"Breaking news: Eric Cooper acquires Lucasfilm for $3 billion, deal complete."
"Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark change hands. The first Star Wars TV series, The Mandalorian, will be released soon."
"Star Wars creator George Lucas sells his company and becomes the second-largest individual shareholder of MGM."
"George Lucas announces semi-retirement, stating he will focus on experimental films and establish a foundation to support new talent in experimental filmmaking."
"MGM welcomes its own special effects factory. The weakest link has been strengthened, and this lion has grown wings."
"Eric Cooper announces he will not make major changes to Lucasfilm's existing staff structure and is willing to increase investment to update technology and equipment."
"Another major earthquake hits Hollywood. Lucasfilm, founded in 1971 and with 35 years of history, is about to welcome its new owner."
"With Warner Bros. acquisition imminent, will Eric Cooper's strong purchase of Lucasfilm at this critical juncture have a new impact on the antitrust assessment?"
"Continuous acquisitions: Eric Cooper is reshaping the new Hollywood landscape. The emperor is about to ascend the throne!"
As Eric spent a whopping $3 billion to acquire Lucasfilm, the news immediately caused a sensation in the United States entertainment industry.
It also sparked extensive discussions among Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark fan communities.
Fans and moviegoers generally viewed this deal very favorably, because their idea was simple: all they wanted was a good story.
As for who would weave this story, that wasn't important.
And it was clear that the Star Wars prequel trilogy had pretty much exhausted George Lucas's inspiration.
A man in his 60s, and one whose interests had long since moved away from Star Wars, didn't seem as reliable as a young man in his 20s.
What's more, this young man had a long list of titles.
He was the youngest screenwriter in Emmy Awards history, the youngest screenwriter in Golden Globe Awards history, and the youngest screenwriter in Oscar history.
He had also won the Screen Actors Guild Awards, MTV Awards, and virtually all major awards in the United States, both commercial and artistic.
If he hadn't neglected the European awards, the big three would certainly have been within his grasp too.
Besides being able to write stories and know what young people wanted to see, he was also the richest man in the world, and he admitted he was also a fan of Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
With his triple identity as a billionaire, screenwriter, and fan, there was simply no more suitable buyer in the world than Eric Cooper.
"Eric, you really played a big joke on the whole world. You moved too fast."
Eric laughed heartily: "Facebook's successful IPO means my funds are now exceptionally abundant. If Weta Digital didn't have New Zealand government backing, I would actually be more inclined to buy your company."
Peter Jackson also laughed: "If you were willing to exchange MGM shares, to be honest, I would be very tempted by that offer, but unfortunately, I can't make that decision."
"Tell me, what are your thoughts? You're not an honest guy."
"Just as I told the media, to make Industrial Light & Magic bigger and stronger. Also, I promised Lucas that I would retain his company's name and logo."
"Heh heh. Lucas's ambitions have long since moved beyond that. Seriously, where do you plan to start? How much money do you plan to invest?"
"What? Are you trying to get information out of me?"
Peter Jackson didn't hide anything: "That's right. Besides Weta Digital, the major special effects companies on the market are Industrial Light & Magic. I don't mean to look down on other companies, but they are really far behind."
"Last year, MGM was Weta Digital's super sugar daddy, but now you've bought Industrial Light & Magic. We need to reset the rules, Eric."
"Business is business, friendship is friendship. I understand."
"Then tell me your thoughts."
After a moment of silence, Eric finally spoke: "How about this, let's set a time to meet. I'm not an expert, I need to consult with professionals."
"No problem. How about this weekend? I happen to have a vacation estate in Quebec. We can go skiing and cool off at the same time."
"No, you actually ski?"
"Hey! Young man, although I'm fat now, that doesn't mean I was always fat."
"Heh heh... See you then."
After hanging up, Nicole looked at him curiously: "I think I heard the word 'fat'. Who were you talking to? Were you talking about us?"
The other women also looked over.
Eric quickly denied: "What are you talking about? You're too sensitive. I'm not someone who discriminates based on body shape."
"What about age? If we get old, will you still love us?"
Eric said without hesitation: "Of course! As long as you never leave me, I will surely stay with you through life and death."
Theron made a gesture of wanting to vomit: "That kind of cheesy talk sounds so fake. Don't you men all like younger women?"
"Who said that! That's a one-sided understanding women have of us men. Elizabeth is indeed very young, but if Nicole married early, she'd be old enough to be my mother, and I still love her just the same!"
"Go to hell!"
Nicole threw a pillow at him.
"Hahahahaha... I'm just giving an example. What we men like has never been youth, but beauty."
"If there's a woman who is as smart, beautiful, gentle, generous, cute, sexy, charming, and graceful as you..."
"Even if she's 50 or even 60, I will still appreciate her."
With each word Eric spoke, the women's smiles deepened. While they outwardly complained about the cheesiness, inwardly they desired even more affection.
"Wait, who were you just talking to on the phone?"
"Peter."
"Peter Parker! Oh my goodness! My dear, can you communicate with Spider-Man now?"
Before the words were even out, Mary interrupted, and the six women burst into laughter.
But being teased was fine; this was what home felt like.
After more than a year of being together, their relationships were getting better and better. When Eric was resting, the women would comfort each other.
Based on his observations, Nicole's favorite was Elizabeth. The two of them sought comfort from each other the most, perhaps because Nicole had always wanted a child.
Wait, that seems even stranger.
In any case, this combination was somewhat unexpected for him. Eric had originally thought Nicole would get along best with Theron.
As for Theron, she was equally close to Gadot and Ashley, with others being relatively less so.
Mary loved playing with Gadot the most. All things considered, Gadot was actually the busiest one.
Eric guessed it was because she maintained a good habit of working out and had some muscle, making her appear somewhat masculine.
When Eric wasn't around, she naturally became the best substitute.
"Cough cough. It's Peter Jackson, the big bearded guy. He invited me to Quebec this weekend for skiing and to discuss business."
"Skiing? Can I go?" Elizabeth Olsen asked eagerly.
"You? You don't know how to ski."
"If I don't know, I can learn! I have a lot of athletic talent, my teachers all say so."
"But I don't have time to teach you. Next time."
Theron lifted her chin: "I can teach Elizabeth. My skills are very good, you would know from when we filmed Inception."
"Then I want to go too. Filming was too rushed, I didn't get to play enough," Theron also raised her hand.
Gadot, Ashley, and Mary exchanged glances, then all stared at Eric.
"No way, you all want to go?"
"I'm really going for business, not to mess around."
"We're also really going to play, not to interfere with your business. Besides, this seems to be the first time we've all gone on vacation together."
Eric considered it for a moment. Canada's entertainment industry was very underdeveloped. Whether it was film or music, it was roughly equivalent to the United States in the late 1980s.
Last year, the total box office for the film industry was only $1.5 billion, not even a tenth of the United States'.
The reason was self-evident: talent was all drawn to Hollywood. Anyone with a bit of a dream and ability would choose to come to California; who would stay in backward Canada?
And the backwardness of the industry led to a dismal paparazzi profession, where you might not even hear a juicy piece of news all year.
So, taking all six of them might be fine; it shouldn't generate any negative publicity.
"Since you all want to go so much, how can I refuse? Let's just consider it our family vacation."
"Yes!"
Elizabeth Olsen jumped up happily and pecked Eric on the cheek.
Kiss!
Gadot followed with a kiss on the other cheek.
Mua!
Ashley kissed his nose, and Mary left a bite mark on his neck.
Theron leaned in, and a red mark appeared on Eric's forehead.
Finally, Nicole gave him a French kiss.
On Friday afternoon, a private jet was about to take off.
Although it was Eric's plane, the crew had never seen him bring so many beautiful female celebrities together before.
Even the captain, who was accustomed to big challenges and had extensive flying experience, was stunned, let alone the others.
When the flight attendant came to bring them drinks and food, Eric was openly caressing Theron.
After the flight attendant left, Elizabeth Olsen worriedly asked if there would be a leak.
Eric chuckled and waved his hand: "Don't worry, they've all signed non-disclosure agreements. They won't reveal a single word, not even to their families."
"If the news leaks, they face millions of dollars in hefty compensation. What's more, I pay them twice the industry average salary."
"Why do you hire older crew members?"
"Besides experience, of course, it's because they have families and children to support."
"Having a family means having a weakness. They will cherish this job and are easier to control."
"Capitalists are truly detestable!" Theron complained indignantly.
"But you're enjoying the resources of a capitalist. Come on, let me check, have your relatives left yet?"
"Don't move! I want to watch a movie."
"The movie is playing over there."
Elizabeth took out the disc as instructed, flipped through it, and her face showed great helplessness: "OMG! Don't you have any other types of movies here?"
"'Fathers and Sons on the Same Path,' 'Time Reveals the Truth'... why are they all films from San Fernando Valley!"
Eric slapped his forehead: "Sorry, I remembered wrong. It's the other side."
Theron twisted in Eric's arms: "Wait, let's just watch the first one. It sounds pretty good."
The journey was joyful, and a few hours later, the plane landed at Montreal Airport.
As expected of a sparsely populated country, even in a relatively large city like Montreal, the flow of people was not high.
They then drove directly to the resort area, where Carol had already rented a large villa.
After settling in, Eric looked at the time: "I'm going to see the big bearded guy. You all get some good rest."
"Now?"
"He's at a manor not far from here. It's a quick drive. I'll also grab dinner there, and the sooner we finish talking, the sooner we can go skiing tomorrow."
"Then come back early and don't drink too much."
Nicole came over and tidied his clothes. In this family, though she was the oldest, she was also the most caring.
Eric nodded, got into the back seat of the car, and the bodyguard sped off. In less than half an hour, they arrived at the big bearded guy's resort villa.
"Haha. Look who's here, welcome, welcome! I've prepared authentic New Zealand lobster and lamb for you, you'll surely love it."
"You should say I prepared it; you barely lifted a finger," said the big bearded guy's wife, Fran Walsh, rolling her eyes.
"Hehe. What you make is as good as what I make, at least I bought the ingredients."
"Hmph! Just a few more minutes, it'll be ready to eat. Eric, what would you like to drink?"
"Brandy? Whiskey? Or try New Zealand's most authentic white wine."
"OK, but just a small half-glass. Flying is tiring, I don't want my head to ache too."
"You're overthinking it, young man. Drinking will only make you sleep more soundly."
Soon, fragrant dishes were served, paired with white wine, and indeed, they tasted very good.
"Peter, I think you're absolutely right. It's time to redefine the rules."
The couple's expressions became serious: "What are your thoughts?"
"OK, I ask you, how do you make more money?"
The couple exchanged glances. Eric tapped the table lightly: "It's simple: legal monopoly."
"You and I, Weta Digital and Industrial Light & Magic, we should abandon the attitude of competition. We must work together hand in hand."
"First, increase communication between both sides, whether it's technology or clients, breaking down barriers between us."
"I know Weta Digital is more advanced in technology, but I have richer resources in terms of clients, so you won't lose out."
"Second, we need to present a united front, speak with one voice, and not engage in price wars. Weta Digital should lower prices appropriately, and Industrial Light & Magic should raise prices appropriately."
"But if we do that, clients won't choose us; they'll go to those smaller companies."
"Exactly! That's what I'm going to say for the third point: we'll work together to crush those smaller companies."
"Doing special effects, to put it plainly, is about salary and interest."
"I can afford the salaries, and Industrial Light & Magic also needs to upgrade. And I'm certain that the future will belong to special effects."
"So I need to recruit more people. Here, I can guarantee you, Peter, that I won't poach anyone from Weta Digital."
"Small companies like Blue Sky Studios are my target."
"I have the world's top-notch equipment, and I offer the highest salaries in the industry. I don't believe they won't jump ship."
"When we've eliminated all our competitors, bingo! This cake will be yours and mine."