After the premiere of a quiet place, Eric sent Elizabeth home and then went to a hotel with the Olsen Sisters to rest.
Eric sat on the sofa watching Fox news. A trailer for the second season of American Idol was playing; it was edited quite beautifully.
However, that scumbag Justin Stuart did not appear in the minute-long trailer.
Ashley said, "It seems Fox is also having a headache and doesn't know how to handle this. Eric, did you see the news while you were abroad? They say Justin Timberlake paid over a million dollars in bail to get out of the police station."
Eric laughed loudly. "He's quite rich, then. I just wonder if he can still afford it when faced with compensation claims?"
"I think it'll be hard. He's only been truly popular for a few years, and the lion's share was taken by the company. He'll probably file for bankruptcy; maybe even his house will be foreclosed on."
Speaking of houses, Mary suddenly poked her head over.
Still want to keep using them? Use my ass!
Mrs. Valentine looked at Zhou Wenqiong and continued, "And there's Qiong. She has extensive experience with Broadway; she will definitely be a great help to you in running the theater well."
"Additionally, although I am no longer the owner of the theater, I still have a few things I'd like to say. I hope you can take them into consideration."
"Mm, an A-list blockbuster. It has the potential to be this year's box office champion. Note that I mean the world champion."
"We don't joke around with money. From today on, MGM officially enters Broadway. You will witness this century-old theater regain its glory with your own eyes."
"Based on current trends and reviews, next week's box office is expected to reach $50 million. BOX has adjusted its box office forecast to $130 million."
"The protagonists are biological sisters, just like you, and their identities are princesses of a kingdom. This is something I reserved for the two of you a long time ago."
"Just release it honestly without any trouble during the period. Keep the actors in check; don't let anyone talk nonsense. Just sit back and wait to count the money!"
"Mr. Cooper, I hope you can continue to employ Qiong as the drama supervisor. In fact, with her ability, she is fully capable of a higher position, such as theater manager."
"Stop being so alarmist. Dozens of police cars patrol Beverly Hills every day. It would be safer to rob a bank than to commit a crime here."
Not only the media, but the audience reviews were also very good.
Ashley regained some strength, but she had come at least eight times. At this moment, her eyes were half-open and half-closed, as if she were about to fall asleep.
Eric looked solemn. "Rest assured, Mrs. Valentine. MGM spent $30 million to buy the theater and will spend another $15 million on renovations."
This old lady is indeed too kind; even at a time like this, she's still thinking about the employees.
"We meet again, Qiong."
"Okay."
"I plan to have you go over and serve concurrently as Vice President. Don't drop your duties here at MGM either. It will be busy, but it's good for your future development. What do you think?"
Eric chuckled. "Then let's wait and see. I think this little pink piglet can bring Dual Star Entertainment more than $300 million in profit every year."
"Yes, a little pig, and it's a preschool animation. I think it's unlikely."
Any fool would know that for such a large theater to fall into such decline, it's definitely inseparable from the poor quality of the employees.
"Also, what do you two plan to do? Awards season is over; you can't stay idle forever. If you haven't taken any roles, why not film for MGM?"
Zhou Wenqiong's face blossomed with a smile. After being left hanging for half a year, she thought it was a lost cause. Who knew the cooperation would suddenly be finalized?
Eric nodded. "I understand. Send a short message to the production crew to congratulate them, and also prepare a celebration banquet."
He changed the subject and said, "By the way, speaking of the company, MGM is about to launch a new children's animation called peppa pig. After it airs, we'll license the merchandise development to Dual Star Entertainment. It'll definitely make a fortune."
"peppa pig!"
MGM Building, Office.
"Her language and culture are always an obstacle; you have more of an advantage in this regard."
"I won't attend. I still have to fly abroad to film Inception. You attend in my place."
"Boss, are you going to participate?"
"If this premiere is held, I'm worried that extremist Jewish People will take extreme measures. Tell him not to think about such nonsense."
"Stop flattering me. I asked you over to arrange a task. A while ago, I returned from China and established a new company, primarily focused on exporting films and television to China."
Eric listened to her speak with a calm expression but did not state his position.
Seeing that she was still considering the matter, Eric felt a bit of a headache.
"Previously, with our financial resources, it was difficult to afford a tens-of-millions-of-dollars mansion, high property taxes, and maintenance costs."
Eric didn't force it. "Alright, forget about that movie then. Additionally, there's a voice-over role for an animated film. It also has a dual female lead setting, called frozen."
While drinking red wine, she said, "Eric, I want to move out of the house. It's too inconvenient like this."
"I've already looked into it. Not far from your house, about a kilometer away, there's a building for sale for only $18.00 million. I want to move there."
"But the biggest selling point is the two of you together. Separating you always makes people feel like something is missing."
Eric finally showed a hint of a smile. His pen glided across the paper, and the signature took effect.
"How about a bet? If it reaches that number, I won't be polite then."
"Thank you, Boss! I will definitely work hard!"
"I'll follow the company's arrangements!" Chen Xing answered without thinking.
He stayed busy until near noon. Eric checked the time, estimated that the other party should have arrived, and got up to go to the conference room.
Ashley shook her head. "Getting married? That sounds too far from our age. And it doesn't have to be a dual female lead. In fact, Mary and I have each received movie offers."
"Really? Eric, you'd better not let me think you're joking."
Eric tapped the center of the August 15th mark, and the two of them instantly felt like they'd been hit by an electric shock.
"I remember you mentioning it once. The one DreamWorks is working on?" Mary remembered something.
"The three Olsen Sisters unite for a red carpet show! MGM President Eric Cooper attends to show strong support and praises Elizabeth Olsen as a star of tomorrow!"
"I am a woman without ability and couldn't help him fulfill his wish. I hope you can make the theater better; that would be fulfilling my husband's wish."
"Just based on what you said? What?"
"Mm, that's the answer I wanted to hear. After a year or so, you'll go to China to take charge of the overall business there and swap Susan back."
Not long after, staff members led two women inside.
Eric sneered. "Is Mel Gibson crazy? He still wants to hold a premiere? Does he think the movie doesn't have enough trouble already?"
The freshness on Rotten Tomatoes reached 93%. It was truly rare for a horror film to get such a number.
Knock, knock, knock.
The sound of knocking echoed, and Carol and Chen Xing walked in.
Salt Lake City Entertainment News: 'A quiet and oppressive atmosphere, a terrifying and suffocating environment—where making even the slightest sound leads to being torn to shreds. This is the most outstanding horror film so far this year. If you want to experience a scare, you must go to the cinema to watch a quiet place; it has everything you want.'
"Mr. Cooper, according to our prior agreement, there are no issues with the contract. We can sign!"
"Eric, although your intuition has always been accurate, surpassing tom and jerry sounds like a joke. tom and jerry was created by MGM; don't you understand its greatness?"
And her style of doing things was just like her face; such a person would definitely not make money in business. It was not easy that the Hudson Theatre hadn't collapsed yet.
"Hello, Mrs. Valentine."
Chen Xing felt his heart was about to jump out with excitement. Serving the leadership really was the fastest way to get promoted.
"Have you forgotten the lesson of John Lennon? His wife was disemboweled, and the poor thing was pregnant at the time."
Mrs. Valentine took the initiative to reach out. She was a middle-aged woman in her fifties, and her face looked quite kind.
Walking in front was the current owner of the Hudson Theatre, Mrs. Valentine. Following behind her was Liu Yifei's maternal aunt, Zhou Wenqiong, once one of the 'Twelve Beauties of Pearl River Film Studio'.
"What do you mean?" Eric played dumb.
NBC Entertainment: 'An excellent horror-thriller with top-tier acting from the entire cast. As the younger sister of the Golden Globe-winning Olsen Sisters, Elizabeth Olsen contributed an outstanding performance. A Hollywood star is rising.'
Hearing the exaggerated figure of $300 million, Mary's attention was successfully diverted.
"But it's different now. Since you joined, Dual Star Entertainment's performance has been getting better and better, with profits increasing nearly fourfold. We can fully afford it now."
"What do you want?"
"And then we'll also start the IPO. According to my plan, we'll gradually swallow Hasbro and Mattel to become the number one monopolistic toy manufacturer in the United States—no, I should say the world's largest toy manufacturer."
"Mr. Cooper, the Hudson Theatre was my husband's life's work. Back then, he bought this century-old theater with the intention of running it better, but unfortunately, an accident happened."
Eric nodded. "Please speak. If it's reasonable, I will consider it."
"You two, it's a pleasure working with you. Let's have a meal together."
"Well, it's mainly about the theater's employees. You must have seen the relevant information; some of them are veterans who have worked for over a decade and have extensive experience in this industry."
Los Angeles Times: 'a quiet place is a horror film that makes one's eyes light up. The source of fear is a novel concept, and the atmosphere is built brilliantly. Highly recommended for fans of horror films.'
Hearing this, Mary glared at him. "You bastard, when you kidnapped Gal Gadot to America, she wasn't an adult either, was she?"
"Uh... you're overthinking it. I'm just simply worried about your safety. After all, you're two 17-year-old girls. It would be terrible if someone with ill intentions came along."
Seeing this, Zhou Wenqiong couldn't help but feel anxious. Just as she was about to say a few words, the lawyer next to her finally finished reviewing the contract.
"Of course, I believe in your ability. I've seen your deeds on television and in newspapers many times. I wish you success!"
"But where are there so many excellent dual female lead scripts in the world? We can't just wait forever. Maybe this 'Bride Wars' of yours can wait a few years, until Mary and I are in our twenties to film."
Holding a premiere for the passion of the christ? Unless Eric was crazy. If it really had to be held, it couldn't be in the United States; go to the Vatican instead. No place would be more suitable than there.
After the old lady finished her recommendation, Zhou Wenqiong stared at Eric, hoping he would nod.
"The poor management of the theater is mainly my fault, not because of their lack of ability. So if possible, I hope you won't fire these people. Many of them rely on this job to support their families."
CBS Entertainment Online: 'The Olsen Family, a rising Hollywood nouveau riche!'
Carol said with a smile on her face, "Boss, the data is out. a quiet place took in $28.77 million over the three-day weekend."
Everyone took their seats, and the lawyers for both sides began to review the contract.
After signing a large stack of documents, Eric browsed through the reviews for a quiet place. Unsurprisingly, with the boost from the novelty of the high-concept horror film, most media outlets gave positive feedback.
He remembered his grandfather always saying to establish a career before starting a family. Now that he was in his early thirties and could reach this stage, his career could be considered established.
"Okay, I understand. Also, Mel Gibson's company is communicating with us. Do we want to hold a premiere for the passion of the christ?"
"And then? Were you two also very happy when you were fooling around? Why didn't you consider this issue then?"
Now Nicole goes to church and networks with her mom whenever she's free. If you two get involved as well, it will definitely be even more troublesome.
Chicago Sun-Times: 'MGM's new movie a quiet place premieres. The film maintains the consistent high quality of horror films produced by MGM and is absolutely worth seeing.'
"Jerry might still have to compete with Mickey for who is the world's greatest mouse, but Tom is definitely the world's greatest cat."
"Recently, I found a pretty good script in the library called 'Bride Wars,' a comedy with a dual female lead setting."
"Hmm? But you two are only 17, right? Isn't it a bit too early to leave home now? I think it would be more appropriate to wait at least until you reach adulthood next year."
"Mr. Cooper, we meet again."
"I have a feeling that this animation will be a global hit. It's not impossible for it to become the tom and jerry of the new century. When that time comes, it will definitely take Dual Star Entertainment to the next level."
"To buy a house, of course. Ashley and I have discussed it; we plan to buy a house in Beverly Hills."
After struggling for so many years after coming to America, she was finally going to make a name for herself. As a Chinese person, and a woman at that, it really wasn't easy.
"You're using age as an excuse because we want to move out. Are you worried it'll affect your philandering?"
"Yes, it's always very accurate."
As the middleman, not only did Mrs. Valentine give her a handsome reward, but Eric would surely give her generous treatment as well.
But Eric remained expressionless, essentially saying: you say your piece, I'll listen, but I'll do what I want.
"Champion? Another one of your premonitions?"
Carol left, and Chen Xing stepped forward. "Congratulations, Boss. a quiet place will surely make another big profit."
Walking out of the conference room and looking at Eric's tall and straight back ahead, Zhou Wenqiong gritted her teeth until they creaked.
"Damn it! This guy seems like he doesn't want to admit it. What should I do?"