Chapter 291: Can't Let Go

Burbank.

Inside a screening room at Warner Bros. Studios.

Even after the end credits had finished rolling, everyone in the screening room remained immersed in the visual journey they had just experienced over the past two hours.

This was the first internal screening of "Batman: The Dawn of War," the inaugural chapter of the Batman series, attended by top executives from Warner Bros. and Daenerys Entertainment, including Steve Ross, who had flown in from the East Coast.

The unexpected post-credits scene left the audience in awe, and as the lights came back on, Steve Ross, sitting beside Simon Westeros, was the first to start applauding.

Under the bright lights, the diverse expressions of admiration, contemplation, surprise, and shock on everyone's faces gradually turned into applause. Their response was genuine, not just to flatter Simon. Those with a deeper understanding of cinema could appreciate the groundbreaking achievements of this superhero film, recognizing details that had never before appeared in Hollywood movies.

It was a shock similar to what George Lucas's "Star Wars" had provided years ago.

The thought occurred to everyone that Simon Westeros's "Batman" would become a benchmark for Hollywood action movies for years to come.

Aside from the stunning technical details, the film's narrative was seamless and engaging from start to finish, with a final cut runtime of 138 minutes. Initially, some had thought this duration needed trimming, but no one felt that way after the screening.

From the opening scene, the tightly woven plot captivated the audience, leaving most wanting more by the time the credits rolled. The post-credits scene perfectly teased the audience's appetite for a sequel.

As the applause subsided, Steve Ross said to Simon, "I think we can start working on the sequel now."

Simon replied, "Actually, we've been planning the sequel since the first movie was greenlit."

Remembering the post-credits scene, Steve laughed, "I can't wait to see the second one."

After discussing a few of the film's thematic posters and wrapping up their discussions, the group left the screening room.

It was nearing noon.

That afternoon, there was a marketing meeting for "Batman" between the two companies, but Simon had other commitments and didn't plan to attend. After giving some instructions to Robert Lamm, he walked with Steve Ross to the parking lot.

On a weekday, passersby occasionally nodded to the two executives.

Casually acknowledging the greetings, Simon and Steve briefly chatted. Steve then said, "By the way, Simon, congratulations on becoming the richest man in the federation."

Steve had called Simon the day the Forbes magazine issue was released.

Simon simply nodded, "Thank you."

Steve asked, "So, what are you planning to do next?"

Simon replied, "I'm thinking of taking a year off, stepping back from the company to observe and reflect, and to learn some new things."

Steve was surprised but quickly agreed, "That's a good idea, Simon. You've achieved what most can only dream of in a lifetime. It's definitely time to take a step back and think."

Simon, however, smiled bitterly, "It's easier said than done to actually take that step back."

He had to devote much time to steering the 10-movie plan already in motion, among other commitments.

Janet had warned Simon that letting go might not be as easy as he hoped, and she was right.

Steve laughed in agreement, "You're young; you'll find the opportunity to step back. And if you want to expand your business empire, you'll have to learn to delegate. One person can't possibly handle everything."

Simon nodded seriously, then inquired about Steve's own plans.

Steve understood the question, "Paramount's attempt to prove that Time Inc.'s modification of the acquisition plan was a tactic to counter their offer was rejected by the judge. Unless new evidence is presented, the case could be concluded by the end of the month."

The legal battle involving Paramount Communications, Time Inc., and Warner Bros., initiated by Paramount to protect its shareholders, hinged on proving that Time Inc. was the actual acquisition target. Without sufficient evidence, Paramount's accusations were dismissed.

Recently, Paramount introduced new evidence suggesting Time Inc.'s adjustment of the acquisition plan was an attempt to thwart Paramount's offer. 

However, without concrete admissions or documents pointing to this strategy, it's unlikely that Paramount will succeed in court against the united front of Time Inc. and Warner Bros.

The two executives then headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, as Simon and Steve left the restaurant, they were greeted by flashing cameras.

Amidst media speculation about Simon's new status as the federation's richest man and a humorous "psychic learning class" scam, Simon's life had attracted more paparazzi.

"Simon, consider it. Any field Warner is involved in offers potential for collaboration," Steve mentioned.

"I'll keep that in mind," Simon responded, pondering Steve's proposal for deeper cooperation.

Simon was particularly interested in Warner's assets, such as its cable operations and HBO, still under Time Inc. For Daenerys Entertainment to secure a foothold in the media landscape, acquiring a television network was crucial.

However, Warner was not an ideal partner for now.

Heading to Fox Studios for auditions, Simon's plans for a restful vacation seemed increasingly unlikely amidst his bustling schedule.

As Simon approached Fox Studios for the auditions, his cellphone rang. It was Jennifer calling from Santa Monica, mentioning that Christopher Skase, chairman of the Australian Qintex Group, wished to invite Simon to dinner. Simon had heard of this company, attempting a takeover of MGM, but lacked detailed information. Jennifer advised against engaging with Skase, forwarding information that painted Qintex as heavily indebted and unlikely to secure the funds for MGM's acquisition. Skase's plan seemed to involve roping in unsuspecting investors for a venture doomed from the start. Following Jennifer's advice, Simon instructed her to decline the invitation and continued to his destination.

Upon arriving at Fox Studios, Simon was greeted by two women, Jerry Hall, whom he had met at a Columbia Pictures party, and Elle Macpherson, one of North America's most famous supermodels, known as "The Body" for her striking figure. The women were there for auditions, and after exchanging pleasantries, Simon, pressed for time, declined Jerry's invitation for coffee to avoid paparazzi speculation.

Simon offered an alternative, inviting them to a party in Coldwater Canyon hosted by WMA's president, Jonathan Friedman, on Saturday. He promised to arrange invitations if they were interested. Accepting the offer, Elle gave Simon her contact details.

With plans to attend Milan Fashion Week and other commitments, Simon's schedule remained packed. Despite intending to take a break after "Batman," ongoing projects and upcoming ventures, including a significant bond market operation in October, kept him busily engaged. His so-called vacation appeared increasingly nominal, with television projects and Daenerys Entertainment's foray into reality TV adding to his workload.

Amidst navigating his bustling life and the media spotlight on his newfound status as the federation's richest man, Simon looked forward to his European trip. However, Daenerys Entertainment's dispute with Whitney Houston and Arista Records returned to the media's focus, illustrating the challenges and intricacies of Simon's multifaceted career.

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