[Chapter 200: Signing Iron Man, the Elf Princess's Plea for Help]
Robert Downey Jr. suddenly jolted.
Iron Man!
Red Steel armor!
So that's what it meant!
This was the true meaning behind "red" and "steel"!
Robert Downey Jr. felt goosebumps ripple down his arms.
It turned out that two years ago, this miraculous Exorcist had already predicted today.
"My God..." Robert Downey Jr. muttered, staring at Daniel as if he were witnessing a miracle. "So you knew all along... This is simply incredible."
Daniel smiled. "The people at Marvel were against you playing the role; they thought you were too risky. But I insisted on casting you. Because I know this role belongs to no one but you. You are Iron Man, and Iron Man is you."
Hearing this, Robert Downey Jr.'s eyes grew misty.
At a time when all of Hollywood was turning its back on him, only this man had unwavering faith in him. And his prophecy was so precise.
"Thank you..." Robert Downey Jr. took a deep breath, setting aside his usual cynicism. "Mr. Cross, I don't know what to say. I never expected my final shot would come through you. And even less that I'd be working for you now."
He was overcome with emotion.
The mysterious Exorcist he had once known had become a film mogul influencing Marvel's decisions.
This reversal made him marvel at the twists of fate.
"This is the draft contract." Daniel pulled a document from his bag and handed it to Susan -- knowing she handled these matters better.
"The salary is $500,000, no box office profit sharing. But this is just the start of a long-term contract. If the first film is a success, subsequent paychecks will rise -- never less than $5 million, never more than $15 million. We're signing for ten movies. And remember, you're signing with me, not Marvel."
Half a million.
For an A-list actor once nominated for an Oscar, this was pitifully low -- almost a giveaway.
In another timeline, Robert Downey Jr.'s salary for Iron Man 1 had also been $500,000, also without profit sharing.
As a businessman, though Daniel respected Robert Downey Jr., he wouldn't give up a penny of rightful profit.
Besides, this contract made up for what Marvel hadn't: a long-term commitment.
If Iron Man hadn't been the first film or hadn't yet found success, Daniel would have pushed the deal's price even lower.
Susan flipped through the contract quickly.
Ten films. As long as Daniel wanted, Robert Downey Jr. would don the armor and be Iron Man. Though the starting pay was low and the terms strict -- he'd owe big penalties for any relapse into drug use -- this was a rare opportunity for the current Robert Downey Jr.
And with Daniel's prior prophecy, hope was high.
"We'll sign!"
Susan snapped the document shut without hesitation.
She knew exactly what this meant for Robert Downey Jr. A key to superstardom, a chance to wipe away the past's stains.
"Mr. Cross, thank you," she said gratefully. "Thank you for giving Robert this chance -- not just a job, but trust."
Robert Downey Jr. raised his lemonade. "Mr. Cross, I'm in too. For the 'red' and the 'steel,' and for the BOSS!"
Daniel smiled and clinked his glass.
With that crisp sound, the future cornerstone of the Marvel movie universe was firmly bound to Daniel's side -- for a bargain.
...
After signing, Robert Downey Jr. and Susan left, hearts full of gratitude.
Watching them leave, Daniel was in high spirits.
Having secured this potential cash cow, the foundation of the Marvel universe was rock solid.
He didn't plan to meddle much in the film's production details.
With the original Marvel team and Daniel as nominal executive producer guiding the overall direction, it would be nearly impossible for the film to flop -- so long as Robert Downey Jr. wasn't forced into a love story.
By the way, Daniel had rejected Marvel's original choice for Pepper Potts, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Among the most disliked actresses in America, she ranked number one.
Of course, that wasn't the main reason.
The real reason was that she was too old and not pretty enough.
Daniel recommended Rachel McAdams instead.
After all, he had taken $2 million from her -- giving her a role wasn't too much to ask.
At the very least, Rachel was way more attractive than Gwyneth and would add appeal, not detract from it. This role would continuously boost Rachel's popularity and audience draw. With it, her $2 million investment wouldn't be wasted.
Avi Arad and Isaac Perlmutter didn't object to this choice.
Though they were annoyed by Daniel's repeated interference in casting the leads, after he promised to let them handle future choices, they settled down.
---
In the days that followed, Daniel enjoyed a rare stretch of leisure.
The Succubus Chris worked hard behind the scenes, managing various tasks and maintaining emotional connections with several women.
Daniel had nothing to worry about.
Until that afternoon, when an unknown number called.
"Hello, is this Mr. Cross?"
A woman's voice came through, pleasant with an ethereal quality. But right now, it was trembling with fear.
"I am," Daniel replied coolly, reclining on the sofa. "Who's this?"
"It was Molly who gave me your number," the woman stammered. "She said you deal with... monsters."
Her voice cracked with sobs. "Please, help me. There's a terrifying monster in my house!"
"Monster?" Daniel's brow twitched. "Tell me more."
"It's a doll..."
The woman spoke urgently. "A doll I've thrown out multiple times, but somehow it keeps ending up back on my bed! And since it returned, there's been no peace. Bloody handprints show up on the walls, children's cries echo in the nights. Even -- I feel like something's trying to crawl inside me!"
A doll?
Chucky from Child's Play or Bill from Dead Silence instantly sprang to Daniel's mind. Hollywood has so many horror films about dolls he couldn't be sure which one this was. But usually, dolls don't pack much power in these stories.
"$100,000, and I can fix your problem," Daniel said bluntly.
"Good! No problem!"
The woman quickly gave an address.
...
Half an hour later, Daniel pulled up by car.
A luxury mansion nestled in greenery, surrounded by calm and silence. But as Daniel stepped out, an unusual aura greeted him.
Not the pure malice of Freddy or the lasciviousness of the Succubus. A faint trace of dark energy seeped through the air.
"There really is something tainted here."
Daniel narrowed his eyes, strode to the door, and rang the bell.
The door swung open almost instantly.
A pale but breathtakingly beautiful woman appeared; tall, with long black hair.
Her blue eyes, as if holding stars and sea, were now bloodshot.
Liv Tyler.
The "elf princess" Arwen who had amazed the world in The Lord of the Rings.
"Mr. Cross... Exorcist Mr. Cross?"
Seeing him, Liv looked as if she'd found a savior.
Without pleasantries, she grabbed Daniel's arm and pulled him inside.
"Come in quickly! It... it just moved again!"
*****
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