[Chapter 477: Do You Want That Ring?]
Although Jim Carrey had a long string of box office hits in the past, fans unanimously agreed that his most iconic work was the film at hand, The Mask.
In the movie, Stanley, a downtrodden bank employee, accidentally finds a mask that grants him superpowers, setting off a series of chaotic events. As expected, the good guy triumphs over the bad guy, and the hero finally gets the girl. While the plot was fairly run-of-the-mill, Carrey's wild and eccentric performance had the premiere audience erupting in genuine laughter.
Eric watched the big screen, listening to the intermittent laughter from the theater audience, and couldn't help but think that if it weren't for the rise of Hollywood's blockbuster effects films, Jim Carrey might have held a status in 90s Hollywood comparable to that of Tom Cruise.
"What are you thinking about?" Elisabeth's soft voice suddenly broke in beside him.
"Just some things," Eric replied vaguely before changing the subject. "How's the preparation for Ace Ventura coming along?"
Elisabeth displayed noticeable discontent at Eric's topic shift, responding curtly, "It's fine; it won't delay the schedule."
Eric chuckled lightly and reached over to give her leg a reassuring pat. "Liz, don't be like that. You know I'll tell you anything I can."
Elisabeth glanced around, ensuring no one was paying attention, then pushed Eric's hand away from her leg. "Why can't I know about some other things?"
Eric knew he couldn't share his memories about the future with anyone. "Everyone deserves a little privacy, you know."
People typically valued their privacy fiercely, even in the closest relationships, and hearing this made Elisabeth's minor annoyance dissipate. She sighed and asked, "Hey, what do you think The Mask will earn at the box office?"
Eric pointed to the audience behind him and said, "Considering the crowd's reaction, I'd say a hundred million is definitely in the bag."
Most of the audience at the premiere consisted of long-time film enthusiasts invited by the studio, and since the film had performed well with them, it would likely do well among regular moviegoers, too.
However, Elisabeth seemed unsatisfied. "Just a hundred million? Twister is projected to earn three hundred million in North America alone! They already have over fifty million overseas; I doubt the overseas total will be much less than North America."
"Well, you should consider the budget differences between the two films. Twister's budget is seventy million, while The Mask's is under thirty million."
Elisabeth furrowed her brow. "I still feel like there's some kind of difference."
"If you're really passionate about it, maybe you can try making a big-budget movie in a couple of years. But if it fails, don't come crying to me."
"Sure, I'll give it a shot."
Eric laughed and clarified, "Just so you know, Firefly won't be investing in that."
"Hmph, you're biased! You're all too eager to invest in that documentary with little chance of profit for some woman."
Eric understood that Elisabeth was referring to Kathryn Bigelow's documentary on the Los Angeles riots. He had facilitated Kathryn's connection with Fox News, which had accumulated substantial news material from that incident. It wasn't surprising that Elisabeth knew about this.
He had heard women complain about his biases more than once, but he knew these comments often carried a hint of playful teasing, and he had never mistreated any of the women in his life.
Thinking of Fox, Eric suddenly recalled something. "Speaking of Fox, I just remembered a movie they're releasing at the end of the month called Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
"What about it?"
Eric leaned in slightly, grinning mischievously. "What if we offered to buy the rights for that movie? You can name your price."
In his memory, Buffy the Vampire Slayer had run for about seven seasons; any show that lasted that long was definitely a classic. He hadn't realized that the movie version of the TV series, which aired in 1997, was actually produced in 1992.
Elisabeth noticed Eric's expression and immediately became wary. She instinctively recalled how Eric had acquired the rights for An Affair to Remember from Fox. Firefly had only spent a few million on those rights, but thanks to Sleepless in Seattle reigniting interest in the film, they sold over two hundred thousand VHS copies, making millions in profit. Remembering this, Elisabeth promptly refused. "Not this again; don't even think about it."
"Okay," Eric shrugged and straightened his posture.
A moment later, Elisabeth couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer and asked, "Hey, what exactly do you want to do?"
"Selling the rights to me is step one. After that, I'll tell you," Eric replied with a grin.
"Well, if you don't want to tell me, then don't tell me. I'm just going to inform Fox not to give you the rights, even letting the rights go rot."
"Go right ahead," Eric said. Even if he were to obtain the adaptation rights immediately, Firefly had no plans for more television adaptations for a while. This year, in addition to a few major films, Firefly had another five or six mid-budget projects, plus all those Friends episodes. The company was running at full capacity. Perhaps in a few years, once Firefly had its own television station, they could explore this further. Speaking of which, Eric's mind wandered again -- right now, the major networks were all operating independently, with none merging with the big six. It was a prime time for acquisitions.
Noticing Eric in a deep reverie again, Elisabeth playfully kicked him with her small leg before turning her gaze back to the screen.
...
Before they knew it, The Mask had reached its conclusion. Stanley and Tina stood side by side on the bridge, casually tossing the magical mask into the river before embracing each other.
As the applause erupted around them, Eric turned to Elisabeth. "I'm not attending the party later; you can handle it."
"No, Eric! It's only ten o'clock," Drew's voice protested in from the other side before she could answer.
Most of the attendees at the post-premiere party were the creative team behind the film and special guests invited to the premiere. Since there were no VIPs Eric felt he needed to mingle with, he was too lazy to join in the festivities.
"I have things to do tomorrow. You all enjoy," Eric said as he gently patted the girl on the shoulder.
...
After a brief curtain call, just as Eric was about to leave through the backstage, Drew appeared, holding her dress and followed by two small shadows.
"Hey, Brit, Chris," Eric greeted the two girls. Noticing that Britney wasn't only in her school uniform but also carrying a little backpack, he couldn't resist asking, "Isn't it summer vacation? Why are you still going to school?"
"I... I'm in summer school, Mr. Williams," Britney responded shyly, her gaze downcast.
While summer school wasn't typical, there were exceptions. Both Britney and Christina were young Disney actors, often falling behind on their studies, so it made sense for them to attend summer classes. Even though Eric understood, he couldn't help but tease lightly. "I hear that kids who attend summer school aren't exactly the best students."
Britney opened her mouth in mock surprise and then suddenly pointed at Christina beside her. "Chris is going to summer school too!"
Eric almost burst out laughing. It was clear that this little girl had completely missed his joke. He turned to the adorably dressed Christina in her lovely light blue dress. She looked nothing like a student who had come straight from school. He reached out to ruffle the girl's hair. "She looks even less like a good student."
Christina could definitely tell Eric was teasing them, but she neither panicked nor got upset. Instead, she stuck out her tongue playfully and didn't mind Eric messing up her hair. She gently tucked her chin and narrowed her lovely eyes slightly, almost like a cute little kitten.
Seeing Christina's expression, Eric was struck with a sense of deja vu. He inadvertently glanced at Drew beside him and suddenly realized that Christina was imitating Drew's adorable mannerisms.
Ah, they were all little rascals.
"It's pretty late; you should get going. I'll have someone drive you home."
"Huh?" The one who spoke was the innocent Britney, who had been hoping to be driven back to Beverly Hills by Drew tonight.
Upon hearing Britney's confusion, Eric looked at Drew. "What's up?"
Drew wrapped her arms around the two girls and said with a grin, "I'm taking them to stay at my place. Eric, you wanna come?"
Eric shook his head eagerly. "Let's not; since you're doing this, get back early. Don't stay out too late. And don't forget to send them to class tomorrow."
"Got it, you sound like an old man."
Eric lightly flicked her forehead. "By the way, I still haven't settled the score with you for what you taught little Emma last time."
"Hehe, I heard about it. Julia said you were quite embarrassed back then."
As they chatted, they made their way to the parking lot. Drew, citing that she hadn't driven, insisted on getting into Eric's ride with the two girls. With two bodyguards in the front seat, Eric was obliged to squeeze into the back with the three girls.
It was a tight squeeze as they reached the entrance to Drew's mansion. Eric didn't get out of the car but instead urged the three girls to hop out. After a brief goodbye, he instructed the driver to head home.
...
Only after Eric's SUV vanished did the three girls enter Drew's mansion. Britney was blissfully unaware, while Christina felt a slight disappointment that Eric hadn't stayed over. The girl always hoped to spend more time with Eric, as impressing this Hollywood big shot was far better than just having him at home for the night.
"Did you learn well?" As they walked down the mansion's hallway, Drew casually draped her arm around Christina's shoulder, smiling knowingly.
"Huh? What?" Christina attempted to play dumb.
Drew mockingly pinched the girl's cheek. "That was a compliment. You did great."
Christina realized she had been caught mimicking Drew's lovable expression. Uncertain whether Drew was genuinely complimenting her, she bit her lip nervously and managed a sheepish grin. "I just thought it looked good."
"And Eric really likes it," Drew added with a smile.
This time, Christina didn't respond. On the other hand, Britney looked confused, entirely in the dark about their conversation. Drew made no effort to clarify for the naive girl; after all, there was an upside to being a bit clueless. It would be rather dull to have two identical little girls running around.
...
Tina Fey didn't hear the noise of the car in the yard and nearly jumped when the door opened. Noticing it was Drew returning with the two girls, she sighed in relief. She had chosen to stay home during the night's premiere. Seeing Drew come back with the two girls didn't surprise Tina; she always thought Drew's interaction with them was a sign that she hadn't lost her childlike spirit.
"Why are you back so soon? Isn't there still a party?" Tina Fey stood up from the couch, curiosity twinkling in her eyes.
Drew lazily flopped onto the sofa and waved her hand dismissively. "This party isn't worth it, and since Eric left early, it's even less interesting. I just hitchhiked in his ride."
"Eric was there too?" Tina Fey glanced out the door.
"Stop looking; he's already gone," Drew replied teasingly. "Can you get me a glass of juice? I'm kinda thirsty."
"I'll get it," Christina said eagerly, already standing up to head to the fridge.
Tina Fey observed Christina's actions, shaking her head slightly before sitting back on the couch and casually picking up some documents she had just been looking at.
"It's late, and you're still poring over this stuff?" Drew leaned closer, eyeing the documents before smiling.
"Not like I have anything else to do," Tina Fey replied. She wasn't particularly fond of television; moreover, since Drew was paying her well, Tina felt compelled to work diligently.
"Hey, Tina, the more you do, the lazier I get. I'm really afraid that one day you'll just quit on me," Drew teased as she leaned against Tina, casually wrapping her arm around the woman's waist.
Tina Fey laughed and shook her trim waist playfully, replying, "You offer me such a high salary; I wouldn't dare quit."
"And you wouldn't want to leave Eric either, would you?" Drew quipped immediately.
Tina Fey's cheeks flushed, and her gaze wandered.
"Tina, do you want that ring?" Drew suddenly asked.
"Ah..." Tina Fey almost dropped the folder in her hands at the question.
*****
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