Chapter 237: Sony Columbia

[Chapter 237: Isn't That Too Exhausting?]

"I didn't expect you to be so resourceful. But I have one question: why is it that everyone else is being foolish while you remain so brilliant and majestic?" Elisabeth asked as she sat at a small wooden table in Eric's room, watching him brush his teeth in the bathroom.

"I'm the director, the one who controls the entire cast, like the alpha wolf in a pack," Eric rinsed his mouth and wiped the foam from his lips. "If I mess up, then everyone else messes up too."

"Hmph, you really know how to argue," Elisabeth said with a discontented pout. She pointed to the breakfast tray in front of her. "Here, this is for you."

Eric didn't hesitate and pulled the tray closer, starting to eat quickly. He knew Elisabeth had already eaten. According to her, she was on a diet and was only having an apple and a glass of milk for breakfast these days. However, Eric thought it was more likely that she could not stand the hygiene conditions there and couldn't find a place to cook, so she settled for the bare minimum. Elisabeth also ate very little for her other meals.

Watching Eric devour his food, Elisabeth reluctantly picked up the documents on the table and read through the shooting schedule and other matters he needed to be reminded of that day. This was supposed to be Allen's job, but since Elisabeth was so eager to be involved, Eric naturally assigned this part of the work to her. Plus, it gave him a chance to enjoy the view every morning. Although she realized his 'sordid' intentions, Elisabeth didn't refuse.

"By the way, I think you definitely need to take a look at this newspaper."

"What?" Eric set down his glass and took the newspaper from her.

It was a copy of the Seattle Times, the largest newspaper in Washington State.

Of course, that wasn't what concerned Eric. He was focused on the headline.

"Sony Acquires Columbia Pictures for $5.5 Billion."

Although he had known for a while that Sony was likely to complete the acquisition in September and had worried about the revenue share from Running Out of Time after the Japanese takeover, Eric couldn't keep his mind on it constantly.

After reading the article thoroughly, Eric sighed in relief and set the newspaper aside to continue his breakfast. He noted from the article that the Japanese, under public pressure, had issued a statement declaring that Sony would not be involved in the management of Columbia Pictures, allowing the US management team to continue running the company while Sony would only act as an investor. Since nothing would change, he expected that the revenue share from Running Out of Time would be smooth sailing.

Elisabeth stared at Eric for a while before she couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you feeling quite proud right now?"

Eric swallowed his food, looked up in confusion, and asked, "What do I have to be proud of?"

"Ha, I didn't expect you to be so modest," she smirked, "or maybe you're just not paying attention. The analysis in the fourth paragraph points out that due to Home Alone and Running Out of Time pushing Columbia's stock price up, the Japanese had to pay at least an additional $700 million. Isn't that worth a little pride?"

Eric shrugged. "I'm certainly proud, but it's not enough to make me jump for joy. After all, the Japanese didn't deposit that $700 million into my account."

"And what about Running Out of Time? I heard about the contract details; Firefly Films didn't invest a dime, yet they got over half of the box office profits."

"Why are you looking at me as if I got the better end of the deal? Sure, I'm taking a big slice of the profits, but Columbia is making money too," Eric pretended to be angry. "And don't forget, you mentioned that the Japanese paid an extra $700 million. All things considered, I'm losing out here! On average, I made Columbia's shareholders an additional $350 million per film, and they won't share a cent with me."

Elisabeth gaped at Eric's twisted logic, finally managing to say, "You're unbelievable..."

"Alright, none of this is what you should be worrying about right now," Eric finished his breakfast and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "The most important thing is that we get this movie made."

"Now that you mention it, I remember something," she looked up, watching Eric as he walked over to grab his clothes. "I've been going over the script, and I find this movie quite... strange."

"Strange?" Eric turned his head to look at her.

Elisabeth nodded. "Yes, don't you think it's a stretch that two strangers, one who hasn't even seen the other, start to worry so much about each other? And the moment they see each other, one acts as if they're reuniting after a long time? It all seems so forced."

"I don't feel that way," Eric said as he put on his coat. "Liz, have you ever heard of... fate?"

"Predestined relationship?" Elisabeth repeated after thinking for a moment, shaking her head. "I think that's impossible. How could there be such a thing as destiny in a relationship?"

"Everything that has happened cannot be changed; it's all predetermined, including so-called fate. Just like with you and me, me and Jenny, me and Drew, me and Vicky..."

Elisabeth rolled her eyes dramatically. "Hearing you say that makes me want to punch you. And please, don't compare me to other women!"

Eric laughed, "Alright, just kidding." Eric glanced at his watch. "Everyone has probably left by now. Let's get going."

The small inn was less than a kilometer from the beach house used for filming, so everyone in the crew walked there.

*****

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