Hollywood (我就是好莱坞) Part I

CHAPTER 44 - RIP OFF

"Gentlemen, these offices were picked based on your previously mentioned criteria. There's one in the Burbank area, as well as one in the Santa Monica area, oh and this one is in a Hollywood neighborhood, so the price is relatively expensive."

In the real estate agency's hall, a skillful realtor named Raymond Stee handed over some informative documents to Eric and Jeffrey. Since they had decided to set up the new film company, Firefly, they should first rent an office, hence the current situation.

They listened to Raymond's presentation while they discussed things over with each other.

He didn't know why, but Eric felt that the Raymond guy was eyeing strangely, he almost felt... eager. Finally, finding a gap in their conversation, Raymond Stee could not help but ask: "Excuse me, but, are you that Mr. Williams ? The director of Home Alone ?"

Eric raised his eyebrows and assessed the man in front of him again; the middle-age guy couldn't be one of his fans, right ? He nodded his head: "That would be me, Mr. Stee. Why are you asking ?"

Raymond steeled himself and said: "Well, Mr. Williams, I wonder if you'd be interested in a Beverly Hills mansion, as we just happen to have one available. The residence encompasses an area of 6000 square feet, it is close to Sunset Boulevard, but most importantly.... It can shield one's privacy."

When he said the last few words, Raymond Stee looked somewhat unnatural. It was obvious that he had read the Los Angeles Daily's gossip about the youth and got the idea of selling the mansion.

Eric had to admit, that was really a smooth move. Besides, he had been pestered by those annoying paps for a while now, he definitely needed to move out soon.

Jeffrey also said: "Eric, I also think you need a change of residence. With your current net worth, it's not very safe to live alone in North Hollywood."

Eric nodded and asked: "Mr. Stee, I am indeed interested, when can we go visit the house ?"

Raymond Stee was delighted, he immediately nodded and said: "We can go now, the homeowners have left all matters to us, so the keys are in my possession."

Eric didn't feel like staying for the selection of the office, he left a blank check for Jeffrey to decide, and drove to Beverly Hills with Raymond Stee.

After following the realtor's directions, half an hour later, they parked in front of a mansion at the top of a hill: "We're here, Mr. Williams."

Getting out of the car, the first thing Eric saw was the nearly two-meter-high wall covered in green vegetation.

Raymond Stee eagerly presented: "Mr. Williams, as you can see, the way the villa is build emphasize privacy. The tall wall coupled with the dense vegetation inside, the risk of being photographed by the paparazzi is nil. Also, there are no streets around the mansion, and only two doors available; one in front and one behind. It is a very suitable living environment for a public figure."

Eric nodded in satisfaction: "Then Mr. Stee, can we take a look inside ?"

"But of course." Raymond Stee quickly pulled out the keys to open the door of the mansion, and invited Eric in.

"Here, Mr. Williams. This is a modern-style villa designed by Edward Niles Architects. It showcases four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two kitchens, and the garage can dock up to 10 cars. Out there we have an open-air bath, a mini basketball court, oh and through the balcony on the second floor, you can overlooking the whole of Los Angeles, I have to say, the night view is simply breathtaking...."

Eric listened to the realtor skillfully fill him in on the mansion, and waited patiently until they had seen about all there was before turning around.