After all, this is the celebration banquet for "Star Wars," attended by Hollywood professionals. While games are part of the entertainment sphere, similar to films in genre, the truth behind their creation vastly differs.
In such a scenario, Hollywood insiders naturally flock to George and Steven's... ahem, esteemed presence. As for someone like Ethan...
Well...
Within minutes, Ethan had to admit his mistake.
Though he and Evelyn didn't approach anyone, many came to greet them.
Actors:
"Mr. Jones? Wow—meeting you here is truly an honor..."
"Miss Johnson, you're even more beautiful than the media portrays..."
"I really enjoy your games, especially 'Snake.' Not to say 'Star Wars' and 'Pac-Man' aren't good, but 'Snake' offers short bursts of joy in between filming..."
"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm John Belushi."
"I'm an actor on NBC's 'Saturday Night Live.'"
Directors:
"Hi, Mr. Jones~ Hi, Miss Johnson, it's a pleasure to meet you..."
"I'm Howard Zieff, a relatively unknown Hollywood director."
"I love your games, so I came to ask if you could sign something for me? Oh... I brought a 'Star Wars' poster... Thank you so much..."
Screenwriters:
"Mr. Jones, Miss Johnson, hello..."
"Let me introduce myself, I'm Ronald Shusett, a Hollywood content creator."
"My friend and I recently wrote a sci-fi script we're calling 'STAR BEAST,' about an alien creature that sneaks onto a human spacecraft and infiltrates the body of an astronaut, leading to a deadly confrontation in space..."
"Sorry, Mr. Jones, you say you don't understand films?"
"Oh—Mr. Jones, you're too modest. When you can conquer North American audiences time and again with your games, you're one of the world's most consumer-savvy creators."
"How about I visit your company with my script when you're available?"
After the first visitor approached, Ethan and Evelyn became a whirlpool of attention, endlessly drawing in those around them.
Anyone with a brain clearly stated their name and profession.
Initially, Ethan thought these visitors were fans, but after a few interactions, he realized most were just networking.
They might be interested in video games but are not as passionate as Steven.
What they truly sought was recognition from Ethan Jones, hoping it might lead to an opportunity in the future, however slim.
"Is this the nature of fame and fortune?"
After sending off a new group of guests, Ethan commented with a chuckle, "Though we don't produce films, our friendship with Steven and George seems to trump everything here."
"Hmm."
Evelyn agreed with Ethan but felt it wasn't the whole picture.
"Plus, they all know we're wealthy, right?"
The girl said with a smile, "If not for the setting, those screenwriters would've eagerly presented their ideas right in front of us. Just look at the eagerness in their eyes!"
"They're so desperate to impress us, hoping to continue selling their ideas!"
"Goose, goose, goose..." Ethan laughed heartily at Evelyn's words.
Though he was aware of the entertainment industry's dark side from his previous life, witnessing these seemingly illustrious figures fawning over him still brought a sense of satisfaction.
Ethan Jones might not be a Hollywood player...
But capitalists are welcome everywhere, right?
Hehe~
Delightful~
After chatting briefly, more people approached Ethan and Evelyn.
Among them, someone claimed to be a partner at William Morris Agency.
They contacted Ethan to offer their advertising services.
Indeed, William Morris is an agency, but they also provide advertisement shooting and placement services, like the campaign ads they produced last year.
Another claimed to be the general manager of Los Angeles Shield Security.
They reached out to offer bodyguard and security services.
Yet another claimed to be the owner of a Los Angeles talent agency.
They engaged in small talk to inquire about the existence of "Star Wars 2."
As Ethan and Evelyn bid farewell to one group after another, they grew tired.
While the adulation was exhilarating, too much interaction was exhausting.
Eventually, Ethan considered greeting George Lucas and discreetly leaving.
To rest at the hotel.
However, as Ethan scanned the room for George and Steven, an aged figure approached him, distinct from previous visitors with his silver hair and deeply lined face, exuding years of hard work.
"Mr. Jones? It's a pleasure to meet you."
The newcomer greeted Ethan and introduced himself without delay:
"Mr. Jones, I'm Roy Disney, Roy Edward Disney."
"Walt Disney was my uncle."
As the word "Disney" reached Ethan's ears...
His eyes narrowed!
He recalled a detail from his past. Before his fallout with Atari, George had mentioned that Nolan Bushnell wanted to sell the company to MCA and Disney.
Subsequent interactions with Steven revealed MCA's interest in "Snake," aiming for Atari itself.
MCA withdrew when
Ethan clashed with Atari, aligning with MCA's interests.
Thus, when MCA exited and Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine clung to "Snake," it meant Disney was the true suitor.
And now...
The figure from 1975, who had eyed him before, appeared before him.
Oh—
Ethan smiled, nodding to Roy Disney, "Mr. Disney, your surname is renowned worldwide. I'm also delighted to meet you."
After a brief greeting, Ethan went straight to the point, "You're here for something, aren't you?"
Despite Ethan's directness, the man in the yellow short-sleeved shirt remained unfazed.
"Indeed, I am," Roy Disney admitted, looking around, "This isn't the best place to talk. Shall we find somewhere more private?"
"Sure," Ethan agreed with a smile.
Then he glanced at his sister.
"Together," Evelyn winked at Ethan.
Because she too remembered everything.