Chapter 96: A Full Check-Up for You
Aaron wasn't particularly impressed by PolyGram opening a Los Angeles office.
After all, even Golden Harvest, the film empire from Hong Kong, had entered Hollywood back in the '80s — and paid its fair share of "tuition fees."
They had pushed Asia's biggest star, Jackie Chan, for years, but it wasn't until they helped produce Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that they finally struck gold.
Besides, Hong Kong cinema was second only to Hollywood in export volume; its production system and efficiency far outstripped that of Britain.
Modern British cinema, frankly, was a mess — the government was offering subsidies and tax breaks to attract Hollywood productions mainly to train its own people.
At the Marmont Castle Hotel that evening, Aaron even bumped into Tim Robbins, but his only impression of the man was from the film that would one day make him famous — The Shawshank Redemption.
---
"Mr. Anderson? What a surprise seeing you here!"
A familiar voice cut through the noise. Aaron turned — it was Salma Hayek, the fiery Mexican actress he'd met two months earlier.
"Oh, it's you," Aaron said, recognizing her instantly. He hadn't contacted her since that chaotic day — yet here she was again, smiling radiantly.
"Yes, it's me," Salma said brightly. Since their last encounter, she'd done her research on Aaron Anderson. She knew now just how powerful he really was.
"About last time — my car breaking down and all that — I owe you a drink as an apology. Would you let me buy you one?"
Aaron glanced her over.
Tonight, Salma was a vision — a tight black pencil skirt, a crisp white blouse, and curves that could make any man forget his name.
He nodded. "Alright. Let's go."
---
They soon found a cozy corner in a nearby bar.
Aaron leaned back on the sofa, sipping his whiskey. "You know," he mused, "I've never actually been to Mexico. Bit of a shame, isn't it?"
Salma laughed softly. "You should go sometime. The beaches in the south are perfect for vacations."
Aaron smirked. "And what about the cartels? Don't they run half the country?"
Salma blinked, startled, then chuckled. "Ah— not in the tourist cities. As long as you stay out of the slums, it's safe."
Aaron raised his glass and clinked it with hers. "Relax, I'm teasing. But really — a Mexican woman coming to Hollywood on her own? That's gutsy.
And inviting me out for a drink… aren't you afraid you've walked into the lion's den?"
Salma shook her head, her eyes steady. "You're different. The way you look at me isn't like most men."
Her expression darkened slightly. "That day outside the comedy club… the producer who invited me there tried to rip my clothes off. I barely escaped."
Aaron let out a dry laugh. "Different, huh? Don't fool yourself. Most men who make it big — they chase the same two things: women and power."
He leaned forward slightly. "You're new here. A foreigner. No connections. In Hollywood, that means you'll run into predators.
If you're lucky, you'll meet someone who gives you a fair trade — an opportunity in exchange for… something. But more often than not, you'll be chewed up and spat out."
Salma opened her mouth to protest, but no words came. He wasn't being cruel — just brutally honest.
In her short time in Hollywood, she'd already faced several unwanted advances.
Aaron swirled his drink, his tone softening.
"This is Hollywood. Every day, hundreds of beautiful people flood in, all chasing the same dream. Pretty faces are never in short supply."
"What's scarce," he continued, "are opportunities. And people are willing to do anything to seize one. Without it, dreams mean nothing."
Seeing her fall silent, Aaron chuckled and took another sip. "Still, you've got something others don't. You're gorgeous, and you've got presence — that wild Latin energy.
There'll be roles for you. Maybe not now, but soon."
Salma gave a small, tired smile. "I actually studied international relations in college — switched to acting later.
After graduating, I starred in a few TV dramas back home and became fairly well-known. But Mexico's entertainment industry is tiny.
So I came here, to Hollywood. I'm studying acting while looking for my first break."
It reminded Aaron of Nicole Kidman, though Australia had a huge advantage — it was an English-speaking country.
For a Latina actress with a heavy accent, the climb would be much steeper.
Salma tilted her head, a spark of playfulness returning to her eyes.
"Aaron… why don't we dance?"
Salma Hayek decided not to dwell on anything else; right now, she just wanted to get closer to Aaron Anderson.
"Oh, are you planning to let me experience the passion of a Latin beauty?" Aaron asked playfully as he naturally accompanied Salma Hayek onto the dance floor.
The sexy and vivacious Salma Hayek was indeed extremely charming! Feeling her eager energy in his arms, Aaron chuckled, "Salma, if you keep this up, I might not be able to control myself."
Salma pressed herself against him, caressing his face. "Don't you like it?"
"Mmm," Aaron responded, and bent down to kiss the woman in his embrace. Salma responded just as passionately.
After a while, still locked in a heated kiss, the two made their way to a corner of the bar. Feeling the fullness beneath her open collar, Aaron whispered in her ear, "That's got to be at least a D cup—did you get any enhancements?"
Salma parted her crimson lips, feeling his breath on her skin. "36D, all real—no fakes. Want to check for yourself?"
Aaron grinned. "Good idea. Tonight, I'll help you with a full inspection…"
Night fell at the Marquis Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.
On the bed, Aaron lay atop Salma Hayek, slightly out of breath. "Your body is amazing—absolutely nothing wrong with it."
He rolled off her, and Salma, also breathless, flopped onto his chest with a smile. "Aaron, how do you feel? I think I just saw God!"
"Very nice," Aaron replied, feeling her 36Ds again, noting how she rivaled even Jennifer Connelly.
She also knew just what to say; even though Aaron was indeed skilled, he enjoyed a bit of flattery.
Salma kissed his face several times, beaming. "I live in North Hollywood, not far from Burbank. You can visit me anytime."
She knew that Dawnlight Films was located on Victory Boulevard in Burbank.
"Don't you have a boyfriend?" Aaron asked.
"No, you're the first man I've been with since coming to America. I'm focusing on my career now, so there's no time for relationships!"
"Is that so?" Aaron sighed. "Too bad I'm just getting started too, without any projects in hand. Otherwise, I'd help you out."
"That's okay. I believe in you!" Salma hugged his waist tightly. "Actually, I've always dreamed of making a film about the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo."
"I'm working hard on my acting now, hoping I can make that dream a reality someday!"
Aaron smiled, gently stroking her. "So you want to produce it yourself?"
"Not really—I mainly want to play the artist herself!"
"That's not a difficult dream. As long as the script is good, getting funding shouldn't be an issue."
Aaron pondered for a moment. Biographical films came out every year, and this kind of project was always favored by the Oscars.
"It's still too early—I'm just a complete newcomer in Hollywood," Salma said with optimism.
"Don't worry, you'll have your chance. I really believe in you."
Salma nodded, then leaned in for another kiss…