In the past, Song Hye-kyo had also visited Los Angeles, but that was for filming. This time was different—this time, she was here to face the judgment of fate.
Upon first arriving at the Melon Estate, Song Hye-kyo was stunned by the massive 15,000-square-meter mansion.
The scenery was varied, perfectly blending Chinese Jiangnan-style gardens, French château designs, and Gothic architectural styles.
There were gardens, a stadium, a gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and an expansive garden, along with a private beach where no one could disturb her.
Additionally, there were fountains and artificial waterfalls, a helipad, and two parking lots filled with various luxury cars.
Lamborghinis, limited-edition Bugatti Veyrons—cars rarely seen outside—lined the estate, four or five of them in total. Song Hye-kyo even spotted the Batmobile and Batpod from the movie The Dark Knight.
If it weren't for the patrolling security and staff, Song Hye-kyo might have thought she had arrived in paradise.
Compared to this, the residences of South Korean conglomerates seemed like slums. This was the life of top-tier billionaires, the ultimate luxury.
In Los Angeles, a mansion of this scale would cost no less than $200 million. With the addition of luxury goods and art collections inside, its value likely exceeded $500 million.
Since acquiring the Melon Estate, Gilbert had continuously purchased surrounding land, expanding the estate into a super-mansion.
What Song Hye-kyo saw was just the surface—the estate also featured a Washington-style bunker deep underground, capable of withstanding a nuclear strike.
Inside the bunker, the armory stored various light and heavy weapons, and provisions of food and water were stocked for two years.
Of course, these supplies were regularly rotated and maintained.
Gilbert had a slight doomsday streak, perhaps influenced by reading too many post-apocalyptic novels on Qidian in a previous life, giving him a persistent sense of crisis.
He had also invested in several companies researching synthetic foods and soilless cultivation technologies, ensuring self-sufficiency in case of any apocalyptic scenario.
Of course, this was somewhat overcautious.
If it weren't for the resurrection of WWII Japanese soldiers, given the fragility of capital, a nuclear strike was unlikely unless Mother Earth truly became enraged.
After touring the luxurious Melon Estate, Song Hye-kyo was completely captivated by this opulent lifestyle.
She was not a saint; she could not face wealth and luxury without feeling tempted. If she felt no temptation, it would mean the other person's wealth was insufficient.
Was Gilbert's wealth insufficient? The answer was obviously no.
Song Hye-kyo had, of course, seen the Forbes Billionaires List and knew that Gilbert was a super-rich individual with wealth estimated at $82.4 billion—richer than Samsung's Lee Kun-hee.
It was worth noting that Lee Kun-hee ranked 100th, already the wealthiest person in South Korea.
Song Hye-kyo felt as if she could not breathe, suddenly unsure whether her decision had been a mistake.
Naomi Watts warmly welcomed the Korean woman inside the estate, as Gilbert had instructed her beforehand.
Although she had some minor criticisms of Gilbert's flirtatious nature, Naomi Watts performed her role as the hostess exceptionally well.
Had it been Charlize Theron, Song Hye-kyo might not have received such a warm reception. Fortunately, Charlize Theron had already gone to film Young Adult, so she did not encounter her.
That evening, when Gilbert returned from the set, he saw Song Hye-kyo waiting respectfully.
"When did you arrive?"
"This afternoon!"
Gilbert nodded and asked Naomi Watts, "Is the room arranged?"
"Don't worry, it's already arranged."
"Good," Gilbert said, handing his briefcase to his assistant. "Let's have dinner first!"
During dinner, Song Hye-kyo was quiet, eating silently. Gilbert chatted with Naomi Watts about some happenings on the set.
"Where's Scarlett? Why hasn't she returned?" Naomi Watts asked.
Gilbert cut a piece of filet steak and replied, "She had an appointment with Kate to go shopping. She's probably at some luxury store right now!"
The wealthy neighborhoods differed starkly from the common areas. In ordinary neighborhoods, one had to be cautious when going out at night, as some dark corners might hide Latin gangs or black gangs ready to steal your possessions.
Robbery could be mitigated by paying money, but losing one's life would be tragic.
In wealthy neighborhoods, due to good security, walking around at night was not an issue. Besides, bodyguards ensured safety.
Naomi Watts was curious: "You mean the Pepper Potts actress, Kate? Didn't Scarlett say she really disliked her?"
Gilbert shrugged, indicating he wasn't sure either.
"Who knows, maybe she just wants some fun. Don't worry, nothing will happen to her."
"I'm worried about Kate causing trouble. You know Scarlett's mischievous. If she… did something, it would be awkward for everyone."
Naomi Watts had a point. Scarlett Johansson, indulged by Gilbert's favor, had a bit of a princess syndrome.
The key was that she smiled on the surface, but behind the scenes, she could be scheming.
In Scarlett's own words, life was too boring, so she needed to find some fun.
Gilbert was unconcerned: "Don't worry, Scarlett knows her limits."
Song Hye-kyo understood English; indeed, for Korean entertainers, English was a mandatory skill. The difference in treatment between those proficient and not was vast. Even less cultured entertainers had to learn English.
Of course, English proficiency was not necessarily linked to cultural depth.
In Korea, previously, Chinese was the required language. Many older Koreans still knew Chinese, some even capable of reading it.
Due to full Westernization, English replaced Chinese as the required language.
Although Song Hye-kyo ate quietly, her ears were alert, listening to Gilbert and Naomi Watts talk about Hollywood anecdotes.
The two did not make her feel excluded, which touched Song Hye-kyo slightly, showing that Gilbert did not consider her an outsider.
After dinner, Anne Hathaway returned. Seeing Song Hye-kyo, she was momentarily surprised, then smiled sweetly.
"So, our Melon Estate will have another sister?"
Song Hye-kyo quickly stood and bowed, "Hello, I'm Song Hye-kyo, from Korea."
Seeing Song Hye-kyo's delicate face, Anne Hathaway nodded approvingly. "Very beautiful, not bad, definitely qualified."
"All right, Jacqueline."
Gilbert waved his hand and said to Song Hye-kyo, "It must have been tiring coming here. You can go rest first!"
"Yes!" Song Hye-kyo went to her room to rest, while Gilbert stayed to talk with Anne Hathaway.
"How's your filming going?"
"Pretty good. The director and lead actors are all great and very kind," Anne Hathaway said happily.
Kind was an understatement—directors didn't even dare to scold Anne Hathaway, clearly aware of who she was. If Anne Hathaway got upset and went to Gilbert to complain, that would have been awkward.
However, Anne Hathaway wouldn't think like that—she was a professional actress.
Gilbert asked, "There's a role I'm not sure if you'd be interested in."
"Is it the movie you discussed with me?"
Anne Hathaway looked a bit excited—Gilbert had prepared an Oscar-contending project for her.
"No, it's Catwoman."
"Catwoman?"
...
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