DualStar Entertainment.
Robert Solni sat alone in his office, deep in thought. He was facing a serious problem.
The conflict with the Olsen sisters had become irreparable. Since last year, aside from already signed contracts, they had deliberately avoided working with him. As the agent who had nurtured and developed their careers, he received no respect.
These two girls were increasingly distancing themselves from him. Judging by today's events, continuing to work at DualStar Entertainment was pointless, as sooner or later the conflict would reach its peak.
The Olsen family owned 55% of the shares, while Solni only had 45%.
When the time came, the sisters' parents, although divorced, would likely unite for the sake of profit, and he wouldn't be able to stand against them. Especially since DualStar Entertainment was going through tough times, and the Olsen sisters' commercial value had significantly decreased. Selling his shares seemed like a good way out.
MGM looked like the perfect new partner. The capabilities of the Cooper father-and-son duo were well known in the market, and everyone was eagerly awaiting the "lion's" return to the stock market.
Robert picked up a pen and started jotting down numbers on a piece of paper.
He was calculating his assets and, after doing the math, realized that after recent losses in the stock market, he only had a few million dollars in cash left. This amount was insufficient to get into MGM. He couldn't even hope for their attention.
"Shares..."
"It's probably time to sell my shares in DualStar Entertainment. I could find a buyer for 350 million dollars."
"That money could be exchanged for a 7% stake in MGM. When they go public, I'll earn at least 100 million."
New York, HBO Headquarters.
Eric and HBO Chairman Zach Thomas signed the contract, after which they exchanged a handshake amid applause from those around them.
Zach Thomas was a man in his fifties. Although his hair was still black, it was obvious that he dyed it, as his face was lined with deep wrinkles.
Looking at the young and handsome Eric, Thomas couldn't help but admire him: "Eric, I've met many talents in Hollywood, but you are the most capable young man I've ever seen."
Feigning surprise, Eric modestly thanked him. Although Americans love to boast, such words could provoke envy and resentment.
"No, I'm not joking. The idea to create a zombie series is genius. We have zombie movies, and last year, the UK released 28 Days Later, but you're the first to suggest making a zombie series."
"I heard from Frank Darabont that you developed the script. Is that true?"
Eric smiled modestly: "Yes, it's really my script. When I watched zombie movies, I always felt that the plots were too simple."
"You know, modern zombie movies usually show only a part of a city, creating the illusion that zombies have taken over the entire world. But their depiction and atmosphere are unconvincing."
"Moreover, zombies move too slowly; they don't seem dangerous. Imagine, zombies don't eat people; they just bite them. It's not right; there's not enough brutality and a sense of apocalypse."
"The most important thing is that in movies, due to limited time, it's impossible to fully reveal humanity's struggle, which is one of the main themes of The Walking Dead."
"As a regular viewer, I felt this frustration, and I think many others did too. That's how the idea for The Walking Dead was born."
Zach Thomas turned to his subordinates: "Look at him, look at this young man. You should learn from him. HBO has enough money, but we lack bold and decisive people like Eric."
Then he shook Eric's hand again: "Although I've only seen the first episode, I'm sure I made the right decision. I hope MGM treats every episode with as much care as the first one. I have a feeling The Walking Dead will be a ratings leader in 2003."
"Don't worry, Thomas. The Walking Dead is also MGM's baby. I'll value it even more than you."
"Hahaha..."
After signing the contract, they went to lunch. Eric promised that MGM would definitely collaborate with HBO on future series. The meeting was warm and friendly.
After saying goodbye to Zach Thomas, Eric met with Serge Hassenfeld. Since he was in New York, it would be good to maintain friendly relations.
On the outside, Serge was still the same successful CEO of Hasbro. However, in private conversations, he continued to complain about his life, becoming more candid with each encounter.
Serge's complaints remained the same: dissatisfaction with work, a dull family life, and a lack of joy. His children had grown up and were studying far from home, rarely visiting. When they did return, they hardly communicated with him, preferring to spend time with their mother.
Even sex had become routine. The allure of call girls had worn off, and he was yearning for a new experience.
Serge admitted that his current fantasy was to date Kate Winslet.
He wanted to start with a secret romance, gradually developing the relationship. When they became lovers, everything would get even better. In such a setting, sex would be the most enjoyable.
Eric didn't know what to say to such confessions. If he wasn't mistaken, Kate Winslet was indeed single at the moment, having divorced a few years ago.
The problem was that you, old man, are married. Kate Winslet is a world-renowned actress. She wouldn't risk her reputation for a secret affair with you. Not everyone is Angelina Jolie. Besides, Eric wasn't even acquainted with Kate Winslet, so he only promised to arrange a meeting if the opportunity arose.
After saying goodbye to him, Eric went on a date with Elin. They agreed to discuss only personal matters, avoiding work-related topics.
The meeting itself was intense, without any discussion of DualStar Entertainment. She didn't seem too worried about her nieces.
When he returned to Los Angeles, it was already one in the morning. Upon arriving home, he noticed that his assistant Chen Xin had been sitting by his side the whole way, never leaving his post.
"Chen Xin, since you became my secretary, you've had a lot of work, haven't you?" Eric asked.
Chen Xin quickly replied: "Yes, it's been a bit intense, but I've learned a lot. Not only in terms of work but also in strategic thinking. I feel like I've grown a lot over these past few months."
"My parents and my entire family support me. They motivate me to work harder and prioritize my job."
Such an answer was very typical of someone from an Asian background. The young man had landed a prestigious and promising job and was willing to work himself to the bone just to succeed. His parents, though concerned about his struggles, supported him, believing that all the suffering was justified for the sake of the future.
If they were white parents, their approach might have been entirely different. For them, children have their own lives. They might only advise and support, and sometimes even encourage changing jobs if it doesn't bring happiness.
Hearing Chen Xin's response, Eric thought about his past life and suddenly asked, "Chen, what hobbies do you have?"
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