[Chapter 257: Scarlett's New Project]
"It seems this exchange is very beneficial for you," Daniel said indifferently.
Chris lunged forward and hugged Daniel tightly once again. She pressed her cheek against his chest, looking as satisfied as a cat that had just stolen a treat.
"In the future... I will work even harder to serve Master."
...
The next morning.
Daniel sat under a parasol on the terrace, holding a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Sunlight streamed onto the tabletop as steam curled from the rim of the cup.
Chris had changed into a sharp white office suit. Yet this was no ordinary suit -- it featured large cutouts that made her body appear faintly visible beneath. Paired with black stockings on her long legs, the outfit was extremely seductive. She knew exactly how to draw a man's gaze.
At that moment, she stood behind Daniel, her fingers tapping rhythmically on a custom-made tablet.
"Master, information from Scarlett."
Daniel didn't look back. "Read it."
"Her agent helped her connect with a new project from Universal Pictures. The title is The Black Dahlia. Brian De Palma is the director. Scarlett feels the script has a lot of depth, and the retro film noir style would help her win awards. She wants to ask for your opinion."
The hand Daniel held his cup with paused briefly.
The Black Dahlia.
This film's budget was a hefty fifty million dollars. Not only did it feature big names like Josh Hartnett and Hilary Swank, but it also had a renowned director leading the project.
However, in the original timeline, the movie suffered a double blow -- both critical failure and box office disappointment. Globally, it earned just over forty million, falling far short of production costs. Worse, it ended up empty-handed at awards season.
Scarlett had hoped this film would help her transition from "commercial eye candy" to "literary Best Actress," but instead, it led to a two-year career slump.
Daniel set down his cup, his tone cold. "Tell her to turn it down. This kind of rotten pit -- once you jump in, you can't get out."
"Yes." Chris's fingers raced across the screen.
Within five minutes, Scarlett's call came through directly.
"Daniel!" Scarlett's voice held confusion. "Why? This is Director Brian's ambitious comeback after years away. There's even an Oscar-winning actress in the cast; this would definitely boost my credentials."
Daniel glanced at the greenery half a mile away, his voice indifferent. "Depth doesn't equal success. When this film is made, it'll be like a moldy, expired cake that stinks. It will just add another failure to your resume and accomplish nothing for you. Trust me; don't take it."
There was a long silence on the other end. Scarlett now trusted Daniel almost blindly. If he said it was a rotten pit, then it must be one.
"Alright, I'll listen to you." Her voice softened, tinged with reliance. "But most of the projects I have right now are stalled. If I pass on this, I won't have any exposure for six months. Daniel, then what should I take?"
"Keep waiting."
"How long?"
"Soon."
...
After hanging up, Daniel looked at Chris. "Chris, use your expertise. Access Disney's internal servers and check the status of a project called Enchanted."
"Yes, Master."
Chris closed her eyes, a faint pink aura rising around her. Less than a minute later, she opened her eyes; streams of data flashed rapidly through her pupils.
"Master, I found it."
She retracted the glow from her eyes, her expression sharp.
"The script for Enchanted has reached its final draft. Over the past week, Disney held three internal evaluation meetings. Their current conclusion: the risk level is 'High.'"
Daniel picked up his coffee again. "Because it's an original script?"
"Yes," Chris nodded. "Disney bought this script back in '97, but due to risks, filming never started. It's been revised multiple times and was finalized again this May. Still, Disney is hesitating. They prefer remaking classics and aren't optimistic about a high-budget original live-action fairy tale. They're worried the eighty-five million-dollar budget will go to waste, like some of last year's big productions."
Daniel set down his cup, eyes flickering. "Tell Disney my company is ready to step in. I want to invest in this movie."
"Understood. Contacting them now."
Chris's figure flickered in the study as her fingertips tapped in the air.
...
Less than three days later, Miller, Disney's Vice President of film production, received a formal letter from Daniel Pictures at his Burbank office.
Six months earlier, Miller wouldn't have bothered with such a relatively unknown company. But now, Daniel's name was popular in Beverly Hills power circles. Plus, he had just secured a major stake in Marvel; his financial strength was unquestioned.
Their meeting was brief.
...
In a private tea room in Burbank, Daniel got straight to the point.
"A thirty-five million-dollar cash investment. I don't want the copyrights; I'm asking for 30% of global profits and an audition slot."
Miller looked at the calm man across from him, surprised. "Mr. Cross, you're not even asking for a say in the production?"
"I leave the professional matters to professionals." Daniel's tone was flat. "Disney knows how to film princesses; I'm just here to sign the checks."
...
Disney held two more internal meetings.
For such a huge investment, which could reduce nearly forty percent of their risk, they had almost no reason to refuse.
...
A week later, the contract was signed.
Enchanted's total budget was eighty-five million dollars, with Daniel investing thirty-five million and Disney fifty million.
After the signing, Miller shook Daniel's hand and asked curiously, "Mr. Cross, the audition slot you mentioned -- it's for Scarlett Johansson, right?"
Daniel smiled without denying it.
Miller shrugged, his smile relaxed. "Honestly, even if you hadn't mentioned it, she was already on our shortlist. Though The Island's box office was disappointing, Scarlett is well-recognized in the industry. And..." He paused, eyes reflecting surprise. "I saw her at a party a few days ago. Her current image... how to put it... she's grown taller, and her skin is as flawless as glazed porcelain. Standing there, she looked like a real-life fairy tale princess -- the very incarnation of Giselle."
Daniel: "Then just give her a fair chance."
...
That evening, golden sunset light from Beverly Hills slanted through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting patterns across the living room carpet.
Scarlett entered the house looking travel-worn, her sunglasses casually hanging on her collar. She looked at Daniel lounging on the sofa, then walked over and settled comfortably on his lap, her hands curling around his neck.
*****
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