America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 84. Oscar is here.

Double Star Entertainment Company.

Solni sat alone in his office, deep in thought, facing a problem.

The Olsen sisters' conflict with themselves has become irreconcilable. Since last year, they have been deliberately avoiding taking on jobs outside of their existing contracts.

As the agent who single-handedly nurtured them, I received absolutely no respect.

These two girls have drifted further and further away from me, and judging from today's situation, if I continue to stay at Shuangxing Entertainment, sooner or later we'll have a complete falling out.

The Olson family now holds 55% of the shares, while Olson himself only owns 45%.

When that time comes, even though the Olsen sisters' parents have divorced due to incompatibility, they will definitely stand together for the sake of their interests, and he may not be able to resist them.

Moreover, Twin Star Entertainment is declining, and the Olsen twins' commercial value is not what it used to be, so selling off their business seems like a good option.

And MGM was exactly the ideal next home for them. The Cooper family's capabilities were evident to all in the market, and everyone was waiting for this lion to go public again.

Take out a pen and write down the numbers on the paper.

Robert Solney was calculating his own assets, and after doing so, he discovered that since losing money in the stock market, he only had a few million dollars in liquid funds left.

That little bit of money is nothing. If you want to get a piece of the pie at MGM, they won't even let you in the door.

"Perhaps it's time to sell our shares in Double Star Entertainment. If we ask for 3.5 million, we should be able to find a buyer."

"Use this money to acquire a 7% stake in MGM, and after it relists in a few months, you can make at least a hundred million dollars."

New York, HBO headquarters.

Eric and HBO Chairman Zach Thomas signed their names on the contract and then shook hands, which was met with enthusiastic applause.

Zach Thomas is a middle-aged man in his fifties. Although his hair is still black, it is most likely dyed, which can be seen from the deep wrinkles on his face.

Looking at the handsome young man in front of him, Thomas couldn't help but sigh, "Eric, I've met countless people in Hollywood, but you are the most capable young man I've ever seen."

Eric feigned surprise and modestly said that it was too much of an honor. Although Americans value being flamboyant, this kind of statement was too much and would attract a lot of hostile stares if it got out.

"No, I'm not kidding. A zombie TV series? This idea is absolutely brilliant. We have zombie movies, and the UK even made '28 Days Later' last year, but you're the first to do a zombie TV series."

"I heard from Frank Darabont that you provided the script outline, is that right?"

Eric smiled shyly: "That's right, it was indeed the script outline I wrote, because when I watch movies, I always have this feeling that the plot is too simple."

"As you know, the zombie movies currently on the market often only show a corner of the city. It seems like the whole world has been taken over by zombies, but the visuals and atmosphere are not convincing at all."

"Moreover, those zombies move so slowly that they don't seem to have any fighting ability at all. Can you imagine? The zombies don't eat people, they just bite them. I think that's abnormal, not bloody enough, not apocalyptic enough."

"Most importantly, the film is limited by its length, making it impossible to properly portray the human struggle, which is another major selling point of The Walking Dead."

"As an ordinary viewer, I feel this regret, and I think most people feel the same way, which is why The Walking Dead was born."

Zach Thomas glanced at his subordinates and said, "Look at him, look at this young man. You should all learn from his ideas. HBO doesn't lack money; what it lacks are people like Eric who dare to think and act."

As he spoke, he grabbed Eric's hand again and said, "Although I've only watched the first episode, I'm absolutely certain that I made the right decision. I hope MGM treats every episode like the first one. I have a feeling that The Walking Dead will be the ratings king of 2003."

"Don't worry, Thomas. The Walking Dead is also an MGM product, and I will cherish it even more than you do."

"Ha ha ha ha."

After signing the contract, we had lunch with the other party and agreed that MGM would contact HBO as soon as possible after producing a new series. Both parties had a pleasant time.

After saying goodbye to Zach Thomas, Eric met with Sergei Hasenfield. Since he was in New York, he naturally wanted to catch up with him.

On the surface, he is still the glamorous CEO of Hasbro.

Behind his back, he poured out his troubles to Eric again, showing signs of getting used to each other after a few times.

Sergei's complaints were nothing new: he was unhappy at work, his family was boring, and his life was dull.

The child has grown up and is studying in another city, only able to come back once every six months. When she does come back, the father and daughter don't have much in common, and she is closer to her mother instead.

Even sex gets boring after a while; prostitutes only do the same things over and over again, and he's tired of it.

According to old Peter, what he wants to do most right now is to spend time with Kate Winslet.

It's best to have a secret relationship first, cultivate feelings, and then play poker after you become lovers.

When the atmosphere is right, the feelings will naturally arise, and it's most comfortable to have sex in that state.

Faced with this request from old Deng, what could Eric say? He couldn't say anything.

If I remember correctly, Kate Winslet is indeed single now, having been divorced for several years.

The problem is, Byd, you're already married! She's a globally renowned female celebrity, why would she risk being scorned by everyone to have a secret relationship with you?

Do you think everyone is Angelina Jolie?

Moreover, Eric didn't know Kate Winslet, so he could only decline and arrange for the two to meet at a later opportunity.

After saying goodbye to Sergei, he fired a few anti-aircraft shots at Elena.

We agreed before we met that we would only talk about physical intimacy and not work.

Just do it, but don't make things difficult for yourself by bringing up Shuangxing Entertainment.

This slut readily accepted the invitation, seemingly not caring much about her two nieces.

After flying back to Los Angeles, it was already 1 a.m., and by the time Eric got home it was almost 2 a.m.

Looking at Chen Xing, who was diligently performing his duties in the passenger seat, Eric said, "Chen Xing, it must have been tough since you became my secretary."

Chen Xing hurriedly replied, "Although it was a bit tough, I learned a lot. Whether it's handling things or planning, I feel like I've grown a lot since a few months ago."

"Moreover, my parents and family are very supportive of me. They encourage me to work hard and put work first."

This answer is very Asian. The young man got a decent and promising job, so he worked himself to the bone as long as he didn't die.

Although parents may feel sorry for their children's hardships, they believe that it is worth it to endure any hardship for the sake of the future. They will also provide logistical support and be the strongest backing for their children.

If the parents were white, a large portion of them wouldn't pay attention to these things; in their eyes, children have their own lives to live.

Parents at most offer suggestions and act as advisors, and may even encourage their children to pursue freedom, suggesting that if things get too tough, they should quit their jobs and find another one, emphasizing that being happy is the most important thing.

Chen Xing's answer reminded Eric of his past life, and he suddenly asked with some curiosity, "Chen, what are your hobbies?"

"Uh, I used to go for a bike ride on weekends and then go to the movies."

"A great hobby, combining sports and the arts. Would you like to do it with your girlfriend?"

"Yes, it's fine to ride a bike alone, but if you go to the movies alone, there will always be some people looking at you with strange eyes, as if they are saying that you are a good-for-nothing who can't find a girlfriend."

Eric laughed heartily: "Yes, that's somewhat similar to school bullying, a typical example of American bullying."

"But you're so busy with work these days, you probably don't have much time to spend with your girlfriend. Let me guess, she often complains about it, right?"

Chen Xing looked back and said somewhat awkwardly, "Actually, we've already broken up. About two months ago, she couldn't understand me, and I really couldn't satisfy her."

A busy job can kill off your partner – that sounds like a scene from a movie or TV show, like Ross and Rachel in Friends.

Eric sighed: "Relationships are a very private matter, and I shouldn't comment on them, but this girl isn't right for you. Her thinking is still stuck in the school days, while you've already matured. Conflicts will inevitably surface sooner or later."

"Yes, that's what I think too. And after just one argument, she decisively broke up with me. I don't think she loves me."

Chen Xing's tone sounded somewhat indifferent.

"And I've thought about it with my boss. Before I achieve anything at work, romance can take a backseat; it's not important."

"And to be honest, a few girls in the company have invited me out, but I turned them all down. It's not that they aren't pretty, but I just felt the timing wasn't right."

"Yes, office romances are not advisable; they will only affect work efficiency." Eric agreed with this point.

"But you can't keep suppressing your feelings either. How can you endure two months without sex?"

"After you drop me off at home, you and Peter can find a place to relax and unleash your youthful energy. He knows where the best service is."

Driver Peter grinned: "Yes, boss. There's no place in Los Angeles I don't know. Whatever kind of woman, man, or ladyboy you want, I can find it."

"It's already too late today. I think it's more important to go home and rest. I have work to do tomorrow," Chen Xing said, somewhat embarrassed.

Eric waved his hand dismissively: "I'll give you half a day off. Go and enjoy yourself, young man. Otherwise, what's the point of getting such a high salary from me?"

"Besides, this is the entertainment industry. You have to learn this skill early on, otherwise when I appoint you to an important position, don't tell me you can't even handle clients. Many people like this kind of thing."

Beverly Hills, the Cooper family home.

I woke up at 10 a.m., and as a working person, I naturally have to go to work on time, but who can blame me when I'm the boss?

After washing up and going downstairs, I found that my dad was still home, which was quite unusual.

"Dad, are you free today? You seem unusually relaxed."

"I promised your mother I would go with her to San Francisco to visit Joshua. Your brother hasn't been home for a long time since he became a key player on the team."

"When are we leaving?"

In the kitchen, Mom came out carrying a bag of freshly baked cookies, which she then sealed and put in a bag.

"Alright, we can go now, darling."

Dad gave Eric a look that said, "Now you know what I'm waiting for."

Yawning, Eric picked up the remaining crumbs from the plate and popped them into his mouth, saying as he chewed, "I'll come too. It's been a long time since I've seen Joshua; he's even been calling much less."

Mom looked at Dad, who immediately rejected the suggestion.

"You should stay at the company, just in case something unexpected happens. We'll be back in two days at most, and we'll bring your blessing to Joshua."

"Okay, have a safe trip."

As we reached the door, Dad suddenly stopped, turned around, and said, "There's something I almost forgot to tell you. The Oscars have sent an invitation. Although we didn't have any nominated films, we can still go if we want."

"Wait, who should we invite? You or me? Or both of us?"

"Of course it's the two of us, but I'm tired of attending those boring parties, especially when you don't have any work to show and you have to sit there for hours."

"When the camera pans across you, you have to force a smile, and then a bunch of guys trying to get investment will come and ask you to drink. I'm already annoyed enough by them, so I don't plan to attend."

"Moreover, we launched a military strike against Iraq just a few days ago, and the public's attention is mostly on the war. The media loves to ask political questions at times like these, and they will relentlessly pursue any slightly wrong answer."

"But you can go and see. Getting to know more people can be very helpful for your work. After all, my network is not the same as yours. Sooner or later you will have to build your own network."

Eric nodded, "Okay, I'll consider it." His father's suggestion was sound.

March 23rd is the start of the 75th Academy Awards ceremony.

Even though viewership may decline during the current war, it is still estimated that at least 4000 million viewers across the United States will still tune in to this annual Hollywood extravaganza.

Los Angeles, Hollywood Boulevard, Kodak Theatre.

By this time, the area outside the theater was already crowded with people, and a red carpet stretched from the second floor of the theater all the way to a spot not far from the theater entrance, with a total length of about 60 meters.

Is it long?

It's actually quite short, because in the past the red carpet extended directly to the distant Highland Avenue, and the length was at least 200 meters. Shorter would not be enough.

On this day, media from all over the world gather in Hollywood, and even with the limit on the number of reporters per media outlet, the number still exceeds the limit.

However, due to the war, this year's red carpet was reduced and fans were not allowed to gather, leaving only the media present, which inevitably lacked the usual liveliness.

At this point, due to the reduced length of the red carpet, reporters were packed tightly together on both sides, like sardines in a can.

All sorts of cameras, both familiar and unfamiliar, were aimed at the center, waiting for the first celebrity to arrive.

The organizing committee staff are working hard to maintain order to ensure that no accidents occur later.

The Los Angeles Police Department has implemented flight control measures and deployed thousands of officers to closely monitor the surrounding neighborhoods to ensure the safety of these celebrities and major taxpayers.

Just one block away, an anti-war march was underway.

Large numbers of people held up anti-war signs that read "Bush betrayed America," "Bush is a dangerous element," and "Oscar demands peace," expressing their desire for peace.

In contrast, on another block, a pro-war march was underway, with protesters singing "America, America" ​​and holding signs that read "God Bless America."

The division didn't begin twenty years later; this country has always been like this.

Amidst the clamor, the curtain slowly rose on the Oscars ceremony.

(End of this chapter)