Chapter 289: You Can't Exactly Bite Back

[Chapter 289: You Can't Exactly Bite Back]

After learning from Murdoch that the recent turmoil had been led by Michael Eisner, Eric had completely decided against any form of compromise. He was determined to figure out a way to secure the rights to The Righteous Brothers' song Unchained Melody the very next day. As for everything else, he didn't really care -- his mind was filled with great movie ideas.

It was a bit of a shame, though. Eric had originally planned to spend this year starting a special effects company to get a handle on the use of visual effects in preparation for the upcoming production of Jurassic Park.

And Ghost would have undoubtedly been a terrific project for him to experiment with; the wall-walking effects and the Grim Reaper effects would allow him to hone his skills. Losing that film could disrupt many of Eric's plans.

"Alright, Eric, it's getting a bit late. Let's call it a night," Murdoch suddenly said.

Eric didn't feel much like chatting anymore. He signaled a waiter and handed over his credit card to settle the bill. Murdoch, however, stood up directly and said, "Eric, Liz has been staying in Beverly Hills lately. I'm getting a bit old, and I'd like to head back. Would you mind giving her a ride?"

"Dad, I can get back on my own," Elisabeth piped in.

"You're just a girl. What if you run into any trouble? I'm sure Eric wouldn't mind giving you a ride, right, Eric?" Murdoch said with a smile, looking at Eric.

Eric glanced at Elisabeth and replied, "Of course, if Liz wants a ride, I'd be happy to help."

"Then it's settled," Murdoch replied, calling over his assistant and bodyguard before turning to leave.

...

It was nearly ten o'clock now, and the restaurant wasn't particularly crowded; only Eric and Elisabeth were left exchanging glances.

"I don't need you to drive me. I'll go back on my own," Elisabeth stubbornly repeated.

"Oh," Eric nodded, gesturing for her to make her own choice.

Elisabeth, just standing up, shot Eric a frustrated look before defiantly sitting back down. "I've never seen someone so rude."

Eric chuckled. After settling the bill, he stood up and said to the lady, "Okay, let's head out."

Reluctantly, Elisabeth stood up and followed Eric to his car.

"Are you still staying with Julia?" Eric asked as he started the engine.

"Yeah, it's more fun to room together, plus Julia is my partner in the film company, so it's convenient for us to discuss business."

"Speaking of which, I still don't know the name of your film company," Eric casually asked as he drove onto the highway.

"It's TG Films," Elisabeth replied.

"What does TG stand for?"

Elisabeth opened her mouth, ready to answer, but then thought about it. If she explained, Eric would definitely ask about the three girls involved, and that would expose Drew. Drew had insisted more than once that they keep Eric out of the loop. Elisabeth believed she had far more scruples than his unscrupulous father; she wouldn't easily betray her friends.

"TG is just TG. Why ask so much?"

"Oh, alright," Eric acquiesced, changing the subject. "By the way, did you not clarify things with your dad about The Silence of the Lambs?"

"Clarify what?" Elisabeth asked curiously.

"Like how I think this script has potential."

Elisabeth blinked a few times. "My dad didn't ask."

"Well, I guess when The Silence of the Lambs comes out, someone is going to regret not having a slice of that pie," Eric said with a chuckle.

"Ugh, now that you mention it, you're awful! You secretly bought the rights to An Affair to Remember from Fox. I've heard that movie's tape sales have already hit over a million copies. My dad ripped Barry Diller a new one for it -- and a few Fox executives lost their jobs over it!"

Eric shrugged. "Business is business. Besides, you guys volunteered to sell it. I didn't steal anything."

Elisabeth frowned. "Well, we haven't signed anything yet. Don't think I'm going to hand over The Silence of the Lambs to your little company for distribution."

Eric stopped at a red light and casually gazed out the window at the street scenery. "Suit yourself. But it might not be a blockbuster. You might end up crying over losses."

"Well, if that happens, I won't be the only one crying," Elisabeth indicated pointedly. Seeing Eric's indifferent expression, she continued, "Let North America handle the domestic distribution through Firefly. But I want a 35% cut, and I'll give Fox the overseas rights."

"20%," Eric said with a grin, ready to negotiate.

Elisabeth raised her fist and playfully punched Eric's shoulder. "35%! Or else I'll just hand it over to Fox!"

"How about 21%?"

"Fat chance!" Elisabeth began to protest again when a silver convertible behind Eric's car went wild with honks. A few young people in the car shouted, "Hey, green light! Let's move!"

Eric glanced at the rearview mirror helplessly, then slowly pressed down on the gas pedal.

As the silver convertible sped past, a few young people shouted provocatively through Eric's window. Eric pretended not to hear them and continued driving at his own pace. Surprisingly, the convertible slowed down and matched his speed.

"Hey, beautiful! How about taking a ride with us?" a young man with a wild hairstyle called to Elisabeth in the passenger seat.

Eric glanced at the scene outside and quickly pressed the window button to close it, and Elisabeth did the same. She couldn't help but say, "You're really spineless. The lady next to you is being harassed, and you won't even fight back."

Eric retorted, "Are you going to bite back if a dog bites you?"

"You... you're so vulgar!" Elisabeth angrily turned her head away, determined to ignore Eric.

Eric didn't take it to heart; he focused on driving. Though the windows were up, the young men in the convertible wouldn't go away. They alternated between speeding up and slowing down, circling Eric's car and making various provocations.

Eric checked outside and realized they were nearing Elisabeth's place, so he decided not to engage.

*****

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