.