Edward had no idea how much money his father had given him, but it seemed to be more than enough. After a review by the finance department, it was confirmed: the funds for this horror film were not just sufficient—they were substantial.
With this much money, the film could be elevated to a phenomenon-level production. Everything from special effects to the soundtrack could be executed at the highest possible standard.
Now that the film was officially greenlit, the next steps were casting, finalizing the script, selecting shooting locations, and other logistical matters. Fortunately, the company employees could handle much of this.
This was the fundamental reason Edward's father had bought him a film company—to let professionals handle professional tasks.
"Boss, do you have any specific guidance for the casting of this film?" a balding man asked, rubbing his hands together with a fawning smile.
The surrounding employees maintained solemn expressions, seemingly oblivious to the implications of casting.
Only Gold sneaked a glance at Edward, unable to suppress his curiosity.
Casting was a major issue. Even in a world filled with Pokémon, the entertainment industry was rife with unsavory practices, just as it had been in Edward's previous life.
Beyond the well-known stars, there were many attractive individuals waiting for a chance—a chance to land a film role. This gave rise to the infamous "hidden rules" of the industry.
While Pokémon and ambitious trainers striving to reach the pinnacle of power brought charm to this world, its entertainment industry was just as realistic—and flawed—as the one Edward had known before.
Edward understood what the balding man was implying.
As the scriptwriter, director, and financier of this film, Edward wielded absolute authority. He could cast anyone he wanted, indulge in excess if he so chose.
But Edward had no interest in such things.
The Stone family prided itself on avoiding such frivolities.
For Edward's father and his older brother, Steven, the allure of women paled in comparison to the fascination of stones.
For Edward, women were merely distractions that would slow down his progress in raising Pokémon.
"No need. For this casting, apart from the doll being played by my Mimikyu, I only have one requirement for the other roles," Edward said as he stroked Mimikyu's head and scanned the employees around him.
"Seasoned actors. No amateurs who can't memorize lines or deliver convincing performances. Awkward acting is strictly prohibited in this film. I will be the lead director for this project." Edward tapped the desk with his finger, setting the tone for Dead Silence.
The balding man felt a twinge of regret but was also surprised. He had assumed Edward would choose to cast celebrities. However, the new boss's ambition was unexpectedly grand.
"Well then, let's start the preparatory work: secure filming locations and send audition invitations to suitable actors. Gold, your scriptwriting team should stay behind to finalize the screenplay," Edward instructed, his eagerness palpable.
He was eager to bring Dead Silence to the cinemas of this world, to show its people what true fear meant.
Although Edward had already drafted most of the script, perfecting it was no easy task. By the time the office was about to close, the team had only completed half of the discussions.
"All right, it's almost closing time. Let's continue tomorrow," Edward clapped his hands. He had no habit of working overtime. With so many tasks still in progress, rushing to finish the script now was pointless.
Gold and the others exchanged surprised glances. However, the prospect of finishing on time was a cause for celebration, and soon the office was buzzing with joy as employees left for the day.
Edward stretched lazily.
He had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His elder brother, Steven, treated him well and had no interest in inheriting the Devon Corporation. As for Edward—
Well, he didn't care much for taking over Devon Corporation either.
Just look at his father. Despite being relatively young, his hair was already white. Running a major conglomerate brought not only prestige but also immense pressure. Edward felt he was still too young and carefree to bear the weight of Devon Corporation's responsibilities.
"Boss!"
A familiar voice called out. Mimikyu leapt onto Edward's head, its small eyes fixed on the figure running toward them—Gold.
Edward recognized the voice immediately. After all, he had just been discussing the script with its owner.
"Gold? What's up?" Edward asked, puzzled.
It was after hours now. Surely no one would want to work overtime for free? That would be absurd.
"Boss, about that jump-scare scene you mentioned earlier—actually—" Gold paused to catch his breath before eagerly continuing.
His excitement was undeniable. Gold couldn't contain his urge to brainstorm with this revolutionary director about the groundbreaking horror script all night.
"Gold, off the clock means off the clock. Discussing work after hours? That's illegal, you know?" Edward patted Gold's shoulder with feigned annoyance.
He had no intention of working overtime.
Gold stared blankly at his boss as Edward walked away, Mimikyu curiously watching him from atop Edward's head.
For a moment, Gold felt as though he held some groundbreaking secret he couldn't share, leaving him both exasperated and amused.
"I've never met a boss so averse to overtime," Gold muttered, his disorganized thoughts fading into the night.
"Mimikyu, when you're acting, you'll have to stay perfectly still—like a doll. Got it?" Edward said as he stroked Mimikyu's little head while strolling through the streets of Rustboro City.
The streets were bustling, though the hype around Steven becoming the new Champion had already subsided.
In just one morning, the fervor surrounding Steven's achievement had given way to mundane chatter about daily life.
However, aspiring trainers still flocked to Rustboro City's Rock-type Gym, eager to climb the ranks.
"When trainers' eyes meet, it's a signal to battle! Let's have an intense Pokémon match!"
Watching two energetic kids trying to start a street battle made Edward chuckle wryly.
Sure enough, Officer Jenny—riding her Arcanine—arrived, her expression stern yet polite.
Edward stretched again.
With the office closed for the day, what should he do now?
And then it hit him.
"Let's go check it out," he decided.
(End of Chapter)