Chapter 331 - The Pirate Flag Flies

Feeling everyone's excitement, Laila's mood also brightened: "Very well, everyone, get to know the members of the housekeeping team. We'll be relying on them for the time being. Also, if you need anything or have any questions, you can always approach them."

"OK!" "Good." "Understood!"

Laila nodded and then waved to everyone before leaving. The remaining people split into two groups: some went to find their accommodations, while others approached the members of the housekeeping team to inquire about places to explore.

While the film crew was having a great time on the island, on the other side in Hollywood, Louise was deeply troubled.

The reason was a photograph, not the blurry distant view like last time, but a clear image where even the pirate flag was unmistakable.

Pirates!

No one could mistake the pirate flag on the ship, and no one was unaware of what it meant when that flag fluttered in the wind.

To invest such a large budget in a pirate ship indicated that this ship would play a significant role in the upcoming movie. Otherwise, who would spend tens of millions of dollars on a mere backdrop?

Now, even the most conservative critics were coming forward with predictions – Laila Moran's new film would be a pirate movie!

Pirates were the romance of boys and men, and many pirate movies in history have achieved considerable success. But that was in the past. Ever since "Cutthroat Island" left MGM in ruins at the end of '95, it was universally recognized in the film industry that pirate films were dead.

For the past few years, even in Hollywood, where thousands of films were produced annually, there was no plan to make a pirate film. Even B-movie studios shied away from it.

Yet here was Laila Moran, seemingly reviving the pirate genre on a grand scale. What was she thinking?

In response, her arch-nemesis Cooper wrote an article that reveled in her misfortune.

"Continued luck and success have clearly blinded our genius director. She didn't consider why so many predecessors stayed far away from pirate themes, nor did she heed the well-intentioned warnings of others, and instead, she recklessly plunged into the whirlpool of pirate movies. I believe failure will make this young director, touted as a genius, understand that the Goddess of Luck doesn't favor her alone. Many times, a calm mind and ample wisdom are the most precious qualities."

Cooper had now become a prominent figure in the Moran family, and he never missed an opportunity to criticize Laila, ostensibly offering her advice and guidance, but everyone knew what was really going on.

Unfortunately, what he said made sense. Like when he claimed that pirates were a dead genre, and Laila was being arrogant to think she could succeed where others dared not tread. Some people began to think he might have a point.

Cooper had grown smarter. He didn't expect to instantly turn everyone against Laila's fan club. Instead, he aimed to gradually change the minds of some people. Slowly but surely, like boiling a frog in water, they'd eventually be cooked without realizing it. As long as it disgusted Laila, he would be the first to revel in it.

And now, Miss Faiza was keeping pace with him.

Seeing all the criticism and doubts about Laila in the media, she was delighted. Amid the commotion, her sharp laughter filled the room.

"That woman has her day! Faaris, you've done a great job! I bet she's furious right now! Making a pirate movie? Even I know that this genre is a money pit. Yet she's diving right in as if she's been blinded by continuous good luck, just as Cooper said!"

Faaris, however, had a different perspective. "Miss, do you truly believe that luck alone can guarantee that every one of a director's films grosses over $300 million?"

"Then what else? She's even attempting films that others dare not touch. Doesn't that mean she's still counting on the favor of Lady Luck?" Faiza said disapprovingly: "Just wait and see. She will definitely fail! By then I will put her ugly face on the front page of all the media in the world to see if those people will continue to tout her as a genius!" 

"Miss Faiza, I have to remind you that pirate movies are about the sea. Have you forgotten last year's "Titanic"? If you take advantage of that trend, maybe a miracle will happen?" He said this as soon as she said it, Faiza also hesitated: "Is the story of the sea and the ship really okay?"

She was also fascinated by "Titanic" to the point of tears and a runny nose. A die-hard movie fan, she no longer knows which movie to watch. How many times have I done it? Every time, she would imagine that she was the heroine and the prince was the hero. The true love between them would touch heaven, and then they would get a sweet ending that was more perfect than the movie.

Faaris asked her: "If there is another movie similar to Titanic released, will you watch it?"

"Of course I won't..." Faiza wanted to be tough but found that if there was such a movie, she would be willing to go to the cinema to watch it. "Is it really going to be good?"

Faaris reasoned, "In the past two years, Laila Moran's track record is hard to ignore, whether it's horror or action films, her choices have been spot-on. I believe if she's choosing to make a pirate movie and is willing to invest a substantial budget, she must be confident."

"That makes sense!" Faiza nodded emphatically. "We can't let her take all the profits. Faaris, I think we should make a similar film! The sea, a grand ship, and most importantly, an unwavering, earth-shaking love!"

After some contemplation, Faisal thought that the usually foolish young Miss had actually come up with a good idea this time. "I understand. I'll keep an eye out for similar films in the coming days. But, Miss, before that, I hope you'll remember your position and refrain from unnecessary actions. Don't forget our invested film is releasing in just over two months. If your actions negatively affect its box office due to your public image, I believe you wouldn't want that, would you?"

"I understand!" Faiza huffed, but then she sensed another meaning in his words. "Wait, Faaris! Are you saying I might decrease the box office? You better explain that!" She yelled in frustration, but Faaris had already left her room after delivering his message earlier.