The resort located on the outskirts of Park City resembled a countryside retreat more than a hotel. It featured separate villas, much like those available for rent in Sanya. Arriving here with family, one could feel right at home.
Note: Sanya is a resort city in China.
Eric was enjoying the hot springs in an indoor setting, completely cut off from the winter cold. Steam wafted around, creating an atmosphere of absolute comfort.
Suddenly, his face tensed, his brows furrowed, but a moment later, he relaxed again.
Splash
A few seconds later, a woman emerged from the water. Chloë Sevigny shook droplets from her hair and wiped the corners of her mouth.
"Did you enjoy my service?"
Eric cupped her chin: "You're definitely in the top three!"
...
He sprawled on the couch, watching TV, while Chloë cooked in the kitchen. The only thing that annoyed him was the lack of a computer in the villa.
However, the news wasn't supposed to hit the press yet; he needed to wait a bit.
Flipping through the channels with the remote, he stopped at NBC. A familiar group of six friends appeared on the screen.
When Eric was worried or bored, he loved watching Friends. Seeing the six friends always made him smile, just like movies with Stephen Chow.
On TV, they were showing the 11th episode of the 4th season, the famous scene featuring Monica.
On the screen, Chandler, unsure of his abilities, was seeking advice from Rachel and Monica.
Chloë brought a plate over and sat next to Eric: "Try my pie. All my friends say it's delicious."
"Oh, you're watching Friends? Looks like we have another common interest."
Eric beckoned her to sit closer. They both stared at the screen.
On the screen, Monica pulled out a drawing board: "There are seven erogenous zones on a woman's body."
Chandler was shocked: "Seven?"
Monica showed the board to her future husband, and he was surprised again: "That's considered one too?"
"Of course, and it's very important. Oh, sorry, I was holding it upside down."
Rachel added: "Upside down isn't bad either."
Noticing everyone staring at her, she laughed awkwardly.
"First, start with 1."
"Then 1, 2, 3."
"Then move to 5."
"Don't forget about 6."
"Next, combinations: 3, 4, 7; 2, 5, 4; 1, 5, 6; 5, 6; and also 4, 7."
Monica was getting more excited: "And finally, attack 7."
"7!"
"7!"
"7!"
"7!"
"7!"
"7!"
"7!"
Outside the TV, there was a crash, and the plate fell to the floor. Chloë Sevigny, her eyes rolling back, repeated: "Seven! Seven! Seven! Seven! Seven!"
Half an hour later, she lay on the couch, still not fully recovered from the excitement: "You flipped my pie over; it was a dish I had carefully prepared."
Eric patted her thigh: "I already compensated for that. You got a more nourishing treat."
...
At three o'clock in the afternoon, Eric woke up to find Chloë gone. She was supposed to be promoting the film but promised to return after finishing her tasks. During the next 10 days of the Sundance Film Festival, she wasn't planning to leave him.
Eric took out his phone and dialed Elin's number. She answered immediately after the first ring: "Eric Cooper, my dear, I was just about to call you. What magic did you use? Hasbro's shares are dropping again, already by more than 7%! Ha-ha-ha..."
"I told you to keep an eye on the entertainment news. I gave an interview this morning; looks like its effect is already kicking in."
"By the way, I don't have a computer here, and I can't go online. Can you check what the journalists are writing?"
After they finished the call, Eric started receiving messages.
New York Times: "Eric Cooper comments on the controversies surrounding Transformers at the Sundance Film Festival."
Eric nodded, seeing the headline. Everything seemed fine, without any unnecessary sensationalism. But as he continued reading, his expression darkened.
Chicago Sun-Times: "A Rich Heir's Boring Game that Will Ruin Transformers."
Los Angeles Times: "700 Million Box Office Claims are the Fantasies of a Boy Dreaming of Becoming a Great Director."
ABC Network: "The Future of Transformers in Jeopardy, Fans Will Be Disappointed."
CBS Entertainment News: "Genius Director or Spoiled Kid? Eric Cooper Insists on Directing Transformers."
There were also numerous articles in lesser-known tabloids, where fiction and fantasy knew no bounds.
"Internal Power Struggles at MGM: Who Holds the Lion's Reins?"
"Internal Discord and Cracks in MGM's Management, Seen Through the Lens of Transformers."
Eric, reading these absurd headlines, couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head. Although the murkier the water, the stronger the market influence, now he had to bear this heavy burden.
He hadn't finished reading all the messages when his phone rang again—it was Elin.
"Baby, what did you say? These media are tearing you apart!"
Eric smiled coldly: "Happy now?"
Elin laughed uncontrollably: "Are you angry? Come to New York, I'll take good care of you."
"Ha-ha... Is that what you call care? I almost broke down!"
"Well, I was worried there wouldn't be a next time, so I decided to squeeze everything out of you. Next time you come, I'll make it up to you."
"How exactly?"
"Secret. A woman should always remain a bit mysterious, you know? Otherwise, you wouldn't have the desire to pursue her."
After hanging up, Eric continued watching TV. Band of Brothers was on HBO. On the screen, David Schwimmer was fiercely shouting, and it was hard to believe he was the same Ross from Friends.
David's acting skills were undoubtedly the strongest among the six, but after Friends ended, his career in Hollywood declined. Movies with his participation didn't create much of a buzz, and new series also weren't successful—a fate shared by many actors who shine in one project.
Shows that run for ten years or more cement an actor's image in the viewers' minds. As soon as they see him, they immediately remember Ross. Besides George Clooney, no one else managed to successfully change their type.
Eric, continuing to watch the series, pondered about the HBO channel itself. At this time, it was not yet the dominant giant with half of the US subscribers, and it didn't have many successful shows, but it knew how to spend money, as evidenced by the $120 million budget for Band of Brothers.
"HBO, maybe I should sell them The Walking Dead? AMC definitely can't compete with them financially!"
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