Chapter 250: Housewarming Party

Chapter 250: Chapter 250: Housewarming Party

As the car drove back to Malibu, the setting sun had already dyed the sea surface a golden red. Irene had just parked the car when her phone rang, with Shelly’s name jumping on the screen.

"Irene, I heard you snagged that ocean-view house in Santa Monica? Britney’s been blowing up my phone saying she wants to be your neighbor!" Shelly’s voice came through the receiver with a clear hint of a smile.

Irene smiled as she walked into the studio, closing the glass door behind her. "I just signed the contract. I really do like that house. The view is exceptionally open."

"Great eye! Listings on the Santa Monica Hills are rare to begin with, so it definitely wasn’t easy to get." Shelly’s tone shifted, becoming particularly eager.

"By the way, Britney also mentioned that the real estate agent gave you a free housewarming party? Are you planning to hold it?"

Irene leaned back on the sofa, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the armrest. "I was just about to talk to you about that. I’m a bit hesitant. I’ve been busy with the Facebook launch lately and don’t want to be too flashy. I’m afraid of ruining the peace of the house."

"Why hesitate? You have to do it!" Shelly’s voice instantly rose a few notches, his tone carrying an unquestionable firmness.

"Irene, listen to me first. I know you don’t like those superficial social events and think they’re a waste of time and meaningless, but you’re a core player in Hollywood now, not a newcomer anymore. You can’t escape the rules of this circle."

He paused, his tone softening a bit but still maintaining a logically clear analysis.

"Before, when you were young and not of drinking age, people could understand you refusing social engagements and thought you were just innocent.

But now you already have hit movies under your belt and have invested in social platforms, yet you still keep everyone at arm’s length. People will only think you’re arrogant, difficult to get along with, and eccentric, and they’ll slowly marginalize you."

Irene remained silent. Shelly’s words hit her concerns right on the mark. She indeed wasn’t good at nor did she enjoy socializing, but she also knew that Hollywood was a society built on personal connections. Simply keeping one’s head down and working might not lead to long-term success.

"If you only want to delve deep into the indie film market in the future and don’t care about commercial resources or box office volume, then maintaining your current state is fine."

Shelly continued, "But you currently have a large commercial film like Pirates of the Caribbean in your hands and have invested in Facebook. It’s obvious you want to make a big splash in the commercial field.

Then necessary socializing and networking cannot be avoided. A housewarming party is the best opportunity. You don’t have to organize it deliberately, yet you can naturally bring important people together to build rapport and consolidate relationships. It’s more effective than going to ten cocktail parties."

He gave an example: "Adelaide from Fox, Hope from Warner Bros., and those potential investors—you might usually need an excuse to invite them to dinner, but inviting them now for a housewarming celebration is perfectly legitimate.

And there are the actors you’ve worked with before. Proper socializing and networking are also part of your bargaining chips. Besides, your new home is an ocean-view house in Santa Monica, which is a talking point in itself. It allows everyone to see your strength and makes them more willing to collaborate with you."

As Irene listened to Shelly’s clear analysis, the hesitation in her heart gradually dissipated.

She knew that as an agent, Shelly always considered the most practical networking and resources. Although she didn’t like this kind of time-wasting socializing, she had to admit it was indeed a necessary means to gain a foothold in Hollywood.

"Alright, I agree to do it." Irene sighed helplessly, her tone carrying a hint of compromise.

"That’s the spirit!" Shelly immediately became excited. "Don’t worry, I’ll help you handle everything. I definitely won’t invite people you don’t like, nor will I turn it into a messy, chaotic party. We’ll keep it under 50 people—all core partners and close friends."

Irene raised an eyebrow, showing a look of disbelief. "Are you sure? At Britney’s album celebration last time, you secretly added several producers you wanted to win over."

Shelly, being called out, smiled somewhat awkwardly. "Alright, I’ll try not to." He paused, his tone carrying a bit of helpless realism.

"But you know, one of the first things an adult has to learn is hypocrisy. Even if you don’t like certain relationships, you have to maintain them because you never know when they might come in handy.

I’ll keep that ’necessary hypocrisy’ to a minimum and ensure the core of the party is still the people you want to see."

Irene couldn’t help but laugh. "Fine, I’ll leave it to you. I’ll give you Martha’s contact info later, and you can coordinate with her directly. Let the real estate agent handle the venue setup and catering. You just confirm the guest list and don’t pack it with random people."

"No problem! Leave it to me!" Shelly agreed readily. "I’ll start making the list now and send it to you for review tonight."

After hanging up, Irene walked to the studio window and looked at the distant sea horizon.

Although she still didn’t like this kind of utilitarian socializing, since she had chosen to delve deep into the commercial field, she had to learn to adapt to these rules.

She took out her phone and sent a text to Martha: "I’ve decided to hold the housewarming party. Please start the preparations. The theme should be simple and cozy, focused on the view. Keep the number under 50 people. My agent will send you the specific list once it’s confirmed."

Martha replied quickly: "Got it! I’ll start coordinating the venue setup and catering right away and send you the plan within three days."

Irene put down her phone and began calculating in her mind.

A housewarming party was not just a simple gathering. It was an integration of networks and a display of resources.

By taking this opportunity, she could consolidate her cooperative relationships with Fox and Warner Bros., and also let potential partners see her strength and potential, paving the way for the Facebook launch and the subsequent promotion of Pirates of the Caribbean.

And all of this was a necessary path for the expansion of her business empire. Although it was inevitable to do some things she didn’t like in the process, as long as she could move toward her set goals, this ’hypocritical’ socializing seemed to become acceptable.

As the night grew deeper, Irene finished washing up and lay in bed when she suddenly received a text from Shelly.

"Forgot to tell you! We’ve already coordinated with Ang Lee’s team. You can visit the set of Hulk at the Universal Studios lot this week. I’ve attached the contact info for the staff there. Remember to contact them in advance to confirm the time~"

After replying "Got it," she saved the contact information, feeling a bit of anticipation. She hadn’t been to the Universal Studios lot yet.

At nine o’clock the next morning, Irene set off for the Universal Studios lot on time with her assistant, Vera. As the car just entered the park, she saw a middle-aged man in a suit waiting at the entrance. It was Mark Davis, the production manager of Universal Pictures.