America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 110. This completes the closed loop.

dong dong dong.

There was a knock on the door, and Eric woke up from his sleep.

Looking around, Gadot had already disappeared.

I checked the time; it was already 8:30. Today is Monday, so she must have gone to the set of "Happy Death Day."

"What's going on? Who's knocking at the door!"

The doorknob turned, and Judy stood there with her hands on her hips: "Eric, why aren't you up yet? It's time for work!"

"Go to work? Go to work my ass! I own this company. I can go whenever I want, and I can skip it whenever I want!"

"Get out of here, I haven't had enough sleep yet."

Judy glared at him, dissatisfied. "Does being the boss mean you can skip work? Does being the boss mean you can sleep in?"

"Of course, otherwise why would I be the boss?"

"Wait a minute, you used to say you were busy with something and that's why you were a few hours late. You weren't sleeping in, were you?"

"Bullshit, I really have work to do. Close the door and get out of here."

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a cool breeze blew, and Judy ripped the blanket off.

"Wow, it's even bigger than yesterday!"

Eric looked at her speechlessly: "Judy Newhouse, you're a woman, for goodness' sake! Can you at least act like one?"

"Based on your behavior just now, I can go straight to court and sue you for sexual harassment, understand?"

"And it's morning now, so of course it'll be bigger!"

Judy stroked her chin: "But you just finished last night, how come you're recovered in such a short time?"

"Can't I be born with superhuman strength and extraordinary talent? Quickly bring me the blanket, it wouldn't be good if Lefari saw it!"

"What are you afraid of! Lefari is gone, and now it's just the two of us in the room. It's not like I haven't seen it before. What part of your body haven't I seen during my four years of college?"

As she spoke, she suddenly moved closer and grabbed Eric's handcuff, stroking it.

"So this is what it feels like, it's really hard."

Eric slapped her hand away. That's just how Judy is; she's one way at work and another way in her personal life, keeping her roles as boss and friend very separate.

After this incident, Eric was eventually dragged out of bed.

Judy also managed to hitch a ride with Lincoln to the company.

In the office, Bordeaux handed over a report.

"Boss, these are the launch plans for three projects. According to the producer's calculations, the total cost is expected to be around $4000 million."

Eric glanced at the report, which listed "A Quiet Place," "Don't Breathe," and "The Hangover."

The highest production cost was for "The Hangover," estimated at $2000 million; followed by "A Quiet Place," estimated at $1500 million; and "Don't Breathe," a low-budget film, estimated at $600 million.

After some consideration, Eric changed the budget for "Don't Breathe" to $500 million and the budget for "The Hangover" to $3000 million, while leaving "A Quiet Place" unchanged.

"The setting for the film 'Don't Breathe' is actually quite small, mainly just a villa. The most important role is played by a blind veteran. Apart from this character, all the other actors are either newcomers or actors with acting skills but not much fame. You can consider the specifics further."

"By the way, we can have Tom Hardy, Fassbender, and James McAvoy audition for the young roles in this film, and if they're suitable, we'll cast them."

"Also, ask them if they are willing to sign a film contract with MGM. If they can, sign as many films as possible and give me a list at the end."

Bordeaux noted it down: "Boss, you think highly of those guys?"

"He has good acting skills, solid basic skills, and is very talented. He is a promising talent worth nurturing."

Eric pointed to The Hangover as he spoke: "The production cost of The Hangover cannot be skimped on. Let's film it on location in Las Vegas. In addition to the performances of the trio, the key to this movie is the cameos of big names."

"For example, I hope to invite Tyson himself, and not use tricks like not showing his face in the filming. For other surprise roles with limited screen time, we can also find some big names. We shouldn't skimp on the cost in this regard."

"I've already promised Ryan Reynolds the role of Phil Winnack; the other roles will be filled through regular auditions."

"Also, I'd like to give the role of the daughter in 'A Quiet Place' to Elizabeth Olsen. What do you think?"

Bordeaux shrugged. "I think it's a good fit. You're the boss, and you've never made a wrong decision."

Eric looked at him with a smile: "When did you learn to flatter?"

Bordeaux smiled and said, "When I decided to mature."

"Okay, it seems you really did it. Call Billy, Warren and Judy over for dinner tonight. You guys haven't been here for a while since Christmas, and Emily keeps talking about you."

Bordeaux nodded: "I promise I'll remember this most clearly. Also, news just came in this morning that the filming of 'Kung Fu' by Hong Kong's Star Overseas has started."

After reviewing the contract, Eric said, "Oh, we should be starting filming around early May. Let's transfer the funds to Star Overseas first, and send the first installment to Stephen Chow. Who's the producer we've chosen?"

"Baggins, the old man in the production department, he flew over last week."

"Okay, I got it. Go do your work."

Bordeaux turned to leave, but as he reached the door, Eric called him back again.

"Wait, I suddenly remembered, how's the 'Monster' project going? Patty Jenkins has vanished since 'Transformers' wrapped up filming, there's been no news of her for a while."

"Hehe, boss, she just didn't come to see you, but we met last week. She came to the company to discuss the budget, but it hasn't been finalized yet."

"It's been so long and you still haven't made a decision? Is there a problem?"

Bordeaux said helplessly, "Actually, it's all about the female lead. Patty Jenkins is in talks with Charlize Theron, and whether or not they can get Theron on board is key to the film's budget."

"But I think her choice was problematic, or rather, everyone in the production department thought it was problematic. That's Charlize Theron, a former model and a sex symbol, completely unsuitable for the lead role in this movie. Shouldn't they have found a big, ugly woman?"

"Eric, if you hadn't completely delegated power to Patty Jenkins, we would have stopped her from doing this baffling thing."

Eric couldn't help but recall scenes from "Monster." Come to think of it, before the film was completed, who could have imagined that Charlize Theron would turn into such a monstrous sight?

However, award ceremonies around the world seem to love actors playing ugly roles, and given Serena Williams' truly superb acting skills, she was ultimately able to win the Oscar for Best Actress.

"Given the plot, Patty Jenkins will likely bring Charlize Theron along. I can go visit the set then, you Queen Theron," Eric thought to himself.

That evening, at the Cooper family's house in Beverly Hills.

Everyone's stomachs were full, and the nanny brought out dessert.

Warren rubbed his increasingly large belly: "God, even though my stomach is protesting, my tongue keeps saying 'more, more!'"

Judy frowned. "You'd better shut up, Warren. You look at least 20 pounds heavier than the last time we met."

"You used to be like a rugby ball, but now you're developing in the direction of basketball."

"Look at your breasts, they're much bigger than mine. I'm a D cup, you must be at least an F cup."

Warren looked down at his chest, cupped it with both hands, and the cringe-worthy gesture caused everyone to vomit.

Eric slapped his forehead: "Warren, a good man doesn't keep a mistress. You really should lose some weight. I'm worried you'll get sick if you keep going like this."

Billy said, "I'm not worried, but you should go to the hospital for a checkup now. You might already have obesity."

"You have to lose weight, otherwise if you get sick one day, your parents, brother, and sister will blame Eric to death."

After being persuaded by everyone, Warren had no choice but to put the dessert back.

The pain of losing weight is well known. The difficulty of controlling one's appetite is just as great as controlling one's physical desires. It is extremely difficult to lose weight by relying on one's willpower.

"Warren, do you have a girl you like? In your situation, you'd better find a woman to keep you accountable to help you lose weight."

Warren shook his head.

"And what about those who have taken a liking to you? Not a single one? You're a high-ranking executive at AK Films now, haven't any minor actors expressed interest in you?"

"Yes, they definitely are, but I know why they're after it; it's definitely not love," Warren said somewhat awkwardly.

Bordeaux slapped the fat man: "Are you crazy? This is Hollywood, the entertainment industry. Do you think you can find true love here? Titanic is fake. Wake up. If you have something to do, do it properly. Stop dreaming."

"I still want to look for someone. To be honest, I already have someone I like."

"Who?" the four asked in unison.

"Bema".

"Who?"

"Bermahadi".

Eric knew who the other three were, even though he wasn't familiar with them.

He looked at the fat man with some surprise: "Warren, did you know that Bermahadi is already 35 years old?"

"35 years old! Do you have a mother complex?" Judy exclaimed.

"So what if I'm 35? Does love have anything to do with age? I've been with Berma for six months, and she's truly a very charming woman."

"But Bermahadi is a very career-driven woman. Are you sure you can handle her?" Eric asked, posing a probing question.

"I can't control her, so let her control me," Warren muttered to himself.

These words instantly made him the most dazzling guy in the Cooper family, and all four of them gave him a thumbs up to express their admiration.

After chatting for a while, Eric called Billy aside.

Clang!

Their beer bottles clinked together.

"Billy, weren't you in England for a while? To get the rights to 'House of Cards'? How's your relationship with Michael Dobbs going?"

"It's alright. We've met a few times. I'm closer to his wife, Evelyn, because Michael Dobbs is often away from home, and it's usually his wife who's there."

"When I wanted to contact him, the only way was through Evelyn. The couple had a very good relationship, decades of marriage. Michael Dobbs agreed to license 'House of Cards' to us out of consideration for Evelyn."

"Why are you suddenly asking about this old man? Is there something you need?"

"I remember you once said that he was a politician, right? And a politician with some power, no less," Eric continued.

Billy nodded: "It's not just about having some power. Michael Dobbs is a Conservative Party member, formerly the chief of staff in Thatcher's government, and now the vice-chairman of the Conservative Party. He has a lot of power."

"Eric, what happened? Why are you suddenly asking about this person?"

Eric let out a long sigh and looked at Billy: "It's good that you can get in touch with Michael Dobbs. You might need to make another trip to England soon."

"What are you doing?" Billy asked.

"I haven't decided yet, I'll tell you when the time comes."

Seeing Billy's bewildered expression, Eric patted him on the shoulder: "Come on, let's go back and have a drink."

Eric was naturally still thinking about Mike, the journalist Martin Barshere who framed Mike, who worked for the BBC, and the BBC was a British media outlet.

For a political heavyweight like Michael Dobbs, getting a journalist on his side, even one with some fame, is just a matter of a few words.

Through his conversation with Mike, Eric deduced that there was likely some improper dealing between this guy and Sony.

Eric believes that the BBC is not involved, as there is no conflict of interest between the BBC and Mike.

Even if you want to create a buzz, you don't necessarily have to choose Jackson. Just go to the Middle East, Asia, or Africa and shoot some material. The attention it will attract will definitely be wider than that of an entertainment star.

If it really only involves one journalist, it's not impossible for someone willing to pay a fee to have Michael Dobbs gather some evidence.

However, if they actually obtain the key evidence, it will be a trump card if the situation gets out of control.

"Damn it, looks like I'm going to have to be Liu Xiaoli for once!"

In addition to Martin Barshere, there is also Jody Chandler, the accuser in the 1993 child molestation case.

In the original timeline, Michael Jackson was completely exonerated after his death in 2009, when Jody Chandler finally told the truth.

He stated that the 1993 accusations were completely false, a story fabricated by his father, Evan Chandler, to extort money from MJ, and a complete framing.

Only then did the public fully believe that MJ was innocent. Unfortunately, he had already passed away, and until his death, he was never truly able to clear his name.

Shortly after Jody Chandler issued a clarification statement, on November 5, 2009, Evan Chandler committed suicide by shooting himself.

This bastard left the world before he even faced the judgment of the public and his fans; it was too good for him.

According to subsequent investigations, recordings of Evan Chandler's conspiracy with his psychiatrist were also leaked.

In other words, the evidence does exist, and as long as it can be found, the false accusations against MJ can be completely cleared.

Thank you so much for the generous donation of 1000 coins from the boss, you're very kind.

(End of this chapter)