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Although Charlize Theron and J.J. Harris placed great importance on participating in The Rock, Charlize's role was ultimately just a minor supporting one with only a few scenes. Logically, she shouldn't have attracted much attention.
So J.J. Harris's strategy wasn't to fight for media exposure, but to build relationships within the industry. Their primary goal was to connect with Sean Connery, the veteran actor who had helped them.
Henry's attendance, on the other hand, came courtesy of his position as CEO of Stark Pictures—not his personal reputation. And since Charlize wasn't walking the red carpet as his date, Henry entered the venue quietly through a separate entrance.
---
Charlize walked the red carpet alongside her on-screen father—Sean Connery.
The veteran actor spared no effort in supporting her. Whether answering reporters or speaking with hosts, he consistently highlighted Charlize.
Naturally, Charlize returned the favor, praising Connery's guidance and care during filming. She also thanked the producers, director, and fellow cast members—she was practically turning the red carpet into an awards acceptance speech.
Normally, someone without buzz would be largely ignored by reporters.
But from a distance, Henry noticed something different.
The media's enthusiasm toward Charlize clearly exceeded her current market value. Camera flashes went off nonstop.
And it wasn't just because she was on Connery's arm.
Many reporters were calling her name directly, asking her to look toward their cameras.
Some even repeatedly used a nickname—
"The Tiger Beauty."
Others called her "Belle."
Confused, Charlize asked, "Why are you calling me that?"
---
Sean Connery, slightly surprised, asked, "You don't know?"
Charlize thought for a moment. "Is it because of Cruella's advertisement?"
A reporter eagerly answered:
"Yes, Ms. Theron. Cruella de Vil's brand advertisement has already aired in England and caused quite a sensation.
"According to Ms. de Vil, the tiger in the ad is real—no editing tricks. You personally performed all the interactions. Is that true?"
Connery added, curious himself, "That's what I'd like to know too. Was it really a tiger? Did you actually go to the savannah to film?"
Charlize answered honestly:
"We filmed in front of a green screen. The savannah was added later using Stark Pictures' CGI technology.
"But the tiger is real. It belongs to my boyfriend—Henry Brown."
---
In Hollywood, relationships often boosted publicity.
As long as nothing illegal was involved—even affairs—most people didn't hide them.
So Charlize spoke openly.
Connery smoothly backed her up, saying:
"Ah, that talented young man. Someone I admire."
He didn't elaborate, but that was enough. Any competent reporter would dig into "Henry Brown" afterward.
---
Still, Charlize didn't let the red carpet turn into a personal publicity event.
Henry and J.J. Harris had both warned her:
If she wanted to benefit from Connery's reputation, she had to show proper respect.
This was his film.
Anything unrelated should be kept in check.
So Charlize only gave detailed answers when Connery asked. To reporters, she simply redirected attention back to the movie.
---
Connery, seasoned and perceptive, was very pleased with her attitude.
He even helped her out—asking a few off-topic questions himself to give her controlled exposure.
Once he felt the timing was right, the two moved on together.
---
After entering the pre-screening reception area—free from flashing cameras and filled only with industry insiders—Connery brought Charlize over to Henry, who had been watching from afar.
Henry stepped forward first.
"Good evening, Mr. Connery."
"Henry," Connery replied warmly, shaking his hand before handing Charlize back to him with perfect gentlemanly grace.
Then, leaning closer, he asked in a low voice:
"You really keep a tiger?"
Henry gave an awkward smile.
"Well… it's actually a tabby cat. Just a bit large—about five or six hundred pounds."
---
What kind of cat weighs five or six hundred pounds?
Even a pig couldn't be raised like that.
But seeing Henry's cheeky grin, Connery immediately got the joke.
"Oh, a tabby cat, I see."
---
At that moment, another major star approached—
Nicolas Cage, nephew of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola, and a key figure among Hollywood's Italian faction.
In high spirits, he walked up and gave Henry a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"You really keep a tiger? I've gotta come see it sometime."
For strangers, that might've seemed rude—but among peers, it was a sign of familiarity.
Henry didn't mind. He actually liked Cage quite a bit—even before his transmigration.
Raising a hand in greeting, Henry replied:
"It's a tabby cat! But you're welcome anytime. Just remember—it's a top-tier predator. Don't show up looking too… appetizing."
---
Cage, who had been about to leave, turned back immediately.
"Wait—does it bite?"
Henry grinned.
"It's a sweet big kitty. Why would it bite? It just has slightly sharp teeth… and a slightly big mouth."
---
Cage burst out laughing.
"Alright, you got me."
"Let's catch up another time. Oh—and Charlize, great performance. You look fantastic on camera. Keep it up."
With that, he strode off energetically.
---
Watching him go, Henry couldn't help but think:
For someone like him… ending up bankrupt over taxes later on…
Was that really just bad luck?
Or did someone set him up—trying to take down a rising figure from the Italian camp?
After all, Coppola's daughter hadn't been able to carry on his legacy.
Among the next generation, Nicolas Cage was the most capable—even if he wasn't a director.
---
Yet even after bankruptcy, the man kept going.
Five films a year. Ten, even.
No matter how many flops he starred in, he clawed his way back.
Just that resilience alone—
That was the mark of a real man.
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