I am Hollywood

Chapter 914: Chapter 916: Reunion After a Long Time

[Chapter 916: Reunion After a Long Time]

In the past life, after Seagram acquired Polygram, the company found itself unable to bear the massive debts and the overall decline of the music industry. A few years later, Seagram had no choice but to sell itself entirely to the French company, Vivendi.

Vivendi took over Seagram, but within two years, it faced a significant loss, prompting it to sell all its entertainment assets to General Electric. General Electric then integrated these assets with its existing NBC network, forming NBC Universal, which encompassed television, film, and music. However, a few years later, General Electric too sold NBC Universal to Comcast.

It's fair to say that once Universal went through several ownership changes while other media groups were stabilizing, Edgar Bronfman's acquisition of Polygram Records proved to be a critical misstep.

After hearing Eric's analysis, Elisabeth remarked, "So, you're determined not to expand the record business?"

"Firefly is fine with just Firefly Records. If we continue on our current growth trajectory, in four to five years, the profits from the Fireflyer player might surpass the entire annual profit of the record industry. If we increase the weight of the record business in the group, Firefly would have to find a balance among various interests, which could hinder Firefly Electronics' development," Eric replied.

Elisabeth nodded in understanding and chuckled, "Oh, I thought you guys liked bigger things."

Eric glanced at Elisabeth's chest and lamented, "Of course, bigger is always better. It's just unfortunate that reality is too harsh."

"I'll hit you for that," Elisabeth playfully raised her little fist. But just seconds later, she leaned over her desk and whispered, "By the way, how much did you make this time in Southeast Asia?"

Following the collapse of the Thai baht in July, the currencies of Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore plummeted throughout August. The depreciation of the Indonesian rupiah even surpassed that of the baht.

"Right now, a lot of foreign exchange contracts haven't settled yet, but if we just count the paper profits, it should be around $600 million. Chris has already started investing in the Korean won, and we might make another profit," Eric said, glancing at Elisabeth. "What about you?"

Eric didn't hide his operations in Southeast Asian currencies from those around him; in fact, he specifically encouraged Elisabeth to participate. However, they hadn't gathered together, as that would be too conspicuous. Eric wasn't keen on having the governments of Southeast Asian nations coming after Firefly Group.

Elisabeth knew how much Eric had invested and was surprised, saying, "How did you make so much? I borrowed $100 million from Dad and managed to scrape together an additional $50 million with Julia's help, and I only made less than $80 million!"

"$80 million is already quite good. You entered the market a little late, but over 50% profitability shows your trader is quite capable," Eric flipped another page of the script, then looked up, "I take it you've recouped all your funds?"

"Yeah, many people say Southeast Asian currencies will rebound quickly, so Julia and I didn't dare to continue. But the Korean won probably won't see too much of a decline, so why are you guys putting your money on that?" Elisabeth inquired.

Eric smiled, "Besides Japan, Korea is the only fat fish left in Southeast Asia; do you think others will let it go?"

"Perhaps, but Julia and I have converted that $80 million all into stocks, so there's no turning back for us." Elisabeth shrugged and added playfully, "Oh, by the way, we also booked a Boeing 747-400. If the Nasdaq index doesn't continue to rise like you said, then you'll have to cover the costs!"

Eric replied helplessly, "Two planes are already enough for everyone. Why buy so many?"

"I really don't care! One is yours, and one is Drew's. I certainly deserve one too. Besides, it's only $80 million," Elisabeth made a bit of a spoiled face and said, "If I can't pay the balance later, I'll just offer Julia to Boeing; you can redeem her, okay?"

The Nasdaq index was still far from its peak, and there was still potential for it to rise several times.

Eric wasn't worried about whether the $80 million Elisabeth and Julia had invested would cover a Boeing 747. He just retorted with some annoyance, "You might as well offer yourself to Boeing."

As they chatted and occasionally teased each other, Eric reviewed the script for Shrek in detail, adjusting some details based on memory. Nearing the end of the workday, he handed the script to Elisabeth, saying, "Let's leave it at that for now. I'm heading to New York in a couple of days, where I'll personally check on the settings and storyboards at Blue Sky Studios."

Elisabeth stored away the script and curiously asked, "What's taking you to New York?"

"The Victoria's Secret show is about to kick off after Fashion Week, and they want me to come by. There are some other small matters too. I'll be in New York for a few days, and then I have to fly to London," Eric casually organized the files on his desk and put them in the safe. He picked up the landline phone to say hello to Caroline and the others before standing up, saying, "Come on, let's go get some food."

Elisabeth grabbed her bag and linked her arm with Eric's as they walked out of the office. Suddenly, she remembered something, asking, "Are you really skipping the Emmys?"

Eric shook his head, saying, "That's not urgent; I'll set off after the Emmys."

...

In September, with the arrival of the fall television season, one of America's most significant television awards, the Emmy Awards, also took place around this time.

Eric hadn't paid much attention to the Emmys in previous years, but as Firefly's television business expanded, he began investing more thought into it.

After a fruitful summer release, this year's Emmys saw Firefly Group's television programs shine brightly.

Whether it was the broadcast network's Friends and ER, or the cable shows like Sex and the City and America's Next Top Model, they all received numerous nominations.

Among them, under Harvey Weinstein's operation, FFM TV launched The Sopranos, which garnered a remarkable 16 nominations and became the standout star of this year's Emmy Awards.

The Emmy Awards ceremony took place on September 8, at the Pasadena City Hall in northeast Los Angeles, carrying on a tradition that had stretched over 20 years. The ceremony started relatively early and lasted just two hours, concluding at 8 PM West Coast time.

In the end, The Sopranos walked away with seven accolades, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor, and Outstanding Lead Actress, becoming the biggest winner of the night.

The celebration party was held at the Sunset Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard.

Eric didn't personally attend the Emmy ceremony, arriving only after the awards to celebrate with the Firefly Group. Though FFM TV was directed by Harvey Weinstein, its control still lay with Firefly, so there was no separate celebration for The Sopranos.

...

Entering the banquet hall, Harvey Weinstein was the first to welcome Eric, giving him a hug and quipping, "Hey, Eric, you came solo again tonight?"

Eric had become accustomed to attending various events alone, and Harvey's teasing was nothing new. However, hearing Harvey's comment made Eric suddenly remember something, and he instinctively scanned the room.

Before Eric had a chance to spot anyone, Robert Iger and Anne Sweeney, who had specially come from New York, walked over, blocking Eric's view.

Eric had no choice but to smile, greeting Robert and the others one by one.

...

How long does it take to forget someone? The harsh truth is, once you're alive, it's impossible to do so.

What one can really do is simply stop caring.

The last time was when she secretly gifted him a tie without a signature, receiving no reply, crying all night long and then deciding to forget about that guy.

In six years, while in the same city, she had done her best to make herself and him two parallel lines, thinking that would help her slowly stop caring. Yet, when she thought he wouldn't attend the Emmy celebration party, he appeared.

And just like that, her heart was suddenly absent. Her gaze unconsciously sought him out, watching as he mingled with the crowd, enjoying conversations with others, and making his way through the attendees before approaching her.

"Hey, Jenny," Eric greeted the Friends crew before turning to Jennifer Aniston. His gaze was curiously drawn to the tall man standing beside Aniston and felt somewhat disappointed yet intrigued. He vaguely remembered the guy had appeared in some film but couldn't quite name it.

"It's Jennifer, don't shorten surnames to form nicknames," seeing him look so nonchalant, Jennifer wanted to compose herself as well. Her left hand instinctively lifted but hesitated to reach out, recalling that her boyfriend was still nearby.

So, she habitually wrapped her raised arm around her boyfriend, thinking, "Hey, I have a boyfriend too!"

While that thought lingered, her outstretched arm ended up embracing nothing.

Turning away, she noticed the man beside her distinctly flinched, clearly looking guilty, seemingly wanting to distance himself from her.

Stunned for a few seconds, a wave of strong grievance washed over her.

Coward, jerk, traitor, chicken... Nôv(el)B\\jnn

How could she be so unlucky?

She wanted to throw her glass of champagne at him but suddenly lost all her strength. The glass shattered on the floor, and she crouched down, bursting into tears.

It was a loud mess.

"Forget it, forget it, I don't want any of it, look at this."

The sudden change silenced the entire hall.

"I'm really sorry, Mr. Williams," the man standing next to Aniston finally realized what happened and apologized to Eric before awkwardly remaining where he was.

"Just go, don't stay here," Eric shot the man a glance, ignoring him and handing his drink to someone nearby. He crouched down to see the girl who had buried her head and was crying uncontrollably, reaching out to pick her up and walked toward the banquet hall exit.

Robert Iger followed behind and looked at Jennifer Aniston curled up in Eric's arms as he quietly asked, "Eric, what happened?"

Eric didn't respond but simply said, "Make arrangements; I don't want to see any mention of this in tomorrow's papers."

Robert Iger felt a headache coming on. The scene was too big to cover up, yet noticing Eric's expression left no room for discussion. He gritted his teeth and said, "Understood."

...

Once in the parking lot, Eric let the bodyguards step out. He placed the girl in the passenger seat and drove away from the Sunset Tower Hotel himself.

After a good while, Jennifer finally stopped crying while huddled in the leather seat but didn't dare look up, softly asking, "Where are you taking me?"

"Taking you home. Where do you live now?"

"I'm not going back."

"Uh-huh."

Eric responded and continued driving.

Another silence fell. Jennifer had her chin resting on her knees, quietly gazing at the lights passing by outside the window, when she suddenly said, "This is Bel-Air."

Eric glanced outside, the Bel-Air neighborhood rivaling Beverly Hills in wealth. "Hmm?"

"Diamonds, brilliant, and Bel Air now," the girl softly recited a line from Young and Beautiful, saying, "That's this Bel-Air."

Eric nodded. "Yeah."

"I really can't believe a horrible guy like you could write such a good song."

"Maybe I just plagiarized it."

The girl scoffed lightly. "Someone who can write a song like that wouldn't let you copy."

"Well, that line of thought is a bit fantastical."

"Now you're just rambling."

"Did I often ramble in the past?"

"I don't know; I've almost forgotten. With you popping back in, my public relations manager is probably losing it right now."

The girl clearly didn't hear Eric's order to Robert Iger. Eric didn't explain, nodding, "Yeah, right now my head is full of media headlines; how about we discuss how to take the front page?"

Jennifer turned her head to look at Eric in the driver's seat, opened her mouth, hesitated for a bit, and finally said, "As soon as you started rambling, I knew nothing was wrong."

"Feeling better? Then I'll take you home, okay?"

"Am I really such a hassle?"

Eric shook his head. "Not at all. If I wanted to, there's a 90% chance I could charm you into bed tonight."

Jennifer glared at him, indignantly, "Be careful or I'll take you down with me!"

"Are you hungry?"

The sudden change threw her off balance. The girl blinked, feeling a strange comfort in his concern, and nodded obediently, "I'm hungry."

"Great, a hungry person has very weak willpower, so you don't have the courage to take me down with you right now."

"..." The girl blinked again and shouted, "Pull over, stop the car!"

Eric reluctantly pulled over to the side of the road, glancing at the scattered streetlights, saying, "This isn't a residential area; it's dangerous to stop here. You might run into a psycho killer."

But the girl ignored him; as soon as the car stopped, she lunged at Eric, fists hitting him playfully a few times, frustratedly biting down on his shoulder.

"I'm going to just -- ugh -- bite you to death now."

*****

/Sayonara816.