"Frank, 9.5 million concurrent subscribers! Congratulations on yet another directorial success."
Eric congratulated Frank Darabont over the phone.
Frank was busy on set and clearly hadn't heard the ratings for the first episode of The Walking Dead. Upon hearing the news, he let out an excited yell.
"I knew it! I was sure The Walking Dead would be a hit, but 9.5 million—this is even more than I expected. This was the best decision of my career."
"I've always believed in you, Frank. Keep that passion burning and continue working hard on the rest of the episodes. By the way, how's the filming going?"
"We're already on the 11th episode, and editing is complete for the first eight. Don't worry, we're staying on schedule."
"Great. Then get ready, because this year, we're going to reap a harvest at the Emmys."
"Yeah, after The Majestic, people were just laughing at me. The Emmys will be a great opportunity to show them that I'm still in the game. I can't wait to hear what they say now!"
Eric laughed, encouraging Darabont before hanging up. After a moment of thought, he dialed Ashley Olsen's number.
After a few rings, she answered.
"Hi, Ashley."
"Eric, I'm here. What's up?"
"Where's Mary? Is she not around?"
"Mary went to class. It's just me in the office. What do you need to pass along?"
"Did you watch The Walking Dead?"
"What?"
"MGM's new show, it premiered on HBO last night."
"Sorry, I haven't been keeping up with TV lately. Are you recommending it? If you say so, I'm interested. But what's it about?"
"Post-apocalypse and zombies. If you haven't seen it yet, definitely watch it. I'm planning to hand over the peripheral merchandising rights to DualStar Entertainment. The potential of this series is huge—bigger than The Pink Panther."
Ashley was a bit taken aback by Eric's sudden decision.
"Wait, Eric, give me a moment to think. Did you say zombies? But what does that have to do with us?"
Eric took a sip of coffee and continued:
"If you're asking about the connection to the Olsen sisters' brand, there's no direct link. But my idea is for independent production. We'll release peripheral products for The Walking Dead under the DualStar Entertainment brand."
"We'll produce zombie-themed t-shirts, caps, toys, accessories, and even zombie ice cream and zombie chocolate. All of it will sell really well."
"We need to prepare ahead of time. I don't want those damned pirates stealing our profits."
Now Ashley understood. What Eric was proposing wasn't just licensing but turning DualStar Entertainment into a sort of factory for producing goods using their distribution channels. This was more profitable than outsourcing the production since it would reduce costs and increase profit margins.
Ashley sighed. If anyone else had proposed this, the Olsen sisters would've demanded compensation. But Eric wasn't just a partner—he was a major shareholder in the company. Moreover, MGM had given DualStar Entertainment the rights to numerous classic films at low prices. Refusing would be unreasonable under such circumstances.
So Ashley agreed, though she couldn't help but note to herself that working with big companies always came at a cost.
"Eric, I'm in," Ashley replied.
"Producing clothes and accessories I get. We just slap on logos and images like we always do. But zombie ice cream and zombie chocolate? Sorry, but I can't imagine that."
"What do zombies like to eat?" Eric asked.
"People?"
"Exactly, especially brains. We'll make brain-shaped ice cream—it's not that hard."
"As for chocolate, that's even easier. We'll shape it like human organs. For the kids' version, we'll stick to more classic shapes to avoid complaints from parents, though I doubt kids will buy it anyway."
"Basically, let your designers run wild. Give them freedom."
"Understand, it's not the shape or color of the product that matters—it's the power of the brand. If The Walking Dead succeeds, fans will even buy ice cream shaped like a pile of poop."
"And I'm confident in the show's success. Got it?"
After hearing that, Ashley had no reason to refuse. She agreed.
At that moment, she felt a slight unease. Working with major companies had always been lucrative, but Eric Cooper had started showing his influence. His hidden aggressiveness surpassed even that of Robert Solnie, because Solnie didn't have this level of backing.
Trying to change the subject, Ashley asked:
"Eric, when will the filming of Blue is the Warmest Colour begin?"
"Preparations have been going on for three months now. Last week they announced the shoot, but Mary and I still don't know the director or producer. Hasn't MGM confirmed them yet?"
"Don't worry, Ashley. The filming will start soon. Maybe even in the next few days."
Ashley nervously responded:
"No, I'm not in a rush. I just hope this movie can save our careers. Better to take our time than rush it. Mary and I decided that if there's another flop, we'll quit acting."
Eric laughed.
"Wasn't that whole retirement announcement just a publicity stunt? Were you serious?"
It's not uncommon for stars to announce retirement and then return. For example, Barbie Hsu once announced her retirement, but she returned so quickly that people joked her comeback was faster than a second marriage.
There are also those who use it to boost their popularity, like Lin Chi-ling, who announced retirement yesterday and returned today.
But Ashley's tone was serious.
"Eric, Mary and I weren't joking. We're not just stars, we're businesswomen."
"Stars can afford to ignore their reputation; some even thrive on bad press because it boosts their recognition. But businesswomen can't afford that. It raises doubts about our integrity, and integrity is a key part of any brand. You understand how important that is."
Eric realized Ashley was serious and respected her more for it.
"Ashley, I promise the movie will be high-quality. If the final product doesn't meet expectations, we'll reshoot it because I don't like bad films either."
"Today is April 16th. Filming will begin in early May. Tell Mary to prepare."
"Really?" Ashley was surprised.
"Yes, I'll be the director myself."
"What?"
Ashley was utterly stunned. Eric as a director was still a mystery—no one knew what to expect from him.
However, before she could react, he abruptly ended the call:
"I've got another call coming in. Talk later, sorry!"
"Hello, Nicole! Did you miss me?" Eric smiled.
"Stop with the nonsense, Eric, I have a question for you," came the tense voice of Nicole Kidman on the other end of the line.
"What question?"
Eric felt a slight unease. Was this stunning blonde planning to cause him trouble again?
"What's going on with that phone call?"
"What call?"
"Rick, did he escape?"
"Rick? Rick and Morty?" Eric asked, suddenly recalling the cult animated series.
"Idiot, I'm talking about The Walking Dead. Did Rick escape?"
"Oh, that," Eric realized.
"What else would I be asking about? Maybe about the girl you're with right now?"
"Nicole, although we're close, I could sue you for slander over such remarks. Wait a second, did you watch The Walking Dead? Are you back in America?"
At this time, HBO hadn't yet rolled out its global strategy, so even in Australia, the show wouldn't be available for a few more years.
"Of course, I'm back. Do you think I'd be asking such questions from Australia? Or do you think I'd never come back if you didn't call?"
Nicole spoke with reproach, and Eric hurriedly apologized:
"Sorry, Nicole, I've been super busy these past few weeks. If you've been following the news, you'd know we just wrapped filming on Transformers. Guess who was responsible for that?"
"Definitely not you."
"Haha. You just want to know what happens next in The Walking Dead. I'll come over tonight."
"No, if the journalists catch us, it'll definitely be a no-win situation this time."
"Don't worry, you came back secretly, so the paparazzi don't know anything yet. I won't use the front door."
"The back door? No one's used that path before. Maybe… But no, better not, if we get caught, it'll be a mess."
"I'll bring the new episodes of The Walking Dead. You want to know what happens next, don't you? We can watch them together."
"Alright, but be careful."
Nicole agreed, though it was clear her desire to see Eric wasn't only about watching the show.
...
Ding! Ding!
The doorbell rang, and the clock read 8:54 p.m. Nicole knew exactly who it was without any need for prior arrangement.
Who could it be at this hour? In Beverly Hills, there are at least twenty police officers patrolling year-round. Who would dare commit a crime here?
Nicole opened the door and gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Eric, what happened to you?"
"Ugh!"
Eric spat out leaves and, with a sour expression, replied:
"Don't ask. You should've warned me about the thick bushes under the wall. I fell right into them."
"You climbed over the wall? Hahaha!"
Seeing his clothes torn to shreds, Nicole burst into laughter, momentarily forgetting all her woes.
"And you're laughing!" Eric exclaimed in mock indignation.
"How else should I react, sir?"
"Like this!"
Eric pulled her close, hugging her and pinning her arms behind her, then began kissing her passionately. After a few seconds, her resistance melted, and she kissed him back with equal passion.
He suddenly pulled away, gasping for air to ease the pain on his tongue.
"Why did you bite me again?" he protested.
Nicole Kidman smirked at him. "That's for not calling me, Eric Cooper. You little scoundrel! I'll make sure you remember it!"
Eric laughed awkwardly, but Nicole unexpectedly pulled him to her with such force that he couldn't help but be amazed at the energy in her slender frame.
The passionate kiss overtook him once more, and soon their clothes were nowhere to be seen.
"Little scoundrel, that was your punishment. Now I want to reward you."
"For what?" Eric asked.
"For showing up. You know what a woman truly thinks? She may say she doesn't want to see you, but deep down, she's hoping you'll come anyway."
"You're such complicated creatures. So how do you plan to reward me?" Eric asked, his hands continuing to explore her body.
"What do you think?"
"I want the back door," Eric said, grabbing her thigh.
"Ah!" Nicole gasped, trying to break free. "No, I've heard it's painful. I've never tried it."
"But you agreed, Nicole."
"When did I say that?"
"On the phone. Have you already forgotten?"
Realizing she couldn't escape, Nicole weakly hit Eric on the chest: "I was talking about the back door of the house, you scoundrel!"
"But I didn't come through the back door of the house, so we'll have to make up for it."
"No, let's watch TV first," she responded, but her words were silenced by another passionate kiss.
Over an hour later, after much effort and energy, Eric finally got what he wanted.
He sat on the couch, grimacing in pain, while Nicole lay across his lap, continuing to pinch him.
"Stop it, darling, or I really won't be able to walk tomorrow."
"You're not in as bad a state as I am. I truly won't be able to walk!" she replied.
On the TV, the zombies were growling, and Eric pointed at the screen: "Let's focus on the show."
"Don't change the subject. We can record it and watch later. You only think about yourself, you scoundrel!"
"Think only of myself? You're wrong. I always think about you."
"Really? And how are you going to prove that?"
Eric gently laid her head on the couch, found his pants, and pulled an elegant gift box out of the pocket.
"I brought this from China. It's a gift just for you. When you wear it, it'll be as if I'm always by your side."
A smile crept onto Nicole's lips. She hadn't expected such a surprise. Although her heart was filled with joy, she tried to keep a serious expression.
Feigning indifference, she opened the box and saw a unique Chinese piece of jewelry — a diamond necklace in the shape of a love knot. Her experienced eye immediately recognized its high value.
Eric took the necklace and put it on her: "Nicole, this is called a love knot. In China, it symbolizes love and means that two people's hearts are bound together."
"Whose hearts?"
"Mine and yours!"
All her pretenses faded, and she gazed at Eric with a dreamy look.
"Scoundrel, kiss me!"
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