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by Little Merger

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11. I'm in Hollywood 1-31

An advertising director is reborn in 1988 Hollywood as an eighteen-year-old blond-haired westerner named Eric Williams.

From then on, he starts writing movie scripts and television songs, becomes skilled in directing every kind of film, wins over all kinds of female celebrities, and takes the road to become a Hollywood legend.

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I'm in Hollywood #Chapter 1 - Read I'm in Hollywood Chapter 1 Online - All Page - Novel Bin

Chapter 001: Hollywood 1988

"Hey, Eric, steak for table nine."

"Oh, good." Eric promised, and two clumpsy steak arrived at the couple in front of the window . After that, back to the original position, leaning against the counter, continued to be in daze.Read lat𝙚st chapters at Only

Time is July 13, 1988, the third day of rebirth, Los Angeles, North Hollywood location in an Italian restaurant. Eric turned and looked at the glass window not far to see a boy height of about one meter eighty, angular face, aquiline nose, a short golden hair, which is now his own.

A few days ago Eric across the Pacific ocean in 2014 , is an advertising director. 24-year-old graduated from the famous film Academy director department, wanted to become a famous international director, fought ten years, and finally understood that reality is too cruel. By virtue of solid professional knowledge, in circles of advertising director,good and evil became famous one is not ? 35-year-old married and a son was born a year later, and finally settle down. A few years later at class reunion, he drank too much reliving the past memories with his friends, whom he had not seen for a long time.

Similar to opening of all the horror thriller stories , after waking up, he found himself back 25 years ago, became a high school student named Eric Williams, had just graduated from high school this year, but ……

"Eric, are you okay?" A chubby hand resting on Eric's shoulder, patted. Eric turned and saw the restaurant owner Jeff Jones.

. "I'm sorry, Jeff, I got distracted."

"Never mind," Jeff rubbed his hands, seemed to thinking of words, then said: "For Ralph, I'm sorry, but life goes goes on, is it not ? Come on, Eric. "

Ralph Williams, Eric's father, is a very good cook of Italian dishes. At this restaurant has been working for many years. Although cooking is great, but Ralph had a very bad addiction – alcoholism. According to the original owner of the body memories Ralph hobby has related the mother he has not seen . The simple fact, a month ago, Ralph because of excessive drinking leading to acute alcoholism died.

"Thank you, Jeff for your help, I really do not know how can repay you." Eric said. With Ralph's death, Eric's life is thrown into chaos. Originally, Eric has applied for the University of California, but with the death of Ralph Eric's university hopes come to nothing. Even if it is a public university tuition fee needed is $ 20,000 a year or so, not counting other expenses. As Ralph's boss and friend, Jeff, after some talks with Eric, Eric began to start a waiter in a restaurant, after all, as Jeff said, life must go on.

"Ralph worked here for so many years, this is what I should do. But I can only do so much, and the rest can only rely on your own efforts."

Eric nodded in gratitude, looking at this Jeff turned to leave. he remembered his deep thoughts before. Somewhere, since an unscrupulous god sent him to Hollywood twenty years ago, if he had continued to waiter job, he will certainly be mad.

After three days just to understand own situation, Eric who excited before, lost his excitement .The previous generation as an outstanding student of film and television institute, he has not realized own dream, finally lowers the head to the reality . Even now, he have neither diploma nor background, even went to the film company to apply for the bottom of the post, may not succeed.

After a busy day in Italian restaurant, Eric drove away in Ford Sedan car that his cheap Eric father left behind . After Ralph's death, Eric had wanted to sell this car to support the family, but after receiving the waiter job, kept it, after all, the United States is the country on wheels, if no car, a lot of things is inconvenient.

Passing a cinema theater Eric saw "Rambo 3" poster close to the theater entrance, under the snow-capped mountains and a helicopter in the background, in his prime of Stallone muscles make female fans screaming . Unexpectedly, Eric parhed the car in the parking lot not far and inquired, just soon will start, Erik bought a ticket to enter the movie theater.

Because not prime-time, two hundred-seat theater, only about thirty or forty people, Eric found his seat and sat down.

Soon the theater into darkness, after the titles, the official start of the movie plot, Colonel Sam Trautman asked Rambo who live in seclusion of Thailand, to go to Afghanistan to carry out thetask together, but Rambo has rejected him. After Colonel was captured, Rambo to save thegood friend once again taken arms …..

Past, Eric watched all Stallone movies, and most more than once. The reason why buy a ticket, because Eric remembered Stallone's experience, but also remembered former self. In the decade he fought, whenever he want to give up, he will use some of the more inspirational stories to motivate oneself, including Sylvester Stallone that legendary career.

Movie plot still continues, Erik swirling thoughts faded, focused on enjoying the movie. Gradually, relaxed the body and leaned back straight from the waist. Because he found one thing, as he had seen before the film , whenever plot advances Eric subconsciously think about what will happen next, and then he found the magic, as he thought , the next screen will clearly show the movie in his mind, that is to say, he should remember the whole movie every shot, every line, every even some music.

Gradually, Eric excited, then close your eyes, choose the one Cameron's "Titanic" began to recall the result is still the case, he can recall every minute movie shot . Choosng of several seen the movie again, is still the case. Thoughts turn to fly, Eric tried to remember the name but only heard not seen some of the movies, the miracle does not appear, it seems he only remembers that he had seen something, but it was enough.

Just reborn, when Eric would later also thought of some movies themselves, but, after all, is a past professional director, he certainly knows how difficult it operations, he wrote some of the most similar scripts only. But now, after the discovery of a clear mind filled with all the memories of past lives, Eric knows what it means, as long as the conditions, he will be able to read past those classic movie almost perfectly copied out.

Because the excitement, the dark Eric cheek fever, slightly numb fingers. Finally, Eric could not, heavily on the seat armrest shot down, his mouth blurted out: "FUCK"

palm pain will Eric back to reality, looking around the audience vote over several grievances eyes, Eric embarassed smiled. One hundred minutes of film will soon be over, Rambo rescued his friend, a wisp again, deep reactive with the name.

But sitting in the dark Eric apparently did not notice them, but thoughts turn to do a lot of thinking . His past life he did not have so good memory, like ordinary people, to read an article many times to recite, but also to listen to a song many times to sing. Obviously, this is unscrupulous …… oh no, lovely gods gave him a great asset.

Took to the pinnacle of life carries enormous Wildness out of the cinema, Eric drove home in rush. He knew that, in the case having such a huge resource in mind, if he as in past failed, then it really is better to take a pot of water to choke oneself.

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Chapter 002: Inspiration out of quarrel

Erik placed a clunky typewriter lightly on the desk, wiped sweat from his forehead, he missed his past very thin and light notebook PC. This is the state he found himself the next day in his memory palace, after a day of thinking, Eric about his future had a preliminary plan.

So he deliberately to took a day off, strolled most of the day time, bought a secondhand typewriter. Which is an essential thing for the realization of his plan .

After processing Ralph's funeral, in Eric hands left a few hundred dollars in cash . Having a good welfare system in Western countries, it has always been no savings custom here. Fortunately the house where he lived, the loan has been repaid, or else, because of inability to pay the mortgage, the house was recovered, he may sleep on the streets. In this way, to buy a typewriter Eric from Jeff took a month salary in advance.

To realize own dreams, he must first break into Hollywood circles. Temporarily forget about directly directing, the actor is not a path for him. After much deliberation, the most suitable for his is screenwriter. Although people always say this era Hollywood screenwriter low status, it is not true, because the top of the gold medal screenwriters switch to a director and producer, which with the Hong Kong film is no different.

Loading into the typewriter a manuscript paper,Erik lifts the hand to knock the nextlineof letters on the keyboard: Jurassic Park . Yes, it is the 1990s the most profitable film series.

Eric still remember past lives, from hawkers buying pirated discs of "Jurassic Park" , where a group of friends together watch the film, when the lifelike dinosaurs appear on the TV screen, the kind of feeling, only one word to describe: I and my little friends are shocked.

In Memory novel "Jurassic Park" was published in 1990, only 100000 words, so now Michael Clayton certainly have not started to write.Erik appropriates to oneself it satisfiedly, the daywithdoes not take, instead by its fault( i dont know how to translate it). As Michael Clayton saying that a life experience called fantasy figures, there is no "Jurassic Park" there maybe something other.

Eric mouth slightly tilt, while the recollection of events while pounding the keyboard. He is writing is not a "Jurassic Park" script, but fiction. Past him after watching the film, because of curiosity, and got the novel Jurassic Park and carefully read. Now, with a memory that gets fairly good grades in school, the past life of the Chinese version translated into English fiction is more than enough.

There is no direct reason to write the script, screenplay written directly on the one hand is dropped into the film company, most likely to be treated as garbage thrown into the waste paper basket. Screenplay Hollywood studios receive each day, basically is calculated on the pounds. On the other hand, Eric wanted the film rights to the series firmly in control in their own hands, because even now as a screenplay, if a fancy film company had liked it, and made into a film, the last to get the most profit only those film companies. But Eric, besides tens of thousands dollars payment for published piece, mostly receives extra drawing bonus again.Thematter of this doing business at a loss, Erik will definitely not do.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

But publishes the novel, Erik can firmly control the film and television copyright inhis hand,waits for the appropriate opportunity to wait for a better price, maximum benefitthat canobtain.

Immersed in work, time flies, until the sky is completely dark, Eric already look down the letters on the keyboard, only to find unconsciously, he has written four or five hours in a row, stomach began growling again.

Stands up, Erik looks on the desk thick one pack of drafts, stretched oneself ,according tothisspeed, probably one week of time can complete the manuscript, after all, the present stagehemust continue in Jeff's dining room work, otherwise must have an empty stomach.

Went into the kitchen, Eric made himself a simple dinner of rice and a tomato scrambled eggs, typical Chinese dishes, as the fridge remaining cheese bread like peanut butter, Eric often these days eats snack, although he inherited the original memory of the guy, but w Asians eating habits are ingrained.

Eat a simple dinner, Eric came on the second floor balcony, leaning against the railing looking at the night around them. The apartment where he lives is a little less than 200 square meters of yard, two-story house, the yard planted with some sort of random flowers, no hostess, cheap Ralph father is a sloppy person, so father and son's life has been very rough. Memory about seven or eight times or so, and his son two people from England moved to Los Angeles. Eric does not remember why, and Ralph, then too young, and now according to the memory of those clues, Eric had not been able to figure things out, so he did not bother to think about that.

After moving to Los Angeles, Ralph dragged little Eric to stroll in Los Angeles. In just two days, with the introduction of real estate broker, bought the small courtyard, everything seems to be a mess. Eric smiled, the concept of home care is haunted by the bones of Asians.

Stay on the balcony for a while, is planning to return and continue to write "Jurassic Park", suddenly heard loud sound that seems to be what glassware fell to the ground sound, Eric set his sights on the west side neighborhood, it is Runkle couple's home, with a 41-year-old couple, the couple had three children, the eldest son has been on the university, a daughter at a boarding secondary school, the youngest son was seven years old.

The two couples may be experiencing a midlife crisis, this time often quarreled. Although Erik has a good relationship with Runkle family , but Eric did not intend to go up and tried to mediate, this couple have restraint, did not fight violently. If he hastily ran to the other side and tried to mediate only make situation awkward.

After a hurried but bickering and fuzzy sound of breaking a few appliances, home of Runkle door bang opened. Charles Nathan Runkle man of the house wearing a shirt and messy hair out of the door, turned the door-step sprint in the women shouted: "Enough, I've had enough, damn, you are bitch. if not moved to Los Angeles in order to marry you, I might have been a GM executive, look at you now , my God! "

"You die," always spoke is in a soft voice Madame Runkle, at this time the sound appeared is very resounding and incisive: "In the past three men pursued me, one at present isCaliforniacongressman,one sold the petroleum in Middle East, the petroleum did you know? Aprofit ofship can be as good as you 100 years of wage! What regrets is the old lady . Now, goestoyour General Motors to rest, dear 'general electric company management '!"

Mrs. Runkle finished, will throw a black jacket out, slamming the door.

Charlie picked up the coat patted Nathan Runkle, stood up and looked up just to see Eric standing on the balcony.

"Sorry to disturb you, Eric." Charlie smile to Eric .

"It's okay, Charlie . Come sit in my home ?" Eric said

Charlie Sen shook his head and said: ".. No, thank you, I'm going to the bar around …… …… After a while come back after Mary calmed down."

Charlie said that nodded to Erik, starts ownautomobile to drive to the distant place.

Erik returns to the room, remembers Runklecouple quarrel the scene, in the mindathoughtflashes through personally suddenly, sits at thedesk, loads into the typewriteramanuscript paper, just that thought gradually became clear.

Over the two days Erik had been pondering his first script should write anything, now he hadtheanswer. That script customizes for him simply, um, because the time differs the quite farreason,the massive details need to revise,but these are not the issues, the selling point of scriptnot inthese details.

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Chapter 003: Luckily its not Michael Crichton

Boss Jeff of Italian dining room discovered that for several days Erik had changed , no longer is distracted to be in a daze, the whole person becomes beaming and buoyant.Entertaining the guests is also no longer like before jerky, occasionally also will play harmless jokes with the guest, Jeff even once discovered that Erik gets three times of tips and winks from thirty year old ladies.

"Erik, met anything difficult, I discovered that you are recently very……different?" On a break once, Jeff could not resist and asked finally. Regarding the child of the old friend, he very much cared.

"Is very obvious?"Erik has gawked, asked.

Jeff said with a smile: "Certainly, writes on your face simply."

"Perhaps, because I found the goal. You know that humans, once had the ideal, the whole person will become very excited."

", What goal, can you say that to me?"

"Certainly," Erik replied: "I have decided that I must be a director. I was creating my first scriptrecently, in two days I will finish."

"Become ……Director?"Jeff is somewhat surprised, the subconsciousness wants to open the mouth to persuade Erik to not aim too high, but then remembered that this child has only just emerged from mourning his father's death, to find a goal, and swallowed the words.

In Erik body contains a soul of middle–aged person, obeserving Jeff 's face slightest movement, Erik knows that he wanted to say anything, but actually smiled has not cared. After all, this is Hollywood, every year thousands of people come here from all over the world to pursue a dream of movies, but the success belongs to the few and Jeff having this idea is normal.

"That ……When your script has written, can show me. Must know that in the past I also oncewanted to be an actor, once my appearance is not like as it is now," Jeff has patted his large belly, then said: "In the past I was very handsome. You must know that I have also participated for a small role in "The Godfather", in an instant, already these many years."

Erik was somewhat stunned, cannot think that Jeff also has such past, but quickly relaxed,here is Hollywood, in this world the biggest movie factory, nothing here is impossible.

"Does not have the issue, when the time comes you can help me make some comments."Erikreplied, so that can make Jeff help to have a look in the script to have any loophole.

Although Erik already as far as possible revised 1988 that script, but actually cannotguarantee that does not have the careless mistake. But Jeff as an outsider, can discover in thescript very easily some inopportune things.

Two people chatted some, as several guests entered the dining room, Erik goes forward to greet the guests hastily.

After a day of work, Erik went home quickly, has had the supper in a hurry, starts thematter writing "Jurassic Park" novel and script.

"Jurassic Park" basically had finished, and now final proofreading. Erik planned to send the photocopies to several publishing houses tomorrow. But the script has actually written just outline, as well as some matters that needed to revise. To complete the script as it is in his mind need two days.

Next morning, Erik around 7:00 am leaves the home, to get "Jurassic Park" photocopies andmail them, he has prepared addresses of some North American famous publishing housesahead of time, even if these large–scale publishing houses have rejected Erik's draft, he will not be disappointed. Must know that North America has reaches tens of thousands every large or small publishing houses, somebody is always willing to publish this novel. Although"Jurassic Park" once rushed to the New York Times bestseller ranking first place,but what Erik cares is actually not "Jurassic Park" royalty, but after the novel is published, thefilm and television copyright grips in the hand.

"Hello, what can I do for you ?"Just entered to printing shop, a somewhat thin black female clerk welcomed warmly.

Erik pulls out manuscript from bag: "I would like a few copies of this manuscript."

The black girl looked at thick manuscript, and her eyes light up slightly, the smiling face onface was brighter: "Sir, can I look at it?"

"No problem," Erik has handed over the manuscript.

The black girl has not paid attention to the manuscript content, but counted the number of pages : "Probably more than 300 pages, make that 300 pages. Every copy 30 US dollars, how many copies sir?"

30 US dollars! Erik mouth twitched slightly, sighed that it was expensive, he now only has a few hundred dollars in cash, and this is an advance of one month salary .

After being bargaining back and forth, two people agree on the price of one hundred US dollars for four copies. After paying the money, black girl politely gave Eric a cup of coffee, then took the manuscript to begin copying.

Erik bored holds the coffee cup to looks at black girl operating the machine, probably in a halfhour it can be done, will not delay restaurant work. Although after 10 it gets busy at restaurant,even if has been late, by Jeff's disposition will not deduct his wages , but thefriendship is friendship, the work is the work, Erik knows that wants to maintain therelations with Jeff, he must do his duty .

After about ten minutes, printing shop entrance became slightly dark, Eric looked up and saw a brown-haired white man walked into the store carrying a bag.

Man is about 40 years old, the height is less than one meter seven, actually appears verysturdy, brown stubble on chin,slightly curved nose, wearing gold–rimmed eyeglasses, slightly bald forehead,the whole person is exuding bookish feeling.

"Welcome visits, Sir, waits a bit?"

Brown haired man nodded, nodded hello to Erik very much politely, sits down by Erik.The black girl stops the work in hand temporarily,fast makes one coffee to brown haired man:"Sir, just more than ten minutes , please first drink the cup coffee."

The man received the coffee to say thanks, his eyes follow the black girl's form to see thatthick one stack of manuscript, the eyes move slightly, in the shop only then three people,the man could not help but look at Erik.

"Takeing the liberty I am asking, is that your draft?"

Erik nods saying:"Yes, a novel, I just finished, plans to make several photocopies ."

"You look like a high–school student, you are really fierce, I am unable to achieve these."

"Thank you, actually this is my first novel,I do not have muchconfidence."

"No, must believe oneself. That, can I read your novel?" saying that the man pulled out aname card to give Erik saying:"Just, I have a small publishing house."

Erik received the name card to look, Michael Claus, "The night Elves" publishing housemanager. Erik eyebrow jumped ,luckily is not Michael Crichton. Erik cannot but scold the westerners lack of creativity in name, remembers that in the class and grade of ErikHigh school, two called Jake,two called Jessica, if considers whole school, the person with same name were more. Even the newborn son has no new name, called Robert Downie jr directly.

Thinking that looking may change nothing , Erik gave already photocopied draft to MichaelClaus. The opposite party received the draft, looked at the book title, : ""Jurassic Park", veryinteresting name."

Erik shows a faint smile, has not said anything. Michael Claus also no longer saidanything,reads seriously. With in-depth reading, Michael casual look gradually become more serious, although he had just praised Eric , but in heart does not think by Eric's age to be able to write what wonderful novel. In his previous business experience, those best-selling author of almost all men are full of experience and wealth of knowledge accumulation.

Quickly and carefully read the manuscript in hand, Michael reorganizes earnestlythe somewhat scattered and in disorder manuscript, looks up to Erik, in thatlook contains surprise and excitement, and a little determintion.

"Young people, can I know your name?"

"Erik Williams," Erik is not hypocritical, replied directly. By his previous generation life experience,how unable to see that Michael expression is containing anything at this time.Although does not have the plan to give "Jurassic Park" to small publishing house, butdoes not hinder him to get acquainted with Michael Claus. If "Jurassic Park" had been rejectedby these well–known publishing houses, this is also a choice.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

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Chapter 004: Tempted

"Well, Eric, can you giv this book to my publishing house to operate ?" Michael Claus made no secret of his intentions, he said bluntly.

Eric looked at already printed and bound by black girl, then to Michael Claus said: "I'm sorry, Michael, though I appreciate your recognition, but you know, I want to go to some of the larger publishing houses to try own luck. Parents hope that their children can be admitted to the Ivy League school, right ?"

Michael did not have slightest expression of contempt and displeasure, smiled and said:" Eric, do you have full understanding to large publishers , maybe we can find a place to talk, I know not far from here a cafe, my treat, how? "

Eric took the black girl stapled manuscript, and packed into the bag, directly refused and said: "I'm sorry, Michael, I'm late for work, if in the future by those publishers rejected the manuscript, I will contact you."

Eric finished, carries his backpack and go out of the printing shop, start the car and drove to an Italian restaurant. Michael just a little hesitation, and immediately rushed out of the shop, drove to follw. He had an intuition, if he missed this opportunity, he might regret it forever. This intuition is directed three points at book called "Jurassic Park" novels, and seven points at the young man Eric.

Although only read the top half of the novel, but Michael was surprised to find that Eric will not only know that many of his age teens may have never heard of genetic engineering, chaos theory, nanotechnology and other high-tech factors into novels and did not lose interest in the novel, fascinating plot twists.

He also has seen so many high-tech novel examples, but most of them use very jerky, that type of fiction is obviously not for all types of readers .

Erik parked the car on parking lot and turned to find a black car stop also not far away, Michael Claus got out, apparently followed him . This makes vanity in Erik heart to satisfy for a moment, unkowingly had sone favourible impression to MIchael.

. "Hey, Eric," Michael raised his hand, then was about to speak, Eric pointed to his watch and said:. "That, Michael, you see, its nine and I work in this Italian restaurant as a waiter, then maybe you do not mind ordering a breakfast. barand restaurant are idle before 10 o'clock, an hour's time. "

Michael nodded knowingly, following Eric walked into a restaurant.

Eric changed his clothes , Michael has been sitting on the window seat, in front of him is a breakfast that has been eaten.

"I explained to Mr. Jeff ,but you have to hurry." Eric sat across from Michael, then smiled and said:. "Although I was young, but it is not so easy to be persuaded"

Michael laughed: " I believe after you heard my explanation you will certainly give it to me for operation. I just said, you probably don't know those big publishers, but, I have spent time at Simon Schuster eleven years, from the most basic to start editing the review, because the competition of department manager left there, the night elves founded my publishing house. " "

"what that have anything to do with me? " because past life as a loser, Eric fear others to tell their history of struggle, and could not bear to insert a sentence.

"Do not worry, young man, I just want you to know, my next words are faithful and true. You know, I was originally doing reviews to edit at first, every day I reviewed tens of thousands or even 100000 words of the drafts, although there …… ah, a lot of bad manuscript, but there are also alot works that are published. Atleat 2000 kinds books are published a year. As a new writer how many can you have at large publishing house?"

Michael finished, stopped and took a sip of water, leaving Eric some time to think. Eric has approved these words, but did not say anything, just with eyes to indicate Michael to continue.

Michael raised his hand slightly, as if like speech, said:. "My publishing house, although small, but I was in the book publishing marketing in this area has a wealth of experience and my publishers in recent years mainly do is science fiction, adventure, horror like the publication of the novel, although published only a year more than a dozen novels, but the industry has a certain reputation. If you givee "Jurassic Park" to me, in the next period of time I promise to promote the novel with all the resources I had in the shortest possible time, gain book's reputation. And with my experience, under my full operation, this is likely to burst into best seller lists. "

Michael laid all his cards out, and then quietly wait for Eric's decision.

Eric hearing Michael's rant ,a concern, a small publishing house , even if put out all the resources but also how much energy?

In his bones he was already a middle-aged uncle, and in the past moved in the complex circles, seen strange pig running around all over the world. Of course he is not hot blooded because of Michael Claus words change own mind. However, Micheal's certain words touched the heart of Eric: in the shortest possible time, gain "Jurassic Park" fame.

No matter what age, fame is a kind of very useful invisible resource. Eric now to implement his plan, his biggest weakness is that age, a young man will naturally give a hard feeling of confidence to others.

But if there is enough fame, this shortcoming will be well concealed. An eighteen-year-old high school student become the director to make a movie then everyone will blame him of being unreasonable. And if an eighteen-year-old talented writer to make a movie, the result is not the same, certainly there will be criticism, but more people would certainly say: Oh, that genius kid is doing an amazing thing.

Eric said: ".. Have to say, Michael, you made me sexcited, however, these are your side of the story, I did not understand you publishing house"

"It's very easy to prove," Michael calmly said: "In a recent New York Times bestseller list, just have a book of my publishers on the list, although only the last place, but the book the film copyright has been purchased by the Twentieth century Fox , is likely to be made into a movie in the next few years, "

Eric believes Michael's words, he did not need to tell lies that can be easily proved and said:" Well, do we find time to talk about specific cooperation how? "

Michael surprised for a moment, said:"did you …… you agree ?"

" Yes, "Eric nodded and smiled :" to be honest, I can not wait to see my novel was made into a book . "

" Well, how about tonight, I think you may now need to work. "Michael pointed to the restaurant where guests gradually increased.

After the two men agreed on the meeting place, Michael left the restaurant satisfied.

"Eric, what you just discusssed with the man , you seem happy ?" Jeff asked, Eric just said something to discuss with friends, so he was a bit curious.

Eric handed the menu guests ordered to kitchen colleagues, then to Jeff said: "A good news, Jeff, just that person is owner of a publishing house, I will soon publish my novel . "Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

Jeff little cofused, but also some suspicion:"Novel, you did not say that yesterdayyou are writing the script, how to rewrite the novel, did you such quickly give up the director dream, and plan to be a writer?"

Eric said: "of course not, my goal will change and when did the director and writing novels had conflict?, My novel is in the locker room backpack, Jeff can you take a look.? and give your opinion"

Jeff turned to the locker room with a puzzled face, he thought Eric's novel is only a few thousand words short, but when you see a thick stack of fiction manuscript Jeff two eyeball almost pop out, this was more than 100,000 words , his life has never written so many words.

He spent the noon meal busiest periods in leisure. Staff restaurant only to find that the boss seems to have disappeared for several hours .

When the staff were discussing to seek for the boss, Jeff came from locker room, patted Erik'sshoulder saying:"Very good novel, I determined you will resign quickly." With these words Jeff left.

Boss figure disappears, a group of people asked Eric what happened.

So the whole afternoon, from time to time a waiter or kitchen staff got into the locker room , then take turns reading the work of Eric. Even a beautiful waitress also coyly asked can she ake manuscript to home.

Although beautiful girl winking let Eric somewhat distracted, but for such a request can only decline. Although had a few copies of the novel, and lending her is not a problen, but before did not publish the novel, he did not want any accidents.

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Chapter 005: Condition

In the cafe located in northern Hollywood, Erik and Michael were discussing about "Jurassic Park"cooperation detail.

Erik has entangled in the dividend royalty, took 7% of royalty. Negotiations encountered problem in the film and television copyright.

By the Michael employed ten years of vicious visions, can certainly see great potential of thisnovel in film and television reorganization. In addition Erik above the royalty dividend did not raise any objection, this makes Michael feel that Erik is very young, is very good to flicker,and therefore proposed the night elves and Eric share television rights and television rights solely by the night elves Publishing social agent

Listens to the plan that Michael proposed patiently, Erik refused :"This is impossible, Mr.Claus."

Michael Claus gawks, somewhat unable to respond regarding decisive refusal, adjusting themood, Michael Claus then said: "Erik, listening to me saying that you know, I just had sold tothe 20th century Fox the novel of our publishing house,that was over a millionreorganization expenses. If were discussed by that author,perhaps even 500,000 dollarsunable to attain,this was the superiority of publishing house agent ……"

The following two people also discussed more than ten minutes, Michael Claus wanted Erikto accept his condition, and reduced on own initiative in film and television copyright aboveshare.

Finally, Michael Claus discovered with disappointment that this kid is not a youth of making a debut, same as mixed into the social circle more than ten years like him, although regarding publishing circle is not too familiar, but can actually realize keenly the general conditions inside the industry.

What made Michael surprised is, this young man not like this age young people impulsive,even if had discovered the trap does not mention it straightforwardly, he will just make them understand that he know what's in the trap.

Finally, Michael smiled bitterly and gave up meddling the plan of "Jurassic Park" film and television copyright.

The following negotiations naturally smooth, two people have signed the cooperation agreement quickly.

"Cooperation is happy, Erik,I believe that you will not regret "Jurassic Park" to give me to operate."After signing the contract, Michael turned into that bookish makings uncle, as if justnegotiated astute with cunning face was the illusion.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

"Cooperation is happy, Michael, I also hope such."

Two people shook hand, sits down, talked, Erik casually said: "Michael, do you havethe personal connection in these film companies?"

Michael Claus has selected eyebrow:"Certainly, otherwise did I recommend my publishing house that novel to the 20th century Fox? I also have the connections in other film companies,you know, I when Simon Shuster Publishing house,once was responsible for the film company's cooperation in books copyright. Therefore, Erik, "Jurassic Park" film and televisioncopyright give to the NIGHT ELVES , I can recommend the novel to the producers of six big film companies directly."

Erik shook the head saying:"This issue we do not discuss again, Michael, "Jurassic Park" film and television copyright I will not resign tiny bit.However, I am completing a script now, if possible, I hope that you can help me recommend."

Hope that ignited extinguishes once again, Micheal hears Erik said the script is not interested, but out of politeness patiently said:"Can say the approximate plot of script?"

"Is this," Erik reorganized the train of thought: "18 years ago, 17–year–old Mike O'Donnell will soon participate in a very important basketball game since birth, so long as he does well,will obtain the admittance qualifications of ivy league, and also the rich scholarship. However,before the competition,his girlfriend told him to be pregnant suddenly,therefore, on the way ofthe competition, Mike discarded the basketball in hand and turned around to leave the athletic field resolutely, chose to shoulder own responsibility. 18 years later,passing glory and scenerygo with the wind,Mike has become a middle–aged person of regret, at the same time his marriage with his wife Scarlet will come to an end……"

Erik has not spoken too many details, but narrated the story briefly, after he hears Mr. and Mrs. Runkle's quarrel, quick has thought"17 Again", must realize own plan,this movie is appropriate. A 17 years old of young human body contains the soul of middle-aged , this is tailor made for Erik simply.

The Michael Claus eyes increasingly became bright, he very much favored Erik , has not actually thought that attains "Jurassic Park" this novel,Erik has given immediately his anotherpleasant surprise.

Return in the future or to change body kind of movie, just emerged these years, are not in flood like the later generation, therefore as long as movie quality is good, can obtain good box office.

Not to say 1985 year box office champion "Back to the future", this year alone,two of thiskind of movies has obtained the good box office , one was April "18 again", screened for twoweeks,has recouped the cost. Another final box office hundred million "BIG",this movie alsomade Penny Marshall in the North American history the first female director of box office overhundred million dollars.

"This is a good script, Erik. But you did not think that in these years of this traversing space and time type movies were too many? Let alone you are only an unknown new comer."In order to attain the negotiations initiative, Michael naturally must act bashful, he also just made himhave a frustration about"Jurassic Park" film and television copyright negotiations.

Erik shows a faint smile, certainly could see that Michael is coquettish, stretches outfive fingers straightforwardly: "50% commissions!"

"What?"Michael is somewhat unbelievable.

Erik said:"Michael, you have not misunderstood, if the script sells successfully, Ican give 50% of script payment as commission to you!However, I have a condition?"

Sure enough, there is no free lunch, Michael heard Eric the last word, a slight sigh of relief that things seem to return to the original track, the opposite is the smart little guy.

"Tell me?"

"I want to be the film's leading man, young Mike O'Donnell."

"This is impossible."Michael subconsciously said: "Even the film director not necessarily have decision power in casting, not to mention you are a rookie screenwriter. "

" In the far East, there is a phrase called man proposes, God disposes. "Eric said:" If you do not try, how do you know impossible, Moreover, with the "BIG," release, this possibility becomes even greater. "

Michael Claus somewhat cannot help but ask: "What relations does this have with "BIG"?"

Eric casually stir with a spoon in front of the just pour hot coffee and said: "I think the movie is likely earn hundred million of dollars at the box office, and if so, for one of the same type, but good enough script, someone might consider my condition "

Michael Claus has not looked at "BIG" movie, but has believed Erik's words, said: "Good, Erik, Ican try, but commission ……"

"Michael, you were too greedy, you want to take more than my this original author!"

Michael also touches nose with the index finger, unusual embarrassment: "You have not saidis so serious, if you have worked as the actor, even if the new person, salary alsoabout 500,000, but the script I thought that can attain 200,000 to be good."

Although said that Michael Claus again has not actually raised the commission matter,whenoutside the coffee shop said goodbye,Michael Claus said suddenly: "Actually, Erik, I have anillusion,that you truly suit the role of your script actor. Because, just discussed contract time, Ithought that it is the contemporaries is negotiating , but is not a 18–year–old high–school student."

Erik smiles: "Do not care about these details, Michael, two days I have given you script, hopesthat you can bring the news to me."

…

Chapter 006: Good News

After Finalizing "Jurassic Park," publication, Eric used all the spare time to write and modify the "17 again" ."17 Again" is mainly expressed discussion about family, love, friendship, and life choices, so it is not inappropriate to adapt it to this day and age, but have to change geek cultural references in movie and the mobile phones are not exclusively used today.

Erik modified Ned into a successful entrepreneur, as hardcore movie fan, likes to collect a variety of movie props. Of course, this year there have been limited to the film, the lines on the movie "Lord of the Rings" can only be modified into other movies, which filled the minds of the most people.

After completing the script, Eric accordance with the agreement, the script showed Jeff. Since read "Jurassic Park", Jeff will no longer look down upon this friend . Earnestly read the script a few times, really found some details of the error, such as when the protagonist to return to school wearing Kevin Federline hippie t-shirt, resulting Jeff to ask Kevin Federline who is it. Eric careful searched memory, only to find that Britney Spears's second ex-husband is now ten years old is too small.

After modifying some of the errors found by Jeff, Eric handed over to the script to Michael Claus.

After completing a novel and screenplay, Eric did not rush to the creation of the third work, but began to practice basketball, especially in the film to use fancy basketball, Eric did not know basics, so he must start fresh.

In movie there are lot of basketball scenes, although in the movie Zac Efron past performance is not great, but several scenes about basketball is remarkable, especially in the student cafeteria fancy basketball play against bad boy Stan is impressive.

A week later, after practicing two hours of basket ball in community hall basket ball court Eric returned practicing basket ball moves and then phone started to ring. These days Eric began to receive Michael's calls, to inform "Jurassic Park" publication as well as "17 Again" script issues. "Jurassic Park" published very smoothly, quickly Eric can see the book, but the "17 Again" is not so lucky.

Although after reading the script, companies are interested, but heard the script writer conditions to star as lead most of the companies have simply abandoned movie script. It is also a very normal thing that no one can easily invest tens of millions of dollars of investment to risk. Eric even proposed to Michael not to set sights on six major film companies but can also try those second-tier film production company.

"Hey, here is the Williams family." After Eric picked up the phone to adjust the motion under some shortness of breath, he said.

"Hello, Eric, I'm Michael."

Eric smiled calmly: "? Michael, now almost ten at night, you called me this time there must be some good news from you."

Michael could not help but complain about the phone and said: "Do not mention this, is really hell, I rang telephone several times, and you never lifted."

"Oh, sorry, I'm Michael to the community playground to play basketball. . "

"Playing basketball, wow Oh, Eric, you seem determined to win. Well, I remember the script does have a lot of basketball game scenes. "

" of course, I then again not only training in basketball, but also in front of the mirror every morning to practice my performance for an hour . "

"Eric, I admire you a little, few people would be willing to do absolutely like this, prepare for a day off tomorrow , we have an appointment to attend. "

Eric hands slightly flick, originally on the right index finger spinning basketball bang fell on ground, bouncing several times :"Is this …… good news? "

" of course, lucky guy , I have received today Mr. James Brooks of twentieth century Fox's phone, they are very optimistic about the script, but did not directly reject your condition, but you must pass audition . " "

"It's …… Thank you, Michael. " "

"you're welcome, " Michael laughed:" of course you have to understand the other party agreed to audition is equivalent to accepting your condition, but if your audition performance is too bad, can only say sorry. "

"Absolutely not, I've been prepared. "

Eric was fully excitement all night, the next morning, Eric drove to meet with Michael Klaus in agreed place.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

"This is the Twentieth Century Fox film base?" Eric looked at the huge warehouse studio, with longing in eyes.

Michael pulled, also came over, stood side by side next to Eric, looked up at the studio said: "Yes ah, it is very spectacular studio, but Warner base more spectacular than this, ah, you must have seen? , have the opportunity to visit them in the spot. "

Eric remembered movies produced by Warner , he nodded his head:." I will, "

Both followed by a staff member came to an office door , who lead the way knocked on the door to say a few words, then ushered two people inside.

Saw that two people came,two middle aged people a man and a woman who were discussing something stood up to meet them.

Michael Claus with them shook hands, then introduced:. "James, Penny, this is Eric Williams. Eric, Mr. James Brooks is producer, Penny Marshall is director "

introduction to Michael Penny Marshall Klaus smiled and said:" you may not know, Mrs. Penny, a week ago, Eric said, you could become American Movies billions of dollars at the box office in the history of the first female director of it. "

Eric first shook hands with James Brooks, James just shook it gently with Eric, less than a second has taken back the left hand.

Eric keen to discover the well-known producer does not seem to like himself, thought something to understand how it is for film production producer at the helm, he is not happy with voluntary actors.

Eric did not show any wrong look, turned to Penny Marshall, which is a forty-year-old blond Caucasian female, body is large , so although a director but at the same time also an actor.

"Hello, Mrs. Penny, I love your" BIG. "

"Thank you for your appreciation, Eric. "Penny Marshall's look did not change much with the "BIG," the screening continued, everyone knows that the hundred millions at the box office the movie is already a certainty because of the recent week, the week box office has not diminished, but increased. But this movie is in the fourth week, a lot of movies to be released at this time, probably because of low attendance and forced the downside.

Introduction to each other, only to find James Brooks and Penny Marshall are sizing up Eric, obviously, cooperation is successful, James Brooks and Penny Marshall are the "17 Again "the producer and director. Eric did not tense, but his face with a confident smile, sits down with Michael Claus on the couch.

Beautiful female assistant served cups of coffee, withdrew from the office.

James Brooks did not drink coffee, but crosses his hands on the table, said:. "Mr. Eric …… your screenplay is indeed very good, but have to say, you have raised some harsh conditions , you're just a high school student with no acting experience. so first we are going to refuse, but Mr. Barry Diller happened to see your script, he liked those ideas expressed in this play, specially approve your request, of course, you must pass the basic audition. qualified, then, but also for short-term performance training. "

Eric nodded in agreement. But in the heart some surprise, did not expect own script Barry Diller actually approved. Of course he knows who Barry Diller is past Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Katzenberg of DreamWorks , assistants of Barry Diller at Paramount.

Barry Diller in Hollywood for more than thirty years. From Paramount's rising to Twentieth Century Fox prosperous, from the film industry the world of architecture nationwide television networks, as well as the subsequent rise of the network media, has left his mark that can not be denied.

Cranky for a few seconds, until Michael Clause gently nudged him, Eric realized that he is now the office of James Brooks, James Brooks eyes him with a hint of dissatisfaction.

From the beginning he has very much resistance to Erik, in the Hollywood film makingprocess,usually is the producer centralized power,designated from the casting to the lateediting is the producer decides. Erik requests himself to play the lead, without doubt has eliminated part from his proper authority.

"I'm sorry, ladies, I got distracted." Eric quickly apologized Road.

"Never mind, young man," when it comes to word young James slightly increased the tone of the word, then said:. "Well, before you discuss anything else, we first auditioned for it" ,

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Chapter 007: Audition

Eric followed James and came to a small temporary studio, looking at all around familiar surroundings, Eric heart slightly excited, silently facing the film equipment said: "wait, kids, this time I must be the movie legendary film that all people look up to, I want future generations when people mention Eric Williams to say:! he is the Hollywood "

As the author of the screenplay, since he had understanding to the role, they skip directly to the beginning.

Past Eric in the process of struggle for life, he also worked as an actor and appeared in small roles in many films and television shows which have exposed his face. After all, you never know when you can get an opportunity.

Penny Marshall choose to make a few scenes to Eric perform, the play is very simple in the first, Eric has been in private practice for some days, plus in the mind have a clear picture of the original film, Eric performed with ease.

Brooks and Penny Marshall were surprised, Eric's performance was nothing like a novice with no experience, if this is taken as the standard, Eric would not need training , they can just start filming.Read lat𝙚st chapters at Only

"Next, Eric, try this paragraph." Penny smiled and handed Eric script. Eric saw in her face relaxedness, and his heart was relieved, he also feared that there is wrong with his acting.

Read the script in hand, this is in the school stage steps, Mike comforts daughter after she broke up with her boyfriend. This is also in this scene Mike says all movie classical lines that he most likes.

"Mrs. Penny, this scene I needed an actress to play with me."

"Sure," said Penny Marshall, right next to a female staff member said: "Terri Lisa, you come and rehearse with Eric . "

This scene up to two minutes, so Eric and girl prepared for a few minutes . Terri Lisa probably only need to remember the lines , after all, she is just a 'prop', Eric was in a seriously experiencing this scene show various emotions, when saw crying daughter show concern, crazy when hearing his daughter might have gone to bed with Stan , clumsily comforting daughter, and helplessness when daughter hugs him happily.

When ready, a staff shouted action, performance has started.

Maggie sat on a box of props, pretending to cry.

Mike stepped forward, his face with a look of concern.

"Hey, Maggie, what's wrong."

"Go away ." Maggie hands shrink into sleeves, ignoring Mike continued to cry.

"Hey, what happened exactly ?" Mike sat down next to Maggie

, "What do you want, touch my head and say 'I told you, right'?"

"No, no, no, I will not." Mike said hurriedly:. "I just want to know what happened"

. "Stan dumped me,"

"Stan dumped you!" Mike wrinkled eyebrows, surprise on his face faded, followed by another anger and disbelief.

A father found his daughter broke up with a scum, of course, will be very happy. And that reaction, knowing that the man dumped his daughter, change into anger and disbelief. In a father's view, daughter can dump a boyfriend but not the other way.

Watching Eric performing James Brooks and Penny Marshall at the moment are startled , if Eric's performance can be regarded as just sixty points, then this change in facial expression, can raise Eric performance to ninety. James somewhat approves Eric now and did not have past animosity.

The performance continued.

Hear daughter might have gone to bed with Stan, Mike a moment become crazy, after determining that it did not happen, he comforts her by hugging and patting her head ,

organizes strange words to comfort her.

"When you are young everything seems like the end of the world. But it's not. It's just the beginning . And you might have to meet a few more jerks, but one day you'll meet a boy who treats you the way you deserve to be treated…like the sun rises and sets with you."

"Really ?"

" of course. "

"you're so sweet. "Maggie flew into the arms of Mike, Mike found her emotions are not normal, recoiling , grabbed his bag and stood up, while inviting the daughter to participate in his own party, while resisting her daughter's.attempts to throw herself at him.

clap – clap – clap –

Two people had just finished performing, James Brooks and Penny Marshall could not help but applaud by their professional perspective, of course, can see Eric performed how outstanding. The staff seeing the director and producer of the movie, also echoed the clapping.

Michael Claus grinning clapped his hands, although he also felt Eric's performance is very good, after all, not a professional, but he knew from James and Penny reactions, Eric passed the audition, This means that the "17 again" script sell well, at least he can get thousands of dollars of commission, though he have a small publishing house, and a good result, but also his entire net worth four to five million only, most are immovable. A one-time start of thousands of dollars, to him is also a huge sum of money.

Through the most critical audition, many things have became logical.

Eric respectively got $ 250,000 and $ 500,000 sale price for screenplay and actor and signed contract. Screenplay prices more than expected $ 50,000, this is result of Michael's efforts, after all, and there is also half of his, as paycheck. Although Eric's performance is very good, but after all he is new, five hundred thousand dollars is understandable.

In an instant Erik discovered one had 600,000 US dollars net worth, although for the actor salarymust wait till the movie to photograph to be completed .

Signing a contract, with check Eric left the FOX photographic base. The rest is preparatory work for the film, although he would like to be involved and accumulate some experience, but just got goodwill of producer and director, he did not want to change that by meddling .

Goes to bank with Michael Claus, after the check exchanges, he paid Michael 125,000 US dollars,regarding this Erik did not mind. After all Michael recommended script to correct person.

Next, resigning as expected by Jeff because worked together for a month, Eric invited his colleagues to a small party at home, Jeff and several older colleagues, after all older so they did not attend.

In this festive night, Eric and colleagues were dead drunk, and fell asleep.

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The moment he wake up, he felt that his head was stuffed with a piece of stone, shaking head few times. He quickly understood own situation, smiling, sat up, and its already more than nine in the morning.

This is Eric Williams family on the second floor bedroom, blazing summer sun, brazenly through the south balcony French doors falls into the bedroom.

Rebirth half a month, Eric has been busy with all sorts of things. Never even looked this brand new world, and now everything is off to a good start, his heart also lay on the room and took a look at it.

A large bedroom, more than thirty square meters, after moving his bed, then wardrobe, desk, some science and other messy things , still seemed spacious.

Ralph always wanted it divided in to two rooms, because there are only father and son in the family it never happened. and Ralph never made an attempt to find a wife againUpdat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

Do not know that if every man drinking behind always have such piercing past.

Going down from the second floor, it took half an hour to tidy up messy living room after party, after finishing breakfast, Eric drove away from the house.

Spent several hours to go to the store for a Strauss piano, after leaving the delivery address, Eric went to the bookstore to buy a thick stack of books on music arrangement.

Eric not on a whim wanted to be a singer, he'd done just to prepare for a movie soundtrack, so many classic movies in mind, if you want to restore them perfect, must understand some basic knowledge of the arrangement, at least the mind can tune to a degree of existing song written in music sheet, other in the future he becomes joke in the eyes of music professionals.

Hollywood is different from the mainland(China) . In the mainland many directors when doing film, for soundtrack, usually find a music teacher, music teacher watching the raw footage provides some music, the director listens, approves and its done.

But in Hollywood movie music is a very important part, so they strive for perfection, do not say background music, just the theme song have sprung up countless classics.

Soon deliveryman came and the piano is set up in the west side of the living room studio. Though its studio there isn't even a single bookshelf there just big desks and other goods. All his books are in his bedroom , Ralph never had a reading habit.

After the piano properly placed, as usual must try to tune something. Eric sat at the piano and hands on the keys, and then, in deliverymen eyes saw ridicule and contempt, but he just kept on playing some tune of the song "happy birthday . " After Eric squinted at the transfixed deliveryman, they are frightened as dumb as chicken. On this level, even in the past circles be considered as somewhat skilled.

As a punishment for their contempt, he cut their tips in half.

……

" What audition ?" Eric puzzled and asked: "Penny, my role has not decided yet?"

In the family home for a few days he study music every day, practice basketball and practice performance, Eric think that this situation is likely to continue until shooting the film, but only for three days, received director Penny Marshall's phone.

"Of course, Eric. I mean, you want to participate in the audition of other roles, after all, you are the writer, you can offer some advice on the role choice, right?"

Eric knows he only make comments but not the decisive power. But Eric readily agreed with Penny Marshall, he wanted to participate in the film production to gain some experience.

Drove to Fox photography base and saw Penny Marshall and James Brooks, the film casting is a big matter, of course the director and producer are present, , there are several other staff members involved in the casting, but Eric is only a young man.

There is more than ten minutes before the beginning of the audition, Penny Marshall on initiative with Eric chatted about the "17 Again" preparations .

"" BIG, " success made Twentieth Century Fox to this film confident , out of a budget of $ 20 million, they hope that it is a Thanksgiving release, so they have to in two weeks concluded the preparations, and finish filming before the end of the school summer holidays. "

Eric took the list of actors auditioning given by staff and said thank you, hear Penny Marshall's words:" If everything goes smoothly three months is enough time for the movie, the movie only have a few simple scenes, not take that long. "

Penny Marshall nodded:" indeed it is, but also to set aside some time for publicity. "

" Yes, Penny, which roles we interview today? "Eric asked.

"Well, adult Mike O'Donnell and O'Donnell Scarlet, we have invited Dan Aykroyd and Susan Sarandon , James recommended a friend foe role of Ned, and today our main interview is for Mike's children, as well as a number of other young actors in the film, so I think we should let you take a look. "

Eric although already knew that he had no choice in actors but still hearing it somewhat depresses, but fortunately Penny Marshall said the two actors are in with expectations of Eric heart, as Ned role, James Brooks would not take $ 20 million investment as a trifling matter, presumably the actor is not too bad.

However, Eric still somewhat unwilling, secretly vowed to have the right to speak in his own movie, this feeling of being marginalized is really bad.

Depressed Erik does not have the mood to chat with Penny Marshall again, Penny Marshallhas not seen Erik's difference, turned to another side to discuss with James Brooks in a low voice.

After the beginning of audition , in front all actors, demonstrating their youthful vigor, after 7 or 8 people, Eric finally found an acquaintance: Brad Pitt. He even auditioned for the role of Alex, Alex's original film image is kind of weak and little. Eric thought in original it is excessive that a small physique guy shines brightly in the court.

According to his analysis, the reason they chose the skinny little boy instead of a tall, handsome male , in addition to the story needs, the director certainly also worried that he will dominate protagonist Zac Efron, because Zac Efron Long only 1.75 m tall and in western standard it is somewhat short , the film's audience obviously can feel that.

Watches in the picture 25 years old but still likely is of high–school student appearance Pitt,Erik suddenly thought that makes Pitt play as strong and tall but still actually bullied everywhere, and after transformation he shines in the court is convincing . Moreover,Erik also completely had confidence that his performance is unable to be dominated by Brad Pit. When later Brad Pitt became famous, people say that he has played ErikWilliams' son, is a very interesting matter not?

With a smile at corners of his mouth he studied remaining list to see any previous life famous actor.

Followed by a dozen actresses information, sees the first audition actress information and his chin almost fell off, Angelina Jolie, ah, the whole family today is in attendance. Back from his thoughts for a moment, Eric found Jolie should have just graduated from a performing arts school in preparation for the high school ,next year will start her modeling career, he does not know why she will be at Maggie's audition list.

European and American women are very early matured, the photo is of thirteen year old Jolie slim, blonde, iconic sexy lips, exudes a touch of the wild atmosphere. Eric is not optimistic about the results of Jolie's audition, perhaps of her father Jon Voight she auditioned.

Continue to read, Eric has found a very interesting girl.

"Hey, Penny," Eric took information turned and asked: "Drew Barrymore what's the matter, the last two years she did the bad thing …… you also know that perhapsis not quite suitable ourcampus comedies?"

Penny Marshall looked, helpless smiled:." Steven recommended that woman asked him shamelessly, and he was fed up recommend. Stephen also imply that we do not have to consider his factor, so you understand "

?" Steven Spielberg, "

Penny Marshall nodded:" Yes, you know, Stephen is Drew's godfather. "

Eric sighed, Penny mentioned with disgust that woman should be Drew greedy mother. But in this short period of a few minutes, Eric see the clues, he found Hollywood chooses actresses does not like the media says is fair and transparent, involves human contacts, all kinds of games.

Penny Marshall patted Eric said:. "Well, Eric, ready, auditions starts"

Eric had the actor list right order, waiting for the next audition.

He thought he became a decoration to provide optional comments, symbolically ask a few questions. He did not expect that when first young actor came and answer a few questions , Penny Marshall with a smile to Eric said: "Eric, you go and perform with Mr. Wolfson in the scene. "

Eric shrugged, looked at shooting script, stepped forward.

……

Fifth actor out of the audition room, Eric sat back in seat, jokingly complained:. "Penny, I thought you called me to be the referee, did not think it would be on the basketball court."

"Oh, very interesting analogy, do not complain, Eric its James's idea, he complained that I canceled your acting class, and finally discussed that this method has made you exercise theperforming skill."

Eric pretended to be angry and staring calmly at James Brooks, complained: "How didn'tyou explain directly?"

"Don't you know now?"Penny Marshall said with a smile.

"Good."Erik let go speechless.

Chapter 009: See live

"This Brad Pitt is taller than Erik, more over is somewhat old?" Brad Pitt went out of the door,the audition stopped a while temporarily, James Brooks started to discuss with several heads.

Penny Marshall said: "Yes, 7th Blake Quinn good."

Several other heads also express their view.

Erik read the 7th material, a 17–year–old Caucasian youth of golden hair, height 1.7 m, are somewhat emaciated, truly tallies very much with previous generation Alex's image , but is actually not Erik wants.

Erik cannot bear opened the mouth saying:"Penny, I thought that Blake Quinn appeared tooweak, although fits very well with bullied high–school student image very much, but to the film second half, if this kind of emaciated boy dominates in the basketball court , to audience afalse feeling. I just graduated the high school , is very clear high school basketball team is impossible to present this weak male student, impossible to be picked by the scout."

James Brooks hears Erik's analysis also nods assent: "Truly is this, does Erik, which actor youthink will do?"

"How about Brad Pitt ?"

Penny Marshall said: "But Brad Pitt is a little taller than you."

Erik shrugs, said: "Height is not the issue, child is taller than parents this matter is common.Moreover his image can make Alex's change does not seem unexpected."

James asked: "How did this say?"

"First, we determined Brad Pitt's performing skill does not have the issue,although has not played the lead in the movie,has actually performed in many soap operas,moreover he performed well in audition. Therefore, he can definitely show that inferior, spiritless disposition in the movie earlier period . Later on, after Mike'sencouragement and training, showed courage, pursued own girl. You lookedthat he already had this potential, after erupting, the audience will not think its false, insteadwill think, Alex is this!"

The surrounding several people nod assent Erik's viewpoint, Erik can look that James Brooksalso somewhat moved, immediately had not actually decided but said: "Good,we will discussedthis issue again. Then starts the audition of actress."

The first audition naturally is Angelina Jolie, to the questions about performance she answered gracefully, but performance is not satisfactory, has been full of dramatic style,causing Erik who played her opposite almost fall into the ditch.If Eric has casting choice, then perhaps try to give Julie a small role, after all, in his movie collection it will be very interesting, but this time he did not have much right to speak.

After following several girls, Drew Barrymore entered.

The symbolic delightful childish face, the upper body wears the white vest, the black strap of bra is often partly visible along with Drew's movement, the lower part of the body is one tothe white pleated skirt to the knee, reveals a section of fair calf, on the foot treads the blacksmall leather boots. If you just look at the appearance, this is just a little precocious youth invincible girl, her words did not seem like someone with drug addiction and alcoholism.

Sits down on the opposite chair, Drew Barrymore has stroked her hair ,discovered thatsits beside several 40–50 year middle–aged men and women young Erik, his face with distinct edges and sharpness appears exceptionally handsome. Drew with a charming smile shown him a flirtatious look , that does not belong to that group age girls, which made his heart shiver.

James and others as if by prior agreement look to Erik, Erik looked innocently, hello, why youstared me, I was very innocent, I was played okay?

Finally James opens the mouth saying:"Was good, Drew, ready, we start."

"Does not have the issue, Mr. Brooks."Drew showed sweet smiling face, turned into a neighbor girl instantaneously.

Erik wants to shout one really: This is unfair.

……

"Stop, Maggie, I am not that kind of person." This scene is in the bedroom of Ned Family,Maggie and Mike's another match play, Mike keeps avoiding his daughter's pursuit.

"Yes, you are."

"No, I am not"

"You're right, you are a good person, you are different from them."

"I and they are different, I and they have very big difference."Mike is thrown into confusionsaid.

The lioness of being in heat suddenly,as if understood, cannot bear sits on the beddisappointedly, looking distressed: ", I ……I get it."

"What, did you get it what?"

"Your hair was always perfect and it has highlights."

"What are you talking about ?"Mike had doubts.

"I mean ……dude, your jeans are really tight ?"

Mike has doubts looks at the lower part of his body, suddenly said: "No, I am not gay, I'm in love, Margie, I've been in love with same girl since I was 17."

Feeling relieved Margie stands up, quickly asked: "Does she go to our school, do I knowher, tell me her name, I just want to know her name?"

"Good," Margie draws close to Mike, is playing his face like a mother does with her child and said: "You told your girlfriend should better keep a close eye on you!"

……

In the room the people are enthralled looking that two people enter the play performance, ifnot the scene , they will believe its real

Some people even unable to bear sigh said that God is really unfair, gives these two peopleso splendid talent, the people are responsible for auditions , they've been in this professionmany years, saw many actors to perform in many years of play, was nothing less thandiligently.But the performance talents of these two young people seem to be inherent as if they were natural born actors.

"Erik, your performance is really splendid,heard that you are also screenwriter of thismovie,was really too fierce."When the play is over, Drew looked at Erik to say curiously.

Erik nodded: "Many thanks, but you are more outstanding than me, Miss Drew."

"Thank you for the praise," Drew extends her hand toward him casually.

Erik also shook her hand, felt what the girl did in his palm, Erik showed a faint smile,he is not a fool that he cannot understand what she was suggesting, perhaps Drew thought he had theright to speak in casting, and wanted to get that role this by teasing him.

After Drew Barrymore leaves, several heads somewhat are silent, they know Drew will come to audition, wanted to deal with her, finally naturally eliminates her.Unexpectedly,Drew displayed the best performance until now.

The following audition, including Erik, all people somewhat are absent–minded.

After nearly one hour, toward noon time, Erik discovered the last name in audition list:Jennifer Aniston.

Oh, less than one second, Erik heart reacted with exclamation

The American sweethearts, live!

……

James Brooks opens the mouth saying:"Miss Aniston, please first introduce yourself?"

Jennifer Aniston keenly felt across the only young man looks strangely, it is a slightly feverish mood, which made her a little proud at the same time a little stiff, introduced herself, the director let her play a few paragraphs before the end of the audition.

She can see from their not interested behaviour that they already have a candidate for this role. Aniston thinks with disappointment, her parents are also in this circle, so she knew how things work here. However,she still continues, getting some other roles are also good.

Only after Jennifer Aniston leaves audition room, Erik reluctantly looks back. Similar tomaterial such that the previous generation sees, this time Aniston somewhat is truly plump,actually cannot say fat. Moreover after 1.67 m height wears the high–heeled shoes, she looks graceful.

But under the lens this shortcoming will be enlarged.

"What's wrong, Erik, do you like this girl? Have to say she has a sweet smile"

Penny Marshall teases him, other people also note Erik's embarrassment, has smiled.Erik recovers, somewhat awkwardly scratches the head saying:"Penny, do not ridicule me, I am only …………"

James Brooks reorganizes the material in hand to say with a smile: "How can be the ridicule,Erik, if you like her, now could pursue to deliver her to go home. You looked that the audition had finished, certainly, if you want you can remain and accompany our these old fogies to eat lunch together."

"I see ……forget it."Erik fellt somewhat awkward, if caused Aniston's resentment it'll be bad.

"Hey, Erik, be bold," James Brooks encourages saying:" Its a vast world, once some goodgirl miss, was difficult to meet. Although this girl somewhat plump , but that sweet smiling face can actually make up for this. If you pursue now, I can give her a small role, one of theMarggie three good friends. This can make you have the opportunity to contact her."

"Real? Thank you very much,James, I ……First left."Erik wanted to request Jamesto give Aniston an opportunity, has not opened the mouth, James Brooks on own initiative offered.

Erik said tidy up his backpack, rushed out of door with laughter of encouragement in back Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

Jennifer Aniston in 1989 (There are no pictures of her in 1988)

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Chapter 10.1

Jennifer Aniston is somewhat absent-minded waiting for the bus. She cannot say se was disappointed. She just graduated from performing arts school last year and just starred several plays in theatre. By chance she heard about auditions and sent resume, never expecting to get an audition.

She stopped calling a cab when she heard someone calling her from behind. She turned and saw the boy who looked at her strangely at auditions.

"Hello, you are…?" Jennifer waved subconsciously and found that she didn't know his name.

Eric held out his hand and said: "Miss Aniston, hello, my name is Eric, Eric Williams."

Jennifer Aniston took his hand politely with a smile and said: "Hello, Mr. Williams ……"

Eric looked at her smile and forgot to let go of her hand.

"Mr. Williams, you ……" Aniston said slightly, feeling that warm big hand, a little embarrassed, rebukingly staring at Eric.

"Oh, sorry, I like just Eric, Miss Aniston, do I call you Annie?" Eric took his hand back, embarrassed scratched his head and in heart scolded dumbass last generation, though not a playboy , atleast not like wet behind tears.This body must be the hormones at play, ah, definitely so.

Aniston doubtfully looked with a touch of alertness: "? Well, Eric, but we do not seem to know each other."

Eric put away his thoughts, smiled and said: "Now you do not know, but the beginning of all friendships start as strangers. Annie its already noon, I can ask you to do lunch? "

" It's too abrupt, Eric, we just had few words. "Aniston refused .

"I will take you home." Eric said the next best thing.

"That ….Okay."stunned she was about reject again, but subconsciouly agreed without knowing why. Actually , Eric used communication gimmick, if you want to accompany a girl to her home without being rejected , then be rejected for something else and ask her.

After boarding car , Eric asked the address and stared the car.

Unable to bear the curiosness, Aniston was the first to talk "Eric are you '17 Again' staff?"

"Yes, I was the film's screenwriter and actor" said holding the steering wheel.

"Oh wow, that is great. You should be as old as me, and I now have only played some small roles in several stage drama. "

Eric smiled "It's just good luck, yes, you said that you performed in theatre?"

"oh, yes" Aniston started talking endlessly as she heard the topic she interested in. And even giggled at something he added.

How could a 19 year-old- girl be the opponent of Eric, who has the soul of an uncle. Gradually, Aniston opened her mind and even taled about her life in Los Angeles.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

"Although it was tiring to work at convenience store eight hours day, it was fulfilling. Also from time to time participate in a number of stage plays, attend some auditions, I believe, that even if I do not rely on my irresponsible father, one day I can be successful. "

Although Eric knows in past Aniston finally by her father's introduction entered into the television industry, but in the parallel time and space, that was after two years.

In memory, past Jennifer Aniston had some resentment for her father as he abandoned her and her mother, so for more than two years has refused help from her father, and therefore wasted more than two years in Hollywood, the good old days. Finally, her father, John Aniston took initiative to do some amends to the father-daughter relationship, and just let stubborn Aniston accepted his help. Obtaining "Friends" role time, Aniston was twenty five years old.InHollywood, the actress once over thirty, if business does not pick up, it is hard to have a big development, have to say Aniston is very lucky.

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Chapter 10.2

At this time to encourage Aniston Eric said: "I also believe that, just in audition, its a very good performance and you do not have too many traces of the theater, it is a natural. You know, there was a girl at the beginning of the audition, the kind of theatrical style, almost made me bored. "

Mentioning audition, Aniston suddenly a little quiet, after a while asked softly:" Eric, Maggie's role is it concluded even before I auditioned? "

"I have to say, Annie, your eyes are really keen. "

" I find you are some absent-minded, maybe just going through the motions. "

Eric indirectly said:. "If nothing else, it may be played by Drew Barrymore, when she auditioned for Maggie , the performance is very good,"

"Drew Barrymore, in" E.T " that cute little girl ? She should be only thirteen years old now, Maggie is the high school student about to enter university, "

Eric curious said:" How, Annie, did you not see Drew in waiting room? She is now a young lady, though …… ah, really only thirteen years old. "

Aniston, embarrassed :" That, to attend audition today, last night I have with my colleagues in store transferred duty timings.At twelve has the duty today and it's already a little late, "

"Nothing, in fact, I do not know whether or not to tell you …… "

Aniston looked curiously asked:"?What is ?"

"Just after you leave, they saw me to like …… you "

Aniston mouth suddenly curled up, " So…… then what? "

"James, the film's producer said to me, people are a vast sea, once missed a good girl , it is hard to encounter again. So encouraged me to chase you. Also said that if I did, he will give you a role in creating more opportunities for us to get along. "Eric in heart said James sorry to sell you, but gaining heart of te girl is not easy.

"Ah, that, I …… I …… I" Aniston looks a little flustered, by Eric's direct confession, but also in heart there is a warmth.

Eric , quickly said:?. "No, you do not have any burden. Annie we have now become friends, among friends helping each other is normal. In fact, nothing important in that role , Maggie is just one of three friends, a few scenes. But if you accept it, you can have qualifications to participate in the future audition, I believe that my film will be able to achieve good results. "

" Thank you, Eric, I really do not know what to say. "

The car drove for another ten minutes, Aniston pointed to an intersection in front said:" Eric, parking there will be fine. "

Car in a somewhat narrow little alley stopped, two people sit silent for a few seconds, Aniston did not want to get off , Eric is certainly not stupid enough to let Annie get off. Sit quietly for a little while, the atmosphere in the car gradually become somewhat hot.

Finally, gathering courage Aniston said: "Otherwise, I invite you for lunch, Eric, in front there is a small restaurant, I often dine there."

Eric relieved and said: "That's not fine, Annie, leting the girl treat is not a decent thing, of course, I will pay for it. Let's go, show me the way. "

……

Aniston finally accepted that role, followed by a period of preparations for the film, the two talked almost every day through phone.

Eric does not say his own life problems, but comfort the girl who is alone away from home. Though Aniston is in contact with many people, but somebody can not ingratiate themselves with friends. In a short time Eric seems to have become her spiritual sustenance. Eric knew that if he asked Aniston will definitely promise to be his girlfriend.

But Eric was not eager to do so, he did not want Aniston between the movie role and being his girlfriend come under any bad influence.

During this period, another thing is also taking shape, that is, "Jurassic Park," the publication, after half a month and Michael Klaus signed, he finally got the "Jurassic Park," book, on cover is a huge Tyrannosaurus rex chasing bolted off-road vehicles. This was inspired by the memory of "Jurassic Park" movie,Michael Klaus touht it is great.

Eric specifically asked for one more, gave Aniston. These days, Eric has unknowingly, in the mind of Aniston bears gentle good boyfriend image.

Upon receipt of "Jurassic Park", have been very impressed screenwriter Eric and performing talent Aniston, eyes suddenly took some small worship, of course, she was in my heart to lay a genius Eric label.

……

"17 Again" preparations are still underway , Eric has participated in the preparatory work of several cast, crew . About the role of the son of Michael, the crew did not choose Brad Pitt , of course, also did not choose that Blake Quinn skinny boy, but a slightly stronger eighteen year-old boy.

For this, Eric did not complain about , because he met Aniston, and Aniston and Brad Pitt are married and divorced in previous life. Eric even thought in the future if became a director , is not going to make Pitt and Jolie to star together.

On August 16, 1988, after Eric rebirth, the first movie started officially.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

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"Cut ! Alright, Eric, you take a break, and get ready for the next scene." Penny Marshall clapped her hands as the staff members busied themselves. The upcoming scene was the one where Mike, donning a large and wet suit, walked around the school hallways searching for the mysterious janitor.

It was the afternoon of the first day of shooting, the set was located at a private high school in Beverly Hills. When the school's board learned about the script's content, they readily agreed to attend to the filming crew for free, on the premise that the school's name in the script had to be changed to theirs. This was a win-win situation, the crew received free space which saved budget money, and the high school would gain the best kind of publicity. The crew deliberated shortly before quickly agreeing.

They had taken a lot of simple shots in the morning, so they decided to shoot the scene of Mike looking for the old janitor the afternoon.

"Eric, the way you're dressed right now is seriously shabby, you look like one of those dirty hobos from downtown." Drew Barrymore mocked as she sat crossed legged on a chair.

Eric certainly wouldn't care about a thirteen-year-old girl, he indifferently replied: "Hey, Maggie, that's no way to speak to your father."

Drew sneered: "As an eighteen-year-old virgin ? You're overreaching."

Aniston came holding a towel at this time, and hearing Drew making fun of her sweetheart, she immediately retorted: "He's still better than certain people by a hundred times."

Drew didn't even put Aniston in her eyes as she eyed her from head to toe. She revealed a derisive smile as she stood up from her chair and deliberately wriggled her own slender waist.

Eric had to say, this was really a low move.

Aniston's plump figure was the achilles' heel that boosted her low self-esteem, to make this kind of mocking gesture in front of the boy she liked, she was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She threw away the towel she was holding and bounced towards Drew. Don't just look at her sweet and innocent smile, Annie was a girl who worked and lived in Los Angeles alone, how would someone like her not know how to fend for herself ?

Catching a glance of an impending war, Eric quickly stopped Aniston; he took her hands and sat beside her as he affectionately bit her earlobe and whispered something to her. Feeling Eric's breath on her slender neck, Aniston couldn't help but giggle. She coquettishly made a fist and gently hammered his shoulder: "Eric, you're so bad, how can you say that."

Drew had perked her ears up but couldn't catch what Eric had said, she wrinkled her nose and grunted as she turned around and pretended not to care.

"Eric, get ready for the next scene."

"Be right there, Penny." Eric patted Annie's little hands, stood up and walked towards the set.

As for why Drew kept nitpicking at Eric, it had started this morning. Although he and Annie hadn't really put a name on their relationship, everyone could see how close they were. Some made fun of them, some were envious, and others, like Drew, were just annoyed.

She didn't know why but when she saw the two of them together, acting so intimate, Drew felt a sense of discomfort. Especially when she would occasionally see Aniston reveal a kind of happy womanly smile. So she kept jeering at Eric at every occasion she found, except when they were both on set. The entire crew knew that Eric and Drew were like fire and water, however, once the two of them faced the cameras, their performance was nothing short of professional, they rarely made any NG at all. Since Drew's antics didn't affect the shooting, Eric and Penny didn't really mind, they had already discovered half a month ago that she was more mature than her peers.

"Hey supersized girl, what did that guy just tell you ?" Drew couldn't take it in the end and pretended to be indifferent as she nonchalantly asked.

"You know, you're seriously pathetic." After Eric's dissuasive words, Aniston had calmed down, but her speech became bolder since he wasn't around.

"Pathetic ? Me ?" Drew was startled, she looked at Aniston with wide eyes.

"Ha ha." Aniston's cute chin raised slightly as she said.

"Ha, what a joke ! I'm the movie's lead actress while you're just an extra with a few minutes of screen time, and you still have the nerves to say that."

Aniston stated: "So what if you're the lead actress, you're just your mother's personal wallet. I'm different, I might just have a small role, but I at least have my freedom. I also have a talented and gentle boyfriend who wrote a screenplay at only eighteen years old, who is starring as an actor, and whose novel has even hit the shelves. What about you ? Your father pretends that you don't exist and in your mother's eyes, you're only a tool to make money. You couldn't take it so you started to indulge in alcohol, drugs and even , in an attempt to escape from reality. I saw how Eric's lack of care towards you brought about your feelings of jealousy, you're just a broken, hurt, and freedom-less pathetic little girl."

BOOM –

As if a bomb had went off in her mind, Drew felt like she was standing naked in the coldest of winters.

Even if she was mature for her age, she was still only thirteen years old. Most of the girls her age would only be junior high freshmen full of curiosity and anticipation towards their upcoming first love. Aniston's words had torn open all the wounds that Drew had desperately tried to keep buried.

Seeing Drew become silent, Aniston displayed a satisfied smile. Had Eric been here, he would have done everything to prevent her from saying those unbearable words to a child.

After successfully completing several shots, Eric returned to the rest area, a little surprised to see Drew curled up in the corner with her small head buried in her arms. Curious, he asked: "Annie, how come the two of you are so quiet ?"

Aniston proudly replied: "I beat her with words, she was unable to refute and was rendered speechless."

"Huh that's amazing, Drew's mouth can be kind of vicious and it's not easy to deal with. Well, let's go, do your best during your scene to leave the director a good impression."

"I will."

As the two people walked intimately on the set, the earlier storm seemed to have quickly passed, but was that really the case ? …

During the following shoots, Drew had stopped teasing Eric and became unusually quiet. Eric and Aniston were engrossed in the filming and didn't pay attention to her abnormal behavior.

"Nice, great job guys !" At the end of the day, in the middle of the last scene on the shooting schedule, Penny Marshall held a pen as she said to Eric: "We originally planned to complete everything in ten days, but judging by the pace we're going at, it will probably not take a week. I know we've already discussed this during your audition, but I have to say Eric, your performance is really exceptional, do you really have no acting experience ?"

Eric laughed: "Actually Penny, I lied. I played in a lot of movies in my past life, and I seem to have retained the experience."

"Past life ? Oh you're talking about the Buddhism's theory of reincarnation." Penny Marshall took the truth as a joke, and said: "Well, it seems like your little girlfriend is getting anxious, go, and remember not to be late tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Penny."Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

"See you tomorrow."

Eric started the car, and left together with Aniston.

No one noticed the lonely figure of Drew Barrymore standing in a corner, staring at the leaving car in resentment as she muttered: "Just wait and see, Jennifer Aniston, you little bitch, I'll make you look good, I'll make you regret every single one of the words you said to me today."

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CHAPTER 12 – YOU'RE SO SHAMELESS

"Eric, do you think I should…. lose weight ?" Sitting in the passenger seat, a blushing Aniston casually asked as she faced the window and pretended to look at the coming and going traffic.

Eric bit his lips and organized his thoughts as he stated: "Annie, in my eyes, no matter how you look like, you'll always be the most beautiful, but I think that if you want to really make it in Hollywood, then you should probably lose about a 100 lbs (45kg)."

"Humph! You smelly man, you're finally saying it ! So you think I'm fat !" Aniston snorted, but her tone was full of coquetry.

Eric didn't know if it was a good or a bad thing.

"I'm sorry, let me take you to eat Italian as an apology ?"

Aniston hesitated before whispering: "Or we could go to my home, I know a few dishes, I'd like you to taste them."

Eric straightforwardly replied: "I would be honored."

It was the first time he had come to Aniston's cozy abode. Her room was painted in warm colors, and decorated by a variety of soft animals. The air was filled with a girl's unique fragrance.

Eric had initially wanted to help, but Aniston had thrown him out of the kitchen, so he could only obediently sit in the living room and go through some fashion magazines.

An hour later, Aniston put the finished dishes on the table, clapped her hands proudly and said: "How is it ?"

Eric sniffed and praised: "It smells great, I can't wait to dig in."

"Oh thank you, Eric."

They didn't bother being polite to each other as they sat down and enjoyed themselves. Eric had to admit, Annie's craft was delicious. After eating, Aniston suddenly stood up, and said: "Right, Eric, when I went downstairs to buy spices earlier, I saw something about you, nevermind, I'll just show you."

Aniston excitedly took out a newspaper from her handbag and spread it out on the table in front of him.

Eric looked at her curiously as she proceeded to read with undisguised pride: "Eric Williams' creative genius delivers in Jurassic Park, a splendid science-based theory on embryo engineering that could lead to the resurrection of dinosaurs. This theory is put to the test by Dr. Hammond, who transforms Nublar Island in a shocking jurassic dinosaur park. However, all this is just the beginning. Chaos theorist Malcolm's appearance will bring about another possibility among the……"

Aniston read here, then skipped to the end of the large book review: "Even more surprising is that the author of the novel, Mr. Eric Williams, is only eighteen years old this year and according to our sources, this genius boy, has lived a relatively rough life……"

Eric had a strong urge to facepalm, ah, there it was. Of course he knew what was next, it was something written to appeal to the reader's' sympathy by emphasizing his miserable past. He quickly took back the newspaper from Aniston's hands before saying: "Alright Annie, you don't need to read that."

Aniston unhappily waved her little hands as she tried to snatch the newspaper back: "Hey, let me see ! They were getting to the good part, they were praising you. Ah, what's wrong, why is your expression so weird ?"

"About that," Eric crumpled the newspaper and threw it directly into the trash can next to the dining table, then said: "If you want to know what it says, I can tell you."

"Ah!" Aniston's mouth slightly opened, she glanced at the trash can: "So you've seen it, you hateful guy! Why didn't you let me then ?"

"I know what's in it because I'm the one who wrote that article."

Aniston was shocked: "What ?!"

Eric somewhat guiltily said: "It's just something publishing houses do in order to promote their novels, they usually hire someone to write a review that is then published in the newspaper. I went to find Michael a few days ago and told him that no one understood the book better than I did, so he let me write a few reviews, and the one that you just read, is one of them."

"… Wow."

Eric shrugged, and cheekily said: "Honestly that's nothing out of the ordinary, these acts of propaganda are fairly common."

"Eric…."

"Yeah ?"

"….. You're so shameless." After saying that, Aniston couldn't hold herself back anymore as she laid on the table and laughed until her tears started to fall out.

Eric's shameless actions had obviously started to rub off on Annie as she hastily sent him back home after dinner.

Three days later, Aniston had finished filming all her school scenes, and the rest would have to wait, so she temporarily went back to work at the convenience store.Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

Eric had recently found that Annie looked paler than before and when he inquired about it, she told him that she had started dieting. He advised her not to be so anxious about it, as it could damage her body, but to no avail.

In addition, these days, Drew looked like a hungry kitten laying in wait for its prey, this made Eric secretly shiver. When Aniston wasn't paying attention, Drew would scramble towards him and throw him snide remarks about his performances. Eric just smiled and let it pass, even when she kept berating him, he still didn't care.

But seeing her like that, he really wondered; what on earth had he done to make this goddess of calamity so unhappy ?

The next day after Aniston had left.

"Eric, want some water ? I'll get you a bottle." During a break, Drew sweetly asked.

Eric subconsciously refused: "No, thank you Drew, I'm not thirsty."

Drew didn't insist, but soon came back carrying two bottles of water and threw one at Eric: "Take it."

Eric helplessly accepted it, but soon froze as Drew grabbed a chair, sat next to him, and leaned her body against his.

"That… Drew, what are you doing, I have a girlfriend you know." Those words were merely an excuse, the truth was that Eric didn't want anything to do with Drew and her chaotic life.

"I like you." Drew's expression didn't change as she bluntly stated.

Pfffft –

Eric sprayed out a mouthful of water, this girl was really…… way too blunt, ah.

"I, but I…" This confession came from a beautiful girl, and Eric would be lying if he said he wasn't moved, so he found himself at a loss for words. (TL: No, it came from a 13 year-old, you damn lolicon!)

Since she had made things clear, Drew didn't plan on holding anything back. Aniston had already left the crew anyway, there was no one to stand in her way.

"Eric I'll be your girlfriend okay ? In fact, in fact I had a boyfriend before but he was just really…. unbearable."

"Drew don't do this." Eric was trying to find the words when the blissful voice of Penny Marshall sounded: "Hey you two, stop fooling around and get ready to shoot the next one !"

Eric quickly broke away from Drew's arm and hurriedly walked towards the set.

Watching his disappearing back, Drew's flirty face was replaced by one of resentment: "Aniston, you just wait, I want you to watch as I take your most precious thing away from you. I wonder, who will be the pathetic one then ?"

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A week later, the school scenes were completely wrapped up, and the crew began shooting elsewhere.

"Wow. WOW." Susan Sarandon came up to Eric, outstretched her hands and squeezed his face as she exclaimed: "You look exactly like my husband."

"Ha, ha."

"That's so strange."

"Yeah, really strange." Eric agreed.

"What exactly is going on ?" Susan said.

At this time, looking at the monitor, Penny Marshall shouted: "Cut ! Eric, you laughed again, this is the fifth time already, the fifth time ! Can't you restrain yourself ?!"

People often labeled directors as being bad tempered, but it was to be expected. Every time actors screwed up, they wasted time and money, no matter how good-tempered one was, one would definitely be angry, let alone those whose fuse were visibly shorter.

In this case, Eric could only apologize again and again: "I'm sorry Penny, I promise it won't happen again."

Penny Marshall rolled her eyes superciliously, it wasn't the first time Eric had guaranteed that.

"Everyone in place, get ready to try again."Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

Susan Sarandon who was next to Eric said: "Eric, the next time I squeeze your face, try to not focus on me."

"Yes, Ms. Sarandon, I'll try."

This passage wasn't even that funny, but Eric didn't know why he would just start laughing every time.

When they started shooting again, he tried Susan Sarandon's suggestion, and although he came close to bursting out loud many times, he restrained himself and they finally wrapped it at the sixth shot.

During the break, Eric walked towards the woman and said: "Ms. Sarandon, thank you for before."

"It was nothing, Eric. Just Susan is fine. You're really talented you know, I've never seen a first timer act like you do."

"Oh, thank you very much. Uhm, Susan, can I ask you a question ?"

"Yes ?"

Eric said: "It's like this, Susan your body is in an amazing shape, how do you maintain it ?"

"Oh wow, Eric, are you hitting on me ?" Susan raised her eyebrows and smiled as she asked.

Eric noted her meaningful expression and was reminded that sometimes, in Hollywood, older female celebrities would look for younger boyfriends. It wasn't rare for even sixty-year-old women to try to get their hands on 30 year-old youths.

"No, Susan, actually… my girlfriend has been trying to lose weight recently, so I was thinking on getting some advice from you."

"Oh, I see, losing weight is indeed not an easy thing. I happen to know a good fitness consultant in Beverly Hills, she opened a women's fitness club, and used to be an excellent nutritionist. You can bring your girlfriend there to get some advice, she will give her a reasonable weight-loss program that she'll have to follow."

"Well, could you give me the address ?"

"Sure, no problem." Susan Sarandon asked her assistant to bring a pen and a piece of paper, she then quickly wrote a memo and handed it to Eric, who received it, thanked her, and turned around to leave.

Just as he went back to the resting area and was about to sit down, Drew hastily pulled his chair away mischievously as she asked: "Hey, Eric, what did Susan just write you ? Is it the address for a date ?"

Eric noticed that Drew had become cheekier and cheekier recently, he said: "It is indeed, looks like you're really perceptive for a thirteen-year-old girl."

"Ha!" Drew chuckled loudly, she was initially joking around, but Eric's sarcastic comment got on her nerves, so she said: "I heard you grew up without a mother, did you develop an Oedipus complex ?"

Obviously, Eric had some understanding of Drew's family situation.

"Hey, Drew, let's not bring out that subject."

Drew thought that he got angry because she mentioned his mother, so she stuck her tongue out.

"Eric, I'll call it a day, but you have to invite me to dinner, ok ?"

Eric shook his head: "I'll have to ask Annie first."

"That supersized girl again ! Are you planning on adopting that T-Rex or what ?!"

Eric was surprised, did this era really start using dinosaurs' slang ? (TL: "dinosaur girl" is slang for "ugly girl" in China.)

"Tyrannosaurus Rex ? Drew, don't you think speaking about her like that in front of me is inappropriate ? If you were a man, I would've beaten you up."

"Don't think I don't know that the only reason she got her role, was because James was giving you face since you had taken a liking to her. But with that fatty's pride, she won't become your official girlfriend until the end of the filming. Ha! What a hypocritical woman."

"Drew." Eric's expression became solemn: "If you say anything like that again, I won't care about you anymore."

"Alright, alright." Drew raised her hands in surrender: "After we eat we could go to a place and talk about that book you wrote, Jurassic Park. It's really great, it turned me into Mr. Eric Williams' fan."

Eric said: "Stop it, Drew, will your mother even agree to that ?"

"That woman ?" Drew snorted with disgust: "As long as she gets her check, she couldn't care less about me."

It seemed like Drew's prejudices about her mother had penetrated deep into her bones. It's no wonder she cut all ties with her family once she turned sixteen in the past.

Today, Eric had shot many scenes, and even for his young body, that was a lot.

After they called it a day, he tiredly walked towards the parking lot, but soon found out that Drew was on his heels.

"Hey, Eric, you promised you'd buy me dinner, you're not allowed to slip away."

Eric stopped, then said: "Drew, don't be unreasonable, when did I promise you ? Go back quickly."

"No." Drew hurriedly grabbed Eric's arm, as her arrogant expression turned into a pitiful one: "I have already sent away my assistants, are you gonna let a little girl like me go home alone, what if some bad people corner me and I get raped or killed ?"

Eric had developed immunity when it came to Drew's lightning-changes in expression, unmoved, he said: "No, you go home alone. And hurry, it's been a hard day, I want to go back to rest."

Drew realized that her plan had failed and so she raised her hands and messed up her hair, ripped off her own small vest and gently scratched her skin as red marks started to appear. She then looked at Eric with her eyes blinking with tears as she stated: "If you don't agree, I'll sit on the floor and shout for help. Let's see how the L.A.P.D deals with you then."

Eric touched his forehead as his temples were threatening to burst.

Amitabha, how did I manage to meet a goblin right now, Buddha are you testing me ?

Bang –

Eric gloomily shut his door and started his car as he asked Drew who had already called shotgun: "Well, you win Drew so, where to ?"

"Mastro's, I want to eat steak."

"Aye aye captain, so where's that ?"

Drew first gave Eric a look of contempt before excitedly saying: "Then I'll drive ?"

"Not a chance, I don't want any trouble, hurry and spit the address out or I'll just randomly pick one."

Drew pursed her lips as she unwillingly told him, and Eric started to drive.

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"Hurry up and eat, then I'll take you home. You've been yawning for a while, I know you're tired."

Drew took a sip of juice, and gave Eric a charming glance: "You want to take me home ? Sure, I really don't mind."

"Cough…" Eric chocked and quickly covered his mouth with a napkin as he stared fiercely at her, this little girl was really wanton.

A few minutes passed and Eric gradually found out that Drew was eating slower then less and less, and finally, even her hands started to tremble slightly when she held her knife and fork.

He was about to ask her if she felt uncomfortable anywhere, when he suddenly remembered about some people from his past life, and seeing her now, he was soon sure of it: Drew's addiction was acting up.

Such bad timing, Eric smiled bitterly as he looked at Drew who was doing her best to endure, he quickly shouted: "Waiter, the bill !"

He just wanted to leave as soon as possible right now. Although Drew's drug addiction matter was not a secret anymore as it had been discussed by many and relayed by even the newspapers, there wasn't any tangible proof to show for it. In many people's hearts, Drew was still the cute girl who kissed the alien in E.T. If it was found that she was having a seizure in public or even be photographed, that would be a severe blow to her image.

After settling the bill, Eric looked at the slightly absent-minded girl and said: "Drew, let's go, I'll take you home."

They went out of the restaurant holding each other's arms, and when Eric felt her petite body trembling against his, he couldn't help but feel pity.

In the car, Drew huddled shivering in the passenger seat, and as soon as Eric started the car she said: "Eric, can you help me buy… buy…"

"No." Eric categorically refused: "Drew, bear with me alright ? I'll send you home so tell me your address."

"No!" Drew hastily shook her head as she suddenly shouted hysterically: "I don't want to go home, if that woman sees me like this, she'll definitely sent me to rehab, I won't go back, I won't go back !"

Eric quickly reassured her: "Alright, we won't go there." He then started the car and drove towards his home.

Parking in the garage, Eric brought the completely confused Drew into his bedroom.

"Eric, Eric, I beg you… I beg you please buy me some of ……" Drew was shrinking in his arms as she grabbed his collar and pleaded in tears.

"No, Drew, I can't do that, it will only make things worse."

Bleeeegh –

Even a beautiful little girl wouldn't look good when she vomited. The steak that had just been eaten was regurgitated all over the bed and some of it even splashed on Eric as the room was quickly filled with an unpleasant smell.

Eric frowned slightly, but looking the half-unconscious girl struggling in her own mess, his expression softened.

He pulled off the dirty sheets, then found a towel as he picked Drew up and started to carefully wipe the vomit off of her.

Feeling the coolness on her forehead, Drew slightly came to, she caught Eric again and muttered while shivering: "You… If you don't help me buy….. I, you…."

Eric hugged her and said: "Drew, you need to endure it, taking those things will just have the opposite effect. You don't need any, you're strong, you're the lucky girl who kissed an alien, remember ?"

"I…. am not….a…. lucky girl…"

Eric didn't know how to deal with those kind of things. Although he had also encountered several drug addicts in his past life, he had never found himself in a similar situation. At this time, he thought his body's temperature might be of some help to her, so he hugged Drew in his arms and kept stroking her back in an attempt to make her feel better.

Drew begged, threatened and cursed Eric for more than an hour, but the latter kept holding her tightly as he patiently tried to soothe her. Finally, he realized that she had fallen asleep in his arms.

He had stayed in the same position for so long that his body had become stiff from the waist up.

He tried to lay the girl down on the bed, but who knew that as soon as he would let go of her arms, the girl would start struggling like a fish out of water, waving her hands as if subconsciously trying to find something.

Eric sighed. He found a more comfortable position and took the girl in his arms again.

As Drew's head touched his chest, her once rough breathing turned gentle again.

Holding her like this, Eric suddenly remembered his wife and son from his past life. His son was five years old and his wife used to be a clerk but quit to become a full-time housewife after their marriage since Eric's salary was enough to support them. He wondered how they were doing after his sudden departure, he hoped they were okay.

Drew dreamed that she was a certain movie's heroine. She fell and found herself in a dark forest, confused and alone. Then the prince emerged and saved her from her stepmother's poisoned apple, and Drew, together with him and the dwarfs, fought against the evil queen's oppression. The two people held a grand wedding in a palace decorated with candies and cakes, then the prince held her in his embrace as he took her to the bridal room. He laid her next to him on the bed that had dozens of cotton-wadded quilts on top of it, and Drew clung to his body as she smiled like the happiest of flowers.

Then she woke up.

She found herself leaning in a man's warm embrace, and her arms were tightly holding his waist. After a brief moment of confusion, Drew started to recall last night's events, albeit just some intermittent fragments.

She looked at Eric's handsome face in a slightly infatuated way, as the sight of his blond scattered hair and the feeling of his gentle breath against her skin made her heart thump faster.

Everybody thought of Drew as God's favorite child; she was young, famous, and had unlimited prospects. But she had never felt happy, her father's indifference and disregard, and her mother's mean and greedy ways had made her feel suffocated, like a bird trapped in cage who desired nothing but freedom. So she gradually indulged in bad stuff as her own way to express her dissatisfaction towards life.

After realizing her daughter had started using, Drew's mother wasn't concerned about her, but worried that she might not be able to make money anymore. It was that cold indifference that had lead to Drew's addiction.

Which young girl didn't dream of their prince charming ? Ah, he had to be gentle, tall, handsome, talented, he couldn't be rude, he had to be patient, give in to her, fan her when she's hot, hug her when she's cold, take care of her when she's sick, comfort her when she's down, and if she were to perish, he would ride his dragon even to the depths of hell to get her back… (TL: Ok that's not a prince, that's a freaking xianxia MC.)

And now, such a prince had really appeared. Well, although there were some deviation from what she had imagined and the one he loved wasn't even herself, those were just minor details.

Drew's original plan was to snatch away Eric from Jennifer Aniston as retaliation to the latter's hurtful words, but now that things had developed to this point, she realized she had instead fallen hard for him.

Perhaps because he felt something, Eric opened his eyes to see Drew looking at him. He gently smiled and said: "Drew you woke up, you must be hungry. I'll make breakfast, so you go and shower in the meantime, the smell is really unbearable."

"Hey Eric, why are you so good to me ?"

"Um ?" Eric was startled, he reached out his hand and rubbed Drew's little head: "Well, we're friends."

He had just sat up that Drew swiftly kissed his face.

"Ah Drew, your mouth stinks." Eric said with a smile.

She loosened her grasp on his neck: "Eric, I love you."

"Well I don't, ah." He put Drew down and opened up the curtains to let the sun in.

Drew looked at his back and pouted: "You just need to know that I do."

"I know." Eric squeezed Drew's lovely face.

"Hey Eric, I just realized one thing."

"What is it ?"

"You held me the entire night without even reacting, I think there might be a problem with your thing, want me to help you check ? I'll do it for free !"

"That's really generous of you Dr. Barrymore, I'd rather you hurried to take that shower or we'll be late."

"Will you join me ?"

"No, I'll go wash downstairs."

"Ah that's not right Eric, we should use water resources frugally, we can't be wasteful. Think about those people in Africa who lack water so much that some of them even die of thirst."

"You're right, I'll start saving water tomorrow, let today be the last I spend in luxury."

"You…"The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Summer of 1988, a girl shrouded in darkness came across a bright and warm light, and like a child drowning in water, she firmly held onto it, with all the strength she could muster.

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"Eric, this is really amazing." Drew who was sitting in the passenger's seat, played with the T-shirt that Eric had converted into a dress with great interest.

After last night's puking episode, Drew's clothes were dirty and the two of them were both in a hurry to join the crew, so Eric thought back to how his wife had once used one of his large T-shirt to make a dress, the process was fortunately not too complicated.

Right now Drew was wearing a remodeled sky-blue T-shirt, with Eric's three fingers-wide brown leather belt attached to her waist. This kind of dress-up in this day and age, was very avant-garde, so when they arrived on set, many people couldn't help but stare at her.

Some of their glances turned even more meaningful when they noticed she had come together with Eric.

"Hey Eric, what's up with that, when I saw you being so gentle and considerate to Annie a few days ago, I thought you were a good guy." While organizing the day's shooting schedule, Penny Marshall said to Eric. Her tone of voice was casual, in this circle, this type of thing was normal.

"Penny I still like Annie, as for Drew, it just kind of happened."

Penny quipped: "And her clothes also 'kind of happened' ? Look Eric, I'm honestly too lazy to care about what you young people do, but you should still have a sense of proportion, Drew is only thirteen years old right now, you know ? Well, you get what I'm saying."

"Thank you for the reminder, Penny." Eric realized that Penny's opinion had already been made and so he just helplessly said as it was better to end the topic.

A month passed and nothing really special occurred, the 17 Again shooting was going smoothly, and Drew still kept trying to entice Eric at every occasion she found. Aniston came on set from time to time and very easily noticed her behavior.

So when the girls appeared at the same time, infighting surrounded Eric; the crew became nervous during the filming process, and all his male peers envied him. The young man who played the bad boy Stan had even begged him for the secret of his "chick-picking technique", to which Eric replied some nonsense that the guy actually believed.

And soon, something happened that completely dumbfounded our protagonist; the nonsensical stuff he had told the young man actually started to spread among the crew, and even to Drew, who confronted him during a break once, her voice half-joking and half-resenting: "Ah, so I was played from the start, you big bastard, playing with a girl's feelings and not taking responsibility, you thief ! Give me my heart back !"

Aniston was still undergoing her harsh self-created diet, but it wasn't very effective as she suffered more than she ate, and had only lost 5 pounds in a month.

Eric was really worried about her, but he decided to wait until the filming was over to talk to her about it again.

However, things don't always happen the way we would like them to, and finally one day, in the middle of a shooting, Aniston fainted thanks to her low blood sugar. Eric dropped everything to accompany her, he didn't have any scenes the next day, so he took Annie to the fitness consultant that Susan Sarandon had talked to him about.

It was a very high-grade fitness club that mainly targeted Hollywood actresses. When the two of them went in, they saw Sigourney Weaver, the lead actress of the world-famously acclaimed Alien, on her way out. Ah, another goddess from his past !

From Annie's point of view, Eric looked like he was about to grovel to the woman's feet and ask for a signature.

The fitness consultant was a Russian woman whose age you couldn't see through, her name was very long so she just told the two to call her Natasha.

Giving this caucasian female a first glance, Eric noticed Annie eyeing her devilish figure with deep envy, so he gently took her hands and comforted in her ears: "Don't mind it baby, one day your body will be better than hers."

Natasha and Annie talked for a while, and the former patiently explained to the stubborn little girl that what she had done before would only harm her body. She then took her to do some tests and spent the whole morning coming up with a weight-loss plan that could easily fill a dozen pages.

When the two youngsters left, they started deeply contemplating the second word that should have been added alongside "high-grade" when it came to describing this club: expensive !

Aniston was adamant on paying herself, and the result was that her credit card balance turned negative. Fortunately, she would soon receive her 17 Again paycheck, that, while small, would still resolve her financial crisis.

At the end of October, the 17 Again movie was drawing to a close, and the last minute editing and promoting started at the same time. Eric would occasionally see some gossips about the film in newspapers.

When Drew had finished all her scenes and against anyone's expectations, she voluntarily decided to go to rehab. The girl who had lost her footing turns over a new leaf on her own initiative, that kind of inspirational story, who wouldn't make use of it ?

Thus, under the Fox's Publicity Department's planning, Drew's change was completely attributed to the 17 Again movie's influence. A newspaper's author had a field day, as he recounted how the disoriented teenager who had lost herself to drug had finally gotten her head straight during the shooting of a movie that tackled on subjects such as love and the true meaning of life, which featured a warm and inspirational story that helped her find the courage to change.

The article was written so realistically, it was as if the guy had witnessed everything himself. If Eric didn't know better, he would have taken it at face value.

Another publicity stunt that was put in place was about how he himself, was only eighteen years old, and already a scriptwriter and actor. The newspapers wrote about how from the script delivery to the final process by the Fox's studios, everything single twists and turns had been written by Eric.

Producer James Brooks and director Penny Marshall had also emphasized numerous times on how outstanding his performance was, and on how talented he was.

With so many praising him, controversies were also bound to pop up. Some newspapers started to question Eric's screenwriting skills since he was just too young, and inferred that the 20th Century Fox had make a huge blunder by rushing into making 17 Again because of BIG's success. They said that the 20 million dollars budget would likely go to waste.

This kind of prediction was not unfounded, after Universal produced the 1985 sci-fi comedy Back to The Future, that made more than 200 million $ at the box office, the aspirations of many started to run wild as they tried to follow the trend, but all, without exception, failed miserably, which anybody could see by simply checking the 1986's box office.

Towards those controversies, the 20th Century Fox didn't mind as long as they didn't go too far since it could help balance the good reviews and maximize the feeling of anticipation of the audience.

Meanwhile, Eric's novel Jurassic Park was also benefitting from the propaganda.

Originally, thanks to Michael's efforts, the novel had sold more than twenty thousand copies in its first week alone, which was pretty good for a newcomer. After a few weeks of followed-up publicity and a good reputation, the novel's sales started to slowly rise, albeit not to the extent of being amazing, it was in line with Eric's expectations.

But with the 17 Again publicity stunt, Jurassic Park

became one of its focal point. Michael Klaus was ecstatic the whole time, having so many media talk about the book was more than what he and the staff of his small publishing house could have done.

Ever since then, the novel's sales directly shot up as 17 Again had aroused people's interest towards this mysterious and miraculous youth.

Unfortunately, the movie wasn't out yet and although they could guess bits and pieces about the content thanks to the title and the crew's gossips, those were just hypothesis, and so as people's curiosity grew, they naturally turned their sights towards Jurassic Park.

On the first week of October, the sales directly broke one hundred thousand, successfully granting the novel the eighth place on the New York Times bestseller list.

Although the ranking wasn't that high, if you looked at the other authors on it, they were all well-known and experienced. Jurassic Park was the only novel in the top ten that had been written by a newcomer.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

……

Because there were some evening scenes today, Eric didn't return home until past ten.

As his car drove past the Runkle's family house, their courtyard door was pushed open, and a small figure came out. The door was closed again as the imp-like shadow ran away under the dimly lit street, then slowed down and started to walk in circle, apparently bored.

"Hey Stu, running out of the house isn't something a good boy should do." Eric was curious as to what this young neighbor of his, Stuart Runkle, was doing out so late at night, so he stopped and asked.

"Then Eric, how do you think good parents should act in front of a seven-year-old child ?" Stuart replied as he glanced at his house's courtyard.

Eric was a little surprised that the little guy could argue so clearly and logically, he didn't remember anything about this kid being so smart. Perking his ears up, he could hear the muffled sounds of what seemed to be the Runkle's couple fighting.

"So, what are you doing ?" Eric resumed his attention as he asked.

Stuart leaned against the side of a street lamp as he adopted a small adult-like appearance and said: "I pretended to run away from home."

"You pretended ?"

"Yeah, that way when they realize I'm gone, they'll stop fighting."

Eric also thought that the couple arguing in front of the child was a little too much, so he said: "Alright little fellow, it's dangerous to stay here at night, so come to my house."

"Well, thanks Eric."

Eric parked his car, opened the door to his house and let the little guy in.

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"What do you want to eat ? I have some…. uhm, chocolates, and apples ?" Eric asked as he opened his somewhat empty refrigerator.

Stuart Runkle who was sitting on the couch, shook his head and said: "No, eating late at night is not a good habit, however if you have milk, you can give me a glass as drinking it helps better sleep at night."

Eric's eyebrows arched, he poured a glass of milk to Stuart and asked: "Where did you learn these things ?"

"In books, Eric don't think that because I'm small I don't understand anything, I'm already seven years old you know."

Eric laughed and nodded: "Well, big guy, why did your parents quarrel about today ?"

"Dad resigned to start his own company, and when he told mom, they started to fight. Sigh, women are really troublesome, when dad was still working there, she would nag him everyday about how the size of the company was too small and that it had no future. Now that dad finally mustered up the courage to resign, mom said he was irresponsible for giving up the house's only stable income."

Eric nonchalantly sat on the sofa, he didn't really care about the Runkle's couple, he chewed an apple and smiled: "I think that you little fellow, heard and saw too many things not suitable for your age."

Stuart grinned and his eyes sparkled as he heard the compliment, he jumped off the couch, sat down beside Eric and asked: "Eric, are you still filming ?"

Eric nodded: "Yeah, it'll soon be over though, so don't forget to ask your mom to take you to watch it."

"Eric, do you think I can make a movie ?"

"Ha ? Stu, how did you suddenly come up with this idea ?"

Stuart's eyes glowed with hope as he replied: "I heard that movie stars are payed a lot, so if I became one, I would be able to make a lot of money and mom and dad wouldn't have to fight anymore."

If the Runkle couple had heard those words, they would have certainly felt ashamed.

Eric thought for a bit before saying: "But you're too young now. You may not know, but children are the most difficult to control during filming, and people usually try to minimize their screen time. There was once a director whose child actor started bawling on set, and the entire crew was paralyzed. There's also the Child Protection Act, I think it's better if you wait until you're old enough, maybe when you're eighteen like me."

"Hey Eric, do you think I'm like those kids ? I'll behave, you know. I heard that you're a scriptwriter, you could also write a role for me, please Eric, I would be so grateful to you." Stuart looked at Eric with sparkling eyes.

Although this child was more clever than children his age, he was still a kid after all. It was naive to think that as long as Eric helped write a character for him, he could go and play in a movie…

Eric's heart jumped slightly, he sat up and carefully seized up the boy. He had suddenly thought of someone: Macaulay Culkin. The global superstar child from Home Alone.

At this instant, an extremely bold idea involuntarily started to form in Eric's mind. It was still not completely clear, but he knew that if he the plan was a success, he could directly cross the most difficult stage of experience accumulation, age and fund problems, as well as other factors, that got in the way of his dreams. Although this would be a difficult challenge, but if he didn't try, how would he know he couldn't do it ? Life was a battlefield that had to be treaded !

He looked at the kid that had unknowingly laid on his lap; at least with Stuart's IQ, the movie's biggest uncertainty was gone.

"Hey Stu, to be honest, I do have a role for you, and it's even the protagonist."

Hearing him, Stuart raised his small head as he asked: "Eric, what's a protagonist ?"

"The protagonist is…. the one who takes the biggest paycheck."

"I'll do it ! I'll do it !"

Eric said: "I'll have to get the consent of your parents first, so let's get you home, that way I'll be able to ask them."

Eric had just gone out of the door while holding Stuart's little hand, that he heard the sound of the Runkle's couple next door.

"I am warning you, Charlie Runkle, if anything happens to Stuart, I'm getting a divorce !"

Charlie Runkle who had been on the losing side during the quarrel, suddenly roared: "Oh shut up bitch ! Iif you hadn't stirred up this quarrel, would Stu even leave ?! Let's go and check the basement, he might be hiding inside."

Mary Runkle was frightened by her husband's sudden shout, and indeed, it was her own fault.She started following behind her husband when Eric's voice sounded not far.

"Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Runkle, don't worry, Stu is here." Eric held Stuart up and the both of them were relieved once they saw him in the former's arms.

Stuart returned to his parents' side, and once the Runkle couple heard Eric's account, they regretted and promised not to quarrel in front of their children again.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

"Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Runkle, there's something I'd like to talk to you about. Stu just told me that he wanted to play in a movie, and I just happened to have a script that is perfectly suited for him. With how clever this little guy is, he would be able to do it without a problem."

The couple was taken aback, if they didn't know about Eric, they would probably treat his words as a joke. However, the youth had now even appeared in the newspapers, so although it was sudden, they had some expectations.

The couple had been disappointed with their life, that much could be observed by how often they argued. If their son became a movie star… What followed was obvious.

"Eric, would you tell us a little bit about the movie ?"

Eric said: "Of course, it's a comedy about a little boy who finds himself at home alone as his parents have carelessly forgotten him…"

It took him five minutes to generally sum up the story, then he added: "I just had a chat with Stu, and found out that his IQ is probably even higher than what I was hoping for, so if you're not against it, by all means, let him try."

The couple stared at their son who was sitting nearby, pretending to be well-behaved.

"Daddy, Mommy, I think I can do it, and the story is really great."

"I think you're too young…" Charlie hadn't even finished speaking that he was pinched by Mary.

"Eric, can you let us think about it ?"

"No problem." Eric nodded, but added: "But you have to get back to me as soon as possible.The movie is due for the Christmas period, and if it does well, it's likely to become a series. So if you agree to it, Stu will be the main lead."

A series… Even as ordinary people, they knew what it meant: the paycheck would just get higher and higher.

Meanwhile, Eric hadn't found an easy way to tell the Runkle couple that he would personally direct the movie. The plan hadn't even taken shape and he couldn't be sure it would succeed, but he didn't want to give Home Alone to the 20th Century Fox, or any other film companies, he was intent on making it fully independently by himself. For someone with only half a foot in the industry's circle, the difficulty of such a challenge could well be imagined.

Back home, Eric's excitement kept him awake as he sat in front of his typewriter and started writing the Home Alone script while he furiously thought about the specifics of his plan.

The first was money, then actors. Apart from Stuart, the two robbers were the top priority, and Eric didn't plan to invite his past life's Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. The two of them were already famous actors and Pesci had also won an Oscar for best supporting actor. With his money, he definitely couldn't afford them.

Eric would have to find TV comedians instead. In this era, television and movies actors' statuses weren't comparable, some were even ashamed to tell people they played in TV shows, so their contracting fees were very low.

For the location, Canada would do. It was now autumn in Los Angeles, but northern Canada was sure to have many places with snow.

The other things to watch for would be ……

The lights in the room were on the whole night, and as the sun rays started to stream through the windows, Erich stood up and stretched.

After a few hours of planning, he got many things down. The Home Alone of his past had an initial budget of 18 million $, which, from Eric's perspective, came mainly from the shooting costs and promotion stunts. The filming alone would only cost a few millions, most of which would be the actors and director's remuneration.

Now, Eric had the complete Home Alone movie in his head, he just had to transpose it, so he wouldn't have to be unnecessary wasteful.

As for publicity, he had his own plans. But no matter how frugal he was, he needed at least 1 million $, or the film couldn't be shot.

One million… The 17 Again paycheck would soon come in, so that was 500,000 $, if you included the remaining royalties from the screenplay, that was about 600,000 $ in total.

Jurassic Park was also selling like hot cakes, and if he discussed it with Michael, he should be able to get 200,000 $ more, which left him in need of another 200,000$ to fill the remaining gap.

Eric decided to cross the bridge when he got there, and started his preparations instead.

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CHAPTER 17 – TEMPORARY CREW

Back on the 17 Again set, Eric kept thinking too much about the Home Alone matter, and made a lot of mistakes during the shooting, but probably because the end was near, Penny Marshall's temper was surprisingly good, and she patiently kept correcting him.

Eric had even thought of seeking help from her but quickly dismissed the idea. Penny was the equivalent of the 20th Century Fox. Such a huge film company would obviously be able to see the potential of his low budget Christmas comedy and try to be a part of it. This was something Eric didn't want to see happening.

After thinking about it for a while, he was finally reminded of a certain loli. Even after going through hard times, she was still able to make a comeback. Whether it was a producer, a director or a child star, they had one thing in common: connections.

Don't just think of Drew as a thirteen-year-old girl, with that kind of personality, her social network couldn't be underestimated, at least she wouldn't have a problem helping him put a small team together.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

October 9th, 17 Again's filming was finally over, and Eric got his 500,000 $ paycheck.

Thus, he began working non-stop on his next plan.

……

"Eric, where are we going ?" Aniston who was sitting in the passenger's seat asked curiously.

Eric pulled out the Home Alone script from his bag, and said: "Take a look at this first."

Aniston looked at the name, surprised: "Oh wow, Home Alone ? Is that your new script ?"

"Um." Eric nodded, then started the car and said: "I intend to shoot the film myself."

"What ? Eric, you're not kidding right, do you even know where the camera's power button is ?"

"I do. By the way, I want to become a director, not a cameraman." In his past, he had stayed in that circle for so many years, when it came to directing, he knew just about everything.

"Alright then, you still haven't told me where we're going though ?"

Eric hesitated for a bit but still said: "We're going to see Drew."

"Humph!"

"Annie, I brought you so that you wouldn't have any misunderstandings."

"Humph!"

"I need Drew to help me find some professionals, she might be young but she knows a lot of people."

"Humph!"

Eric sighed, parked on the roadside, unfasten his seatbelt and said: "It seems that today I'll first have to convince a jealous little girl."

……

"You understand, right ? You have no reason to feel like this. Let's go now."

Eric put his seatbelt back on and started the car again.

"Hey Eric, you can find James or Penny, there's so many other people, why does it have to be that bi-…. girl." In order to maintain her ladylike image in front of Eric, Aniston quickly swallowed back her words.

Eric explained it to her once again, Aniston clenched her fists, but no longer spoke.

The rehabilitation center was well-known in Los Angeles, and in order to prevent visitors from bringing drugs, the two of them were searched. Then a staff lead them to Drew.

From afar, they saw the lass was lying on a sun chair on the side of an open-air bath, a hardcover version of Jurassic Park in her hands.

"Hey, Drew ?" Eric shouted.

"Eric, if you didn't come to see me, I was going to escape and find you."

Eric's voice had just left his mouth, that the girl had already bounced off her chair and thrown herself in his arms.

"You!" Aniston's face darkened as she was completely ignored by Drew.

Although she had a very strong impulse to get her away from Eric, there were a lot of people around, and Aniston wasn't as bold as her.

After frolicking for a while, Drew finally noticed Annie: "Hey supersized girl, I heard you were so desperate to lose weight that you fainted on set, that's really pathetic. You don't look like you thinned at all though, how much did you lose ?"

Aniston was about to attack, when Eric swiftly knocked on Drew's head and said: "Well Drew, I don't think you're in any position to make fun of Annie."

Drew grunted in pain, and tearfully said: "Eric, you're so mean."

Eric ignored her pitiful appearance, and said: "There are too many people here, let's go to your place."

Drew's living quarters were comparable to a suite, it even had a kitchen. The three went to the living room and Drew poured them glasses of juice as she sat down on the couch holding one too.

"So, Eric, what can I do for you ?"

"Can I not come and see you without motive ?" Eric was a bit embarrassed.

Drew curled her lips: "With that annoying fatty ? You know I don't like her."

Aniston who had successfully endured for so long, finally exploded: "I've had enough you bitch ! I'm the one who doesn't like you !"

Drew was gloating as she tutted twice: "She finally reveals her true nature, hey Eric, you see, that fatty's nothing like a lady at all, you need to be careful in the future, or you might suffer."

"You…."

Eric rubbed his temples in distress, secretly vowing that he wouldn't let those two meet again in the future: "Guys give me a break, I'm seriously gonna get mad."

"Eric ……" Aniston looked at Eric, aggrieved.

"Annie, why don't you go and wait for me in the car, I'll be there soon."

When Drew heard these words her eyes flashed, but she soon calmly looked down, pretending to drink her juice. However, a woman's sixth sense was really something, and Aniston had caught on her expression.

"I won't, I'm staying." Aniston refused as she turned her head.

Eric helplessly appeased her with a few words, then took out the script and handed it to Drew: "Drew, this is a new script, I want you to help introduce me to some professionals to set up a temporary crew."

Drew took the script and looked at it for a bit before chuckling: "Haha, that's really funny, this is a good script…. Ah! Eric, you're saying…."

"Yes," Eric nodded: "I want to make this film alone, it's a low-cost project so I only need about a million dollar which shouldn't be a problem, but I'll need professionals who are both reliable and cheap."

In fact, people from this industry were a dime a dozen in Los Angeles, so even without relying on Drew, Eric would also be able to scrape up a crew, but on the other hand this was an unnecessary waste of time, and if the ones he hired were a bunch of good for nothings, he wouldn't even have the time to shed tears.

While Eric wasn't paying attention, Drew glanced proudly at Aniston, then lovingly nodded: "No problem, I know a lot of people, what do you need ?"

When Aniston saw Drew's glance filled with pride, she felt her anger rising, but in the end only turned her cheek and glared at Eric.

"Cameraman, gaffer, sound recordist …… in short," Eric pretended not to see Aniston's unhappy look as he spread his hands and shrugged: "I have nothing right now."

Drew thought for a bit and said: "I happen to know about the recent closure of a small film company, they have a shooting team. Their boss took a mortgage on the studios in order to get a loan, but he lost all the money. Their team is really good, I was a guest on their movie once. If they have yet to disband, you might be able to get them, compared to unemployment, they'd probably be willing to shoot with you."

Eric excitedly said: "That's awesome!"

Drew stood up, smiled and said: "I'll give them a call for you, I hope I'll make it in time."

She went to phone next to the window and started dialing.

Aniston leaned on the couch full of resentment, her hands clutching the hem of Eric's t-shirt. She felt utterly useless, even Drew Barrymore was of some help to him, but not only was she not, she was also the one constantly on the receiving end. Coupled with Drew's undisguised attempts towards Eric, Annie became really anxious.

Soon, the phone call ended and Drew brought back good news: the movie company was done for, but the filming crew was still in L.A, and the original owner was willing to introduce the team to Eric.

He noted the time and place of the meeting, and quickly got up to leave, he did not want to waste a moment of time.

Drew confidently forced a kiss on Eric's cheeks during their farewell, very reluctant to let him leave.

On the way back, Aniston was depressed and Eric kept trying to comfort her.

"Annie, I'm sorry, I don't know as many people as Drew does, so I really needed her help. I'll rely on myself for the actors."

Aniston looked anxiously at Eric and said: "I understand, Eric. Hey, you will… you will always love me, right ?…"

Eric unhesitatingly replied: "Of course."

"I love you, Eric."

"Hey Annie ?"

"Yeah ?"

"Be my girlfriend ?"

Aniston's face suddenly flushed as she stammered: "Eric, I…. I"

"Fool, why are you thinking so much about it, you only need to answer 'yes' or 'no'."

"Yes."

CHAPTER 18 – DRASTIC MOVE

Annie didn't participate in the next appointment, Eric sent her home and planned to go see the owner of the bankrupt film company alone.

Getting off of the car, Aniston suddenly said: "Eric, can you leave your Home Alone script with me ? Maybe I could look at it and… help a little ?"

Eric nodded and said: "Sure, no problem, I made several copies."

Aniston took the script, waved her little hand as Eric drove away, and went back into her apartment, a trace of resolve and determination now visible in her eyes.

In a cafe at Burbank, Eric met the owner of a small film company called Fireflies that Drew had talked to him about. Jeffrey Hanson was a white man of about fifty years old, with a somewhat haggard face. It looked like the termination of his company was a great blow to him, he appeared downright dispirited. Eric knew from his past experiences that the man probably needed to vent a little, so he didn't rush to business right away, and patiently listened to him.

"My wife, Solina, was the valedictorian of the Southern California Film Academy, you know ? She and Francis Coppola were classmates, but she was just a girl from Maryland, her family heritage didn't run as deep as his, otherwise, her achievements in the movie industry would be even higher than Francis'. She received a lot of awards when she was still in school."

"At the time, I studied finance, I was what you'd call a nerd, God knows why a talented and beautiful woman like her would fancy me. She said she wanted to become a director, so I told her to stay in L.A so that we could develop together. I remember everything, from the way we struggled in the beginning to our first script investment; the happy smile she had back then, it was even more bright than the day of our wedding, when I put a ring on her finger. Later, we opened a film company and we named it Fireflies, she was the director, and I was her producer, I would help her take care of everything, we shot several films together, we even won a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Unfortunately, a year ago, when Solina drove to Maryland to visit her parents, there was an accident ……"

Jeffrey Hanson's voice started to choke under his beard, anyone could see he had loved his wife deeply. Eric handed him a tissue, then quietly waited for the man to go on.

"After my wife left, I thought I should inherit her dreams, she wanted to make Fireflies grow, wanted to be a director with an Oscar as a recognition. I thought I could do it, I've been a producer for so many years, so directing shouldn't be that difficult. So I mortgaged the company to raise funds in order to shoot a movie, but the result, was out of my expectations…."

"Don't mind it Jeffrey, that's only one failure, which Hollywood director has never experienced a setback ?"

Jeffrey rubbed his moist eyes, and said: "Thank you Eric, thank you, you listened to me blab for so long, I feel much better now. When the film company went bankrupt, my son almost broke ties with me as he blamed me for destroying his mother's painstaking years of hard work…. I didn't resent him, I was just sorry. Anyways, Drew said that you needed some people to make a movie ?"

Eric nodded: "Yes, but it's only a 1 million $ project."

Jeffrey shook his head and said: "1 million is plenty enough, the first movie my wife and I made cost us about 700,000$. Right, may I know how old you are ?"Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

"Of course, I'm eighteen years old. Jeffrey, you don't think I'm too young or too impatient, right ?"

"No, I just want to make sure that you know what you're doing, a million dollar is not a small sum."

"Oh ?"

Jeffrey said: "I don't have any prejudices towards young people. Many directors shot great movies when they were younger and turned mediocre in their later years. Youngsters have always been full of creativity, making movies is about transporting people, and I believe our team can help you with that. They were all personally brought up by my wife, they're very professional and diligent, but because of me, they're out of job. So you being here is really a good thing. Right, can I see your script ?"

"Sure." Eric took out a stack of paper from his bag and handed it to Jeffrey, then quietly waited.

Ten minutes later, Jeffrey closed the manuscript, returned it to Eric, and said: "It's a good comedy, the shooting shouldn't be too complicated, for a first time, it's really a wise choice."

Eric put the script back in his backpack, looked at Jeffrey and asked: "So, Jeffrey, will you be the producer for this movie ?"

Jeffrey Hanson asked doubtfully: "Eric, are you sure ? My company went bankrupt because of me…"

Eric said: "Jeffrey, you might not cut it as a director, but from what I've heard, you're a very good producer. If the film is successful, I will set up my own company, you can help me out and I can take in the team your wife left behind so that they won't have to lose their jobs."

Jeffrey was ecstatic, he had been frustrated after his failure and was planning to return home and farm for his remaining years. Eric's suggestion wasn't just benefiting him, but also his crew. Those people had collaborated with the couple for many years, they weren't just in an employee-employer relationship, they were very good friends. His mistakes had made them unemployed, and he felt really guilty about it.

Jeffrey didn't have to consider for long, he nodded and said: "Very well Eric, I promise you."

"To our cooperation." Eric excitedly clanged his cup of coffee against Jeffrey's to celebrate their partnership.

Afterwards, the two men began to discuss about Home Alone.

During their talk, Jeffrey learned about what Eric had already planned, and he couldn't help but be amazed.

"I want to complete the filming in about a month, and then take advantage of the Jurassic Park and 17 Again hype to release it in time for the Christmas season. The 20th Century Fox has exaggerated a lot about me as it was a good way to promote 17 Again, so as long as we can make a good film, it will certainly do well."

Eric remembered that in his past, Home Alone was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records for its box office. This filled him with longing, even if in this world Home Alone got only half of his past entries, it was a more than enough ideal to him.

The two people kept chatting under the lanterns of the cafe, they talked a lot and left their respective contact information before they went their own separate ways, and Eric drove home.

He had just arrived that he received some good news: the Runkle couple agreed to let Stuart play Kevin. They discussed a bit the details and they also agreed on Eric's offer of a 50,000$ paycheck and one percent of the box office's profits.

Although it was only one-tenth of what Eric had earned in 17 Again, if the film had the same success as his previous life's, that one percent of profit was enough to make that couple grin from ear to ear. Eric didn't mind, after all, he needed Stuart to be the lead.

The next day, Eric had Jeffrey Hanson and the Runkles' sign a contract. The couple also heard about Eric directing the movie and had some reservations, but once they received the 50,000$ check that Eric had deliberately prepared in advance, the contract was signed immediately.

Then there was the matter about the funds. Eric originally had about 600,000$, and after some negotiations with Michael Klaus, he readily agreed to advance 200,000$ of royalties within ten days. He also returned his newly bought Strauss piano, which the shop owner reluctantly agreed to take back, but not without lowering two thousand dollars of the original price.

For the last remaining 200,000$ dollars, Eric gritted his teeth and finally took a mortgage on the house with 10% interest per month, and if the money wasn't paid in six months, his home would no longer be his. This was plain usury, ah !

Watching the check in his hands, Eric sighed. This plan of his was a drastic move, and in case he failed, he didn't know if Aniston would agree to shelter him.

When he thought about that, he couldn't help but remember Drew. His past 40-year-old self was experienced, and he could see how much the little loli liked him. If possible, he didn't want to be too much in contact with her, especially now that the 17 Again movie was over. He cared a lot about her, but perhaps more like a father would his daughter than a lover.

It would probably take some time for the lass to get over her feelings, but in the meantime he really needed her help in order to complete Home Alone, which meant that the both of them were still quite not done interacting with each other yet.

Once they had all the funds, they were ready to shoot, so Eric and Jeffrey began non-stop casting for the crew. Eric had planned to pick the two robbers Harry and Marvin from some TV comedians, but after sending out several invitations, they were either not available or found the paycheck to be too low.

Going back and forth for a couple of days, Eric suddenly received a phone call from Aniston.

"What ? You're saying your father is inviting me to dinner ?"

Aniston voice over the phone was tinged with excitement: "Yeah, you were frustrated for the past two days because you couldn't find actors for Home Alone, right ? I told my dad about it, and he promised to help you find some comedians."

Annie's tone was very casual, but Eric knew that things weren't so simple, so he was really moved. Her relationship with her biological father, John Aniston, was very strained as he had abandoned both her mother and herself to further expand his career, which made Aniston bear a grudge. The past John Aniston kept struggling to make good by his stubborn daughter, so it can only be imagined how hard it must've been for her to seek him for help.

Eric gratefully replied: "Thank you, Annie, I'll be there on time."

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CHAPTER 19 – DIRECTOR WILLIAMS

"I don't like you, Mr. Williams." Taking advantage of his daughter going to the bathroom, John Aniston who was sitting opposite Eric suddenly said.

Although Eric was startled, he only shrugged and asked: "May I know why, John ?"

John Aniston said: "For so many years Jenny has hated me, and I always felt guilty about it. I kept wishing she'd forgive me, and last night she called me. She actually took the initiative to call me, you know ? I was so happy I couldn't sit still, and turns out, the reason she called was to help her boyfriend, a guy that was going to take my baby away from me."

Well, that reason wasn't too shabby, daughters were the apple of their father's eyes, and so they generally didn't have a good relationship with their son-in-law.

Eric only shrugged again, and the two men were suddenly stuck in an awkward silence.

Aniston soon came back from the bathroom, and smiled as she sat besides Eric, that intimacy only added to John's anxiousness, but his good daughter had taken the initiative to speak to him after so long, he wouldn't be stupid enough to ruin this.

With their reconciliation, the meal went fairly smoothly on the surface. When John took the air of an elder and reprimanded Eric for being too ambitious, Annie started to angrily glare at him, and he finally agreed to help him contract some actors.

With John Aniston's wide network of contacts in the television industry, Eric was able to soon deal with the majority of the roles, and thanks to the former's mediation, their pay wasn't too high which relieved him.

However, Eric was still hesitating between several candidates when it came to the two robbers duo, until Aniston introduced him to one of her classmates. Looking at that naturally declining face that had even been retouched in front of the mirror, Eric settled on it right away, because that guy was called Matthew Perry; one of the past six leads from Friends.

Then Eric and Jeffrey flew to Canada a few times, and ultimately settled on a home located in a small town as the filming location. They busied themselves day and night, so much that Eric even lost a few pounds in just one week, which made Annie both distressed and envious.

October 17th, Eric's first project as a director since his rebirth in Los Angeles, was finally starting. The crew sent a few people to the town they had decided on in Canada for the scenes that happened at home, the rest stayed in L.A to shoot the ones at the airport and police station as those didn't require any snow. With Hollywood being the world's largest movie base, shooting here was a lot more convenient.

The entire crew from the gaffer to the actors, didn't agree to be a part of the project because of the money, but were basically giving John and Jeffrey face. Although they had their misgivings towards Eric, they also had their own motives in mind.

They had learned about the Home Alone script's content, and were very glad that this young director wasn't like those other debuting snobs who would never film something so "cheap" as they didn't consider it as art. The likelihood of success for the movie was quite high, and it only costed 1 million to shoot it. Relying on Eric's 17 Again

and Jurassic Park momentum, perhaps they might even earn a little extra as Eric had promised them a bonus if the film made it big.

In order to repay Eric who had provided his late wife's team a job, Jeffrey Hanson appeared on the set everyday on time, wanting to guide the "novice" with his years of experience. But after a day, Jeffrey began to seriously question life, or more precisely, God's fairness.

The kid didn't have the impatience of a first timer, he was more like a director with many years of shooting experience. He very orderly and methodically reorganized the set design and the props, he used professional terms to discuss shots with the cameraman, he directed the lighting division to get the desired effects, he was even patient with the dramatic actress that played Kevin's mother and who was ten years his elder….

Of course, when consecutive errors occurred, he also showed a director's unique skill: the director's roar !

"Ms. Leslie, I want a puzzled expression, a confused expression, not a CURIOUS one ! According to my observations, you have an obsessive-compulsive disorder, then it should be easy for you ! Just imagine yourself lying in bed at night, when you suddenly hear dripping sounds coming from the kitchen faucet but you can't seem to be able to find where the leak is. Picture that emotional conflict when you act. Damn it, we're only leasing this aircraft for three hours, THREE HOURS ! Now everyone get in place, and Nicole, how do you think we'll be able to see the sky if you keep aiming your camera at the titanium alloy ceiling of the plane, be a bit more focused, FUCK !"

Due to Eric's excellent performance, all of the crew had recognized his position as the director. So when Ms. Leslie who played Kevin's mother kept making mistakes on the plane scenes, Eric who was getting anxious because of the shooting schedule, couldn't help but roar out, and everyone present unconsciously forgot about his age as they turned completely silent.

Nicole Frank, a 30 year-old cameraman, didn't even think about the fact that he had just been scolded by a brat, he subconsciously apologized: "I'm sorry, Director Williams, I will pay attention."

Many years later, when Nicole Frank would win the Oscar for best cinematography, today's scene would be the first thing he remembered as he stood on the podium of the Kodak Theatre: "At that moment, my subconscious completely gave in to Eric's authority as the director, rather than seeing an eighteen-year-old boy, I saw a man born to command."

After another NG, they finally wrapped the scene up, and Eric breathed a sigh of relief as he took the initiative to apologize to Ms. Leslie: "I'm sorry for being so harsh with you just now, Ms. Leslie."

"Never mind, director Williams, I was the one in the wrong. Besides, you look quite charming when you're angry."

"That…." Eric wanted to remind her that that was a precursor of the Stockholm syndrome, she should probably get that check, sigh.

The next few days, Eric realized that every single member of the crew had changed their terms of address to "director Williams", and even Jeffrey Hanson was no exception. Eric knew that these people had acknowledged him from the bottom of their hearts. Therefore he started directing with renewed enthusiasm, so that in four days time, they had wrapped up the scenes that needed to be shot in L.A. Thus, the whole team left for the small town in Canada.Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

Before, several staff members were sent to take care of Kevin's home setting, although he had dealt with everything through the phone, Eric was very satisfied after seeing how everything had been arranged, and also became determined to do all he could to keep Jeffrey's crew around.

The town located in northern Canada had never experienced the shooting of a movie, so the residents of the town were very enthusiastic and curious. Eric hadn't come yet that there were already people asking for small roles. Moreover, since they were shooting with a Christmas setting, all the residents took the initiative to dress up their homes, and the entire town was clouded in a festive atmosphere.

Faced with this, Eric reciprocated very generously as he invited several children to appear in cameos.

The only thing they had to film in this Canadian house, was Kevin pranking the two robbers, the movie didn't really have any Christmas connotation, it was just pure comedy. Coupled with Stuart's performance that was even better than his past life's Macaulay Culkin by many times, the shooting process could only be described as fast. Eric determined that they would be done wrapping everything within a week.

At the same time, in Los Angeles, the 17 Again crew was starting to panic. Penny Marshall needed Eric to dub some shots, but suddenly discovered that he had gone AWOL; his phone wasn't connecting and his doors stayed firmly closed, which alarmed the woman as she thought that he might have found trouble for himself, so she could only contact Aniston to learn about his whereabouts.

Getting his contact number, Penny started to complain on how he had to return to L.A within a week's time, and that in addition to the dubbing he needed to do, he also had to be there for the promotion of the movie.

Naturally, Eric's filming of Home Alone was also exposed. In this regard, Penny Marshall acted like a benevolent elder as she criticized him some for reaching too high, but she also didn't mind that much, he had probably just put together a shabby crew and shot a nonsensical movie like every young aspiring directors.

Eric was caught between work and reality, and although his relationship with the crew was good, it was only so. Matthew Perry would chat with him from time to time in between sets, and Eric was also very interested in him, but unfortunately his focus was solely on how to quickly wrap up Home Alone, so they didn't have that many opportunities to make better acquaintance.

A week later, they successfully finished the filming in the town, and thanks to Jeffrey and Eric's meticulous planning, they had only spend 600,000$, leaving them with about 300,000$ which was more than enough to complete the post-production.

Eric was in a generous mood as he threw an open party for the whole town. The next day, while many people were still in a hangover state, he was already on his way to catch a flight back to Los Angeles.

It took half a day to complete the 17 Again dubbing, and Eric then started to frantically busy himself with things that Jeffrey had assigned him.

These days, he basically worked for more than sixteen hours a day, and to everyone's surprise, was done with the late completion of the film in only five days. He had the whole thing in his mind, so his speed was obviously astounding, he had even used less than a day for the editing process, which made his editor now look at him with eyes full of worship.

Five days later in the morning, a dozen of people were squeezing in a shabby theater with only five or six descent seats. Most of them were the Home Alone crew, and Aniston had also come to watch Eric's work.

After a slight hum of the projector, a hazy silhouette of a blue house under the dim moonlight appeared, and the movie started…

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While everyone in the theater, including Aniston who hadn't been a part of the shooting, were all clearly aware of the Home Alone's contents, with the progress of the story, especially when Kevin pranked the two robbers, everyone couldn't help but burst out of laughter, and even Jeffrey who was in his mid-fifties was roaring.

The one hour forty minutes film unwittingly ended, and once the last line of the ending titles disappeared, everyone stood up and applauded together.

"I really have to admit, this movie is really too great. Eric, I think I should congratulate you in advance." Jeffrey Hanson patted Eric on the shoulder, and seriously said.

"Thank you, Jeffrey, I wouldn't have been able to do it without your help. At least, I wouldn't be able to complete Home Alone in about two weeks of time."

People greeted each other for a while, then they gradually dispersed, after all, everyone there had things to do. They had intended to throw a small party to celebrate, but seeing Eric's unshaven and tired face, they very consciously gave up on the idea. Their director had overexerted himself for half a month, they were all aware that he needed to rest.

The next step was to plan the film's release. Since he'd have to go to the 17 Again preview screening tomorrow, Eric thought it would be a good opportunity to partner up with the 20th Century Fox's Distribution Department, he believed that as long as the executives watched the movie, they would agree to get it out on schedule. Although he'd have to share some of the profits, he didn't really have a choice as he was without any foundation at all.

Perhaps waiting after the 17 Again release would have made things easier for Home Alone, but by that time, even the New Year would have passed. As a Christmas comedy, it had to naturally be released at that period, and Eric didn't want to wait another year to release it as they had put so much efforts into this.

Annie had obtained a temporary license, she drove Eric in his car back to his home, and the tired young man put the copy of the movie away, and dove on his bed, unwilling to open a single eye.

Aniston had planned for Eric to shower before going to sleep, but seeing him plunge head first in his sheets and noticing his tired looking face, she only uttered a sigh before taking his clothes and shoes off, covering him up with a blanket and getting out of the room.

Eric hadn't been home for over half a month, and since there was no one to clean up, the place was already full of dust. Aniston rolled up her sleeves and went to find some cleaning tools. Unlike her Friends alter-ego "Rachel", a spoiled girl who didn't even know how a washing machine worked, the real Annie had long since been self-reliant.

On the desk in the study, Aniston found a variety of books on the subject of "basic music theory". She picked some up and used a rag to wipe the dust when a document suddenly slipped out of one of the books. Aniston curiously picked it up and found out it was a mortgage agreement.

……

He didn't know how long had passed, but it was probably noon when Annie had asked him if he wanted something to eat. Eric had groggily refused and fell asleep once more. When he woke up again, it was already dark.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

Eric turned on the lights and looked at his watch; it was way past nine.

He thought that Annie had left, but as he dressed and got out of the bedroom, he could faintly hear the sounds of the TV coming from the living room.

Downstairs, he saw her curled up on the sofa, her arms hugging a pillow as she watched TV.

"Hey, Annie, good evening." Eric walked over, and kissed her cheek.

"Eric, you woke up. Go take shower, I'll fix you something to eat."

Eric didn't notice the strange look Aniston was giving him, he turned towards the bathroom, showered for half an hour, shaved, and when he got out and went to the living room again, Annie was back on the sofa and dinner was ready.

"Wow Annie, that really surprised me, you even made such a delicious Chinese fried rice." Eric tasted and praised.

"You said you liked it, so I deliberately learned." Aniston had a smile on her face as she looked at her beloved eating so voraciously. She waited patiently until he had finished before saying: "Eric, did you… did you take a mortgage on your house ?"

Eric was about to go to the kitchen to do the dishes when he heard Annie, he couldn't help but look at her puzzled. He hadn't told anyone about it, so how did she know ?

"When I helped clean the study, this fell out from a book." Seeing Eric's inquiring look, Aniston took out a document from the coffee table.

Eric put down the cutlery, took the file and looked at it before nodding: "I was short of 200,000$ for the Home Alone filming, so I had to take a mortgage on the house."

"Then, the piano in the study you also…" Aniston had come to Eric's home a few times, so she had seen the Strauss before.

Eric nodded again.

Aniston frowned in distress as she said: "Eric, I think you were too impulsive, although everyone thought that today's screening of Home Alone was very good, you never know if it might end up in failure and lead you to bankruptcy."

"Don't worry, Annie. You see, a few months ago, I was just a broke high school student, and now only a few months have passed and I have successfully published a novel, written a screenplay as well as starred as the main lead, and now even made movie. How many people my age can do this ? So, even if I failed this time, I believe that I'll easily be able to stand up again. We are still so young, we ought to enjoy life and strive whole-hardheartedly for success, failure isn't a bad thing, it'll help us grow, happy times do not come without some tear shedding. I don't want to become an old fossil that looks back at his life, dully and placidly gazing at the sun in the sky, full of regrets towards his younger days. That would be too miserable."

"Oh, Eric, when you say it like this, it sounds so amazing…. You think I don't know you're trying to trick me ?! You damn rascal !"

……

The morning sun hit her face, as her eyelashes shook and Aniston who subconsciously turned to avoid the disturbing light, soon woke up. Eric came in the bedroom holding a tray, to see his already awake girlfriend, he smiled and said: "Hey baby, good morning."

Aniston pouted and said: "Well not a good one to you, you bastard."

"Come on look, I even spent an hour making this delicious ribs soup as an apology."

"Don't want it, I'm dieting."

"Make an exception for today, you won't gain weight just because of this, come one, taste it, how's the flavor ?"

"Wait, don't I need to brush my teeth first ?"

"… I'll take you to the bathroom."

"Hateful !"

After a warm breakfast, because of mobility issues, Aniston could only ask for a leave to the convenience store owner once more. Regarding this matter, the boss was really accustomed to it as there were many people who dreamed of stardom in L.A and needed time to go to auditions or be on set earlier, and he knew that Annie was one of them. When she had looked for the job, the owner and her had reached a mutual understanding.

The two lovers lazed for a while before Eric drove his car away as today happened to be the 17 Again movie preview. He wanted to try and be done with the Home Alone issue at the same time.

Ten o'clock in the morning, in one of the 20th Century Fox luxury theater's, the Publicity Department, film-makers and a dozen of other representatives, as well as the 17 Again crew, were all present.

Before the start of the screening, Eric came to James Brooks and Penny Marshall's side as he wanted the both of them to introduce him to the ones from the 20th Century Fox Distribution Department.

"Eric, you're saying that you want to release your movie in time for Christmas ?" James Brooks was startled, he also knew about Eric making a movie as soon as he had wrapped up 17 Again, but he didn't expect that he would have completed it so fast.

"Yes, James, it's a Christmas comedy, so it would be best if it was available in theater during that period, as it wouldn't have the same impact if the release date was off."

James Brooks held some disdain in his heart, while he recognized Eric's talent as a screenwriter and actor, but he absolutely wouldn't believe that he could produce an interesting comedy. Directing a movie required years of experience after all, however, he had to at least give him face, so he promised he would help introduce him to some people.

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The 17 Again movie preview went very smoothly, both the 20th Century Fox executives, and cinema's representatives were unanimously optimistic about this campus comedy. For the Thanksgiving/Christmas period, if Eric hadn't appeared, the 20th Century Fox was originally planning on releasing the comedy Working Girl, starring Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver, on the 23rd of December.

Now, with 17 Again, their once empty Thanksgiving timetable was full. After discussion, they gave the OK for the movie to be released on November 18th which Eric found very satisfactory. He had searched through his memory and couldn't remember any interesting movie that had been released in November 1988, so it would be smooth-sailing for 17 Again. If it had been released in December, it would have to go against top grossing movies like Rain Man, Twins or Naked Gun.

Near noon, James brought Eric to a forty-year-old middle-aged man with rimmed glasses. This was the 20th Century Fox's head of the Distribution Department, director Carter Hunt. James introduced the two of them a bit before quickly leaving. Although he had a good relationship with Eric, he wouldn't go so far as to ask for favors' on his behalf.

"Hello, Mr. Hunt." Eric shook hands with the man, and the other politely praised Eric's performance in 17 Again.

However, once Eric explained his intentions to Carter Hunt, the latter immediately refused: "I'm sorry, Eric, this year's release schedule is already full, we can't afford to squeeze in a low-budget comedy, I'm really sorry."

The reason was definitely bullshit, if the movie had been directed by Spielberg instead, he was sure that Carter Hunt would be so happy he'd start jumping.

Although he had been rejected, Eric didn't give up: "Mr. Hunt, please take a look at it at least, I brought a copy, you only need to spend a little more than an hour to watch it, I guarantee you that this is a great movie."

Carter Hunt shook his head once more. A lot of small film companies tried to sell him those kind of stuff on a daily basis, especially now that it was the holidays period, since they lacked a distribution channel, they would constantly seek him out. Carter knew that those films had little to no commercial value, let alone the low-budget comedy of an eighteen-year-old, it was just a waste of time.

"Eric, you know, I'm very busy with work right now, and I have to go back to the headquarters this afternoon to handle the distribution of 17 Again. I'm sorry."

Eric was really unwilling and cheekily kept insisting a few times, before Carter Hunt lost his patience and found an excuse to send him away.

"Eric, how did it go ?" Penny asked once he returned.

Eric shook his head as he wryly smiled and Penny patted his shoulder before comforting: "Don't be discouraged, Eric. You know, many movie releases' cost even higher than the making of the movie itself, and if they don't get a good box office, the one to shoulder the responsibility would be the head of the Distribution Department, so you see, Carter has his own difficulties. I get that you made that movie with your own money, so after the release of 17 Again, while the hype is still ongoing, I could help you get back some of your money by releasing it direct-to-VHS. But after that I think you should focus more on acting and writing, you shouldn't let your talent go to waste."

"Thank you, Penny." Eric gratefully said, but his heart was slightly bitter. Everyone seemed to regard Home Alone as the experimental film of a rookie, while he just wished he could tie all the people present to their seats, and forcefully make them watch it. Unfortunately, this idea would require the help of his old deity friend.

He dejectedly went home, since the 20th Century Fox had no interest in his project, he could only try other studios.

Aniston was curled up like a cat in the living room sofa, boringly watching a BBC soap opera. When Eric opened the door, she propped her small head up and asked: "Eric, how was it ?"

Eric came to her side and hugged her. Rubbing her back, he said: "The 20th Century Fox rejected it, but it's okay, I'll try somewhere else."

Aniston felt Eric's tone was slightly disheartened, she clung to his waist and lifted her head as she softly said: "You know what Eric ? Home Alone is so good, this time it's their loss. After it gets released, they will definitely regret today."

"Ah, baby, you always know what to say, huh ?" Eric squeezed Annie's face.

They started kissing, but were quickly interrupted by the ringing of the phone after a while. Eric who had been about to push Aniston down reluctantly let go of her.

"Hey, you've reached the Williams' residence."

"……"

"Oh hey Jeffrey, what's up ?"

"……"

Eric listened to the voice on the phone, when suddenly his eyebrows jumped. Aniston knew that this always happened when her boyfriend was happy, she was really curious but she couldn't hear anything.

Eric nodded a few times, hung up the phone, then took Annie is his arms as he swirled around with her.

"Ugh, Eric, I'm getting dizzy, put me down and quickly tell me, what's the good news ?"

Eric put Annie back on the sofa before saying: "Jeffrey ran into a friend from Columbia Pictures this morning, he talked to him about Home Alone, and apparently his friend was very interested, he even said that if I didn't reach an agreement with the 20th Century Fox, I could go to him."

"Columbia Pictures? Is that ……" Aniston made a Statue of Liberty pose.Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

"Yep, that one." Eric nodded.

……

"Amy is a good friend of my wife, very capable. She's only in her early thirties and already in a high position at Columbia, she helped my wife distribute two of her films in the past. I met her yesterday, and when I mentioned you, she seemed to already know who you were, so I told her about Home Alone." In a cafe, Jeffrey Hanson kept talking on and on.

Sitting opposite him, Eric curiously asked: "You said Amy ? The friend you talked about is a woman ?"

"Of course."

Eric felt that this was too much of a coincidence, and she even worked at Columbia Pictures, so he couldn't help but ask: "That Amy, what's her full name ?"

"Amy Pascal."

Sure enough, it was her. In the past, the one who shined throughout the 90' was the CEO of Paramount, Shirley Lansing. Her exposure as the Hollywood "matriarch" was nothing to laugh at, but if we talked about achievements, then Amy Pascal's were no less than hers and she had even ruled Columbia Pictures for a longer time.

Eric and Jeffrey were still chatting, when Amy Pascal came in a hurry two minutes later. About a meter and seventy centimeters in height, donning a black suit, she had brown hair and delicate features, she gave a good vibe overall.

After a brief greeting, the three of them sat down together.

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Amy Pascal showed a very direct interest in Eric: "Eric, you're younger than I thought. I had just entered college when I was your age."

"You look very young, Ms. Pascal." Eric complimented.

Amy Pascal laughed: "Thank you, Eric. Calling me Amy is fine, I read Jurassic Park, and I really like your writing, so I wanted to ask, are the movie rights still in your hands ?"

Eric jolted slightly: "Of course."

This time, with the Jurassic Park fame growing, numerous film companies contacted him for the movie rights, but all of them were turned down by Eric. Before he had enough power to fight fairly for his interests, he didn't plan on selling them.

"Well, I wonder if you'd be willing to sell those rights to Columbia ? We won't be stingy when it comes to the price."

Eric said: "Amy, we didn't come here to discuss about this today. Also, technology hasn't matured enough when it comes to special effects, so I don't plan on selling Jurassic Park's rights any time soon."

"Ah, that's a shame. Well, let's talk about Home Alone then, it's my understanding that Jeffrey has watched and appreciated the movie. Right, I heard that you originally intended to release it through the 20th Century Fox, how did it go ?"

Eric shrugged and told her the truth: "The head of the 20th Century Fox Distribution Department, Mr Carter Hunt, didn't even watch the movie, and just bluntly refused."

"Carter Hunt, huh, I know him, one really arrogant man." Amy Pascal smiled and said: "Well then, I think I'll take a look at that movie first."

Eric nodded, then the three of them went directly to an auditorium at Columbia Pictures' headquarters, gave a copy to the projectionist, and sat on the leather seats.

"Eric, you don't seem to be really looking forward to it ?" Before the film started screening, Amy Pascal caught a glance of Eric's face, and quipped.

Eric helplessly smiled: "Amy, you know, I made the movie from start to finish, my mind is filled with every shot, and I've also seen it a lot of times, however, I believe you will definitely not be disappointed."

The theater lights dimmed, Amy Pascal nodded, and looked back. She had mixed emotions about all this, Columbia Pictures was lacking a good movie project, that was true, but thinking about how they were even reduced to turning their sights towards a high school student's movie, she couldn't help but sigh in the dark.

As one of the top management, Amy Pascal was familiar with Columbia Pictures like the back of her hand. This years profits weren't good, if it weren't for the accumulated earnings of their past few years, the company would have certainly faced huge losses.

Compared to the thriving Disney and 20th Century Fox, as well as Paramount when Barry Diller was still there, Columbia was like a very old, almost lethargic man. After Ghostbusters got the second place in the box office in 1984, Columbia hadn't been able to squeeze a movie in the top ten in three consecutive years, and this one was no exception. This old giant of the movie world, had become a disgrace.

Columbia's parent company, Coca-Cola, had suffered heavy losses last year, and if Columbia still couldn't make any profits for them, it would likely be sold. In fact, the Sony consortium had already made an offer.

Amy Pascal had some understanding of Eric, this boy had just graduated from high school, and in only a few months, had published the science fiction novel Jurassic Park,wrote the 17 Again script and startled the entire 20th Century Fox with his acting. If not for him giving people so many surprises, perhaps Amy Pascal would have also dismissed him like Carter Hunt had.

Columbia Pictures had also received the 17 Again script, and several producers in the company had been interested, when they saw Eric's condition to star as a lead, they had ultimately given up on it, they just couldn't afford to take the risk.

She had heard that Barry Diller had personally approved of 17 Again, comparing him to the mediocre CEO of Columbia Mr. Blount Cohen, Amy couldn't help but sigh. If the company was in its current situation, it was because of the higher ups lack of boldness and vision. (TL: Name that the author made up, I did some research and couldn't find anything about him.)

With the start of the movie, the interesting plot and Stuart Runkle's pranks, Amy Pascal's thoughts scattered as she focused on the screen.

Once the movie was finished, Amy Pascal was stunned silly, she couldn't believe that such a great comedy was the work of an eighteen-year-old boy.

She excitedly stood up as she faced Eric with a grin and said: "Eric, can you wait here while I make a phone call ?"

Seeing Amy's expression, Eric was sure of one thing; it was in the bag.

After half an hour, the president of Columbia, Mr. Blount Cohen, and seventy-eight other Columbia Pictures executives gathered together in the theater, and Home Alonewas screened once again.

They watched the movie in a cheerful atmosphere, and although commuting time was near, no one was eager to leave. After 45 minutes of screening, the higher ups had already started whispering together.

Columbia Pictures, in the president's office, Eric and Jeffrey were sitting opposite Blount Cohen, as the latter sipped leisurely a few times on a cup of coffee his assistant had brought him, before saying: "Eric, to be honest, we are very optimistic about Home Alone, so we are willing to offer 10 million dollars to buy all the rights, what do you think ?"The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Hearing the price, Jeffrey Hanson who was sitting next to Eric, became incredibly joyful. A one million dollar project and they were willing to offer ten times that, if the decision was his, he would have immediately nodded.

Blount Cohen noted Jeffrey's expression and revealed a smile of satisfaction, the company estimated the movie's box office at 50 million $ and they could easily shoot a sequel, so after some deliberation, they had decided to directly give a high price and buy the copyrights.

Buy Home Alone for ten million dollars ? Your uncle, I would rather go bankrupt ! Eric couldn't help but swear in his mind.

"Mr. Cohen, you must have made your preliminary estimates on Home Alone's box office, right ? Do you mind telling me what the results were ?"

Seeing Eric not immediately agreeing, Blount Cohen was a little disappointed, but he still said: "Of course, we feel that, if done properly, then Home Alone's North American box office should do around 30 million $. In accordance with established practice, you, as producers, can get twenty percent of the benefits, a 10 million $ buyout price is very reasonable. The cost of making the film shouldn't have been that high, so Eric, what are you hesitating for ? Just sign the agreement, and you'll become one of the youngest multimillionaire in Hollywood."

As in, those who made the movie, not the name of the job, in case you're confused.

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Sitting next to Jeffrey Hanson, Eric felt that there was no room for bargaining, he still said: "I'm sorry, Mr. Cohen, I don't intend to sell Home Alone, but we can still talk about a sharing agreement, right ?"

Blount Cohen frowned as he unhappily said: "Eric, if we're going to share, I can only give you 18%."

"Mr. Cohen, didn't you just say you'd give us 20% ?" Jeffrey retorted.

Blount Cohen lightly said: "That was just under average circumstances, if we are to release Home Alone, then the cost of the release will certainly be much higher than the cost of production, so 18% is very reasonable."

Jeffrey was about to argue, but Eric stopped him from acting on impulse and said: "Well, Mr. Cohen, I have another idea, how about signing a contract based on a bet ?"

Although gambling agreements were widespread in the industry, Blount Cohen laugh loudly in his heart, what made this brat think that he was qualified to gamble with Columbia ? However, he feigned interest and gestured to Eric to keep going, he'd like to hear what this kid had on his mind.

Eric acted as if he hadn't seen Blount's face full of ridicule, he smiled and said: "Columbia will use 5 million dollars, at the least, to promote the movie. If Home Alone makes less than 50 million $ at the box office, I will give up the entirety of the rights to you for free."

After these words, if Blount Cohen said he wasn't moved, he would be lying. The company had already estimated that Home Alone would make about 50 million at the box office, so if he signed an agreement on gambling, as long as the time was right, even controlling the box office so that it didn't grow over 50 million was a very simple matter. Blount Cohen felt Eric was stupid, but he also admired the young man for his courage.

Jeffrey Hanson abruptly got up, and shouted in disbelief: "Eric are you crazy ?!"

Eric patted Jeffrey on the shoulder and motioned him to sit down, before saying: "If the box office is between 50 million to 100 million $, I want twenty percent of the share. If the box office is over 100 million dollars, then for every additional 10 million dollars, I want my share ratio to be increased by 1%."

Eric finished, and calmly started to drink his coffee, no longer saying anything. Jeffrey Hanson was fidgeting, he kept sweeping his gaze between the two people, he was a bit worried Blount Cohen would agree to Eric's ridiculous agreement, if he did, they would lose the 10 million $ buyout fee. 10 million dollars, ah, how many people had ever seen so much money ?

Unfortunately, Blount Cohen's courage was really lacking, he hesitated for a full five minutes, before finally saying: "Eric, this is something I need to discuss in a meeting, can I give you my answer tomorrow ?"

Eric nodded, directly got up and left.

In the parking lot, Jeffrey didn't get in his car, but sat in Eric's passenger's seat instead.

"Eric, you're too impulsive. That was 10 million $ you know ? Looking at all these years, although comedy can generally get good box office, there are always exceptions. Tomorrow let's just directly take their buyout offer, you may be able to fight again for the price, what do you say ? Listen to me, you'll probably get this kind of lifetime opportunity only once or twice, if you miss on it, it will never happen again, with 10 million $, you can continue to shoot movies, you can do a lot of things."

Eric was immersed in the deal he had proposed to Columbia Pictures, and his blood was slightly boiling. The past Home Alone's box office had entered the Guinness Book of Records, and with his copy of it, he didn't believe that with the help of the giant that was Columbia, the movie would fare much worse, so he had been worried about fighting for his own interests.

According to the way things should have normally progressed, his low-budget film could only get 20% of the profits at best. When Blount heard that Eric wanted to share the profits, he had lowered the share to 18% because he knew that the box office would be higher than what he had mentioned, and at that moment, Eric's thoughts flashed as he remembered another agreement method: gambling.

In the film industry, betting on the box office was common, because under normal circumstances, this was a win-win situation; both sides could fight for their best interests while avoiding risks at the same time.

If you looked at the Home Alone from his past, the final North American box office count was 280 million $, so after signing the gambling agreement, Eric would eventually get a 38% share, which was 3% higher than what those powerful producers earned. Moreover, after seeing Blount Cohen's reaction to his proposal, he felt that Columbia Pictures was likely to agree.

"Hey, Eric, I've been speaking so much, but in the end you weren't even listening, were you ?" Jeffrey Hanson found himself nagging so much he became thirsty, but Eric hadn't said a word and only reacted after he had nudged him on the shoulder twice.

"Look, Jeffrey, I know you are good to me, but however you think about it, a few months ago, I would have nothing if not for my guts. I'll let you in on something, I believe that Home Alone is likely to break the 200 million $ mark at the box office, so with the agreement I proposed, how much do you think I can get ?"Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

Jeffrey looked at Eric as if he was looking at a mental patient.

Eric didn't mind and laughed: "Jeffrey, have a little bit of faith in me alright, if I'm right, then you as the executive producer will receive a generous dividend that will help you redeem your Fireflies studios. Right now I need your help, so how about doing me a favor ?"

Although Jeffrey dreamed of getting back the film company co-founded with his wife, he didn't take Eric's words seriously, but seeing that he wouldn't be able to change the guy's mind, he asked: "Well, Eric, what do you need me to do ?"

"Help me contact a law and accounting firm, not surprisingly, Columbia will certainly agree to the agreement I proposed, and I'll need someone to help me supervise and audit the implementation of the agreement, and if there's a dispute I'll also need someone to defend my case."

Jeffrey said: "These are no problem, but Eric, do you still have money ? Those guys cost a lot you know."

"Of course," Eric opened his glove compartment, took out a copy of Jurassic Park, and said: "I still have the Jurassic Park movie copyrights that are at least worth a million dollars as collateral, if the gambling fails, then just take the novel to those firms, I don't believe they'll reject it."

"Eric, you're seriously…… insane !"

"The man of genius is he and he alone who finds such joy in his art, that he will work at it come hell or high water."

Jeffrey threw his hands up: "… I see, not only are you crazy, you're arrogance could even put Aristotle to shame."

"Aristotle was busy, I stole this one from Stendhal."

"……"

Jeffrey finally agreed to help contact the firm as soon as possible, at the same time, in one of Columbia Pictures conference rooms, several executives were in the middle of a discussion.

"Alright, you know everything, so let's hear your opinions." Blount Cohen described Eric's conditions of the bet again while he looked at the several executives, waiting for them to express their views.

After hearing Blount Cohen's statement a second time, the executives found it unbelievable; was that boy just foolishly stupid ?

Finally, an executive called Lester Reed took the lead and said: "Mr. Cohen, this is a good opportunity, according to our estimates, the highest potential box-office of the film is also 50 million $. Following the signing of the agreement, and with a little bit of tweaking, we could easily control the box office so that it wouldn't go over the 50 million mark, and we wouldn't even have to use 10 million dollars to buy him out."

When Lester Reed finished, the others also echoed up.

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Amy Pascal was also sitting at the conference table, but she felt that things weren't as simple as they seemed. Although she had only been in contact with Eric for a few short hours, she knew that he was unlike any of his peers. He had a gentle and calm temperament, and certainly wasn't rash or hot-blooded enough to come up with this kind of crazy agreement. The only likely reason she could come up with was that this bet wasn't made on a whim, but after Eric Williams' careful consideration.

Amy Pascal didn't bother with the people supporting the gambling agreement, after thinking for awhile, she said: "Mr. Cohen, I feel it's still better to be cautious, there is no free lunch in this world, maybe we should slightly raise our initial offer, and share profits with Eric Williams. With the film's box office potential, we certainly won't make a loss."

"Amy, I think you're too conservative, even children are bolder." Lester Reed retorted: "You know the potential of this film depends entirely on our likelihood to get the copyrights, right ? In addition to the box office, there's the videotape copyrights, as well as the television ones, that's millions in profits for us. If we choose to share, the copyright still stay in the hands of the boy, and the next time we want to make a sequel, he'll try to wrench us dry again."

Amy Pascal said: "We could also work on the buyout price, right, how about increasing it to 15 million dollars ? I think Eric would agree."Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

"Based on the potential of such a small budget comedy in the past, under normal circumstances, 50 million $ at the box office is considered a dark horse, while most can only make about 2 million $. So, there's more than 80% chance that we'll get all copyrights for free, why do we have to pay 15 million $ when the brat has less than 20 % chance of winning ? He has even the guts to make such a crazy gamble when the odds are against him, so what are you afraid of ?"

"But ……" Amy Pascal looked at the eyes of her colleagues and could only see endless greed. But her woman's unique sixth sense made her feel that something was wrong, the bet definitely wasn't that simple.

"Amy," Blount Cohen interrupted her: "Jeffrey Hanson and Eric Williams might be your friends, but you're a Columbia Pictures employee, you work for the sake and interests of the company."

Blount Cohen's words stunned Amy Pascal, she really was friends with Jeffrey Hanson, but her career as a manager had always been professional and ethical.

And now, just because she had expressed her reservations towards the agreement, they even suspected her to be fighting for the interests of outsiders ? Amy felt a strong sense of humiliation as she clenched her hand and her pen trembled slightly. She suddenly stood up, and coldly stated: "Mr. Cohen, now that you have made up your mind, I think I'm no longer need, so I will take my leave. Good bye."

Then, Amy Pascal hastily put the papers in front of her back in order, silently turned around and left the office.

The entire office sunk into a brief silence.

"Ah, women !" (TL: Your uncle !)

It was unknown who exactly had uttered this sigh. Someone like Amy Pascal with a high position in a patriarchal society, would certainly be subject to discrimination.

Blount Cohen was slightly regretting, Amy Pascal's ability to work and her professional conduct were obvious, otherwise it would be impossible for her to be sitting in this office. But although Blount Cohen lacked courage, he was very prideful, he felt that even if he had spoken somewhat abruptly, Amy Pascal just getting up and leaving was an attack towards his dignity, so he conveniently decided that the fault lied with her.

After ten seconds of silence, Blount Cohen finally said: "Well, since we all agree on this gambling agreement, then Lester, from tomorrow onward, you are solely responsible of the Home Alone project."

In the midst of everyone's envious gazes, Lester Reed excitedly agreed. If they won the bet, this credit would certainly be considered when he'd vie for a future promotion, and the raise of his pay would then be a natural thing.

"No problem, Mr. Cohen, I will take care of this."

The next day, Eric received a notification stating that Columbia Pictures had accepted his gambling agreement. At the same time, Jeffrey had introduced him to the firms, and after they had assessed the value of Jurassic Park, they agreed to send a team to assist Eric in supervising the implementation of the bet.

October 31st, although very interested, Eric wasn't able to participate in the first Halloween parade of his rebirth, but had to sit with a lot of boring middle-aged men and women in one of the meeting rooms of the Columbia headquarters, deciding the specifics of the agreement.

In the conditions put forward by Eric, the contents of the agreement were gradually tuned. In order to ensure that Columbia Pictures did their utmost for the promotion of Home Alone, he made sure they would publish the details of the bet in a well-known newspaper, as well as check the number of daily theater attendances in order to increase or reduce the number of screenings, take into account the daily film schedule as well as the screening time, etc. And once Columbia violated the terms of the agreement, different penalties would be imposed for breach of contract.

Looking at the dozens of pages that had been drawn, Eric was stunned. He couldn't help but give his thumbs up to Jeffrey Hanson for recruiting a team of such professional lawyers and accountants.

On Columbia's side, Lester Reed who was responsible for the Home Alone project, felt that the bet was already in the bag, he didn't take that stupid dozen pages-long contract seriously, and couldn't help but hold Eric's demands in ridicule as he had probably wasted at least several hundred thousand dollars on commission alone. Ah, what a waste !

Lester Reed thought that no matter how detailed the contract was, they had already estimated Home Alone's box office potential, and even their most daring estimations didn't exceed the currently ranked first this year, Who framed Roger Rabbit, a perfect combination of animation and live-action movie who had made 150 million dollars in the North American box office alone.

Columbia had originally proposed a December release for Home Alone, but Eric firmly opposed it. What a joke, he already knew about the movies that were about to be released at that period, those blockbusters would just strangle his project. In his past, Home Alone had been released in November and had been screened for two months, its box office was remarkable.

Eventually, Columbia compromised, and decided on November 18th as the release date, the same day as 17 Again, which was something Eric had suggested as he was a focal point of the two movies, this could help promote them and target a larger public as well since everyone didn't have the same tastes; if they weren't into the first they could go see the second. For this reason, even Columbia who had originally planned the November 18th release for the film Malaysia postponed it to December, freeing up about a 1000 screens for Home Alone.

Just looking at the figures, you could see that under normal circumstances, only the movies they had confidence in would start with more than one thousand screens, which showed that Columbia was very optimistic about Home Alone. But at the same time they didn't want its box office to be over 50 million $ since they also wanted to win the copyrights, therefore the number of screens didn't exceed one thousand.

Eric didn't have any qualms towards this, for the Columbia executives to think like this was a normal thing, but they had signed up to a dozen pages of contract, in which it was clearly stated that if the box office reached a certain number, they had to correspondingly increase the number of screens. If Columbia refused to do it, then they could just wait to be sued, but Eric believed that the gains of one movie wasn't enough to make giants like Columbia throw away their reputation.

After the signing, and because the contracting parties didn't intend to conceal the agreements and instead hoped that the bet would spread, the entire Hollywood soon knew about it.

Thanks to Columbia Pictures Publicity Department, the next day, The Los Angeles Times made it its headline.

"Genius boy gambles with Columbia Pictures: demented or foolish ?"

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CHAPTER 25 – PROMOTION IN FULL SWING

"Yesterday, a shocking gambling agreement was signed at the headquarters of Columbia Pictures, between the recently famous author of Jurassic Park and 17 Again, eighteen-year-old prodigy Eric Williams, and Columbia Pictures of the Coca-Cola Group."

"It was reported that, after Eric Williams completed filming 17 Again, he relied on the paycheck he received as a starring actor, as well as his royalties fees from Jurassic Park, to, in only fifteen days of time, write and direct a low-budget comedy of one hundred and forty minutes titled Home Alone. Leaving aside what the quality of the film will be like, for eighteen-year-old Eric Williams to accomplish this feat makes him worthy of the word 'genius'."

"After seeing Home Alone and deliberating, the Columbia executives became unanimously optimistic. According to insiders, Mr. Blount Cohen, president of Columbia had originally wanted to buy the entirety of the Home Alone copyrights for 10 million $, however, Eric Williams straightforwardly refused this offer, which would have been enough to make him one of the youngest multimillionaires in Hollywood, and instead proposed a completely insane gambling agreement."

The article was detailing the two sides of the bet, and analyzing the possibility of Eric winning it. The author was obviously an insider, he had included a series of data of similar past box office comedies, and estimated that with Home Alone, Eric's chance of losing was more than 80%.

Because Home Alone didn't star a celebrity, and hadn't had any investors, for this type of good but low-budget comedy, only a few could make 2 to 3 millions at the box office, most would just make a million. Therefore, the possibility of Home Alone breaking the 50 million mark was very low. The author even concluded by saying that Columbia would most likely never 'allow' Home Alone to pass that mark.

Most people liked to talk about all kinds of things, but their favorite topics would be; geniuses -the ones that were so out of their reach that they couldn't even feel envy-, tragic heroes, and conspiracy theories.

The Los Angeles Times article, had explicitly or implicitly, more or less broached about these three subjects, stirring the public sentiment. Even before the 20th Century Fox's 17 Again publicity stunt, people had already begun to develop an eagerness towards Eric, this could be seen by the sudden increase in Jurassic Park's sales.

Now, the appearance of Home Alone was like a bomb, the public's interest in Eric had exploded, which meant that sales and the ratings would too, and soon, in a few days of time, he had already received a dozen requests for interviews. Jeff, who hadn't contacted him in a while, suddenly called him to tell him that some people had come to inquire about him at the restaurant. Eric realized that the paparazzi had started to pay attention to him.

Meanwhile, after the publication of The Los Angeles Times article, the 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures seemed to form a tacit understanding as both the promotion of 17 Again and Home Alone started in full swing.

Although Carter Hunt, the head of the Distribution Department on the Fox's side had some regrets about refusing to watch Eric's Home Alone, as a professional, he quickly got over his mood, and after some negotiations with Columbia, launched a simultaneous publicity stunt. With those two giants joining forces, the results could well be imagined.

……

"Annie, how's the situation, can I go home ?" When he saw his girlfriend open the door, Eric quickly asked. He had been hiding at Annie's and hadn't gone home in a week.

Aniston shook her head, she put the groceries bags she had in her hands on the coffee table and said: "I drove past your home, there was at least seventy-eight paparazzi keeping watch on your neighborhood. Fortunately they didn't know that the car I drove was yours, otherwise they would have certainly come after me, that would have been terrible."

Eric sighed. Thanks to the two giants united publicity campaign, Eric had become one of the most popular figure in North America, and even across the Atlantic, British newspapers had started to pick the subject up. Eric was knowledgeable about how things worked in this industry, so after receiving Jeff's phone call last week, he immediately hid at Annie's place. The two studios promoting the movie was enough, the rest would be to just rely on the quality of the film itself, so he didn't bother going out and get interviewed by the paparazzi, not to mention that he wasn't certain they would write things as he stated them.

Although Eric promptly went into hiding and the paps hadn't been able to interview him, they had still dug around and his whole life was laid out for the public to feast on: his immigration from England, his school's grades, and even his time passed at Jeff's Italian restaurant. Aniston was relishing in it all, teasing him from time to time.

Then, a tabloid published about his alleged love triangle between Drew Barrymore and an 'unknown actress'. They apparently got this from some members of the 17 Again crew, and the story was vividly written, even stating that Drew's turning a new leaf and joining a rehab center was all for Eric's sake. Once that article came out, a certain 'unknown actress' had made Eric sleep on the sofa for two full days in a fit of jealousy.

……

Michael Klaus was so excited recently he could barely sit still. Because the two giants had involved Eric in their propaganda stunt, Jurassic Park'

s sales that had already gone over 100,000, started to soar once again in the second week of November, and finally passed the 250,000 mark. According to estimates, breaking the one million mark this year wouldn't be a problem.Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

After calling him a few times to no avail, Michael Klaus learned of Eric's whereabouts from Penny Marshall, and directly went to Aniston's place.

"Hey, Michael, how did you know I was here ?" Eric asked curiously as he let Michael in the house.

"You, seriously, I even thought of calling the police since I couldn't find you anywhere, and turns out you're hiding here ……" Michael Klaus was about to say something, but when he saw Aniston coming out of the bedroom in pajamas, he was surprised and shut his mouth.

"Michael, this is my girlfriend, Jennifer Aniston. Annie, this is Mr. Michael Klaus, the manager of my book."

Michael and Aniston greeted each other, before Annie left for the bathroom.

"Hey, Eric, this is the actress that was mentioned ? I still like Drew though, she was really cute in E.T." Once Aniston's figure disappeared, Michael started gossiping.

Eric gave Michael a cup of coffee and whispered: "Michael, if you want Annie to throw you out, then keep talking about this topic, even I don't dare to mention Drew's name now."

Michael Klaus realized Eric wasn't kidding and very decisively changed the subject: "Look, Eric, Jurassic Park is now selling so well, don't you think you should start writing a sequel ?"

Eric shook his head without hesitation, the Jurassic Park copyrights were already in his hands, although he had used it as collateral in the bet, he wasn't worried about that. He didn't have any time to waste on writing a sequel.

"The fiction is already a complete story, and I think there is nothing else to write about, Michael."

Michael Klaus wasn't discouraged and quickly followed: "Well, do you have any other work ?"

Eric shook his head again. Some time ago he had been incredibly busy, and once he had finally completed Home Alone and signed a gambling agreement with Columbia, he had directly given himself a break. But because there was only a few days before the release of the movies, he had to follow the crew around during the promotion. Fortunately though, the two companies had reached a compromise and decided on a uniform promotional tour schedule, so Eric wouldn't have to cut himself in half.

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Michael Klaus decided to play it like a rascal when he saw that Eric kept shaking his head: "Eric, just give me something, alright ? I've been so busy while helping you with Jurassic Park that my wife started complaining, I even gave you 200,000$ of royalties in advance so that you could make your movie, aren't you a little bit moved ?"

Seeing the stocky middle-aged man in front of him playing the emotional card, Eric couldn't help but have the chills. He thought for a moment, and said: "Well, I do have a science-fiction one in mind, but it's just an idea, no specific outline yet. It's based on George Romero's living dead series, a biotechnology company is studying a virus when it is suddenly leaked, infecting humanity at the same time…."

Eric's story was of course, Resident Evil. Although he had seen the series in his past life, he hadn't really liked it, but thanks to his memory, he remembered it in its entirety.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

The past Resident Evil was probably the most profitable game adapted to the screen, the cost of production wasn't high, and the series' total box office had even crossed the 1 billion $ mark. Since Michael wanted him to write something, this would keep him occupied. Plus, he would get to steal from the Japanese, which kind of left him with a sense of accomplishment.

Michael Klaus was somewhat dissatisfied: "Don't you have anything else ? A lot of people do like zombie stories, but the audience is just too small…"

Eric shrugged his shoulders and spread his hands, as if saying 'do what you like', so Michael had no choice but to say: "Alright, then start writing as soon as possible, with your current fame, we shouldn't worry about the sales volumes. By the way, you could add some adults elements, anyway you're of age now, no one will say anything about it…"

Blabbing about his own proposal, Michael suddenly noticed that Eric's face looked unnatural, he subconsciously turned around and found that Aniston was standing behind him, her mouth slightly opened, she was looking at the middle-aged man in a way that screamed: ah, so that's what you're like !

"Cough, Eric, I suddenly remember I have some things to do, so I'll be going now." After instigating her boyfriend to write about that kind of things, Michael was embarrassed as he awkwardly made his way towards the door and left this sentence before running away: "Be sure to start writing as soon as possible !"

After he left, Aniston asked: "Eric, you're not really going to write according to that fellow's suggestion… right ?"

"Of course not, I am now being promoted by Columbia and the Fox as a model for young people in the United States, how could I damage that glorious image for some petty profits."

……

After the Home Alone and 17 Again large-scale publicity stunt, it was finally time for another key moment: the reviews.

November 11th, the two films held simultaneous screenings for the press. In this era where Internet didn't exist yet, the viewers relied mostly on newspapers when it came to pick a film, therefore, the movie's reviews were something that one could not avoid. Of course, after the critics who participated in the preview watched the movie, as long as it wasn't completely repulsive, they would generally not make too incisive remarks. After all, the critics' needed movies to survive, but movies didn't actually need them that much.

The day after the screenings, the major newspapers and magazines had finally released the long awaited reviews on Home Alone and 17 Again.

"Home Alone delivers a new narrative mode of pure comedy, full of innocence, warmth, and jokes that will grow on you, like funny conflicts between the protagonist and the two young and old robbers. I have to say, Stuart Runkle's performance as a seven-year-old can be described as nothing short of amazing. There was also rookie Matthew Perry who played a remarkable Marvin, full of hilarious gimmicks, and people just can't help but laugh…." – Los Angeles Times.

"A genius director and talented young actors, have dedicated themselves to make you happy this Christmas. To those who will go watch the movie, I advise you not to eat popcorn, or you'll likely spray it all over your seated neighbors when you laugh out loud…." – Chicago Tribune.

"In 17 Again, Drew Barrymore experiences a complete transformation. Gone her previous image of the small and cute girl from E.T, here, she portrays a rebellious daughter about to graduate from high school whose several outbursts throughout the movie helped the young actress exhibit her amazing acting skills. Both Dan Aykroyd and Susan Sarandon's, those two giants of the cinema, performances were absolutely splendid. Eric Williams, who wrote and starred in the movie, was absolutely nothing like an inexperienced young blood. If we're talking about acting skills, he didn't lose to Drew Barrymore in the slightest. With his movie Home Alone being released at the same time, I have to concur that this man might be a genius blessed by God, that would be the only way to explain Eric Williams' outstandingness ……" – Empire Magazine.

"Many people are always complaining about the reality of their life, go and watch 17 Again, and you will realize that you might not be so unhappy, you might also feel a variety of negative emotions that will probably suffocate and isolate you, and you might even start getting jealous of the protagonist for being able to get out of his body and look at himself from another's perspective…." – Washington Post.

A lot of newspapers paid tribute to the two movies, so critics were also inevitable, after all, no matter how powerful the two giants were, they couldn't control all the media, not to mention that the four other big players weren't about to let Columbia and the Fox gloat too long.

One of them, The Chicago Sun-Times, directly criticized Home Alone as a completely unrealistic and nonsensical work, saying that the plot lacked rationality, that two robbers being teased by a kid had never happened in reality, and that it was likely to result in misleading children and teenagers alike.

Another, the Los Angeles Daily News, made a more incisive point as it denounced the use of a toy gun by Kevin in Home Alone, and was calling for a re-examination of the movie itself. This news had even gotten the attention of a Los Angeles television station which made Eric really concerned; despite the proliferation of firearms in the United States, they controlled their uses in movies and television works very strictly.

He anxiously phoned Lester Reed and inquired about the matter, the former casually reassured him, and let him in on an inside story.

The Los Angeles Daily News' owner was a shareholder of Universal Pictures, and the studio was planning on releasing their animated work Land Before Time on November 18th, which would be the same time as Home Alone, their only child-oriented competitor. These kinds of things were normal, and Columbia would naturally counterattack accordingly.

Hanging the phone up, Eric sighed, troubles were knocking at his door way too soon. At the same time, this little episode gave him a sense of crisis. Compared to those big movie companies, he was just a small shrimp right now, he wasn't of any threat to those giants, but once Home Alone became a success, they would surely start to be vigilant of him, especially Columbia.

If at that time he didn't have enough strength to stand up for himself, then he could only wait while those giants suppressed him.

His past's Tom Cruise was splendid example, since the movies he starred in sell so well, his authority and share of the profits got higher and higher, until finally, the paycheck he received even exceeded the Paramount Pictures' CEO by many times. The owner, Sumner Redstone, had therefore openly and directly lost all decorum with Tom Cruise in 2006, while Viacom's media had kept discrediting him for several years, making his career hit rock bottom.

"Hey baby, what's up ?" Noticing Eric had gotten off the phone but was still in a daze, Aniston gently tugged his shirt.

"Oh, nothing."

While Eric always maintained his confident behavior, Aniston still felt his concern about the two movies. After all, the only thing that remained in Eric's possession was the car that his father had left behind. Besides that, he had mortgaged out everything that could be mortgaged, and if Home Alone flopped, the bet would be lost and Eric would become bankrupt.

She grabbed her boyfriend's waist from behind, and leaned her head against his back, as she whispered: "Baby, if there's something on your mind, I might not be able to help much, but I should still be qualified enough to listen."

"I just suddenly felt that……" Eric turned around and took Annie in his arms as he said: "The future might be more difficult to tread on than I thought, Annie, will you still go down the road with me ?"

"Of course I will." Aniston didn't understand the underlying meaning of Eric's words, but still decisively acquiesced.

"Thank you, Annie. Are you really not coming to New York with me ? I can arrange for James to get an extra ticket."

As the Home Alone and 17 Again release date was drawing near, the two crews decided to leave for the East Coast in order to promote in New York, however, as she only had a small role in 17 Again, Aniston wasn't one of the actors involved in the promotion.

Annie didn't want to bother her boyfriend for something this small, she shook her head and said: "No, I lived in New York for many years, there's really no point in going again."

The two lovers hugged for a while before Annie gently pushed him away and turned to tidy up his travel luggage.

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November 18th, Eric flew to New York the next day, while Home Alone and 17 Again had officially premiered. Home Alone was projected on 1000 screens, while 17 Again had 1279 of them. It was being screened in 279 more screens than Home Alone since the Fox hadn't signed any gambling agreement and could just put all its efforts in making it a success.

They were released simultaneously along with Universal Pictures' Land Before Time and its 1395 screens, and Disney's Buena Vista International Release animated Oliver Company with its 952 screens.

Three children-oriented movies were released at the same time, and this made the media feel that Eric's chances to win the bet were getting thin, but the concerned party wasn't worried at all. These two might overshadow Home Alone a little at the beginning, but they wouldn't be able to compete on the long-time run. His past life's Home Alone had screened for ten consecutive weeks.

After attending the two premieres, when Eric and the crew came back to the hotel, it was already past eleven pm. This era's technology wasn't really advanced, so they could only wait until next week before getting the Home Alone and 17 Again box office data.

Back in his room, Eric took a bath and was planning to go to sleep, when the phone suddenly rang. Calling him so late, it could only be Annie.

"Hey, Eric, were you sleeping ?" The lass asked with a tinge of excitement.

Eric sat on the bed drying his wet hair with a towel, he said: "No, I just showered, Annie did something good happen ?"

"Guess ?"

Eric quipped: "Oh, I know, you must be pregnant, don't worry, I'll take responsibility."

"Bah, you big bad wolf, talking about those dirty things !" Aniston followed: "I just went to see Home Alone, and encountered a very interesting thing, hehe."

Eric smiled: "Tell me ?"

"Well, I came out from the cinema earlier, and there was a five-year-old boy shouting that he wanted to see Kevin again, the parents refused, saying that they had just went to see him, and the result was that the kid lied on the ground and started to cry. Some people mistakenly thought that his parents were child-traffickers, the poor parents were beaten up, and several police cars came, it was really funny, haha."

Aniston was just viewing it as a funny anecdote, but Eric could see the bigger picture. They chatted for a while before hanging up, and Eric lied on his bed, slightly excited.

Things were going in accordance to the past. Home Alone had been able to achieve such an amazing box office thanks to a big wave of naughty children who begged to watch it over and over, they imitated Kevin's every move, and ultimately, helped promote the movie like never before.

Indeed, things were as Eric had guessed, the first day of release of Home Alone, nothing major really happened. But with its reputation spreading at an alarming rate between children, Home Alone's entries doubled on the next day, and on the third, the growth was such that some popular theaters were having a queuing situation.

The children had seen comedies before, but nothing like Kevin's weird encounters. Home Alone, from a child's perspective, portrayed what the majority of them couldn't or didn't dare to do in reality.

Groups of children in North America stirred up a wave of imitation of Kevin, a San Francisco newspaper even reported on a real Home Alone event; a nine-year-old boy who had seen the movie, secretly locked himself in a room when the family got ready to go on a Hawaii vacation.

When the parents of six children realized they couldn't find him, the whole family had already flown to Hawaii. The boy's parents had to give up on their vacation to go back to San Francisco, only to find out that the boy had made a mess of the house as he was prepared to battle the 'robbers' but was met with his anxious parents instead.

A week later, the box office's numbers were finally out, and although the various spikes in popularity had prepared some people psychologically, when they saw that Home Alone had reached a staggering 27,550,000 $ in its first week of running, everyone was shocked.

Perhaps more than 20 million $ at the box office in its first week was nothing compared to those blockbusters from Eric's past era, but in this day and age, this result had completely overshadowed all the movies in recent years, even Spielberg's E.T hadn't had such a stunning start ! Only George Lucas' Star Wars could compare to Home Alone, but its production cost was a hundred times more than the latter !

Meanwhile, 17 Again had also achieved good results with 13,120,000 $, landing second place. Land Before Time and Oliver Company, had however respectively only made 7.12 million and 3.98 million $, far below the two film companies initial estimates, which was no doubt caused by Home Alone miserably pressuring them. Universal and Disney executives deeply regretted releasing their movies at the same time as Home Alone while also feeling envious of Columbia's good fortune.

Columbia Pictures' luck was indeed really good, but when he received the first week's data from the box office, president Blount Cohen's mood hit rock bottom, and his cup would also often fall out from his hands.

Columbia reassessed Home Alone again according to the first week of box office data, the result was that the North American box office alone would certainly reach 200 million $ and was even likely to exceed the three hundreds. Blount Cohen was bitterly regretting, if he had kept trying to buy Home Alone

's copyrights rather than signing that dog shit gambling agreement, then Columbia's profits this year would have been in the hundreds of millions.

But now, according to the bet, if Home Alone made a box office of 300 million $, Columbia would have to pay Eric 120 million $, while they would only receive 45 million $ if you took the cost of distribution into account, what Columbia would earn might only be a fraction of Eric's share. (TL: No freaking idea how this was calculated, don't ask me, blame the author.)

Blount Cohen had wanted to tear the agreement apart many times, however, the whole nation now knew about the bet, if he hastily tore up the contract, not only would Columbia have a difficult lawsuit on its hands, they would also become the laughing stock of the country. As the president, he himself would definitely become the scapegoat.

"No, we must find a way to recoup our losses, we must ……" While Blount Cohen kept muttering, an assistant knocked on his door and said: "Mr. Cohen, everyone is in attendance, the meeting can start."

Blount Cohen rubbed his temples, rose and left for the conference room.

After sitting down at his place, Blount Cohen directly asked the one responsible for the Home Alone project: "Lester, how was the data analysis ?"

Lester Reed had been about to return home alongside the Home Alone crew, but when he received a call from headquarters urging him to come back, he immediately took a flight back to L.A ahead of everyone else. Once he heard about the numbers for the movie's first week of running, Lester had instantly felt bad.

He sweated as he looked at Blount Cohen, although the final decision to accept the agreement was his boss', but he had been the first to voice his consent at the original meeting. According to Blount Cohen's headstrong character, nine times out of ten he would vent his anger on Lester.

"Mr. Cohen, according to the data department's analysis, and in accordance to the gambling agreement, we can only get about 50 million $ out of the estimated 225 million $ of the North American box office."

Blount Cohen took the analysis file, and looking at the red curve going down that represented Columbia's profits, as well as the green one who was going all the way up representing Eric's, his temples started to jump.

Bang –

Another one of Blount Cohen's cup fell on the mahogany floor with a dull thud, everyone else in the room was slightly startled, they subconsciously looked down and became silent.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

Under normal circumstances, making 50 million $ at the box office was enough to let those old foxes laugh out loud even in their dreams, after all, even for the six giants, the best yearly box office profit was about 200 million $.

However, when compared to the over 100 million $ that Eric might receive, Blount Cohen couldn't bring himself to be excited in the slightest.

"Well, you were in charge of signing the gambling agreement, so what now ?" Blount Cohen coldly glanced around the room, and his eyes finally fell upon Lester Reed. (TL: Man, that guy is the worst boss ever.)

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Sure enough, the boss was taking out his anger on him. Lester Reed couldn't help but lament in his heart, but he didn't try to refute, or he would certainly be driven out.

"Mr. Cohen, perhaps we could try …… try to negotiate with Eric Williams again, and get him to re-sign a sharing agreement instead."

"This is your plan ?" Blount Cohen laughed loudly: "If you were Eric Williams, would you agree to re-sign the agreement ?"

Lester Reed gritted his teeth and said: "Eric Williams should know that the current box office trends is nothing short of unfair to Columbia who has invested so much, so…."

Before Lester Reed finished, Blount Cohen directly slammed the table as he roared: "Enough ! Unfair ? Since when has the world ever been fair, what I need are concrete ideas, not wishful thinking !"

Lester Reed bowed his head in silence, not daring to peep. Blount Cohen looked at the others when his sights finally fell at the end of the conference table where Amy Pascal was sitting. During their previous meeting, Amy was the only one to have been against Eric Williams' gambling agreement, which left him with a glimmer of hope.

Blount Cohen slightly controlled his tone as he said to her: "Amy, do you have any good ideas ?"

Although Blount Cohen had been blowing up his fuse, Amy Pascal was somewhat absent-minded. She had been disappointed by Blount's conservative style, cowardliness, paranoia and lack of composure, she didn't know how Coca-Cola had selected this mediocre president. She even thought that he should probably change jobs.

However, after she heard Blount Cohen's question, she sorted out her thoughts, and stated: "Mr. Cohen, I don't have the slightest idea on what to do about that agreement. Even if we forced out a sequel, without the Home Alone copyrights, we would face a lawsuit of several hundreds of millions."

Talking up to here, Amy Pascal paused, giving everyone room to think, and started speaking again before Blount Cohen had a chance to: "So, what we should do now, is to try to win over Eric Williams and seriously honor our part of the agreement to show our sincerity. Home Alone's box office will go past the 50 million $ mark without a doubt, and overseas copyrights are still in Eric Williams' hands. Moreover, Home Alone will certainly have a sequel, so if we maintain a good relationship with him, once he produces one, I believe Eric Williams will be smart enough to continue cooperating with us. I think that this is the only way to gain more benefits for Columbia."

When Amy Pascal finished, several seniors in the conference couldn't help but nod. While Blount Cohen somewhat agreed with Amy Pascal's point of view, he still thought that Amy, Jeffrey Hanson and Eric Williams were friends, and his paranoid personality made him feel that Amy's suggestion was biased.

So Blount Cohen could not help but open his mouth again: "Amy, you are Columbia's employee, you should work for the sake of the company instead of always trying to help outsiders. If you can get rid of the gambling agreement, I'll immediately give you a promotion."

As if the scene from a few weeks ago was repeating itself, her hard work and dedication to the company were again questioned. She had first been kicked out of the Home Alone project for voicing her opinion, but in the end felt the need to avoid arousing suspicions and didn't complain. Now she had been asked to speak up as she had been the only one to have been against the agreement in the first place, but was once again questioned once she did.

This made Amy Pascal feel cold, she felt so aggrieved her nose turned slightly sour and she had a hard time suppressing her tears. Women are made of water, and in the end, she was one as well.

She suddenly stood up, and the chair behind her was knocked to the ground by her sudden action, issuing a loud bang.

"Mr. Cohen, I quit !"

As her cold womanly voice sounded in the conference room, Amy Pascal didn't bother reorganizing her files like last time, she directly turned her heels and left the office.

"Too far, that's going too far, who does she think she is ?" Because the Home Alone matter was already at its critical point, Blount Cohen didn't reflect on his own mistakes, he pounded on the table again as he turned towards the assistant behind him and roared: "Notify the security immediately, I want that bitch out of here, don't let me see her in Columbia's headquarters again !"

"Yes, Mr. Cohen." The assistant softly assented, before carefully getting up and leaving the conference room.

Taking a sip of coffee to stabilize his mood, Blount Cohen coldly said: "Well, let's keep going, if any of you has another nonsensical idea, I don't mind signing a few dismissal documents today."

Although the majority of the executives felt that Amy Pascal's recommendation was the most benefiting, Blount Cohen had been completely caught in some kind of hysteria, so at this time, no one would risk being dismissed by supporting her.

Thus, the executives could only bite the bullet and try to come up with something. Several hours of later, the crowd finally settled on a countermeasure.

The meeting over, Blount Cohen could not wait as he told his assistant: "Help me to contact Mr. Eisner from Disney, invite him for dinner tonight, say it's something important that has to do with Home Alone."

"Yes, Mr. Cohen." Cohen's assistant felt like his hostility had disappeared after the meeting, and was relieved.

……

The next morning, Home Alone first week's box office of 27.55 million $ was disclosed in the newspapers, so Eric once again became the focus of public opinion.

Before the movies were released, the news was controlled by the two giants, but now they had talked about Eric on their own initiative.

In this case, the day after his return to Los Angeles, Eric woke up to find that the paparazzi who were wandering in front his house had already disappeared, replaced by a heap of reporters; yes, the number could only be described by 'heap', he had even trouble seeing anything besides their clustered heads. And almost all of them were holding the heavy artillery: long range lenses.

Because of Columbia intentionally or unintentionally hiding it, Eric didn't get the box office's data about Home Alone. But seeing the mass of reporters, he knew that the movie had hit it big.

Although he was very grateful towards these reporters who had come to 'inform' him about the good news, Eric didn't want to deal with them, so after having breakfast, he directly went into the garage. He was going to drive past the surrounding reporters and look at the situation at the Columbia Pictures' headquarters.

But obviously, the past Eric had never encountered such a spike in fame, and hence made an error in judgment. The car had just left the house that it was directly surrounded by a pack of reporters, some had even climbed on the hood of the car, while loudly asking questions and brazenly taking photos of Eric in his driver's seat. Reporters in the other direction were also frantically beating on the doors, shouting a bunch of things.

"Mr. Williams, what do you think about Home Alone's staggering first week at the box office ?"

"Mr. Williams, do you think Home Alone will do better than E.T ?"

"Eric, in accordance with the gambling agreement, you will soon become one of Hollywood's youngest millionaires, after you get the money, what will you do with it ?"

"Mr. Williams, I'm a reporter from The Los Angeles Times, would you give me an interview ?"

"Eric ……"

"……"

As if millions of ducks were clamoring, Eric's ears started ringing. Although he had felt somewhat excited after hearing that the movie had made 27,550,000 $ in its first week, he felt even more tensed and anxious looking at the sea of reporters. He didn't dare to bite the bullet and step on the accelerator as the way in front was blocked by the car of a white, fat and obviously eager reporter, who seemed to be wanting nothing more than that.Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

Google says it might be a quote from a HK drama.

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Eric looked around through the dense crowd, and his sights stopped towards the west, where the empty Runkle's house was. Home Alone had been released for less than three days that the couple had hurriedly take Stuart and left the promotion tour, as someone had apparently offered them a high price for an advertisement.

When Eric was still in New York, he had seen in the newspapers that thanks to Home Alone's popularity, Stuart had made several successful commercials and earned a few millions in endorsement, which lead to the Runkle family moving into a mansion in Beverly Hills.

Although Eric had initially hoped that Stuart's parents wouldn't only be concerned about profit like Macaulay Culkin's in his past, that was obviously just his wishful thinking. He could only pray that Stuart wouldn't go down the same path as Macaulay instead, as Home Alone's sequel still needed the smart little guy. In the past, the third Home Alone's box office directly plummeted from the second's 170 million $ to 18 million $, because Culkin hadn't been a part of it.

While he was still in his thoughts, ten minutes had passed and the surrounding reporters were getting more and more agitated. Some people had discovered Eric's difficult position and decided to call the police, and Eric was then led away by them once they arrived.

Ah, God bless the people !

Eric drove to the headquarters of Columbia, and once he arrived, the two receptionists- eyes lit up when they saw him. They didn't know anything about the Columbia executives' complex emotions towards Home Alone's box office, what they knew was that this young man in front of them would soon become the youngest millionaire in Hollywood. So after notifying the president's office of his arrival, the two girls started flirting with him; if this stud fancied them, that would be equivalent to reaching heaven in one step.

Eric was also joyfully teasing those two flowers, he made some casual jokes to which the girls giggled endlessly, and two perfumed contact cards had unwittingly made their ways to his hand.

"Hey, Eric." While he was still in midst of chatting at the reception, Blount Cohen's voice suddenly sounded nearby. Turning around, he found the CEO with his arms opened wide, so Eric stepped forward and warmly hugged him.

"Mr. Cohen, why did you personally come down, you could've just sent someone."

Blount Cohen laughed: "Why, is this old man bothering you young people in your flirting ?"

"Of course not." Eric quickly denied.

Blount Cohen said: "Home Alone made a pretty good box office, so I personally picked you up, let's get down to business first, you young people can flirt later."

Eric nodded, pocketed the two girls' cards, and followed Blount Cohen in the elevator.

Looking at the two people boarding the VIP elevator, the petite receptionist girl asked the one next to her: "Emilia, do you think Eric will contact me ?"

The tall and blonde Emilia leaned towards her ear and whispered: "Who knows, he might even contact the two of us at the same time, how would you like that ?"

"Ah ? That…… Um…" Imagining that possible scene, the petite girl's face flushed slightly.

Emilia suddenly laughed, and said: "Lisa, stop your wishful thinking. Judging by our conversation with Eric Williams just now, he didn't seem interested at all. He was probably just humoring us."

"How can he only be eighteen ?" Although she had just met him, Lisa had a very good impression of Eric. If another guy had flirted with them, he would have been beaten up flat by Columbia's security. But Eric was a stud and he was about to become filthy rich, so him flirting with them flattered the girls instead.

"Let me correct you; he's a millionaire eighteen-year-old. To be able to achieve success at such a young age, he is in another league. Also, when Mr. Cohen left just now, he glared at us, so just be realistic Lisa, alright ? Let's go to a club tonight, I'll introduce you to some handsome guys."

Lisa nodded in disappointment, she couldn't help but glance at the VIP elevator not far.

……

Columbia Pictures' president office, Blount Cohen enthusiastically let Eric sit down on the sofa, before taking out a bottle of wine from his personal stash, and saying: "Eric, let's celebrate a little bit, when Home Alone is done screening I'll throw a grand celebration for you. This white wine is from the Burgundy region in France, it's my last bottle of it."

Eric held his wine glass, gently swirled it, and took a sniff as a fresh breath of pineapple overflowed from the amber-colored liquid.

Blount Cohen knew about Eric's upbringing and understood that the young man had probably never had access to that kind of top-class wine, he thought Eric was going to bumble so he asked with interest: "How is it ?"

Eric nodded and exclaimed: "Great Burgundy wine, to get a pineapple fragrance after the brewing process is not an easy thing."

Blount Cohen was surprised: "Eric, I didn't think you had some understanding of wine."

"Heard about it by chance." Eric told the truth.

Blount Cohen didn't take it to heart as he held his glass up and said: "Cheers, to Home Alone."

"Cheers."

After drinking, Blount Cohen let his assistant pack up the wine, he returned to his seat and said: "Eric, let's get down to business, this is Home Alone's data for its first week at the box office, take a look."

Eric opened the file, there wasn't only the Home Alone box office data, there was the data for all the movies and Home Alone's 27,550,000 $ was hanging at the top. 17 Againwas in second place with its 13.12 million $, and although it was quite good, the results for Home Alone had left it in the dust.

"It's as you've seen, Eric." Blount Cohen straightened up, his face a little ashamed, he said: "There's something we need to bring to your understanding, it's about Home Alonefor this week."

Looking at Cohen's expression, Eric had a foreboding feeling, he nodded, indicating the man to continue.

Blount Cohen said: "According to our gambling agreement, Columbia should increase the screens to 2000 this week, but unfortunately, because Home Alone's success was out of our expectations, we didn't make adequate preparations, and were only able to liberate 500 screens."

Although the reason that Blount Cohen had brought up was reasonable, Eric felt something was off.

"So, Mr. Cohen, what does Columbia intend to do about this ?" Eric calmly asked.

"Eric, although Columbia will do everything to uphold its part of the agreement, this matter took everyone of us by surprise, we're just unable to get more screens at the moment, so in the meantime, Columbia has prepared a compensation agreement instead."

Eric warily asked: "A compensation agreement ?"

"Yes, Eric, don't worry, there will be no change in the original gambling agreement. Because our lack of preparation has caused you a loss, starting from next week, we will add an additional 100 screens to the original number decided in the bet, and this until the movie stops screening. I think this is enough to show Columbia's sincerity." Blount Cohen smiled.

Eric subconsciously nodded, but even if this compensation agreement was acceptable, he still felt something was strange.

Seeing Eric nod, Blount Cohen took out the contract and pushed it in front of Eric as he said: "This is the compensation agreement, Eric. You can look at it, and if there's no problem, then just directly sign it."

Eric picked it up and began to read, the agreement was very short, only a handful of word and the terms of address were also very straightforward, it didn't look like there was any trap on the surface. But Eric was still cautious and stated: "Mr. Cohen, I'll take this to my lawyer to have a look, and if there's no problem, I will send you back the signed contract."

"Sure, no problem." Blount Cohen generously nodded, then said: "Well then, let's talk about the Home Alone overseas' distribution rights. Eric, since the movie's popularity is at its' peak, the sooner we release it overseas, the higher the box office we'll obtain. If we miss that window, we might only get half of what we originally could. We want to give you 16 million $ or 8% of Home Alone overseas' box office, what do you think ?"

"Mr. Cohen, 8% ? That's too low."

Blount Cohen shook his head and said: "Eric, releasing a movie in overseas' theaters brings about a lot of taxes, in the end we'll only get about 20%, but you don't need to do anything and still get 8% of the profits, that's very reasonable."

Eric coldly snorted in his hear. What ? Reasonable price ?Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

If there was no Home Alone, perhaps in an entire year, each of Columbia's movies could only make about 50 million $ at the North American box office, and those films probably didn't exceed ten. Relying solely on Home Alone, Columbia, who had been the last amongst the 'Big Six'* in performance, would directly rise to the top three. So the truth was that Columbia really hit it big this time.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cohen, I need to think about it." He shook his head and rejected Cohen's proposal. Eric wouldn't just give up what he deserved just because he had made a lot with the gambling agreement. Sure they had help him put the movie out, but that was it, what was his was still his.

Eric's answer seemed to have been foreseen by Blount Cohen as he nodded and said: "Alright, Eric, you go back and think about it, but please give me a reply as soon as possible."

The young man was just out of the office, that he met the responsible of the Home Aloneproject, Lester Reed.

"Hey, Lester, good morning."

Lester didn't expect to coincidentally bump into Eric, he somewhat unnaturally said: "Hello Eric, congratulations on Home Alone's success."

"You too Lester, with you being responsible of Home Alone, your year-end bonus will probably be huge, right ?"

Although Lester started cursing and swearing in his heart, he only displayed an awkward smile on his face.

"Right, Lester, can you tell me where Ms. Pascal's office is ? If she hadn't helped me recommend Home Alone, I wouldn't be here today, so I want to thank her in person."

'Big Six' was a term used in the past, it refers to 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Warner, Disney, Columbia and Universal. The order is random.

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CHAPTER 30 – MICHAEL EISNER'S INVITE

"Huh ?!" Lester didn't expect Eric to suddenly talk about Amy: "Ms. Pascal…… resigned."

Eric was puzzled, he asked: "She resigned ? Why ?"

Lester furiously thought for a while, and after a few seconds, he said: "She had some dissatisfaction with the project, so she resigned. I'm not sure, it might have to do with the fact that she didn't get to be a part of Home Alone."

Eric had seen Lester's eyes flash for a second, and he knew he was lying. He didn't expose him but instead put on a disappointed face: "This is really regrettable, then in that case, I'll take my leave."

Once Eric got into the elevator, Lester knocked on the door of Cohen's office.

Blount Cohen had lost the smiling appearance he had when confronting Eric, he was now frowning as he held a document, but his eyes were clearly not focused.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

"Mr. Cohen, this is what you asked for." Putting a folder in front of Blount Cohen, Lester hesitated, before ultimately saying: "I just met Eric Williams on my way in, he asked about Amy Pascal."

Blount Cohen suddenly raised his head and sharply eyed Lester: "What did you tell him ?"

When Lester saw his boss' eyes he subconsciously wanted to take a step back, before eventually steadying himself: "I told him that Amy resigned because the company didn't let her handle the Home Alone project."

Blount Cohen silently stared at him, and Lester added: "I think, Eric Williams and Amy Pascal are not familiar with each other, otherwise he wouldn't have asked me where her office was. So I think he won't go to her and confirm what I said."

"You think ?" Blount Cohen's expression did not let up.

Lester's scalp went numb, he silently cursed at how bad his luck was. He said: "Mr. Cohen, even if my lie was exposed, it would only serve to increase Eric's dissatisfaction with us, which is a good thing for us since he'll be more inclined to accept Disney's offer that way."

Blount Cohen thought so too. Relieved, he waved his hand and said: "Well, you can go now."

……

Driving down Hollywood Boulevard, Eric thought back to his visit at Columbia today, too many things didn't add up. He knew for sure that there was no way Columbia was okay with how things were as his gambling agreement had definitely made them suffer a loss. He also knew that they had already started planning something; one of the clues was the compensation agreement he had in hands, the second was Amy Pascal.

He stopped his car in a parking lot a little further away from his home, traced back, then slipped through his back door. Taking a look from the second floor, there were still a lot of reporters in front of the house.

One of them noticed Eric suddenly appearing at a window, he directly raised his camera to take a shot. It seemed that he needed to move as quickly as possible, while he thought this, Eric smiled self-deprecatingly, even the Runkle's had moved to Beverly Hills, but he realized that he, right now, only had a few hundred dollars in hands. He was as poor as could be.

While he was still in a daze, the phone behind him suddenly rang.

Eric picked it up: "Williams' residence, who am I speaking to ?"

"Mr. Eric Williams ? I'm Mr. Michael Eisner's assistant. Mr. Eisner would like to invite you to lunch, I wonder if Mr. Williams is available ?"

Disney's CEO Michael Eisner, Eric wasn't surprised that the other party knew his contact details, but he was curious about his invite.

"May I know what this is about ?"

The assistant replied: "It is about your movie, Mr. Williams. Disney is interested in Home Alone's overseas copyrights."

Since Columbia's offer was disappointing, Eric wouldn't mind cooperating with other companies: "Well, where do we meet ?"

"We will send someone to pick you up soon."

Eric hung up. Looking down in thought for a moment, he once again pick up the phone and called Jeffrey Hanson: "Jeffrey, it's Eric."

Jeffrey Hanson's tone was full of excitement: "Hey, Eric, Home Alone's first week at the box office was so amazing, I tried to call you to congratulate you but there was no answer."

"Ah, sorry, I was quite busy."

"It's okay Eric, so what do you need me for ?"

Eric said: "I went to Columbia today and discussed with Blount Cohen about Home Alone's future release plans, and I found that a lot of things didn't add up. I feel like Columbia is up to something. And when I talked to Lester, he said that Amy suddenly resigned. Why don't you see if you can contact her and….."

At the other side of the line, Jeffrey Hanson hesitated a moment before saying: "Eric, about that, I think there's no use in contacting Amy. Even if she resigned, with her character, she still wouldn't disclose Columbia's trade secrets. Can you tell me about what you found unusual ? You know, I've mingled in Hollywood for 20 years, I might be able to help."

Seeing that he wouldn't have much luck with Amy Pascal, Eric carefully recounted what had happened earlier.

Jeffrey listened and pondered for a minute or two: "The lawyers will look at the share of the compensation agreement, I think it's possible that the problem is here, and if not, I don't see anything else. Eric, can you think of a few other details ?"

"Other details ?" Eric muttered to himself. He thought for a second and said: "Right, just before I called you, I suddenly received an invitation to lunch from Disney's Michael Eisner, he's apparently interested in Home Alone's overseas copyrights."

"Michael Eisner ……" Jeffrey said this name and suddenly his tone of voice changed: "Eric, Michael Eisner and Blount Cohen are friends, you need to be very careful, don't promise him anything. Columbia giving you such a shabby offer and then Disney contacting you out of the blue, if there's nothing going on, then I'm a woman."

Listening to Jeffrey speak, Eric saw out of the corner of his eyes, a silver car parking in front of his home. He said: "Jeffrey, Michael Eisner sent someone to pick me up."

"Then go, but remember Eric, no matter what he says to you, you don't have to promise him anything."

Eric nodded, hung up the phone and went downstairs. After they had confirmed his identity, the driver and another man made way for Eric as he boarded the car.

Half an hour later, Eric met with Michael Eisner at the Hilton Hotel.

The man was now 40 years old and at the prime of his life, as the head of one of the Big Six, he was naturally high-spirited. He hadn't yet evolved into the future Disney tyrant, and his interpersonal skills were good.

"I really envy you, Eric. When I was 18 years old, I was complacent by just getting admitted to Denison University, but you have accomplished what a lot of people can only dream about in their entire lifetime." At the Hilton Hotel's restaurant, Eric and Michael Eisner didn't immediately go down to business but took the time to chat.

"Actually, I was prepared to enroll in the University of California, Mr. Eisner, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I had to embark on the road of self-reliance, and was fortunately lucky."

Michael Eisner shook his head and said: "No, this has nothing to do with luck. Eric, although we've just met, I have learned a lot about you, and without talent, even with the help of the goddess of luck, you wouldn't have so many achievements. You're one of the most outstanding youths I've ever seen."

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Eisner. You're also one of the people I admire the most, few could've done what you did."

Michael Eisner apparently enjoyed Eric's compliment, he smiled: "Since I'm only one of them, who's the one you admire the most ?"

Eric thought, and said: "Probably Howard Hughes."

"Oh," Michael Eisner nodded and said: "That really is a legendary figure, speaking of which, I feel that you share some similarities with him Eric, although you're obviously better since part of the reason why he was able to achieve success was thanks to his father's huge estate, while you only relied on yourself and to so quickly rise to fame."

Hearing Michael Eisner's praise, Eric smiled, but was feeling quite embarrassed. If he hadn't been born again, he might still be in his old company's shabby studio, shooting TV commercials about some health care products.

If you omitted Michael Eisner's arbitrariness, he was indeed a man of great charisma. The two people ate lunch while they talked, the atmosphere was quite pleasant. If not for Jeffrey's advance warning that made him wary of Eisner, then perhaps Eric would've viewed him as a friend.

Once the waiter that came to clean up the table left, Michael Eisner said: "Well, Eric, let's get down to business.

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CHAPTER 31 – STATEMENT

Eric straightened up slightly and said: "Mr. Eisner, please speak."

When Michael Eisner was about to say something, his mouth froze in a slight gap as he hesitated. They had chatted for awhile, and Michael had a really good impression of Eric. He didn't feel like he was talking to a kid, but more to a peer.

Thinking about how the young man was able to achieve so many amazing things in such a short period of time, Michael Eisner started doubting the agreement he had reached with Columbia. This young talent who was only eighteen, would definitely thrive, if Eric and him became enemies because of this, the probability of a future cooperation would be slim.

As a CEO, Michael Eisner was undoubtedly a decisive person. Thinking about Blount Cohen's conditions again, he firmed his resolve.

Home Alone was a matter of its own, this young man could probably no longer achieve such dazzling success. And even if he did, as long as there were enough interests, the two sides were still likely to cooperate, those who were once enemies could always make peace again. Besides, in the end, wouldn't Columbia be the one to become Eric's main opponent ?

"Eric, Disney is really interested in Home Alone's overseas distribution rights, our studio's very brand is child and teen oriented, so we would be best suited to take care of your movie. If you let Disney handle Home Alone, I believe we can achieve better overseas than in North America."

Eric calmly asked: "Mr. Eisner, can I know Disney's offer ?"

"12% of the overseas' box office profits, what do you think ?"

Eric looked slightly moved as he asked: "Doesn't Disney wish to purchase the copyrights ?"

Michael Eisner shook his head, smiled and said: "Eric, you even signed a gambling agreement with Columbia because you wouldn't accept the buyout, so I won't waste time in this regard."

Eric nodded his head: "If that's the case, the price is very reasonable, Columbia only offered me 8% of the overseas share…"

"Disney is very sincere, we also hope we can cooperate in the future." Michael Eisner smiled and then said: "So, Eric, if you agree, I want to sign a licensing agreement as soon as possible. Releasing the movie overseas might not be so easy, after signing the agreement, it would at least take a week for the movie to appear in the theater of a foreign country. With Home Alone's level of popularity, releasing just a day later could make us lose out on millions of dollars."

Opposite Michael Eisner, Eric listened quietly while his mind was rapidly putting the pieces together. Suddenly, his mouth stretched into a meaningful smile as he began to understand Columbia's trick. Although it wasn't really clever, it was very effective, and with a little carelessness he might have fallen into the trap.

Once he had seen through their trick, Eric's heart finally relaxed, he pick up the cup of coffee in front of him, and gently rubbed the fine ceramic before looking up to Michael Eisner and asking: "Mr. Eisner, if I were to agree, when would we sign it ?"

Michael Eisner, had noted Eric's somewhat strange expression, but when he heard the youth's words, his joy took over as he said: "Of course, the sooner the better, I'll have someone draft the agreement quickly and we can sign this afternoon."Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

Putting down his cup of coffee, Eric stared at Michael Eisner and said: "I'm afraid that's not gonna happen, Mr. Eisner."

"Huh ?" Michael Eisner was puzzled.

Eric said: "Columbia couldn't accept my gambling agreement, so they fished you out. Perhaps they gave you conditions that you couldn't refuse or perhaps it was just because you and Mr. Cohen are friends, either way, you agreed. Because they didn't know when you could persuade me, to be safe, Columbia only added 500 more screens instead of the agreed 1000, and also didn't hesitate to write a compensation agreement stating that they would add 100 screens more than the initial number from the third week on."

When Michael Eisner heard Eric, he was first stunned, before bitterly smiling. He had underestimated this young man.

Noting Michael Eisner's reaction, Eric was very satisfied, he continued: "The reason why they were willing to do this, was because Columbia is trying to delay Home Alone from reaching 50 million $ at the box office, while also giving you more time to sway me. My agreement with Columbia states that, if the final box office is less than 50 million $, all the Home Alone copyrights will belong to them, however, now that amount hasn't been reached yet. If I hastily signed a licensing agreement with Disney while the copyrights are still a part of the bet, that would be me breaching the contract, and Columbia would then have the perfect opportunity to tear up our gambling agreement. Tell me, Mr. Eisner, did I get it right ?"

If the whole thing had nothing to do with him, given Michael Eisner's character, after hearing Eric's wonderful analysis, he would have definitely applauded. Now however, he could only reveal a slightly embarrassed smile.

Eric stood up: "I think we're done here, Mr. Eisner."

Michael Eisner also got up and said: "I know you might not believe me, Eric, but I still have to say it, I was very happy to talk to you before, and I hope I'll have the opportunity to cooperate with you in the future."

"Maybe." Eric nodded, since one of the six giants was humbling himself, Eric wouldn't not give him face.

"Mr. Eisner, do you mind telling me what conditions Columbia offered you ?"

Michael Eisner shook his head: "I'm sorry Eric, this is a trade secret."

Eric casually said: "Well, Mr. Eisner, will you allow your driver to take me back ?"

"Sure, no problem." Michael Eisner beckoned his assistant not far, and told him a few things.

Eric was just out of the Hilton, that more than a dozen reporters outside quickly gathered around. They had learned through various channels that Eric had just met Disney's CEO Michael Eisner, so they were looking forward to the two's meeting content.

Seeing the reporters rush over, the Hilton's security hurriedly surrounded Eric. Michael Eisner's driver was about to led the youth to the parking lot, when the latter stopped in his steps.

The reporters who were separated by the security were disappointed, they thought that Eric would leave quietly again, they didn't expect that he would suddenly stop, so they quickly raised their cameras and recorders.

"Eric, what did you and Michael Eisner talk about ?"

"Was it about Home Alone ?"

"Mr. Williams, your two current movies are targeted to young viewers, which is what Disney's business is all about, are you going to join them ?"

"Eric….."

"……"

Eric didn't answer the reporters' questions, he raised his hand, motioning the crowd to settle down, before saying: "I'd like to say a few words, would please listen to me ?"

Since Eric had taken the initiative to speak, the crowd was quick to quiet down.

"Mr. Eisner just invited me to dinner, we did talk about a few things, but the specifics are not things I can reveal. We talked very enthusiastically, and will perhaps even cooperate in the future."

After hearing his words, the reporters realized they didn't get what they wanted and once again got restless. Eric quickly added: "Alright, alright, don't rush this, I would like you to help me make a statement."

Some reporters were still suspicious, but a few clever ones keenly felt that Eric was about to give them something big, and so they hastened to lift their recorders a little more forward.

"First of all, I am grateful to Columbia Pictures for helping me release Home Alone. However….."

Eric's expression turned sharp: "I'd like to first say, that because we signed a gambling agreement, my share of the profits will be much higher than Columbia's, but this is something I earned for myself, and my conscience is clear. Also, if the agreement is upheld conscientiously, Columbia will still get nearly 50 million $ out of the North American box office, which accounts for almost half of Columbia's yearly profits, and is enough money to make a lot of people envy them. So, I'd like to solemnly warn certain persons: Please put away your greed, don't try to find ways to null our bet, and continue to screen Home Alone in accordance with the terms stated in the contract. Columbia, if you violate those arrangements, I do not mind taking you to court. Although I might be nothing in your eyes, in the face of the law, we are equals. If you feel Home Alone and 17 Again's success is not enough to prove anything, then I suggest you take a clear and good look at my next movie."

Eric had just finished, that the reporters went into a frenzy.

"Mr. Williams, could you tell us the specifics ?"

"Eric, you mentioned a next movie, can you tell us what it will be about ?"

"Eric, did your meeting with Michael Eisner have anything to do with Columbia's attempt to break the agreement like you stated ?"

"Mr. Williams ……"

"……"

Eric turned around amidst the uproar of the crowd.He was silently escorted by the security to the parking lot, and got into the car.

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