Laila is an idol in the hearts of young people, and her fans are usually on the younger side. Since the beginning of her career and the filming of her first movie, her initial fans have entered society, becoming financially capable individuals. Her new batch of fans is among the most active students, making it effortless to achieve high box office results as long as the timing is right.
The reason for "only" achieving over 25 million is a result of various factors colliding. It has little to do with the quality of the film itself.
However, this is something that the navy, who only cares about money without watching the movie, and the trolls who are determined to criticize anything related to Laila, will not understand. They only see that "The Lord of the Rings," a movie that was heavily promoted, only earned this much at the box office. Comparing it to Laila's previous films, they are convinced that this one is a failure.
Faaris is one of them. He got the premiere box office of "The Lord of the Rings" right away. In Hollywood over the past two years, he has had some exposure to the film industry, so he knows that this box office figure is undoubtedly a blow to the confidence of an investment in a movie.
Of course, he is very happy to see this result. Nothing pleases him more than Laila's failure.
"Cooper, write a review, mock Moran's box office this time! I want her to be so beaten down that she can't lift her head! I also want those who haven't watched it to lose all interest in watching the movie after seeing your review!"
Cooper glanced at Faaris, who was holding a glass of red wine, and lowered his head silently with a mocking smile. "Mr. Faaris, I don't think it's appropriate to publish such a review at the moment."
"Hmm?" Faaris looked at him with a hostile gaze. "Is there a problem?"
He really disliked the American system. If this were his country, a subordinate who dared to speak to him like this would have been dragged out to be whipped long ago. He wouldn't tolerate someone refusing his orders. Unfortunately, this is America, and even if he is filled with displeasure, he has to show some compassion to Cooper, who has American citizenship.
Cooper gritted his teeth as if trying to poke through the palm of his hand with his sleeves. "The premiere box office this time doesn't mean much. I think it's better to observe for another day before commenting."
"And what else needs to be observed? If the premiere box office doesn't count, then I would like to ask you what does?" Faaris's voice turned cold.
"I think there may be some issues with Moran's movie's first-day box office this time. We need to see what happens with today's box office before making a decision."
Faaris stared at him coldly, placing the wine glass heavily on the table. "Even if that's the case, so what? I want you to write, and you have to write. Don't forget what you owe me!"
Cooper's palm in his sleeve tightened as if trying to pierce it. "Mr. Faaris, the reason I have a certain influence is that I provide precise evaluations in film reviews. If Moran does show signs of decline, I am confident that my words can magnify it tenfold. But if I make a wrong judgment, it will greatly affect my reputation, and I will lose the trust of many people who believe in me. So, the next time I want to say something, not as many people will listen."
Listening to him, Faaris's expression eased a bit. "What you said makes sense. So, according to what you said, after tomorrow's box office comes out, you won't refuse my request, right?"
Cooper lowered his head, not daring to look at those eyes emitting coldness. "Yes, Mr. Faaris. When tomorrow's box office comes out, you will see what you want to see. As long as the box office is still related to the premiere, I guarantee it will make many people who were initially interested lose interest!"
"Alright, do it this way." Faaris waved his hand to let him leave, retracting his eyes only after seeing him disappear behind the door.
He is a conceited person, and what he dislikes most is that his decisions are not executed properly. But he is also a contradictory person and not a boss who doesn't listen to advice. Even though Cooper's words made him withdraw his command, he still felt that he was correct. So, even if he doesn't use Cooper, he lets the people below spend money to spread the information he wants to appear in the media.
So, that night, some media outlets began to hype the news of Laila's new work flopping.
"25.3 million is undoubtedly bad news for a film that invested hundreds of millions. We have to doubt whether the remaining two parts will have a chance to be released, or if Laila, who seems to be running out of talent, will decline from now on."
Laila saw the news in the evening paper and couldn't help but laugh. "Demi, how many times have I run out of talent?"
"Every time," Demi answered seriously.
Well, wasn't it every time? Laila shook her head with a wry smile, quite impressed with the media's self-hyping ability. Each time they screamed that she had run out of talent, and each time, her achievements would slap them in the face shortly after. Truly, their hearts must be resilient, able to endure defeat after defeat, time and time again.
"BOSS, aren't you worried at all?" Demi asked curiously.
Laila raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I be worried? I'm worried too. If this one really flops, the people in our company will go hungry with me."
Demi thought she was joking. Even if the company went bankrupt, she wouldn't go hungry. There's still the Moran Media Group waiting for her to inherit. Who doesn't know how much Grandpa Moran loves his granddaughter? He always finds ways to praise her in interviews.
"Sorry, BOSS, I didn't see it." Worry? She had never seen that expression on her face.
Laila smiled. "You also called me BOSS. Do you think a boss who worries all the time, constantly fearing bankruptcy, can maintain a good working environment for the company? Can the people below still focus on their work? "
Demi seemed to understand something. "So, you've been showing confidence all along for this reason?"
Laila rested her chin on her hand, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. "You can think of me as the cornerstone of a pyramid. Only when I am stable can the top be stable. And if I don't hold up, even if the people above work hard and are excellent, they won't have a strong structure."
"In general, isn't the boss usually the topmost piece?" Demi felt that what she had learned seemed to be challenged.
"For me, being the interesting cornerstone at the bottom is better than being the top piece that is always on the verge of collapse."
She likes making movies, likes producing them. It's like creating a cornerstone, allowing others to serve around this cornerstone, gradually accumulating strength from all sides, and finally building a sturdy pyramid.
Demi silently looked at her, pondering what she meant by "interesting." Why else would she be her own boss? When she speaks, it always seems to contain many meanings, making it subtly profound.