Hollywood, I became a legend with special effects.

The opening weekend data, released on Monday morning, was like a precisely detonated bomb, hitting the calm surface of the global film market right on time, creating not ripples, but a tsunami.

North America: $1.39 million.

Global (including North America): US$2.3 million.

When this preliminary briefing, personally signed by the president of Paramount's distribution department, appeared simultaneously on Jiang Yu's desktop and computer via fax and email, a ten-second silence fell over the North American office of Light Chaser Pictures.

David stared at the screen, the muscles in his chubby face twitching involuntarily before he took a deep breath.

Then, he raised his head, looked around, opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something grand;

In the end, he simply turned the computer screen forcefully toward everyone and then roared in a voice filled with extreme excitement.

"Ladies and gentlemen...we're fucking...flying!!!"

"boom!!!"

The silence was instantly ignited, turning into deafening cheers, screams, whistles, and the thud of hands slamming on the table!

Some people jumped onto office chairs, while others gave their colleagues a big hug, regardless of whether they knew them or not.

Jiang Yu was in his office, watching the bustling scene outside through the glass wall.

When David mouthed "2.3 million!" to him, a clear look of surprise flashed across his eyes.

This opening weekend gross was significantly higher than the global box office of "Iron Man" in his previous life, which he remembered.

Is it the superior lighting and digital effects that have generated positive word-of-mouth ahead of time?

Is Marvel's marketing strategy more precise in this generation?

Or perhaps it was Robert Downey Jr.'s performance, which defied the odds and found a more opportune moment in a more thirsty market.

Perhaps both, but in any case, the market's enthusiasm and acceptance have clearly exceeded even the most optimistic model predictions.

He put down his pen and let out a soft breath.

The advantage of a prophet lies in knowing the direction; the scenery along the specific route may change each time due to the flapping of a butterfly's wings.

This feeling... isn't bad.

David, like a big kid who'd just gotten a new toy, high-fived and bumped shoulders with every passing employee, shouting incoherent celebratory words.

"King! My God! My Prophet! My Boss!"

Seeing Jiang Yu push open the office door and walk out, David immediately rushed over like a red mecha tank, his voice somewhat comical, but his burning excitement could be felt from a distance.

"Do you know how much we're worth now?! I secretly did the math this morning!"

He frantically tried to grab the A4 budget, but seemed stuck. He could only mutter, "Just the expected net profit from the 'Iron Man' project alone, the subsequent profit-sharing rights, and most importantly, the brand premium! Light Chaser Pictures North America's valuation in the eyes of those vultures on Wall Street is at least five times what it was three months ago! No, possibly more! And that doesn't even include the value boost to the parent company, Light Chaser Holdings!"

Jiang Yu walked to the mountain of cold pizzas, picked a slice with a relatively crispy edge, broke off a piece, and slowly took a bite.

"Valuation is a number used by VCs and investment banks to tell stories. The money that actually ends up in the company's account and can be used to pay bonuses, invest in new projects, and buy new servers for Wu Na is the real money."

He swallowed the pizza, his tone calm yet undeniably pragmatic. "David, one morning of celebration is enough. In the next few months, you'll be so busy you'll start to miss the time you have to celebrate now."

David, panting and sweating, said, "Next? Boss, we just won a great victory! This shouldn't be..."

"We should get right to the next project," Jiang Yu interrupted him, his gaze sweeping over the employees who were listening intently. "The domestic version of 'The Witch' has finished filming and is currently undergoing post-production special effects and color grading at the Beijing branch of Light and Shadow Digital. Director Lu Yang emails us every day to check on the progress. The release date, promotional plan, and trailer release all require close coordination between you, General Manager Yang, and China Film Group. 'Twilight' will be released this fall, and Summit Entertainment's marketing plan needs our North American resources, especially in the youth market and online community operations—you know that better than I do."

He paused, then looked at David: "Also, how's the script revision for the 'Lucy' project that I asked you to keep an eye on?"

"Lucy?" David was stunned for a moment, his brain still seemingly immersed in the dizziness of the box office numbers. It took him a few seconds to react before he suddenly slapped his forehead.

"Oh! That sci-fi thriller action movie script about '100% human brain development'! Didn't the scriptwriting department just submit the first draft? Is it really on the agenda so quickly?"

"Yes." Jiang Yu nodded, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "The script concept is impactful, the core setting offers room for philosophical and scientific exploration, and the commercial selling points are clear. Strike while the iron is hot and launch a substantial original project; that's the best way to solidify our position. Coordinate internal resources as soon as possible and contact suitable directors. I prefer to find a promising new director who can handle complex narratives and visual styles; they don't necessarily have to be a big name. I need a detailed budget draft and a production schedule; I want to see them next week."

As David listened, the excitement on his face gradually gave way to a deeper sense of admiration.

"Boss, honestly, that's what I admire most about you. Any other Hollywood boss, even someone like Iger Roberts, would probably be on a private beach in St. Bartholomew's, sunbathing with a supermodel and having his assistant count the money on a calculator. But you, you've just won a decisive victory, haven't even finished your celebratory champagne, and you're already marking the coordinates of the next attack on the map."

"Stop with that." Jiang Yu smiled, a rare occurrence, a faint smile that softened his usual aloofness. "Be practical. You're in charge of handling things at the company, especially the media frenzy and potential partner inquiries that will definitely come in the next few days. Remember the principles: keep a low profile and be pragmatic. Talk more about the project's prospects, teamwork, and industry trends, less about me personally, and definitely don't spout that cliché of 'Eastern capital conquering Hollywood.' We're a professional film company, not a tool to satisfy nationalist sentiments."

"Got it! I guarantee I'll draw their attention to Twilight, The Witch, and our special effects business!" David patted his chest to assure them, this time on his real shirt.

"Also," Jiang Yu added, lowering his voice, "we need to expedite the project's development for *Black Swan*. I've already had preliminary discussions with the head of Searchlight Pictures, and they're very interested in the project, feeling it fits the criteria for award contenders. You need to finalize the cooperation framework with them as soon as possible, including details like investment ratios, copyright, and distribution rights. Also, urge director Darren Aronofsky to provide me with the detailed director's statement and visual concept art he promised this week. Tell him I admire the sharpness in *Requiem for a Dream*, but *Black Swan* needs a more restrained, yet precise, madness."

"I'll call Darren myself this afternoon." David immediately wrote it down. "The legal department is already reviewing the draft cooperation agreement for Searchlight."

Jiang Yu nodded, then turned his gaze back to the window.

The Los Angeles sun shines down on the city without reservation, and it also shines into this office filled with joy and boundless ambition for the future.

He knew that the current revelry was just a facade.

The real storm has begun to spread globally, fueled by these astonishing box office figures.

(Hoping those with monthly passes can give me some support!)