[Chapter 925: RealD]
In an office at the ABC headquarters in the Upper West Hydee, the clock had already passed quitting time. Caroline hung up the phone, checked the notes she had just jotted down, and began organizing the various materials she had gathered today with Melanie.
A few days earlier, after receiving a memo from Eric, the two women suddenly became busy, prompting them to request an office from ABC headquarters to work in.
The memo contained Eric's new movie proposal.
It detailed the development plan for a 3D movie projection system.
It also included a feasibility assessment of the Firefly Group's foray into the theater industry.
Even though Eric's memo was only a few pages long, it practically mobilized the entire Firefly Group. After directing two films that each grossed over a billion dollars worldwide, Eric's next project was something many were closely watching and eagerly anticipating. Moreover, this time, Eric's goal wasn't just to chase another billion; he aimed to revolutionize the traditional film exhibition industry.
Though 3D movies had soared in popularity during the 1970s and '80s, they mostly offered audiences a novelty without ever becoming mainstream. As the 1990s rolled on and blockbuster after blockbuster flooded Hollywood, people's initial curiosity began to wane, leading 3D films to hit an unprecedented low over the past few years. In many cities, old-school 3D theaters had even disappeared.
Two years prior, Eric established a dedicated 3D conversion technology research and development department under Firefly's digital effects company, building a screening room in the Firefly cinema for testing conversion effects. Over the past two years, they had accumulated a wealth of experience.
Within the Firefly Group, it was already understood that Eric would eventually push for 3D technology.
Now that the plan was officially underway, although concerns about the declining 3D film industry had arisen, the majority of senior executives at Firefly remained full of expectations due to their blind faith in Eric's abilities, especially since Eric planned to personally oversee the production of a film aimed specifically at promoting 3D cinema.
Caroline organized the materials she needed to take home, stuffing them along with her favorite light blue canvas bag and laptop. She then left the ABC headquarters on 66th Street with Melanie and drove back to the high-rise apartment where Eric lived at the entrance of Sixth Avenue.
...
Once they arrived, Melanie noticed that after Caroline opened the door, she instinctively surveyed the surroundings, revealing a look of disappointment. Unable to suppress a sigh, she felt like a diligent wife who had returned home after a long day's work only to find her idle husband was out fooling around again.
Well, while it was certain that that guy was doing something, Melanie simply couldn't find a more fitting description.
As she helped take Caroline's bag off her shoulder, Melanie comforted her, saying, "You're leaving for the UK tomorrow. He might come back tonight; I can give him a call."
Caroline watched Melanie head straight for the landline in the living room and quickly intervened, "Mel, no need. Eric might be busy with something."
"At this hour, aside from flaunting a pretty trophy at some chaotic party, what could he possibly be busy with?" Melanie recalled the pictures she had seen in magazines just days earlier of Eric attending New York Fashion Week with Cindy Crawford.
Since their rental company managed Eric's numerous properties and was under the control of Eric's assistant's office, Melanie was well aware that Eric preferred this particular high-rise apartment in New York. Since he hadn't returned to stay recently, and hadn't asked them to arrange a different place for him, it was the logical conclusion that he was likely staying over at one of those women's homes.
Thinking about it, he really was fooling around.
Growing somewhat miffed, Melanie pressed Eric's phone number. However, once the call connected and she heard his familiar, slightly magnetic voice, her earlier irritation vanished without a trace. Though her tone wasn't overly formal, she didn't dare infuse it with any emotion.
After the last incident which had left her rattled, she instinctively avoided any odd behaviors in front of Eric. "Eric, it's Melanie... Um, we are heading to the UK tomorrow. I wanted to check if there's anything else you need me to prepare... Oh, right, Caroline and I sorted through more materials today on that space movie, some books, plus a lot of other files from Los Angeles. We're already in the apartment on Sixth Avenue; do you need to see any of it ahead of time? ... Okay, got it. Then, I'll talk to you later. Goodbye."
Hanging up the phone, Melanie wore a dejected expression. She glanced at Caroline, whose lashes were beginning to droop, then suddenly broke into a playful smile, pinching Caroline's cheek. "Eric said he'd be back later. Are you satisfied now?"
Caroline removed Melanie's hand and shot her an unimposing glare before turning toward the kitchen. "I'm going to prepare dinner. What do you want to eat?"
"Whatever. I helped you out a lot, so I'm off kitchen duty tonight," Melanie lazily sank into the sofa, kicked off her heels, grabbed the remote, and then suddenly sat up to place her shoes back neatly beside the couch before settling back comfortably.
...
At the LTD group headquarters in Midtown, many people were still on the clock since it was the final day for auditions for the new Victoria's Secret Angels.
Emily had already scouted a batch of models who had gained notoriety over the past two years before Eric arrived in New York, so picking five out of them was a much simpler process. Eric had also added Gisele's recommendation, the stunning model Qusie Gauff, to the audition list.
On Alessandra's birthday in April, Eric had already met the doll-faced supermodel, and after the auditions, Emily was impressed with Qusie Gauff, making her officially one of the latest Victoria's Secret supermodels.
After ending the call with Melanie, Eric returned to the studio filled with samples of angel outfit designs, where Emily and several executives from LTD were busy discussing upcoming media marketing strategies with the five new supermodels and their agents. As the new angels, it was essential for them to leverage the next couple of months for promotion.
...
Chris arrived at the LTD headquarters after work, planning to pick Emily up after she finished. This was a special request from Emily, and she made no secret of her reasoning: she was pregnant and wanted to keep her husband close at hand, giving him no chances to misbehave. Both Chris and Emily were strong-willed individuals in their careers. However, in their personal life, Chris spoiled Emily, embodying the standard image of a good husband. Virginia often envied Emily for this and would sometimes grumble about her "hardship" in front of Eric.
Chris was idly flipping through a fashion magazine while seated at a large workspace when he saw Eric walk in. He teasingly asked, "So, which beauty called you this time?"
Having wrapped up the day's busy schedule, Eric opted not to return to his previous spot. Instead, he sat beside Chris and leaned in to listen to the conversations of the group gathered around the work table. He quietly explained to Chris, "My assistant, work-related stuff."
Chris nodded and glanced over at his wife, who was still talking, then added, "Aren't you heading to the UK tomorrow? How about we grab dinner together later?"
Eric chuckled and replied, "I think it's best if you take Emily home to rest. It's been seven months, and she needs to be calm. If it were me, I'd have her tied down at home to take it easy."
Chris nodded in agreement but then chuckled as he shook his head, saying, "I don't have your knack for dealing with women. If that's the case, we might as well save dinner for another time. I guess the next time you come to New York will be for Thanksgiving, huh? Little one should be arriving then."
"Aren't you due in early November? I'll do my best to swing by."
...
After chatting quietly with Chris for a bit, the meeting wrapped up quickly. Everyone started to leave, and Eric accompanied Chris and Emily to the parking lot to see them off. Just as they were about to get into their car, Qusie Gauff hopped out of another vehicle, her steps light as she rushed over to Eric. "Hey, Eric!"
Though somewhat surprised, Eric didn't want to be seen by the others. He smiled and sidestepped a bit, saying to Qusie, "Get in the car."
Qusie didn't hesitate; she bent down and hopped into the car. Once Eric was in and had instructed the driver, he asked the girl beside him, "Where do you live? Let me give you a ride back?"
"I'm sharing an apartment with others, and it's messy. I wouldn't want you to think less of it," Qusie replied, unknowingly pushing her shapely legs, which were snugly fitted in her jeans, slightly towards Eric. Her amber, beautiful eyes looked at him, saying, "Eric, I haven't thanked you yet. How about I treat you to dinner?"
Eric glanced at his watch; it was still not even seven o'clock. He figured it wasn't too late to grab a bite before going back, so he said, "How about I treat you instead? What do you want to eat?"
Qusie didn't refuse. She knew a dinner meant little to Eric. "If you're treating, then you choose the place."
Recalling a restaurant Cindy had taken him to, Eric instructed the driver to head there.
...
"So, how was your last outing?" At the restaurant, after ordering dinner, Eric initiated a conversation.
Eric was, of course, referring to the last time he had sent a group of girls on a trip around the world as part of a fun wager.
Thinking back on that experience made Qusie's face light up with excitement. "We went to Tokyo, Paris, London, Venice... So many places! It was the best trip of my life."
As a model, although Qusie Gauff frequently traveled for work, the intent and attitude during a trip were entirely different. Not to mention, having a private jet to command was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Reflecting on their trip, Qusie boldly locked eyes with Eric and asked, "Eric, will you do that kind of thing again?"
Eric winked playfully, answering, "Well, that's not guaranteed."
As they chatted casually, they finished dinner and shared a bottle of red wine, leaving the restaurant. While Eric felt completely sober, Qusie's cheeks flushed a light pink. Despite her bright, clear amber eyes, she leaned against him, looking delicate.
Once they got into the car, Eric instinctively told the driver to head back to the Sixth Avenue apartment; after all, a little lamb had come knocking, and he wasn't inclined to let her walk away.
But he soon realized that Caroline and Melanie were still staying in that apartment.
Thinking about Caroline's wistfully searching eyes, Eric quickly dismissed that idea and asked Qusie, "How about I drop you off instead?"
Qusie Gauff didn't expect this response. With her gaze slightly dreamy, she looked at him and smiled, "Eric, I'd like to see your place. Is that okay?"
"Well, it's mainly because I already have guests, so it wouldn't be very convenient for you to come over."
Qusie looked thoughtful and suggested, "We can go to Gisele's. She isn't in New York right now."
Eric laughed, shaking his head. "That's Gisele and Ale's place. The last time was Ale's birthday; I just snuck in to wait for them to come home. It's not that convenient now."
People place great emphasis on privacy; even though the apartment was his, since he had let Gisele and Ale stay there, Eric wouldn't be too forward in visiting them frequently.
"Then, if you don't mind, you can come over to mine. I live in Greenwich Village."
After a moment's hesitation, Eric thought it might be nice to experience what it felt like to hold Qusie's slim waist. He nodded, asking Qusie Gauff to give the driver the address while he pulled out his phone to inform Melanie that he wouldn't be returning home tonight.
The driver, who had just headed onto Sixth Avenue, turned around and drove toward Greenwich Village.
Manhattan wasn't too huge; even though traffic was a bit congested after nightfall, it only took ten minutes for the car to pull up outside a red-brick apartment building in Greenwich Village.
"I promised my roommate not to bring any guys home," Qusie said as she peered out the car window before turning back to Eric. "The lights aren't on, so that means she isn't back yet. Let's sneak upstairs and just avoid being seen."
Eric had no objections; this sneaky behavior felt delightfully novel to him.
They got out, and Qusie ascended the steps to the apartment door, entered a code beside the iron gate, opened it, and then took Eric's hand as they slipped inside. They made their way up to the third floor with light steps.
Pulling out her key and unlocking it, the living room was pitch black. Eric thought she would turn on the lights, but he only heard the door click shut, and then her soft, delicate body pressed against him.
*****
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