America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 244, page 243. This guy doesn't seem to want to admit it. What should I do?

After the premiere of "A Quiet Place," Eric and the Olsen sisters took Elizabeth home and then went to their hotel to rest.

Eric sat on the sofa, watching Fox News, which was showing a trailer for the second season of "American Idol," and it was edited quite well.

However, Justin Stewart, that scumbag, did not appear in the one-minute-plus trailer.

Ashley said, "It seems Fox is also having a headache and doesn't know how to handle this. Eric, have you been watching the news abroad? It's said that Justin Black posted over a million dollars in bail to get out of the police station."

Eric laughed heartily: "Pretty rich, huh? I just wonder if they can afford to pay the claims?"

"I think it's unlikely. His real popularity has only lasted for the last few years. The company has taken the lion's share of the profits, and he'll probably file for bankruptcy. Maybe his house will even be mortgaged then."

When the topic of houses came up, Mary suddenly leaned her head out.

As she sipped her red wine, she said, "Eric, I want to move out of my house; it's too inconvenient here."

"What do you mean?" Eric pretended not to understand.

"Of course, it's about buying a house. Ashley and I have discussed it and we plan to buy a house in Beverly Hills."

"Hmm? But you two are only 17 years old, isn't it too early for you to leave your families now? I think it would be more appropriate to wait until you're adults next year."

Hearing this, Mary glared at him: "You bastard, when you took Gal Gadot to America, she wasn't even an adult yet."

"And then? Weren't you two having a great time when you were fooling around? Why didn't you consider that back then?"

"Are we using our age as an excuse to move out because we're worried it will affect your ability to cheat on us?"

"Uh, you're overthinking it. I'm just worried about your safety. After all, two 17-year-old girls could be in trouble if someone with ill intentions comes along."

"Have we forgotten John Lennon's lesson? His wife was disemboweled, and she was pregnant at the time."

"Stop exaggerating. There are dozens of police cars patrolling Beverly Hills every day. It's safer to rob a bank than to commit a crime here."

"Previously, it was difficult for us to afford a mansion worth tens of millions of dollars, along with high property taxes and maintenance costs."

"But things are different now. Since you joined, Double Star Entertainment's performance has been getting better and better, and its profits have increased by nearly four times. Now it's completely affordable."

"I've already found out. There's a house for sale not far from your house, about a kilometer away, for only $1800 million. I'd like to move there."

Eric was getting a headache seeing that she was still considering it.

Now Nicole spends all her free time going to church and networking with her mom. If the two of you get involved, it'll only make things worse.

He changed the subject, saying, "By the way, speaking of the company, MGM is about to release a new children's animation, 'Peppa Pig.' After it airs, we'll license it to DoubleStar Entertainment to develop merchandise, which will definitely make us a fortune."

"I have a feeling that this cartoon will become a global hit, and it's not impossible that it will become the 'Tom and Jerry' of the new century. At that time, it will definitely be able to completely boost Double Star Entertainment."

"Then we also launched our IPO, and according to my plan, we gradually acquired Hasbro and Mattel to become the largest toy manufacturer in the United States with a monopoly, no, it should be said that it is the largest toy manufacturer in the world."

Ashley had regained some strength, but she had come at least eight times and now her eyes were half-open, as if she were about to fall asleep.

"Eric, while your hunches are usually pretty accurate, surpassing Tom and Jerry sounds like a joke. Tom and Jerry was created by MGM; don't you understand its greatness?"

"Jerry might still have to compete with Mickey for the title of the world's greatest mouse, but Tom is definitely the world's greatest cat."

"Based on what you said? What?"

"Peppa Pig!"

"Yes, a little pig, and it's a preschool cartoon, I think that's unlikely."

Eric chuckled: "Then let's wait and see. I think this little pink piglet will bring in at least $3 million in profit for DoubleStar Entertainment every year."

Upon hearing the staggering figure of $3 million, Mary's attention was successfully diverted.

"Really? Eric, you'd better not make me think you're joking."

"How about we make a bet? If we reach this number, I won't hold back."

"What do you want?"

Eric made a point on the 15th of August, and the two of them felt as if they had been electrocuted.

"What else are you planning to do? Awards season is over, we can't just stay idle. If we don't get any roles, we might as well go back to MGM."

"I recently found a pretty good script in the script library called 'Bride Wars,' a comedy with two female leads."

Ashley shook her head: "Marriage? It sounds too far removed from our age difference, and it doesn't have to be a dual female lead role. Actually, Mary and I have both received movie offers."

"But the biggest selling point is the two of you together; when you're apart, it always feels like something's missing."

"But where in the world are there so many excellent scripts with two female leads? We can't keep waiting forever. Maybe we can film your 'Operation Wedding' a few years later, when Mary and I are in our twenties."

Eric didn't insist: "Okay, forget about this movie. The other one is a voice acting job for an animated film, with two female leads, called Frozen."

"The main characters are biological sisters, and like you, they are princesses of a country. This is something I prepared for you two long ago."

"I remember you mentioned it once, that DreamWorks movie?" Mary recalled something.

"Yes, it's an A-list big-budget production, and it could be this year's box office champion. Note that I said world champion."

"The champion, is it another one of your premonitions?"

"Yes, it's always accurate."

The Los Angeles Times: "A Quiet Place is a refreshing horror film with a novel source of fear and a fantastic atmosphere. I recommend it to horror movie fans."

Salt Lake City Entertainment News: "A silent and oppressive atmosphere, a terrifying and suffocating environment, where making the slightest sound will result in being torn to shreds. This is the best horror film of the year. If you want to experience a fright, you must go to the cinema to see 'A Quiet Place,' which has everything you want."

The Chicago Sun-Times: "MGM's new film 'A Quiet Place' premieres, maintaining the consistently high standards of MGM's horror films and definitely worth watching."

The Olsen twins made a joint appearance on the red carpet, with MGM president Eric Cooper in attendance to show his support and praising Elizabeth Olsen as a rising star!

NBC Entertainment: "A superb horror thriller with an all-star cast. Elizabeth Olsen, the youngest of the Olsen twins and a Golden Globe winner, delivers an outstanding performance, proving that a new Hollywood star is on the rise."

CBS Entertainment Online: "The Olsens, a rising Hollywood powerhouse!"

MGM Grand Building, offices.

After signing a huge pile of documents, Eric browsed through the reviews of "A Quiet Place." As expected, the novelty of the high-concept horror film garnered positive feedback from most media outlets.

Not only the media, but also the audience gave it very positive reviews.

It achieved a 93% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a truly remarkable feat for a horror film.

dong dong dong.

A knock sounded at the door, and Carol and Chen Xing walked in.

Carroll said with a smile, "Boss, the numbers are in. A Quiet Place grossed $2877 million over the weekend."

"Based on current trends and reviews, next week's box office is expected to reach $5000 million, and BOX has adjusted its box office forecast to $1.3 million."

Eric nodded: "I understand. Send a congratulatory text to the main cast and crew, and also prepare a celebration party."

"Boss, do you want to participate?"

"I'm not going. I have to fly abroad to film 'Inception.' You can attend in my place."

"Okay, I understand. Also, Mel Gibson's company is in talks with us about whether to hold a premiere for 'The Passion of the Christ'."

Eric scoffed, "Has Mel Gibson gone mad? He wants a premiere? Doesn't he already have enough trouble with movies?"

"If this premiere goes ahead, I'm worried that some radical Jews might resort to extreme measures to tell him to stop thinking about these messy things."

"Just release the film honestly, don't cause any trouble, keep the actors in check, and don't let anyone say anything out of line. Just sit back and count your money!"

To hold a premiere for "The Passion of the Christ," unless Eric is insane, it can't be in the United States; the Vatican would be better—nowhere is more suitable.

Carol left, and Chen Xing stepped forward: "Congratulations, boss. 'A Quiet Place' is sure to make a fortune again."

"Stop flattering me. I've brought you here to assign you a task. I recently returned from China and started a new company that mainly exports film and television content to China."

"I'm planning to have you take on the role of vice president concurrently. Don't neglect your work at MGM either. Being busy will be beneficial for your future development. What do you think?"

"I'll follow the company's arrangements!" Chen Xing replied without hesitation.

"Yes, that's the answer I wanted to hear. In a year or two, you'll go to China to take charge of the overall business there and bring Susan back."

"Her language and culture are always a barrier; you have an advantage in that regard."

"Thank you, boss! I'll definitely work hard!"

Chen Xing felt his heart pounding with excitement; serving the leadership was indeed the fastest way to get promoted.

He remembered his grandfather always saying that one should establish a career before starting a family, and now that he was in his early thirties and had achieved this, he could say that he had established a career.

Eric was busy until almost noon. He checked the time and figured the other party should be arriving by now, so he got up and went to the conference room.

Not long after, a staff member led two women in.

Walking in front was Mrs. Valentine, the current owner of the Hudson Theatre, followed by Liu Yifei's aunt, Zhou Wenqiong, one of the "Twelve Beauties of Pearl River Film Festival".

"Mr. Cooper, it's nice to see you again."

Mrs. Valentine extended her hand. She was a middle-aged woman in her fifties with a kind face.

Her style of doing things is just like her appearance; such a person would definitely not make money in business, and it's quite remarkable that the Hudson Theatre hasn't collapsed yet.

"Hello, Ms. Valentine."

"We meet again, Joan."

Zhou Wenqiong smiled radiantly. After being ignored for more than half a year, she thought there was no chance, but who knew that the collaboration would suddenly be finalized.

As the middleman, not only did Mrs. Valentine give me a generous reward, but Eric would also surely treat me well.

After so many years of hard work in the United States, I'm finally about to make something of myself. As a Chinese woman, it's been really tough.

Everyone took their seats, and the lawyers for both sides began reviewing the contract.

"Mr. Cooper, the Hudson Theatre was my husband's life's work. He bought this century-old theater with the intention of making it even better, but unfortunately, an accident happened."

"I am a powerless woman, unable to fulfill his wish. I hope you can make the theater better, which would be fulfilling my husband's wish."

Eric said solemnly, "Don't worry, Ms. Valentine. MGM spent $3000 million to buy the theater and will spend another $1500 million to renovate it."

"We don't joke around with money. Starting today, MGM is officially entering Broadway. You will witness this century-old theater regain its glory."

"Of course, I believe in your abilities. I've seen your story on television and in newspapers many times. I wish you success!"

"Although I am no longer the owner of the theater, I have a few more words to say, and I hope you will consider them."

Eric nodded: "Please speak, I will consider it if it's reasonable."

"Yes, it's mainly about the theater staff. You've probably already seen the relevant information. Some of them are veterans who have worked in the industry for over ten years and have a wealth of experience."

"The theater's poor management is mainly my fault, not their incompetence. So if possible, I hope you won't fire these people. Many of them rely on this job to support their families."

Eric listened to her story calmly, but did not express any opinion.

This old lady is truly kind; even at a time like this, she's still thinking about her employees.

Anyone with a brain knows that the decline of such a large theater is definitely due to the poor quality of its staff.

Still want to use you guys? Use my ass!

Mrs. Valentine looked at Zhou Wenqiong and continued, "And there's Qiong. She has extensive experience with Broadway, which will definitely be a great help to you in running the theater."

"Mr. Cooper, I hope you can continue to employ Joan as director of theater. In fact, with her abilities, she is fully capable of a higher position, such as theater manager."

After the old lady finished her recommendation, Zhou Wenqiong stared at Eric, hoping he would nod in agreement.

But Eric remained expressionless, maintaining a "you say your thing, I'll do mine" attitude.

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.

"Mr. Cooper, as agreed beforehand, there are no problems with the contract; you can sign it!"

Eric finally smiled slightly, his pen scribbled, and the signature was finalized.

"Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure working with you. Let's have a meal together."

"it is good."

As she walked out of the conference room, looking at Eric's tall and straight back, Zhou Wenqiong gritted her teeth in pain.

"Damn it! This guy doesn't seem to want to admit it, what should I do?"

(End of this chapter)