Sundar Pichai adjusted his glasses and straightened in his chair just as the camera light flicked on, signaling the start of the recording.
"Thank you for agreeing to this conversation, Sundar," the woman seated across from him, Prim, said warmly. "We're interviewing you today for young and emerging entrepreneurs around the world."
"The pleasure's all mine," he replied with an easy smile.
"Tell us how you reached this point," she continued. "Today, Phoenix isn't just one of the biggest tech companies in the world. It's a bona fide conglomerate leading in social media, entertainment, and several other sectors. And much of that success is credited to you."
Sundar laughed softly and shook his head. "That's not really true. No single person can ever take credit for making a company successful. Even before I came on board, Chad Hurley and his team were doing incredible work with YouTube and its subsidiaries, and they still are today."
He paused briefly before adding, "If there's anyone who deserves credit for bringing this entire team together, it's Troy Armitage. While he isn't closely involved in the day-to-day management, he has a very unique vision for the company. And since we're a private company, we try our best to fulfill that vision whenever we can."
"That was actually going to be my next question," Prim said eagerly. "Usually, companies go public after reaching this level of growth. When can we expect that from Phoenix?"
Sundar shook his head. "I don't think you will. Initially, I strongly advocated going in that direction, but after understanding Troy's perspective, I can see why he never did."
Prim leaned forward, intrigued. "And what is that?"
"Today, we offer the highest entry-level salaries in the industry," Sundar said confidently. "Our goal isn't just profit. It's to build a company that can last for centuries. All our objectives are focused on long-term growth. The moment we go public, we'd be pressured by investors to constantly increase profits just to stabilize stock prices."
He smiled faintly. "Honestly, that's one less headache for me as a CEO. Most of my contemporaries, whether it's Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs, have to worry about their stock prices to some extent. I don't."
"That philosophy is also why we've kept the prices of our public services so low," he continued. "Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and even our newly launched cloud storage for end-stage users."
Prim hummed thoughtfully. "Tell me more about Troy. Until now, I assumed he'd be far more involved in the company."
Sundar paused for a moment before answering. "I know most people won't believe me when I say this, but he's the least greedy billionaire I've met in my time working with Phoenix. What I admire most about him is that he wants everyone to progress and live better lives, not just him and his family, and many other billionaires do."
Prim nodded before moving on. "So tell us about the next big tech product Phoenix is working on right now."
Sundar grinned. "That one's easy. We're working on our own line of smartphones called Pixel. If everything goes according to plan, you should see them on the market as early as next year."
Another one of Troy's ideas.
Instead of investing heavily in expanding office spaces, Phoenix had set up smartphone manufacturing units in China, India, and Vietnam simultaneously. The strategy took advantage of lower labor costs while also diversifying geopolitical risk, rather than relying on a single country.
That wasn't all. Troy had personally sketched out multiple ideas for features to be incorporated into the new phone lineup. Some of them sounded almost too advanced to be practical, but if even half of those concepts made it into the final product, the Pixel phones would easily surpass the iPhone when it came to innovation.
(Break)
As soon as I saw the two of them, I pulled them both into a tight group hug. It had been far too long since I'd seen Jamie and Emma together, just the three of us.
"Congratulations on the pregnancy!" Emma said as soon as she stepped back. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?"
I shrugged. "I just didn't want the news leaking before it absolutely had to. If it weren't for Scarlett's public appearances, I wouldn't have said anything at all until the delivery."
Jamie Bell wisely stayed silent. He, along with a few of my other close friends like Emily, Ryan, Michael, and a handful of others, already knew. It felt strange telling Emma or Rihanna, almost like I was boasting about my happiness.
Had Emma not made a move on me again before the production of [The Deathly Hallows], things might have gone back to normal between us. I probably would've included her in the small circle that knew. But that moment showed me she still harbored feelings for me, and because of that, I'd limited my interactions with her as much as I could.
Maybe things could go back to normal in a few years. But not right now. I wasn't willing to risk what I had with Scarlett.
"Let's leave it at that and focus on the future," Jamie said suddenly. "I was talking to my mum yesterday, and she came up with a great idea. She wants to host a get-together with all my castmates from Harry Potter, the ones I've grown close to over the years. She even offered to cook her shepherd's pie, which I know for a fact you both love."
I tilted my head before shaking it slightly. "I'd love to, but we'll be seeing everyone soon anyway at one final party for Harry Potter's success that I'll be hosting. No need for a reunion so soon. Also, I've given up shepherd's pie."
"What?" Emma asked, clearly confused.
I nodded. "I've become a pescatarian. That means I eat seafood and vegetarian food only. No other meat. So no shepherd's pie."
Jamie stared at me like I'd just confessed to a crime. "You're serious? Since when?"
"Of course I'm serious," I said firmly. "When I found out Scarlett was expecting, I couldn't stop thinking about my childhood. As you know, my biological father died of pancreatic cancer when I was young, and because of that, I'm at a higher risk. I need to take care of myself if I want to be there for my kids until I'm old and gray."
Jamie shook his head slowly. "I still can't believe it. I mean, I get it, but it's meat. I thought your favorite thing to cook was meatballs?"
It hadn't been an easy decision, but I'd do anything for my family.
"I think it's a very commendable thing you've done, Troy," Emma said softly.
"Thanks, Emma," I replied, nodding at her with genuine gratitude.
Just then, there was a knock at the door, followed by a girl peeking inside. "It's time."
I gave her a nod before getting to my feet. Emma and Jamie followed my lead, and moments later we were standing beside Robert Downey Jr., just off the edge of the brightly lit stage.
"Hey, boss," Robert said cheekily as I offered him a handshake.
I couldn't help laughing at his audacity before patting him on the back. "You're funny."
"I know," he replied, flashing the kind of self-assured smirk only he could pull off.
I turned to my two friends to make introductions. "Robert, these are Emma and Jamie. Two of my best friends since childhood. And you guys already know him."
"Of course," Jamie said as he shook Robert's hand. "You've been my idol for years. I must've seen all your films. [Kiss Kiss Bang Bang] is my absolute favorite."
"Thank you," Robert said, inclining his head graciously. "I wish I could say the same. Maybe in a few years?"
Audacious and honest. Some people might've found him rude, but the easy smile he wore made it impossible not to admire his personality.
"Robert," a stagehand called out. "It's your turn."
He nodded once and headed toward the stage. One by one, the rest of us were called after him. Emma went next, then Jamie, leaving me for last.
"Please welcome, Troy Armitage!"
I stepped onto the soundstage to loud applause, the heat of the lights instantly noticeable. I hugged Graham Norton first, then shared quick embraces with Jamie, Emma, and Robert before we all took our seats on Graham's famous red couch.
Jamie, Emma, and I were dressed formally, while Robert stood out in a casual jacket layered over a red T-shirt.
"Troy, you've never been on the show before," Graham began.
"As far as I know, none of us have," I said, gesturing toward Emma, Jamie, and Robert.
"I was here last year," Robert chimed in.
"And he was a fantastic guest," Graham shot back. "So why is it that none of you three showed up during all those years of Harry Potter?"
Before I could answer, Emma spoke up. "I think it's mostly because our audience grew up with us. During the earlier films, they were still kids, so the demographics of this show didn't really match the movies back then."
I laughed and leaned slightly toward her. "You make it sound like we made an R-rated film with gore and sex in [The Deathly Hallows]."
"Didn't we?" Jamie said, playing dumb as he scratched his head. "Did they cut the sex scene between Ron and Hermione?"
The audience erupted. Robert doubled over laughing, Graham slapped his thigh, and the three of us couldn't keep straight faces for a second longer.
Once the laughter finally subsided, Graham continued. "So this is the last movie in the series. What was the final day like for you?"
"We did what any sane person would do," I said simply. "We cried our eyes out. We've been together since we were pre-teens. These two are some of the closest friends I have in my life, not to mention the rest of the cast and crew. Just the idea that I wouldn't see them every other day was agonizing."
Graham studied me carefully, and I could tell he wanted to steer the conversation toward something more personal. Thankfully, I'd been very clear with his team beforehand that no personal questions were to be asked during the interview.
"Though Emma was a little quicker with the tears," Jamie added, teasing our female co-star.
"Of course I was," Emma shot back. "But once Troy came up with his idea, which involved needles and a lot of pain, I was mostly fine."
She lifted her wrist to show the small tattoo there, identical to the ones Jamie and I had gotten. I followed her lead and rolled up my sleeve at the same time Jamie did. The audience erupted in cheers when they realized all three tattoos matched.
Once the reaction settled, Graham smoothly took control of the conversation again. "Would it be fair to say this is the darkest part of the series so far?"
"Definitely," Jamie said. "Anyone who's read the books knows Harry has to make a really difficult choice at the end. Watching Troy perform that scene was heartbreaking for me. It hit even harder because it was our last day on set. I still remember the very first day I met these two, along with the rest of the cast and crew. It's been a truly magical decade for me."
"I see what you did there, wizard," Graham quipped, earning another round of laughter. "Now, this film also marks the return of Alfonso Cuarón to the series. He famously directed [Prisoner of Azkaban] and [Goblet of Fire], two of the most critically acclaimed films in the franchise. What was it like working with him again?"
"I'm not just saying this because he directed this film," I replied. "Alfonso is genuinely one of my favorite directors of all time. After watching [Children of Men], I personally pushed for him to come back for the final part. You can really see his influence in the finished film."
"And the 3D is incredible," Jamie added. "Since it uses the same cameras and technology as [Avatar], it makes sense that the visuals pop in a way we haven't seen before."
"True," Emma agreed. "This film probably has more magic than any of the others. It's a visual feast."
Graham then turned toward his other guest. "Robert Downey Jr., in a way, you're working under Troy now, isn't that right?"
"Oh, I definitely am," Robert said easily. "But Troy has a very hands-off approach when it comes to the films. I haven't seen him much, except for a visit to the set of [Iron Man 2]. And that wasn't for work."
The audience laughed and cheered at the sudden shift in tone.
"Why on earth would Troy Armitage visit the set of [Iron Man 2] if it wasn't for work?" Graham asked deliberately.
I laughed along with everyone else on the couch. It wasn't mean-spirited, and no one had asked me a direct question, so I didn't mind it at all.
"How was your experience working with Scarlett Johansson?" Graham asked, turning back to Robert.
Robert shook his head in amazement. "She's one hell of a woman. Once you see her in this film, you'll be stunned by how much action she does herself. I wear a supersuit and most of what I do is CGI. She handles a huge portion of her intense work practically, and it's seriously impressive."
He placed a hand on my shoulder and added with a grin, "After watching [Iron Man 2], guys all over the world are going to wonder how you manage to keep up with her."
I laughed before explaining, "Actually, I taught her some of those moves."
"You did?" Robert shot back, genuinely surprised.
"Yeah. I've been training in Muay Thai and Krav Maga ever since I was a kid, so when Kevin Feige offered her the role of Black Widow, she asked me to show her some basics. I did. And now, apparently, men all over the world are terrified of her."
Robert patted my back like a proud father and gave me a thumbs-up. "Good job."
The audience erupted into laughter.
Originally, Scarlett was supposed to come to London for the interviews, but her doctor had forbidden excessive travel. After giving a few interviews in New York, she'd flown to Los Angeles one last time, where she'd be staying until the delivery. The release dates had been meticulously planned. By the time this interview aired, [Iron Man 2] would already be out, and [The Deathly Hallows] would still be two weeks away, giving both films plenty of room to perform at the box office.
"Emma Watson," Graham said, smoothly redirecting the conversation, "you recently finished your university education at Oxford."
"I did," she said with a smile. "And it's been the best experience of my life so far."
Jamie placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "You wound me, Emma. And here I thought your best experience was kissing me."
I burst out laughing. "You mean the incest scene."
Emma buried her face in her hands as the audience roared with laughter.
"What's with the incest talk?" Graham asked eagerly. "I thought this was supposed to be a kid-friendly movie."
"It was meant to be a private joke between us," Jamie explained. "I used to say all the time that Emma and Troy are basically my siblings since we grew up together. So kissing Emma would feel awkward. But on the day we were supposed to shoot the scene, what did you do, Troy?"
I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Before I explain, let me warn the listeners that this part isn't kid-friendly. When I found out those two had a kissing scene together, I knew I had to prank them. It was our last Harry Potter movie together, after all. So I went to the sound guy and convinced him to play some… special music during the take."
"It wasn't music," Emma cut in, grinning. "Just as Jamie and I leaned in to kiss, extremely explicit pornographic sounds started blasting through the speakers. To make it worse, the woman in the audio was calling the guy her brother, which is wrong on so many levels. I was mortified."
All three of us collapsed into laughter, joined by the audience, Graham, and Robert.
"I apologized afterwards," I said. "Multiple times."
"You did," Emma agreed. "But that didn't make kissing Jamie any easier."
Graham turned toward the camera. "Stay with us. We'll be back shortly, with Katie Perry joining us with a special performance."
As the cameras stopped rolling, my thoughts drifted to the following week. We'd be hosting the biggest British movie premiere right here in London, and with the level of hype surrounding it, I wouldn't have been surprised if [The Deathly Hallows] crossed the two-billion-dollar mark. It was disappointing that Scarlett wouldn't be by my side for the premiere, but given her condition, it was unavoidable.
More than anything, I just wanted to go home, but I knew I had to endure it one final time.
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AN: Check out my second story, 'Swimmer to Superstar (A Hollywood SI)'.
Link: www(dot)fablefic(dot)com