businessmen's party (part 3)

-Unfortunately, you can't simply decline Michael Eisner and Ron Meyer, - David Geffen whispered to Steven, who nodded, aware of the young man's position.

The three girls, each beautiful with different attributes, were women with their strengths and characteristics. Winona approached to hug Francis Coppola, a close director friend, known to Winona for his sweet nature. She couldn't help but sigh at the youthfulness of the party, an angel compared to Sophia Loren, a muse to many men.

The table was divided. Her godmother's wife took Gwyneth for a walk, while Julie Delpy decided to dance, even if she did it alone. She just wanted to get away from the atmosphere, heavy with old-timers. Julie knew where she wasn't welcome, took a glass of champagne, and let the dance rhythm lead her. Her bright blue dress matched her dance, feeling more welcome surrounded by two models who had dazzled some people earlier that morning.

Gwyneth returned more composed and took her place just as James Cameron positioned himself elsewhere, accompanied by some directors. Tom Hanks simply shook his head and sought a dance with his wife.

-My dear girl, I never imagined seeing you here in New York, - Francis said.

-What's going on? - Winona asked, curiosity evident in her eyes, that lost mystery like many others.

-Nothing. Go dance for a while. Enjoy the party. You can order any drink, there are snacks, and the best music money can buy. What worries me, dear, is that you're not having fun - Francis said.

-I'll stay here for a while, - Winona said, in a gesture that seemed more immature than anything else.

Steven pondered his watch; a slight gesture of explanation made Francis understand what he had to do. The three-way conversation was observed by others, who wielded a certain power in Michael Eisner's uncommonly known ironclad gaze, some avoided his gaze, but Billy wasn't scared of Michael's gaze. It was the revealing of his secrets that he feared. Even though not evident in the future, with just a chat, Michael could unravel them and use them against him. A streaming platform war ten years earlier? Nobody would dream of it.

The conversation continued for another half hour until Francis couldn't delay it anymore. - Dear, could you bring your companion? I have a desire to have a chat with him, and it would amuse me not to wait until I'm sleepy, - Francis said.

-Bring him, -Winona said, her expressive eyes widening.

-Yes, bring him, - Francis said.

-Well, but whatever it is, you'll tell me later, - Winona said, walking over to Billy, hearing something about destiny, love, tragedy... what were they talking about that had them so engrossed?

She stepped a bit harder on the floor, with enough force for her steps to be heard. -Sorry, I hate to interrupt, - Winona said.

-Not at all. You're not interrupting. Come, sit for a while, - Billy said, noticing the raised eyebrows of the two presidents. This was usually reserved for couples, a topic that Billy and Winona were unaware of because it was common for businessmen to only invite close associates to their discussions, such as a close partner.

-For now, let's finish this chat. You're young and have other concerns. We invite you to your opening in October. I want to see your finished project with my own eyes, - Ron Meyer said.

-Of course, consider it done. I'll also send you an invitation, Mr. Eisner, if you'd like to attend, - Billy said.

-That would be all, son, - Michael Eisner said.

They said their goodbyes, and Billy knew his night was far from over from the expressions of the people in tune. Billy took Winona's hand, and for the first time, he felt some anger at Winona's recklessness. - You shouldn't have interrupted me, - he whispered, drowned out by the music.

It was the first time the woman received such a clear reprimand from Billy, the first time she saw anger on Billy's face. Instinctively, she recoiled in a gesture of submission and apology.

-I'm sorry, - Winona stammered, oblivious to the situation. The panic in the woman's eyes was disheartening; she didn't like being harsh.

-It's nothing, just don't do it again. Though it would be good if you followed Julie's lead. Go to the dance hall and have fun. I'll join you as soon as I finish up here. And no, it's private, - Billy said.

-Yes, - Winona whispered, not behaving that way even when she vomited on his shirt.

Billy led her to a bar and ordered a glass of water and a glass of white wine for his companion. She explained that apparently, Steven Spielberg was looking for him. Among the important factors, there were two clear and expedient facts. She recounted that he was somewhat famous, and they wanted a private chat. In some details, it was a priority to satisfy some private chat; she presumed it was a business, and it wouldn't be otherwise for them to be so mysterious.

The empty table was now occupied by only two people. She watched from afar, more reserved now, following the instructions, she made her way to the bar and looked for Julie, who was dancing alone. Gwyneth was engaged in a conversation with others.

-Good evening, gentlemen, - Billy said, facing Steven Spielberg and David Geffen.

The dreamy conversation now was just a sought-after discussion. Steven knew well that, although Universal had provided some resources and loans, his position was precarious, and at best, a futile endeavor in the coming years. It would end up failing like the independent studios that followed. The goal of cinema was a goal that couldn't be forgotten for Steven's dreamy thoughts.

-Good evening, Mr. Carson. I didn't expect our meeting to take this long, - Steven said.

-Initially, I wasn't expecting a meeting. A party, perhaps, something more reserved to avoid cameras. But now I see that this is not just a party; it's something deeper, - Billy said, almost wanting to hit himself, to crash with force, to crash with his naivety. Now he was in a tentative, more logical business setting.

-Well, I don't want to interrupt your evening with the lovely ladies by your side, and I certainly don't want to cause any inconvenience, -Steven said, smoothly worded, without many introductions. - I have a dream, ever since my success and achievement, I began to believe that my goal was further than just simple. I have very deep ideas. My path is beyond; the creation of a company that rivals the major production studios. An animation company that allows our creativity not to be diluted and our efforts not to be mere commercial exploitation by the companies, - Steven Spielberg narrated, inspired by everything he had to say.

-How do I fit into all of this? - Billy asked.

-Don't get me wrong, you've undertaken many activities that can be called a challenge. You've produced two films that pose a challenge to the major studios. Our goal is the same: to create a film company. Something gives me a premonition, and it's a free afternoon. It's known that as a company, you can never be free from the clutches of investment. One misstep, and we all fall, - Steven Spielberg said.

It wasn't true, as Billy balanced his accounts, and the actual value of creating movies wasn't particularly extensive. The Hollywood system fails due to two essential things: people in the industry seek to make money, from producers to coordinators, investors, and animators themselves, all seeking more money. The real value of "The Lion King" was $9 million, for "Toy Story," it didn't exceed $20 million, but more money is involved when producers want more money, directors ask for a portion of the box office, everyone seeks to earn more money.

The principle of Lux Animation is to embellish creativity and pay salaries, bonuses, and gifts. Billy didn't work on projects. He emphasizes work and payments, which at the end of the year, can result in a giant value, a doubled weight, making it cheaper than hiring per project, since the norm in Hollywood is to reward success.

-It's true; owning a film company is a mountainous task, -Billy said.

-You don't want a merger, and that's logical. Your company, born of such success, doesn't want foreign hands meddling, but for me, it's necessary to enjoy an alliance that helps us confront the years of hardships. I'm not a man who leaves things to chance, - Steven said.

-An alliance, - Billy said.

-More than that, my boy. I hope to have your hand in the future. I've closely followed your work, and I do not doubt that you are a preferred partner. Are you willing to bet on DreamWorks? As an initial offer, we need money to start the company's operations. Think about it, although a merger wouldn't hurt us, -- Steven said, handing over a card. -- You can call me when you make a decision; don't delay. I expect great things. -

The future was beginning to stir.

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